From Sliema: Gozo, Comino & The Blue Lagoon Boat & Bus Tour

The best thing about this day is that it lets you see Gozo and Comino in one outing, without arranging ferries, buses, and return connections yourself. I like the scenic cruise along Malta’s rugged northern coast, and I like having a bus waiting at Mgarr Harbour to reach Victoria rather than being left to sort out Gozo on your own. The clean boat has toilets, a bar, indoor and outdoor seats, and a waterslide for the final swim.

The main point to understand is that this is transport with free time, not a traditional guided tour. You get cruise commentary and clear instructions, but little interpretation once you leave the boat. Victoria’s roughly 75-minute stop can feel short if you want to explore the Citadel properly, and the Blue Lagoon may be intensely crowded in summer.

Key points to know before booking

• Gozo in a single scenic day: Cruise from Sliema, take a bus from Mgarr Harbour, and spend free time in Victoria.
• The Citadel is the main Gozo target: Its medieval walls offer broad views across the island and are within easy reach of central Victoria.
• The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about 90 minutes: You can swim, walk ashore, snorkel, sunbathe, or use the boat’s waterslide.
• A pass is now required for shore access: Since May 2025, you must reserve an afternoon access slot at blcomino.com before stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon.
• Arrive early for open-air seats: The upper deck fills quickly, and the boat can feel crowded during the longer crossings.
• Expect a self-guided visit on land: Staff manage the schedule and transfers, but admissions, food, and a walking guide are not included.

What this Sliema boat and bus tour really offers

At $51 per person, this is a practical way to cover a lot of Malta’s island scenery in 7.5 hours. You pay for the boat journey, Gozo transport, the Victoria stop, the Comino visit, cruise commentary, and the return route past the sea caves.

I see the value in the connections. Gozo is easy enough to visit independently, but getting from Mgarr Harbour to Victoria and back takes planning. Here, buses are arranged around the boat’s arrival, and the driver gives return times so you know when to be back.

The tradeoff is depth. You will get a taste of Gozo, not a full island tour. You will also see the Blue Lagoon at a famous but heavily visited spot, not experience a quiet corner of Comino.

The boat is equipped for a long day on the water. There are toilets, a cash bar with snacks and drinks, indoor seating, outdoor seating, and assistance from the crew. Some boats also have underwater windows, which can be fun for children when fish are visible below.

This activity does not include hotel pickup, so you need to reach Sliema Ferries yourself. Pets, large bags, and oversize luggage are not allowed. Comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen are the right packing list.

The morning cruise from Sliema to Gozo

The day begins at Sliema Ferries, where you board for the northbound cruise. The crossing gives you a different view of Malta, with the shoreline opening into rocky bays, sea cliffs, and small coastal attractions.

The English commentary adds useful context while you are on the water. Recorded audio is also available in other languages, according to the onboard arrangements described by passengers, but this should not be confused with a personal guide accompanying you around Gozo.

Seating matters. If you want an upper-deck open-air place, arrive earlier than the stated departure time. One passenger reached the boat about 20 minutes early and still found most of those seats taken.

The boat is described as clean and comfortable, though conditions vary with the crowd and the sea. Some people found the seating tight during the roughly one-hour crossing, while others found the boat spacious and well organized. I would treat the open deck as the prize and indoor seating as the sensible backup if the sun is strong or the sea turns rough.

If you are prone to seasickness, take that seriously. The activity specifically excludes people with motion sickness concerns, and a rough morning can make the crossing uncomfortable. Crew members have helped sick passengers, but friendly assistance cannot change the movement of the sea.

Arriving at Mgarr Harbour and crossing Gozo by bus

Mgarr Harbour is Gozo’s main port. After disembarking, you transfer to a bus or minibus for the ride toward Victoria, Gozo’s capital.

The transport is the reason this package works well for a short visit. You do not need to negotiate local buses or taxis immediately after arriving. The driver explains where and when to return, and the boat crew repeats the schedule.

There can be a short wait while passengers are placed on buses, and minibuses may feel cramped when the group is large. Keep your ticket or bus details close, listen carefully, and do not change vehicles unless staff tell you to do so.

The drive itself is part of the sightseeing. You pass churches, villages, farmland, and Gozo’s dry, open countryside. The bus commentary is limited, and there is no audio guide for the land portion, so I would treat this as a scenic transfer rather than a guided island tour.

The Gozo photo stop at a bay or Qala Belvedere

The first stop on Gozo lasts about 15 minutes and may be at one of the island’s attractive bays or at Qala Belvedere. The exact location can vary, so you should expect a quick viewpoint rather than a long coastal visit.

Fifteen minutes is enough for photographs and a fast look around. It is not enough for a walk, swim, or relaxed coffee. Have your camera ready before the bus stops, and do not wander far from the agreed meeting point.

Some people would prefer more time here and less time elsewhere. I understand that view, but this stop serves a useful purpose: it gives you a first glimpse of Gozo beyond Victoria before the main town visit.

Victoria and the Citadel in 75 minutes

Victoria is the heart of the Gozo portion. You have about 75 minutes to explore, shop, have a coffee or snack, and visit the Citadel.

The Citadel is the clear priority. This fortified medieval complex rises above Victoria and gives you wide views across Gozo. It is an imposing place even with limited time, and the views help you understand the island’s compact scale.

You can also see the cathedral area and browse shops around town. A pastizzi, ice cream, or quick meal makes sense here, especially because food choices at Comino are limited and tend to center on simple burgers, fries, and similar snacks.

The timing requires discipline. Seventy-five minutes sounds generous until you walk uphill, take photographs, look inside a site, and find your way back to the bus. Admission to Gozo sites is not included, so check opening arrangements and allow time for any ticket purchase.

I would not plan a slow lunch and a full Citadel visit together. Choose the Citadel first, then use any remaining minutes for a drink or snack in Victoria.

This is also where the tour’s self-guided nature becomes most obvious. The driver and crew handle the schedule, but you decide what to see. That suits me because I can skip shopping and head directly uphill, but anyone wanting detailed history should arrange a separate guide or do some reading beforehand.

Several people wished for two or three hours in Victoria. That is a fair criticism. Still, if your goal is a first look at Gozo rather than a complete visit, the stop is useful and generally well paced.

Cruising onward to Comino and the Blue Lagoon

After Gozo, you return to the boat and continue to Comino. The change is striking: Gozo gives you a town, fortress, and countryside, while Comino is mainly about open water, rocky shores, walking paths, and the Blue Lagoon.

The Blue Lagoon is known for its clear turquoise water, and the color can be impressive even outside peak summer. The planned stop lasts about 90 minutes, giving you time to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, walk on the island, or stay aboard.

The word lagoon can create the wrong picture. In high season, this is not a peaceful beach retreat. The shoreline can be crowded, the bathing area can feel packed, and food stalls offer limited choices. You may find the boat itself more comfortable than the shore.

That is not a reason to skip the stop. It is a reason to choose your plan before arriving. If you want to swim, change into swimwear before the boat reaches Comino. If you prefer views, walk toward St. Mary’s Watch Tower, St. Mary’s Chapel, or St. Mary’s Battery if time and access allow.

The boat’s waterslide is a useful alternative to the crowded shore. You can swim from the boat, slide into the water, and return to your own seating area. This also gives you a way to enjoy the water without joining the thickest crowd around the lagoon.

The water can be chilly outside summer. In February, passengers still enjoyed the stop, but swimming was less appealing for some. A towel, warm layer, and sunscreen are all sensible, even if you plan to stay mostly on deck.

The new Blue Lagoon shore-access pass

There is an important rule for this activity. Since May 2025, anyone who wants to disembark at the Blue Lagoon must obtain a government-issued access pass in advance through blcomino.com.

The daily number of passes is limited. For this cruise, you must select the afternoon time slot when applying. The boat operator does not control this rule, and no refund is provided if you cannot go ashore because you failed to obtain the pass.

You can still plan to enjoy the stop from the boat, including the waterslide and a swim if conditions allow, but do not assume that this replaces the pass if your main goal is walking on Comino. Secure the pass before your day out.

Comino’s quieter side and the return through the caves

Comino is more than the Blue Lagoon, especially outside the swimming season. With no cars or urban areas, it suits a short walk and photography.

The island has routes toward St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery. With only about 90 minutes, you will need to choose one direction rather than attempt every path.

The return cruise is one of the nicest parts of the day. The boat passes close to Comino’s sea caves, giving you a view that is hard to get from land. The crew brings the boat near the caves for photographs, and this coastal section helps balance the crowded lagoon stop.

The boat’s bar is useful on the return. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase, but food is not included, so bring money and do not expect a full meal service.

How well the timing and organization work

The schedule is tight but logical. You move from Sliema to Gozo, take a short viewpoint stop, spend about 75 minutes in Victoria, continue to Comino for about 90 minutes, and cruise back through the caves.

The crew is good at repeating return times. That matters because missing the bus in Victoria or the boat at Comino would cause a serious problem. Write down the meeting time and return to the agreed point early.

The experience is not perfect at every handoff. Finding the correct boat at Sliema can feel unclear when several vessels are nearby, and buses at Mgarr Harbour may create a short delay. Arriving early, listening to staff, and keeping your group together will reduce the fuss.

The crew has received strong praise for being friendly and helpful. Jean-Paul was specifically recognized for coastline commentary and calm leadership, while Chris was remembered for bringing Malta’s past to life. Names and crew assignments may change, but the practical strength is consistent: clear reminders and active help when needed.

Is $51 good value for this day?

I consider $51 fair for the amount of transport and scenery included. A private boat, separate Gozo transfer, and independent Comino visit would require more planning and could cost more once fares and local transport are added.

The price is less attractive if you want a detailed cultural tour. You are not paying for a personal guide, site admissions, meals, or hotel transfers. You are paying for a coordinated route that links three popular places in one day.

I would compare it with the cost of losing time. Independent travel may give you longer in Victoria, but it also means managing ferry schedules and transport on Gozo. This tour gives you a reliable framework and lets you focus on the views.

The cancellation policy is flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later. Check the available start time when booking, since the stated duration is 7.5 hours.

Who should book this experience?

I would choose this for a first Malta visit, a short stay, or anyone who wants a broad sample of Gozo and Comino in one day. Families may appreciate the waterslide, onboard toilet, simple schedule, and crew assistance.

It also suits independent-minded people who do not need constant narration. You get dropped at the important places and can spend your free time as you wish.

I would choose something else if you want long hikes, serious swimming time, detailed history, or a relaxed meal on Gozo. The tour is also a poor fit for wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, and anyone who regularly suffers from seasickness.

Should you book the Gozo and Comino day trip?

Book it if your priority is efficient island coverage with attractive boat views. The strongest parts are the coastal cruise, the organized Gozo bus transfer, the Citadel stop, and the option to swim from the boat when the Blue Lagoon shore is too crowded.

Go in with the right expectations. This is a scenic transfer day with free time, not a full guided tour. Obtain the Blue Lagoon pass in advance, arrive early for better seating, eat in Victoria if you want more than basic snacks, and keep a close eye on return times.

For $51, I think it is a solid introduction to Malta’s smaller islands. If you have several days in Malta, use this as a first look, then return to Gozo independently for a slower visit.

FAQ

How long does the Gozo, Comino, and Blue Lagoon tour last?

The experience lasts approximately 7.5 hours, including the boat journey from Sliema, the Gozo bus transfer, free time in Victoria, the Comino stop, and the return cruise past the sea caves.

Is this a guided tour?

It is not a traditional guided tour. English commentary is provided during the cruise, but the Gozo and Blue Lagoon stops are at leisure. There is no tour guide or audio commentary included for the bus journey.

How much free time do I get in Victoria?

You get approximately 75 minutes in Victoria, Gozo’s capital. You can visit the Citadel, walk around town, shop, or stop at a cafe for a snack or drink.

Do I need a pass to visit the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, you need a government-issued access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. Apply through blcomino.com and select the afternoon slot for this cruise. Daily availability is limited.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but a cash bar on the boat sells some snacks and beverages. Victoria is a better place to plan a more substantial meal, while Comino has food trucks with simple options.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Large bags, oversize luggage, and pets are not allowed.