Malta: Around Comino Boat Trip with Gozo Guided Jeep Tour

The best thing about this Gozo and Comino combination tour is how much ground you cover in one day. You ride a jeep through villages, salt pans, bays, and cave country, then switch to a twin-masted schooner for swimming at the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon.

I like the human touch of guides such as George, Sam, Mario, Joe Vella, Johnny, and Steve, who add local stories and humor to the rough-road ride. I also like the value: lunch, local wine, water, hotel pickup, boat transport, and a full island circuit are bundled into the $101 price. The main drawback is a packed schedule, with long transfers and timing that can stretch well beyond the advertised 6.5 hours.

Key points at a glance

• Two major Maltese islands in one outing: See Gozo by jeep and Comino by boat without arranging separate transport.
• The jeep ride reaches places buses cannot: Qala, Calypso Cave, Xwejni Salt Pans, Ta’ Pinu, and Dwejra Bay are part of the route.
• Swimming time is built in: You get stops at Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, with masks and snorkels available on board.
• Lunch includes local wine and water: The buffet is served either on the boat or at Mariblu Restaurant on Gozo.
• The order can change: Groups may split between boat and jeep sections, and weather can replace sailing with a ferry.
• Bring patience as well as swimwear: Pickup rounds, ferry connections, and group changes can add time to the day.

Why this Gozo and Comino pairing works

Gozo and Comino offer two very different sides of Malta. Gozo is about quiet villages, limestone scenery, old farming traditions, bays, and open roads. Comino is about clear water, sea caves, and the famous Blue Lagoon.

Doing both in one outing makes sense if you have limited time. You avoid the work of piecing together ferries, taxis, boat tickets, and a separate island tour. The tradeoff is pace. This is not a slow day of lingering in one village. It is a broad introduction, with many short stops and a few longer breaks for lunch and swimming.

The experience is rated 4.3 out of 5 from 341 ratings, which fits the overall picture: strong guides, memorable scenery, and good value, balanced by uneven communication and occasional delays.

From your hotel to Gozo’s harbor

Pickup is available from a long list of hotels and meeting points across Malta, including Sliema, St. Julian’s, Bugibba, Qawra, Mellieha, Valletta, and the Golden Sands area. You are told to wait outside the main entrance or at the assigned pickup point.

That sounds simple, but I would pay close attention to the final pickup details. A change of meeting place caused one group to nearly miss the vehicle, and the boat may be identified by its own name rather than the excursion company. Confirm the exact location and allow a little extra time.

The transfer can take about an hour before the main activities begin. Depending on the day’s order, you may travel to Gozo by boat, ferry, or another arranged connection. A few people had a schooner crossing, while rough weather led to a ferry for another departure. Boat plans depend on conditions, so keep your schedule flexible after the tour too.

Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon by schooner

The sea portion uses a twin-masted schooner when conditions allow. The boat passes Comino’s Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and sea caves, with swimming stops at the two lagoons. Masks and snorkels are available at no extra charge on board.

Crystal Lagoon is often the quieter of the two stops and is a fine place to swim from the boat. The water is the main attraction, so bring a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, and a hat. If you are visiting outside the warmest summer period, remember that the water may feel cold. One outing had water around 15 degrees Celsius, which made the swimming brief for some people.

At Blue Lagoon, you get another hour for swimming and photographs. The view is beautiful, but this is Comino’s best-known site, and it can become crowded. An early boat stop is useful, since the lagoon is generally more pleasant before the day fills up. You may not be able to walk ashore, as the boat can remain too far from land for an easy swim to the beach.

The boat also passes several caves around Comino. A small dinghy trip through a cliff tunnel is offered for an additional $10 per person. That fee is not included, so decide beforehand if you want the extra ride. The route also includes the topless cave, created when the roof fell in, and a long cave below Comino’s fortress. The latter was used as a filming location for The Count of Monte Cristo.

These are scenic boat sights rather than long cave visits. You see them from the water, and the exact route depends on weather and sea conditions. When wind or waves interfere, the company may change the order or use the ferry instead.

The Gozo jeep ride: a quick look at the real island

On Gozo, the group is often split in two. One section starts with the boat while the other takes the jeep tour, then the groups change places. This arrangement keeps both activities moving, but it means you may wait during the switch.

The jeeps are the real strength of the land portion. They use back roads and reach viewpoints and coastal spots that are difficult to cover by public transport. Drivers act as tour leaders and explain the places along the way in several languages, including English, German, Italian, Maltese, French, Polish, Hungarian, and Spanish.

The quality of the day depends heavily on your driver. George was praised for his stories and island knowledge, while Sam was especially good at adapting the route and stopping where her group wanted. Mario was described as funny and kind, and Johnny made the ride lively for a group of friends. Joe Vella and Peter also received strong praise for their energy and personal approach.

That does not mean every stop gets equal time. The jeep circuit is a whistle-stop tour, and delays can shorten the later visits. You are gaining an overview, not a private exploration of Gozo.

Qala and Bellevedere: your first Gozo views

The route includes Bellevedere at Qala, one of the eastern parts of Gozo, followed by time in Qala itself. These stops give you a wide view and a first taste of the island’s village character.

Qala is useful early in the tour because it helps you understand Gozo’s shape. From a high viewpoint, the sea and nearby islands give the trip a sense of place. The visit is short, around 20 minutes at each listed stop, so have your camera ready before the jeep pulls in.

Do not expect a long walk through the village. The value is the view, the quick introduction, and the driver’s explanation. If you prefer extended time in churches, cafés, or side streets, this tour may feel too fast.

Calypso Cave and Xwejni Salt Pans

Near Xagħra, the jeep passes Calypso Cave, a coastal viewpoint linked with the story of Calypso from Homer’s Odyssey. The cave itself may be closed or restricted, so this is best treated as a photo stop and scenic visit rather than a guaranteed cave entrance.

The Xwejni Salt Pans near Żebbuġ show a much more practical side of Gozo. Shallow stone pans cut into the coast are used to collect sea salt, continuing a traditional activity shaped by sun, wind, and limestone. It is one of the most distinctive stops because it connects the scenery with everyday island work.

This is where a good driver makes a difference. The stop is short, but an explanation of how the pans work gives the view more meaning than a quick photograph alone. Wear shoes with a firm sole, since the ground around coastal limestone can be uneven.

Ta’ Pinu and Dwejra Bay

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu is usually seen from the vehicle rather than visited inside. Its setting makes a strong passing view, but do not plan on a full church visit during this tour.

At Dwejra Bay, you get about 20 minutes for photos and a short visit. This is one of Gozo’s most striking coastal areas, with pale rock, open water, and unusual formations. The former Azure Window area is nearby, although the natural arch itself collapsed in 2017. The bay still deserves attention for its setting and for the other sights around it.

An optional boat ride on the inland sea at Dwejra is not included. If you want to take it, budget extra time and money, and understand that the tight schedule may limit how long you can stay.

Lunch, wine, and the practical value of the package

Lunch is a freshly prepared buffet with local wine and mineral water. It may be served on the boat or at Mariblu Restaurant on Gozo, depending on the order of the tour.

The meal generally includes enough food for a proper break, and vegetarian or pescatarian needs were accommodated on at least one departure. The buffet has been described as plentiful and tasty, though one person found it ordinary. I would think of lunch as a useful inclusion rather than a reason to book the tour by itself.

Unlimited local wine and water add real value to the $101 cost, especially when compared with booking transport, a Gozo excursion, and a separate Comino boat trip. Tea, coffee, extra drinks, museum entry, and the optional cave ride cost more.

How long the day really feels

The stated duration is 6.5 hours, but the day can run longer because of hotel pickups, ferry connections, group transfers, and the return journey. One group expected an 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. schedule but reached the hotel close to 6 p.m. Another group lost about 90 minutes waiting at a ferry parking area.

That does not happen every time, and the company has adjusted the order to avoid bad wind on some days. Still, I would not book a tight dinner reservation or airport transfer afterward. The tour covers a lot, and the schedule can change when boats, ferries, and several pickup groups are involved.

The return to Malta includes a boat cruise past Comino when weather permits, followed by a transfer back to your hotel or drop-off point. If the sea plan changes, some of the most anticipated boat sights may be reduced or missed.

Is $101 good value?

For $101, you receive hotel pickup and return transport, the Gozo portion, boat transport, lunch, local wine, water, a swimming stop, and access to masks and snorkels. You also avoid arranging separate tickets and transport between Malta, Gozo, and Comino.

I consider that good value for a first visit, especially if you want a broad sample rather than a slow, specialized tour. The package is less attractive if you only care about swimming, because the Gozo road circuit takes a large part of the day. It is also less ideal if you want a quiet boat ride, since group transfers and schedule changes are part of the setup.

The optional extras should be included in your budget:

• The Comino cave trip costs $10 per person.
• Entry to the Ġgantija Temples is not included.
• Museum admission is not included.
• The Dwejra inland sea boat ride is optional and costs extra.
• Tea, coffee, and additional drinks are not included.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would choose this experience if you want to see Gozo’s coast and villages without renting a car. It suits first-time visitors, couples, groups of friends, and anyone with only a short stay in Malta.

It also works well for people who enjoy variety. You get a rough jeep ride, short walks, photo stops, a sit-down buffet, and swimming from a boat. Guides such as George, Sam, Mario, Johnny, and Joe Vella can make the land section warm and entertaining.

I would look elsewhere if you need a slow pace, guaranteed boat access, long museum visits, or a wheelchair-friendly vehicle. The excursion is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people with mobility impairments. Comfortable shoes matter, and the company asks children under 12 to prove their age with a passport copy.

Should you book the Gozo and Comino tour?

Book it if your goal is to fit the best-known Gozo sights and Comino’s clear-water stops into one organized day. The strongest parts are the jeep drivers, the unusual coastal stops, the swimming time, and the amount included in the price.

Skip it if you dislike long transfers or tightly managed group schedules. For the best chance of calm water and a less crowded Blue Lagoon, choose a warm-season departure and hope the boat section runs early. Keep your plans afterward open, confirm your pickup point, and bring enough sun and swim gear for a full day outside.

FAQ

How long does the Gozo and Comino tour last?

The stated duration is 6.5 hours. The full day can take longer because of hotel pickups, transfers, ferry connections, and changes caused by weather.

What is included in the $101 price?

The price includes hotel pickup and return transfer, experienced drivers, multilingual tour leaders, lunch, local wine, mineral water, a Gozo swimming stop in summer, boat transport around Comino when weather permits, and Gozo ferry tickets when required.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is available from many hotels and meeting points across Malta. You should wait outside the main hotel entrance or at the pickup point provided by the local partner.

Is swimming included?

Yes. Swimming stops are scheduled at Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon. A Gozo bay swimming stop is included during the summer season.

Are masks and snorkels provided?

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

Does the boat always visit the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon?

The boat route is subject to weather conditions. The planned route passes the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Comino sea caves, but rough weather can change the schedule or require ferry transport.

Is lunch served on the boat?

Lunch may be served on the boat or at Mariblu Restaurant on Gozo. The location depends on whether your group begins with the boat trip or jeep tour.

Does the tour enter the Ġgantija Temples?

No. The Ġgantija Temples are not included in the half-day jeep tour. Optional admission costs extra.

How much does the Comino cave trip cost?

The optional dinghy trip through a cliff tunnel costs $10 per person. It is not included in the tour price.

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. It is also not suitable for pregnant women.