Sliema Cruise to Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon in Beautiful Malta

Malta’s best-known water views come together in one long day here: Gozo’s hilltop Citadel, Comino’s Blue Lagoon, and the coast between them. The boat gives you a broad look at the islands, while a short Gozo bus ride adds a few inland stops.

I like the excellent sightseeing-per-dollar and the freedom to choose your pace at Victoria and the Blue Lagoon. I also like the boat itself, with a sundeck, onboard bar, swimming ladders, and a waterslide for a playful break at anchor.

The main catch is time. Gozo’s visit is short, and the Blue Lagoon can be crowded, so this is best seen as a highlights day rather than a slow island tour.

Key points to know before you book

• Two islands in one day: See Gozo and Comino without arranging separate ferries or buses.
• Gozo is a quick sampler: You get a photo stop and roughly an hour in Victoria, not a full island tour.
• Blue Lagoon time changes by season: Plan on 90 minutes from April to October and 60 minutes from November to March.
• The boat is part of the fun: Use the sundeck, bar, swimming ladders, toilet, or waterslide while at anchor.
• Arrange Blue Lagoon access early: Check the post-booking instructions and organize the required landing pass before departure.
• Arrive early at Sliema: The stated arrival time is 30 minutes before the 10 a.m. departure, but 45 minutes gives you more breathing room for wristbands and boarding.

A big Malta day from Sliema

This is a practical choice if your Malta visit is short and you want to cover several famous sights in one outing. For $48.06 per person, you get about seven and a half hours of boat transport, a Gozo land transfer, English commentary, time at the Blue Lagoon, and a view of the Comino caves.

That price is good value if you want a full day with plenty of scenery and do not need a detailed guided tour. You are paying for transport and access to several places, not for long talks at every stop or a small-group experience.

The boat can carry up to 200 people, so expect a shared excursion rather than an intimate sailing trip. That larger size also explains the organized, sometimes busy feel at departure and at the most popular swimming stop.

You meet at Luzzu Cruises, Ferries 4, on Triq Ix-Xatt in Sliema. The boat leaves at 10 a.m. and returns to the same meeting point. Arrive at least 30 minutes early, and I would aim for 45 minutes if you want to avoid a last-minute scramble for wristbands or Blue Lagoon paperwork.

The coastal cruise past Malta’s bays

The first part is a sightseeing cruise rather than a race to Gozo. You pass St Julian’s Bay and St George’s Bay, then continue by Bugibba and Mellieha. English commentary explains the main coastal sights as you go.

This is where the trip earns its keep for people who enjoy seeing a place from the water. Malta’s towns and bays look different from a moving boat, and you can settle on the sundeck with a drink while the coastline rolls past.

The boat has toilet facilities, a bar selling food and drinks, and places to sit both inside and outside. Bring a light layer even in warm weather, since the open deck can feel cool once the boat is moving. If the sea turns rough, the ride can become uncomfortable, and the crew cannot control the weather.

The cruise is also useful for families. Children have the waterslide and swimming ladders when the boat is safely anchored, while adults can stay on deck or buy refreshments. Swimming equipment is not included, but a snorkel set can be hired onboard for €5.

Gozo’s Citadel and the short bus tour

At Gozo, the boat moors in the main harbor and you transfer to land transport. The planned route includes a photo stop at Qala Belvedere or Xlendi Bay, followed by time in Victoria, Gozo’s capital.

The photo stop gives you a quick look at Gozo beyond the harbor. It is useful for pictures, but do not expect a full visit. The exact handling of this part can feel less polished than the boat portion, and some departures may have little explanation from the driver.

Victoria is the more valuable stop. You have about an hour to find the hilltop Citadel, walk through its fortified center, or browse the market and get something to eat. The Citadel is the place to prioritize. If you spend too long shopping or stopping for lunch, you may have little time left for the old fort.

This is where you need to manage your own time carefully. The bus may leave you at a central drop-off rather than directly beside the Citadel, so keep track of the return meeting point and allow time to walk there. Some people find the Victoria visit rushed, while others like having freedom instead of following a guide around every corner.

The Gozo section is not a detailed cultural tour. The transport is included, but the visit is largely independent. If you want local stories, village visits, and a slower look at Gozo, you would need a dedicated Gozo excursion. If you simply want a taste of the island during a Malta holiday, this stop does the job.

There may also be an option to remain at the Gozo port rather than take the bus, depending on the day’s arrangements. Confirm the details with the crew before leaving the boat.

Blue Lagoon time: lovely water, busy setting

After Gozo, the boat continues to Comino and anchors at the Blue Lagoon. You get 90 minutes here from April through October, or 60 minutes from November through March.

The water is the star. On a calm, sunny day, the turquoise color is striking, and the stop gives you time to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or walk ashore. You can also use the boat as your base, which is useful if you prefer the onboard deck to the crowded shoreline.

There is an important practical point: the Blue Lagoon landing pass is not included in the tour price. You need to obtain it and select the available afternoon slot. Arrange this before departure if possible. Otherwise, you may spend part of your limited stop dealing with access rather than enjoying the water.

The Blue Lagoon is also no longer a quiet secret. It can feel commercial and crowded, especially in the warmer months. The water remains attractive, but the setting may not provide the peaceful island break you imagine from photographs.

If swimming is your priority, go prepared. Bring a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and secure footwear. The shore can be rocky, and coral shoes may be useful. There is no stated storage service for personal belongings when you leave the boat, so solo visitors should think carefully about how they will keep phones, wallets, and other valuables dry and secure.

The boat’s own swimming area may be more convenient, but it is limited and can sit between other anchored boats. You will have more freedom on land, but less control over your belongings. That tradeoff matters if you are traveling alone.

The Comino caves on the way back

The return cruise includes a view of Santa Marija Caves, also known as the Comino caves. The boat makes a photo stop, allowing you to see the openings and rock formations from the water.

This is a short scenic addition, not a separate cave exploration. Keep your camera ready and stay aware of the crew’s timing. The cave viewing is one of the easiest parts of the day because you do not need to leave the boat, find a trail, or arrange another transfer.

By the time you return to Sliema, you will have spent much of the day moving between locations. That is the strength of the trip and its weakness. You see a lot, but you do not get long, quiet stretches on either island.

What the boat facilities add to the day

The boat is more than a simple ferry. The sundeck gives you a good place to watch Malta’s coast, while the bar provides food and drinks for purchase. You can also use the toilets throughout the journey.

When the vessel is anchored, swimming ladders and a waterslide are available. These features are especially useful for families and anyone who wants the boat ride to be part of the holiday rather than just transport between stops.

Food and drinks are not included, so budget for purchases or bring what is permitted. The tour lasts most of the day, and the time between stops can be long. Even if you plan to eat onboard, keep some water with you.

The crew generally keeps the schedule moving and is described as friendly and professional. Still, the boarding process can feel chaotic, especially when many people are handling wristbands and Blue Lagoon access at once. A little early planning makes a noticeable difference.

Weather, comfort, and the best season

This is a weather-dependent activity. If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, the same basic choices apply.

Conditions matter even when the trip runs. A calm day makes the boat ride pleasant and the water appealing. Rough weather can make the crossing rocky, and one departure experienced a difficult ride after the weather changed. If you are prone to seasickness, choose a seat with fresh air and a clear view of the horizon, though the available seating can vary.

Summer gives you the longest Blue Lagoon stop, with 90 minutes from April to October. It also brings the greatest chance of crowds. Winter offers only 60 minutes at the lagoon, and shorter daylight and cooler conditions can make swimming less attractive.

Early October can offer a useful middle ground, with warm conditions and less intense heat, though weather is never guaranteed. In winter, bring warm clothing for the boat and do not assume the swimming stop will feel comfortable.

Who will get the most from this trip

I would recommend this cruise to you if you have only a few days in Malta and want an efficient first look at Gozo, Comino, and the coast. It also suits families, couples, and anyone who values a relaxed boat day with optional swimming.

It works well for independent people who can find the Citadel on their own, watch the clock, and accept that the schedule is shared with a large group. The onboard slide and swimming facilities make it more than a sightseeing transfer for children.

I would think twice if your main goal is a serious Gozo visit. One hour in Victoria is not enough for a slow walk through the Citadel, a proper meal, shopping, and extra exploring. I would also look elsewhere if you want a quiet Blue Lagoon experience or a small boat with personal attention.

Solo visitors should pay special attention to storage. If you want to swim away from the boat, you may not have a convenient place for valuables. Couples and families can often take turns watching belongings, but solo swimmers need a firm plan.

Value, limits, and the final call

At $48.06, this is a strong package for the amount of ground covered. You receive the cruise, Gozo transport, commentary, Blue Lagoon time, cave viewing, and use of the boat’s facilities without paying separate ferry and bus fares.

The value drops if you expect a guided history tour of Gozo or a peaceful day at Comino. The bus portion can be basic, the Citadel visit is short, and the Blue Lagoon is popular enough to feel crowded. You are buying convenience and variety, not depth.

Book this tour if you want to check several Malta highlights off your list in one day and enjoy the sea as much as the islands. Skip it in favor of a longer Gozo visit or smaller boat trip if you care more about quiet time, detailed guiding, or freedom to explore at your own speed.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the 10 a.m. start time. That gives you some flexibility, but changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

FAQ

Where does the cruise leave from?

It leaves from Luzzu Cruises, Ferries 4, Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema SLM 1023, Malta. The activity returns to the same meeting point.

What time should I arrive?

The stated departure time is 10 a.m., and you should arrive 30 minutes beforehand. Arriving 45 minutes early is sensible because wristbands and Blue Lagoon access arrangements can make boarding busy.

How long is the full experience?

The cruise and island visit take approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes.

How much time do I get at the Blue Lagoon?

You get 90 minutes from April through October and 60 minutes from November through March.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are available for purchase at the onboard bar, but they are not included in the price.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment can be hired from the onboard bar for €5 per set.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. If poor weather or insufficient numbers cause the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.