Malta: Around Comino Boat Trip with Gozo Guided Jeep Tour

Gozo and Comino make a fine pair: one gives you quiet villages, salt pans, cliffs, and old island roads, while the other gives you clear water and a boat ride through sea caves. This jeep-and-boat combination packs both into about six and a half hours, with hotel pickup, lunch, and return transport included.

I like the way the jeep lets you reach parts of Gozo that are awkward by bus or on foot. I also like the two lagoon stops, especially when the boat reaches the water early and you have time to swim before the busiest hours. Guides such as George, Sam, Mario, Joe Vella, and Johnny have helped make the day more personal with humor and local stories.

The trade-off is the pace. You cover a lot of ground, and some stops last only 20 minutes. Pickup changes, ferry delays, and group transfers can also make the day run longer than planned, so do not book a tight dinner reservation afterward.

Key points at a glance

• Two islands in one day: Tour Gozo by jeep, then cruise around Comino’s famous lagoons and caves.
• Swimming time included: You get roughly an hour at Crystal Lagoon and another hour at Blue Lagoon, subject to weather and sea conditions.
• Lunch with local wine: A buffet meal with unlimited local wine and mineral water is included, either on the boat or at Mariblu Restaurant.
• Gozo beyond Victoria: Visit Qala, Calypso Cave, the Xwejni Salt Pans, Dwejra Bay, and viewpoints around the island.
• Small extra charges matter: The cave trip costs €10 per person, while the Ggantija Temples and Dwejra inland sea boat are optional and not included.
• Best for active sightseers: You need to manage jeep steps, boat movement, swimming access, and a fairly busy schedule.

Why this Gozo and Comino pairing works

At $101 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Gozo. It is a practical package, though, because the price covers pickup from a long list of Malta hotels and meeting points, transport to Gozo, the guided jeep tour, lunch, wine, water, lagoon stops, and the return boat ride.

I see the value in the variety. A normal sightseeing trip can leave you choosing between Gozo’s inland sights and Comino’s water. This outing gives you both, without asking you to arrange buses, ferries, restaurants, and boat tickets separately.

The day is designed for people who want an overview rather than a slow, specialist visit. You will not have time to study every church, walk every village street, or spend half a day at one archaeological site. You will get a broad taste of Gozo, followed by time on the water.

The exact order can change. The group may begin with the boat or with the jeep tour, and the boat section depends on wind and sea conditions. That flexibility helps the operator avoid rougher water, but it means you should treat the printed sequence as a guide rather than a promise.

Pickup, ferry crossing, and the first handoff

Pickup is offered from many places across Malta, including hotels in Sliema, St. Julian’s, Bugibba, Qawra, Mellieha, Golden Sands, and other areas. You wait outside the main entrance or at the stated pickup point. Be ready early, since the day involves several handoffs between road transport, boat, and jeep.

The transfer section is listed at about an hour. Depending on the day’s arrangement, you may reach Gozo by ferry or by the excursion boat. Some groups have crossed on the twin-masted schooner, which adds a pleasant start to the day. On other departures, weather or logistics may require the regular ferry.

This is where patience helps. The operator may collect people from several locations and combine groups before everyone reaches the right boat or jeep. One reported problem was a long wait at the ferry area while a group from Malta arrived. That kind of delay can reduce time at the Gozo stops, so keep your plans after the tour flexible.

Once you reach Mgarr Harbour, the group is divided for the two main parts of the day. One group takes the jeep tour while the other starts with the boat. The groups then switch. This arrangement keeps the vehicles and boat manageable, but you may spend some time waiting for the other half of the group.

Gozo by jeep: the best part for many people

The jeep ride gives you a useful look at Gozo’s quieter side. You travel with a local driver-guide rather than trying to piece the island together with public transport. That matters because several stops are spread across the island, including viewpoints, caves, salt pans, and coastal bays.

The drivers are a major part of the experience. George has been singled out for his island stories and friendly manner. Sam has been praised for adapting the route and taking extra time at requested points when a vehicle problem required a change. Mario, Johnny, Joe Vella, Steve, Sandro, and Peter have also been described as warm, funny, and helpful.

Do not expect a private tour. The driver has to keep a group moving, and the ride can feel like a fast introduction. Still, the jeep format lets you see more than a standard walking tour. It is especially useful if you want photographs and a general sense of Gozo rather than a long visit at one attraction.

Qala and Bellevedere: views across the channel

The first Gozo stops include Bellevedere near Qala and Qala village itself. These are short visits, about 20 minutes each, so use your time for the view and a few photographs rather than trying to wander far.

Qala gives you an early sense of Gozo’s rural character. The viewpoint helps you understand the position of Gozo and Comino in relation to Malta, while the village stop offers a quick look at local streets and buildings. The visit is more about orientation than detailed sightseeing.

If you enjoy landscape photography, this is a good time to have your camera ready. Bring a hat and sunscreen, since the open viewpoints offer little reason to expect shade.

Calypso Cave and the Xwejni Salt Pans

Calypso Cave near Xaghra is visited as a photo stop and short guided visit. The cave is linked with the story of Calypso from Homer’s Odyssey, although the main appeal here is the coastal outlook and the dramatic setting.

The Xwejni Salt Pans give the jeep route one of its most distinctive stops. The shallow pans form geometric shapes along the coast and reflect Gozo’s long connection with salt making. You will not get a full working demonstration, but the stop adds something more substantial than another viewpoint. It shows how people have used the island’s shore for practical work.

These visits last around 20 minutes. That is enough to look, listen, and take pictures, but not enough for a long walk along the coast. Wear comfortable shoes with a firm sole, since the ground around coastal sites can be uneven.

Ta’ Pinu and Dwejra Bay

The coach or jeep passes by the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu, allowing about five minutes for a brief look. The basilica is an important Gozo landmark, but this schedule does not provide a proper interior visit. If Ta’ Pinu is a priority, you would need a separate visit.

Dwejra Bay receives a longer stop of about 20 minutes. This is one of Gozo’s most memorable coastal areas, with rock formations and open water views. The route may also cover the Blue Hole area and the setting associated with the filming of The Count of Monte Cristo, depending on the exact running order and time available.

You can choose the optional inland sea boat trip here, but it costs extra. That choice is worth considering if you want a short boat ride through the rock formations. If you are already planning to swim at Comino, you may prefer to save your extra money and simply enjoy the shore.

Lunch at Mariblu or on the boat

Lunch is included, which makes the $101 price easier to assess. The buffet can be served at Mariblu Restaurant on Gozo or on board the boat, depending on the schedule. Food described during the day includes items such as pasta, rice, salad, and bread, with local wine and mineral water available.

The meal is designed for convenience rather than fine dining. Some people have found it tasty and plentiful, while one assessment called it ordinary. That is a fair way to think about it: lunch keeps the day moving and includes drinks, but you should not book this tour for a gourmet meal.

Dietary needs can be accommodated in at least some cases, though you should communicate them when booking. Extra drinks, tea, and coffee are not included. Unlimited local wine and water are included, but drink sensibly because the afternoon still involves boats, steps, sun, and swimming.

Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon by schooner

The boat section is the visual centerpiece. The twin-masted schooner cruises around Comino, stopping at Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon for photographs and swimming. Masks and snorkels are available free on board, which saves you from packing your own gear.

Crystal Lagoon is usually the quieter and more dramatic of the two stops, with high rock walls and clear water. The scheduled stop is about an hour. Blue Lagoon is the famous one, and you get about another hour there. The water can be beautiful, but the surrounding area can feel crowded in high season.

The boat does not always land close enough for you to walk onto Comino. In some conditions, you remain on board and enter the water from the boat. That is fine if your main goal is swimming, but disappointing if you expected time ashore.

The return route passes sea caves and cliff formations. A small dinghy may take you through a tunnel in the rock for an extra €10 per person. The route also includes the so-called Topless Cave, where the roof has fallen in, and a long cave below Comino’s fortress. The cave stops are atmospheric, though access depends on sea conditions and the crew’s judgment.

If the sea turns rough, the boat plan may change or be replaced in part by ferry transport. One group lost the sailing portion because of weather but still had a strong Gozo day. Another departure changed its order to avoid heavy winds and reached the lagoon with very few people around. That is the right attitude here: safety and sea conditions control the prettiest part of the itinerary.

What the schedule feels like in real life

The advertised duration is six and a half hours, but allow extra time for pickup and drop-off. Several hotel routes, group changes, and transfers can push the day later than expected. Some departures have returned close to two hours later than the planned end.

The stop list looks long because it is. Qala, Calypso Cave, Xwejni, Dwejra, and Mgarr each receive short visits, while the lagoons receive the most settled time. You will likely spend much of the day either moving between sights or listening to the guide from the jeep.

I would not choose this tour if you dislike group schedules or want a quiet day. I would choose it if you want to cover the main visual highlights with minimal planning. The guides can make the difference: a funny driver such as George, Johnny, or Peter can turn a quick stop into a memorable one, while a delayed transfer can make the same schedule feel rushed.

Who should book it, and who should skip it

This suits couples, groups of friends, and families with older children who want both sightseeing and swimming. It is also useful for a first Malta visit when you want to see Gozo but do not have time for a separate full-day trip.

You should be comfortable with boat movement, warm sun, uneven ground, and climbing in and out of a jeep. The experience is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people with mobility impairments.

Children under 12 need proof of age, including a copy of a passport. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a sun hat, comfortable shoes, and a camera. The boat cruise is weather dependent, so keep your expectations flexible.

Should you book this $101 tour?

Book it if you want maximum variety in one day: Gozo’s villages and coast, a buffet lunch, two Comino lagoon stops, and a cave cruise. The price is reasonable when you count the transport, guides, lunch, wine, water, and boat access.

Skip it if you want long visits at archaeological sites or a relaxed beach day. Ggantija Temples are not included, the cave trip costs extra, and the quick Gozo stops can feel rushed. For most first-time visitors with limited time, though, this is a strong all-round introduction, especially when the sea is calm and the guide brings the island to life.

FAQ

How long does the Gozo and Comino tour last?

The stated duration is six and a half hours. Pickup, transfers, group changes, and weather-related adjustments can make the full day longer, so leave extra time after the scheduled return.

What is included in the price?

The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off from listed locations, experienced driver-guides, multilingual commentary, lunch, local wine, mineral water, a Gozo swimming stop in summer, the return boat route around Comino, and Gozo ferry tickets when required.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The tour includes stops at Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, with about an hour planned at each. Swimming depends on weather, sea conditions, and the schedule.

Are masks and snorkels provided?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are available free on board the boat.

Does the tour include the Comino cave trip?

No. The optional small-boat cave trip costs €10 per person. The route may include a tunnel, Topless Cave, and a long cave below Comino’s fortress, subject to conditions.

Are the Ggantija Temples included?

No. Admission to the Ggantija Temples is not included, and the tour does not include the temple visit as part of the half-day jeep route.

Is lunch served on Gozo or on the boat?

It can be served at Mariblu Restaurant on Gozo or on the boat, depending on the order of the day. Lunch includes a buffet, local wine, and mineral water. Extra drinks, tea, and coffee cost more.