Malta: Around Comino Cruise and Gozo Jeep Tour with Lunch

The best part of this tour is its two-island reach. In one long day, you get turquoise water around Comino, a swim at the Blue Lagoon, and a rough-edged 4×4 ride across Gozo, where roads lead to salt pans, cliff views, churches, and quiet corners. It is a useful choice if your Malta visit is short.

I like the combination of boat time and land touring, and I like that lunch, hotel pickup from selected hotels, and the return boat are included. Guides such as George, Grace, Johnny, Nick, and Peter have been praised for making the Gozo portion lively and personal. The catch is comfort: boats, coaches, and jeeps can be crowded, and the day may run longer than the advertised six and a half hours.

Key points to know before booking

• Two islands in one day: See Comino from the water, then tour Gozo by open-sided 4×4.
• Blue Lagoon swimming stop: You get about an hour for swimming or snorkeling, weather permitting.
• Gozo’s quieter sights: Qala, the Xwejni Salt Pans, Dwejra Bay, and Ta’ Pinu add more than the usual harbor visit.
• Lunch and drinks included: Expect a buffet meal with water and local wine, though the food is simple rather than gourmet.
• Comfort can be uneven: Some vehicles and boats have felt overcrowded, and transfers have occasionally been slow or poorly air-conditioned.
• Good short-stay value: At about $81, the tour can cover several costly transport links in one booking, but you give up time and space.

One long day across Comino and Gozo

This is an ambitious outing. The plan links a boat cruise, a Gozo 4×4 tour, lunch, and another stretch on the water. The advertised duration is about 6 hours and 30 minutes, but some departures have lasted closer to ten or eleven hours once hotel pickup, traffic, and transfers are counted.

That longer day can be a benefit if you want to see as much as possible without arranging ferries, taxis, and a local driver. It can also feel tiring, especially if you are traveling with a young child or dislike sitting in cramped vehicles.

The day usually begins around 8:00 a.m. Pickup is offered from selected hotels, not every accommodation in Malta. Check the exact meeting point and pickup time carefully. One booking showed a later time than the actual ferry departure, so it is sensible to confirm the morning schedule directly before setting out.

The boat ride and Comino’s clear water

The sea portion is the star for many people. The boat carries you between Malta, Gozo, and Comino, with views of rocky coves and sea caves along the way. The route can include the Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and Santa Marija caves, depending on weather and the order used that day.

The Blue Lagoon swim stop lasts about an hour. You can swim from the boat or near the shore, and snorkeling gives you a look at the fish and clear water below. The tour says snorkeling equipment is included, but some people have been asked for a deposit or have expected to pay for equipment. Confirm this point before boarding if you do not plan to bring your own mask.

The Crystal Lagoon is another attractive stop. It is known for clear water and steep rock around the cove. You may have time to swim, use a pool noodle, or look toward the caves from the boat. The boat may anchor offshore rather than use a proper landing place, so you should be comfortable climbing in and out of the water.

The return route can pass the Santa Marija caves for photographs. These are best appreciated from the boat, where the rock formations and sea-level openings make sense as part of the coastline. Boat trips through the caves are dependent on sea conditions, so the exact route can change.

The chief weakness is space. Several departures have felt crowded, with limited room to sit and, at times, people standing. If you want a quiet, spacious cruise, this is not the right product. If you care more about getting into the water than having a polished yacht experience, the trade-off may be fair.

Gozo by 4×4, from Mgarr to Qala

After reaching Mgarr Harbour, you are divided into jeeps, usually according to language where possible. The Gozo section is intended to reach places that are difficult to cover by public transport in half a day.

The vehicles are part of the fun, but they are not luxury rides. You may sit in the back with several other people, and some jeeps have been described as old or uncomfortable. The ride can feel bumpy, especially on rough roads, so this suits you better if you have moderate physical fitness and do not need a soft, roomy seat.

Your first notable stop is Qala Belvedere. From this high point, you can look across toward Comino and Malta. It is a quick way to understand the geography of the islands: Gozo sits between Malta and Comino, and the sea is always close.

The group then visits the Qala Parish Church. Maltese villages are often marked by large, carefully decorated churches, and this stop gives you a look at local architecture without spending half the day inside a museum. Time is limited, so expect a short visit and photographs rather than a detailed church tour.

Guides make a real difference here. George, Johnny, Nick, Grace, and Peter have each been singled out for friendly service or strong explanations. Your experience will depend partly on which guide and language group you receive. A guide who keeps the group moving while explaining the places can turn a basic drive into a useful introduction to Gozo.

Xaghra, Calypso Cave, and the northern coast

In Xaghra, the route heads toward Calypso Cave. The name links the site to the old story of Odysseus and Calypso, though the practical appeal today is the view over Gozo’s coast and the water below.

The stop is mainly scenic. You get time for photographs and a look around, but do not expect a long cave exploration. Access and the exact viewing point can depend on conditions, and the itinerary treats it as a short stop.

The jeeps then pass through Marsalforn before reaching the Xwejni Salt Pans. This is one of the more distinctive places on the island. Shallow rock-cut pans fill with seawater, which evaporates and leaves salt behind. Families have used this traditional method for generations, and the geometric pools make strong photographs in clear weather.

I like this stop because it adds a working piece of Gozo to the day. You are not only looking at scenic water and churches. You are seeing how the coast has been used for local production. The visit is still brief, though, so the guide’s explanation matters.

Ta’ Pinu and the western edge of Gozo

The route continues past Ta’ Pinu National Shrine, one of Gozo’s most recognizable buildings. The church sits on a hill with open countryside around it, making it easy to spot from the road.

The stop is generally focused on the outside, the architecture, and the views. If you want to enter the shrine or spend time on its religious artwork, check how much time your guide allows. This tour covers a lot of ground, so it is not designed for slow visits at every location.

The final major Gozo stop is Dwejra Bay. Here, dramatic rock, the Inland Sea, and the open coast come together. You get roughly 20 minutes to walk around and take photographs, with the possibility of a small boat ride through the Inland Sea if conditions and timing allow.

Dwejra is one of the places where the short schedule is most noticeable. The setting deserves more time than the tour can provide. Still, it gives you a useful first look at the western coast, and you can decide if you want to return to Gozo for a slower visit.

The itinerary does not include entry to the Ggantija Temples. That is important if you are hoping for Gozo’s major prehistoric site. This tour favors scenery and variety over archaeological depth.

Lunch at Mariblu and what to expect

Lunch is included, either at the Mariblu Guesthouse or onboard, depending on which part of the day comes first. The meal is described as a buffet with local wine and water. Reports of the food include pasta, chicken, potatoes, salad, fruit, and an omelet option for those who do not eat meat.

This is practical tour food, not a destination meal. Portions appear intended to refuel you between the jeep ride and swimming stop. The local wine is included, though it may not impress anyone used to a good Maltese bottle.

The one-hour lunch break is useful because the day has few quiet pauses. You can sit down, eat, and use the break to escape the sun. Minimum drinking age is 17, so younger participants receive the meal and nonalcoholic drinks but not wine.

Timing, transfers, and group size

The maximum group size is 65, though the day is split among smaller jeeps. That division helps the Gozo portion, but you still share the boat and some transfers with a larger group.

Hotel pickup is free from selected hotels. In practice, some people have been directed to a nearby pickup point instead of collected at their door. A few departures also had old coaches, missing air conditioning, delays, or vehicle breakdowns. These problems are not guaranteed, but they are worth considering if you are sensitive to heat or need a precise schedule.

The transition between boat and jeep is a key part of the day. You may start with the boat and tour Gozo afterward, or begin with the jeep and board the boat later. The order can change according to the operator’s schedule and conditions.

Weather matters more than it does on an ordinary sightseeing bus. Rough seas can cancel the cruise or change the route. In that case, the outing may become a full-day Gozo safari instead. If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Is $81 good value?

At about $81, the tour is reasonably priced for a full day of transport, a boat trip, a Gozo driver-guide, lunch, water, wine, and swimming time. Booking these pieces separately could cost more, and the tour solves a major Malta problem: getting around without renting a car.

The value is strongest for a first visit or a short stay. You will see parts of Comino and Gozo that would be awkward to connect on your own. The value is weaker if you want comfort, long visits at each sight, or a small private group.

Think of it as a broad introduction rather than a deep tour. You will collect good views, a swim, and a sense of Gozo’s shape and character. You will not have enough time to explore every church, cave, or historical site properly.

Who should book this Comino and Gozo tour?

I would choose it if you want maximum variety in one day and do not mind a busy schedule. Couples, friends, and active families can enjoy the mix of swimming, scenery, local food, and a slightly rough 4×4 ride.

It is less suitable for children under about ten if they struggle with heat, long transfers, or cramped seating. A five-year-old can enjoy the boat and water, but you will need to watch young children closely around the boat and swimming areas.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, sturdy shoes, and a small amount of patience. Keep your phone or camera protected from spray, and do not count on every promised stop lasting the full listed time.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you have only a day for Gozo and Comino and want the transport handled for you. The strongest parts are the Blue Lagoon swim, the coastal boat route, the views from Qala and Dwejra, and the chance to see the Xwejni Salt Pans without arranging your own car.

Skip it if you want a relaxed cruise, a spacious vehicle, or serious time at each sight. For most people, the $81 price makes sense as a fast island sampler, provided you accept crowded transport, a simple lunch, and a schedule that may stretch well beyond six and a half hours.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The advertised duration is approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes. Pickup, traffic, and transfer times can make the full day longer.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 8:00 a.m. Your exact pickup time depends on the selected hotel or meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from selected hotels. Not every hotel is covered, and some bookings may use a nearby meeting point.

Are Comino and Gozo both included?

Yes. The experience combines a boat visit around Comino with a 4×4 sightseeing tour across Gozo.

Is swimming at the Blue Lagoon included?

Yes. The plan includes about one hour for swimming or snorkeling at the Blue Lagoon, subject to weather and the day’s schedule.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

The tour information says snorkeling equipment is included. Some booking details have mentioned a deposit or an extra charge, so confirm the current arrangement before departure.

What food and drinks are included?

A buffet lunch is included, along with water and local wine. The meal may be served at Mariblu Guesthouse or onboard, depending on the tour order.

Does the tour visit the Ggantija Temples?

No. Entrance to the Ggantija Temples is not included, and the planned route does not list a temple visit.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Children must be accompanied by an adult. A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended, and young children need close supervision around the boat and swimming stops.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The cruise may be changed or canceled because of weather. You may be offered another date or a full refund if the operator cancels the experience.