Malta: Around Comino Cruise and Gozo Jeep Tour with Lunch

The best part of this Malta day trip is the combination of open-water cruising and a Gozo jeep safari. In one long outing, you see Comino’s famous lagoons, stop at coastal caves, and reach Gozo viewpoints and villages that are awkward to visit without your own car.

I like two things in particular: the generous swimming time at the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, and the chance to see several sides of Gozo without spending a separate day arranging buses, ferries, and taxis. The guides, including George, Johnny, Grace, Nick, and Peter on different departures, can add useful local color to the stops.

The trade-off is comfort. Boats and jeeps can be crowded, and hotel transfers have sometimes involved old vehicles, delays, or long waits. At $81, this is good value if you want variety in a single day, but it is not the right choice if you prefer a quiet boat ride or a leisurely, in-depth visit to Gozo.

Key points to know before booking

• Two islands in one day: Cruise around Comino, then tour Gozo by open 4×4.
• One hour for swimming: The Blue Lagoon or Crystal Lagoon portion is a major reason to book.
• Gozo’s best quick stops: Qala, Xwejni Salt Pans, Ta’ Pinu, and Dwejra Bay are all included.
• Lunch and drinks included: Expect a buffet meal, water, and local wine.
• Crowding is possible: The boat can feel full, and up to 65 people may be on the overall tour.
• Weather controls the day: Rough conditions can cancel the cruise or change the plan.

What this six-and-a-half-hour day is really like

This is a packed outing rather than a slow island escape. The stated start time is 8:00 am, though pickup times can vary by hotel and some departures begin closer to 8:30. The day may run beyond the advertised six and a half hours, with some departures returning around 6:30 or 7:00 pm.

The basic plan uses a boat and a jeep in two stages. On some departures, you cruise first, reach Mgarr Harbour, and then split into small jeep groups. On others, you tour Gozo first and board the boat later. The order affects where lunch is served, so you should pay attention to the instructions sent before departure.

The overall group limit is 65 people, but the jeep section is divided among separate vehicles. That helps keep the road tour moving, although the back seats may hold six people and can feel cramped. You should expect a sociable group outing, not a private safari.

Comino by boat: beautiful water, busy decks

Comino is the visual star of the trip. The boat takes you around the island and past coastal caves, including the formations near Santa Marija Bay. Depending on the sea and the boat used that day, you may also see the Crystal Lagoon caves from the water.

The main swimming stop lasts about an hour. The water is clear and well suited to swimming and snorkeling, with equipment listed as included. Because equipment arrangements can vary, I would confirm before departure whether masks and snorkels are provided directly or require a deposit. One departure specifically mentioned a €20 deposit for snorkeling gear.

The Blue Lagoon is famous for its pale, clear water, but fame brings crowds. You may swim from the boat, relax on shore, or use the provided pool noodles. Some boats stop in open water, so you may need to climb down or jump in rather than walk straight from a beach.

The boat ride itself is not always the most exciting part. Some departures have little entertainment, and a full boat can mean standing or limited room on deck. Still, the water time is a strong part of the package, especially if you want a swim without arranging a separate Comino cruise.

Mgarr Harbour and the start of Gozo’s jeep route

Mgarr Harbour is Gozo’s main arrival point and the handoff point between sea and road. Guides meet you there, organize the jeep groups, and explain the next part of the day.

This changeover can feel rushed when many people arrive at once, but it is also where the tour becomes more personal. Each driver takes a small group around the island, and the quality of that driver matters. George, Johnny, Grace, Nick, and Peter have all been singled out for friendly service, clear explanations, or good local guidance on different departures.

The language assignment may affect your experience. The tour can use a multilingual guide, and jeep groups are sometimes arranged by preferred language. If you are traveling alone or need detailed English commentary, make that clear when you meet the tour staff.

Qala: wide views and a classic church

The first major Gozo stop is usually Qala, on the eastern side of the island. At the Qala Belvedere, you get broad views toward Comino and Malta. This is an excellent orientation point because it lets you see the three-island setting rather than only one coastal corner.

The stop then continues to Qala Parish Church. You have time to admire the architecture and take photographs, but do not expect a long church visit or a detailed historical tour. The listed stop lasts about 30 minutes, so the focus is on views and a quick look at local character.

Qala is valuable because it gives the jeep trip some variety. You are not simply following the coast. You see a village, a church, and a high viewpoint before heading toward Gozo’s northern shore.

Xagħra and Calypso Cave

In Xagħra, the tour visits the area around Calypso Cave. The cave is associated with dramatic coastal views, and the stop is aimed mainly at scenery and photographs.

Allow for the possibility that access to the cave itself may be limited. The itinerary describes time to see the site and its surroundings, but it does not promise entry into a fully open cavern. The views over the coast are the main reason to stop here.

This is also the point where the jeep format becomes clear. You are moving between places quickly, with roughly 30 minutes at the stop. That is enough for pictures and a short walk, but not enough for a long hike or a careful exploration of every site.

Marsalforn and the Xwejni Salt Pans

The route passes through Marsalforn before reaching the Xwejni Salt Pans. The salt pans are among Gozo’s most distinctive sights: shallow, geometric basins cut into the coast where seawater evaporates and leaves salt behind.

You get about 25 minutes here. That is enough to see the patterns, photograph the coastline, and hear about traditional salt harvesting. It is not a working demonstration with a long presentation, so think of it as a scenic cultural stop.

I like this part because it shows an older form of island work rather than only postcard scenery. The salt pans also offer a welcome change from churches, caves, and swimming. Wear shoes with a firm sole if you plan to walk near the coast, and take care around uneven ground.

Ta’ Pinu: a landmark seen from outside

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

The tour generally allows about 25 minutes to admire the shrine from outside and take photos. The description does not promise an interior visit, so do not book this tour specifically for church access.

For a short island tour, the stop works well. Ta’ Pinu gives you a sense of Gozo’s religious identity and rural setting without requiring a long detour. The downside is that the brief visit may feel too short if you want to study the building or spend time in quiet reflection.

Dwejra Bay and the Inland Sea

Dwejra Bay is one of Gozo’s most dramatic coastal areas. You can see the Inland Sea, steep rock formations, and the water routes carved into the coast. The stop provides about 20 minutes of free time.

You might find boat trips through the Inland Sea available locally, but that is not a guaranteed part of this package. The tour does include a boat ride back to Malta with a Crystal Lagoon cave tour when weather allows, which is separate from any optional Dwejra boat ride.

Twenty minutes is enough to look around and take photos, but it is short for Dwejra. If this is the Gozo sight you most want to explore, a dedicated Gozo tour would give you far more time. On this trip, Dwejra is one attractive piece of a much larger route.

Lunch at Mariblu or onboard

Lunch is included, which helps the $81 price. Depending on the tour order, it may be served at Mariblu Guesthouse or onboard the boat. The meal is described as a buffet with local wine and water.

Expect a filling, straightforward meal rather than a special restaurant experience. Previous menus have included tomato pasta, chicken, potatoes, watermelon, salad, and cold meats, with omelets offered as an alternative on one departure. The exact selection may change.

The meal is useful because the schedule leaves little time to find food independently. Wine is included, though the quality may not impress everyone. The minimum drinking age is 17, and you should not rely on alcohol being the highlight of lunch.

Boat transfers, pickup, and the comfort question

Hotel pickup and drop-off are offered from selected hotels, but this phrase matters. You may be sent to a nearby meeting hotel rather than collected at your own entrance. Check the pickup point and time carefully, especially if the booking page shows a later boat departure than the actual pickup schedule.

Transfers have been the weakest part of the experience. Some departures have involved late pickups, old buses, no air conditioning, long collection routes, or a vehicle breakdown. Other pickups have been on time and close to the accommodation, so the quality appears to vary.

The boat can also be crowded. A smaller boat may be licensed for 44 people, while the overall tour can reach 65, and the seating arrangement may not leave much spare space. If you need shade, a particular seat, or plenty of room to stretch out, arrive prepared for a full deck.

The jeeps add fun but not luxury. The roads and views are the point, yet the vehicles can be old and uncomfortable, particularly in the rear seats. The route is described as a 4×4 adventure, but this is still a sightseeing transfer with stops, not an off-road driving lesson.

Is the $81 price good value?

I think the price is fair for a short Malta visit. You receive boat transport, a Gozo road tour, lunch, water, local wine, hotel transfer from selected hotels, and a major swimming stop. Arranging all of that separately would take time and could cost more.

The value drops if you want depth. You spend only 15 to 30 minutes at many Gozo stops, and some of the day is used for transfers and group organization. The Ggantija Temples entrance fee is not included, although the supplied route does not list a Ggantija visit as one of its main stops.

This is best understood as an island sampler. You get enough of Gozo to decide which places deserve a return visit, plus a proper taste of Comino’s water and caves.

Who should book this tour?

I would recommend it for first-time visitors with one free day, couples, friends, and anyone who wants both sea and scenery without renting a car. It suits people who enjoy swimming, short photo stops, and a full schedule.

Families can enjoy it, but younger children need close watching around the boat, open water, and jeep seating. One five-year-old managed the day well, yet the tour is more comfortable for older children who can handle a long outing and limited rest time.

You should think twice if you dislike crowded boats, motion, rough transfers, or sitting in the back of a jeep. A dedicated Gozo tour is better if you want long visits at Dwejra, Ta’ Pinu, or the salt pans. A separate Comino cruise is better if swimming and relaxed time on the water matter more than seeing inland Gozo.

Final verdict: a useful Malta sampler with rough edges

This tour earns its place as a practical one-day combination. The water around Comino is lovely, the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon provide real swim time, and the Gozo route covers a good range of viewpoints, villages, coast, and local traditions.

Its faults are clear: crowded boats, basic food, cramped jeeps, uncertain transfer quality, and a schedule that can feel hurried. I would book it for convenience and variety, not for comfort or detailed sightseeing.

Before paying, confirm your pickup hotel, exact start time, tour order, lunch location, snorkeling equipment, and weather plan. If those details suit you, $81 is a sensible way to cover two Maltese islands in one busy, memorable day.

FAQ

How long does the Malta Comino and Gozo tour last?

The scheduled duration is approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, though some departures have lasted until around 6:30 or 7:00 pm because of pickup and return transfers.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 8:00 am. Pickup times can vary by hotel, and some departure information has indicated pickup around 8:30 am.

Are hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are offered from selected hotels. You may be directed to a nearby hotel or meeting point, so confirm the exact location before the morning of the tour.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is a buffet meal, served either at Mariblu Guesthouse or onboard the boat depending on the order of the tour.

Are drinks included with lunch?

Water and local wine are included at lunch. The minimum drinking age is 17.

How much swimming time is provided?

The schedule includes a one-hour swim stop at the Crystal Lagoon or Blue Lagoon. The exact location and timing may depend on the tour order and weather.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling equipment is listed as included. Because some departures have used a deposit system, confirm the current arrangement with the operator before setting out.

Does the tour visit the Ggantija Temples?

The Ggantija Temples entrance fee is not included. The main route described for this experience focuses on Qala, Calypso Cave, Xwejni Salt Pans, Ta’ Pinu, and Dwejra Bay.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If poor weather cancels the experience, you are offered a different date or a full refund. The tour can also be canceled if the minimum number of participants is not reached.