Malta: Full-Day Gozo and Blue Lagoon Cruise

The best part of this Malta day cruise is the variety. In one long outing, you see St. Paul’s Island and Mellieha from the water, visit Gozo’s hilltop Cittadella, and swim at Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon. I like the easy combination of boat travel and island sightseeing, and I like that transport to Victoria and Qala Belvedere is included.

I also like the clear schedule: roughly 75 minutes in Victoria, followed by about two hours around the Blue Lagoon. The main drawback is time. Gozo is treated as a short stop rather than a full island tour, and the boat can feel crowded, with only one small toilet reported onboard. If you want a relaxed, in-depth Gozo visit, this will feel rushed.

Key points to know before booking

• Victoria is a quick stop: You get about 75 minutes to reach the Cittadella, look around, and perhaps grab a snack.
• The Blue Lagoon is the day’s main event: Swimming and clear turquoise water are the focus, but Comino can be crowded.
• The cruise offers broad coastal views: St. Paul’s Island, Mellieha, Malta’s northern coast, and the open sea are part of the ride.
• Extra costs can affect the value: Food, drinks, snorkel equipment, and the optional upper sunbed deck are not included.
• Comino now requires a free pass: For visits from May 1, 2025, order a QR code online for the 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm time slot.
• This suits a first-time sampler: You see several major sights in one day, but you give up depth and quiet.

What this $45 Malta cruise actually gives you

At $45 per person, this is priced as a broad sightseeing day rather than a private or luxury boat trip. You are paying for the cruise, transport to Victoria, transport to Qala Belvedere, and onboard facilities. Food, drinks, and snorkel equipment cost extra.

I think the price works best if you want to combine Gozo and Comino without arranging ferries, buses, and separate tickets yourself. The boat does the long-distance work, then a bus takes you into Victoria. That saves planning time and makes the day simple.

The tradeoff is that the outing follows a fixed timetable. You cannot linger in the Cittadella when the bus departure approaches, and you cannot choose a quiet cove instead of the Blue Lagoon. The $45 buys convenience and coverage, not freedom.

You should also budget carefully for extras. An upper sunbed area has been offered for an additional EUR 10, and snorkel gear is available to rent. Do not assume drinks are included. Some departures have had a limited free-drink arrangement, but the timing may mean you receive only one drink, or none of the promised selection. Bringing your own water and snacks is the safer plan.

Meeting at Sliema Ferries before the 10:30 boat

The meeting point is at 10:00 at Sliema Ferries, opposite McDonald’s. Look for the yellow Malta Sightseeing booth. The boat leaves at 10:30, so I would not treat the meeting time as a loose suggestion.

The day ends back at the same meeting point. The listed duration is eight hours, though the exact return can shift. One departure returned around 5:00 pm rather than 4:00 pm, so avoid scheduling a tight evening reservation.

Some pickup arrangements may involve a separate transfer, and delays can happen. Keep your phone available for messages and allow extra time before the boat leaves. The operator is Supreme Travel Limited, and the host and audio guide are in English.

The boat is wheelchair accessible, which is useful for visitors who need step-free assistance. Still, the practical experience can vary with crowding, seating, and access to the bus at Gozo. If you use a wheelchair, confirm the exact transfer arrangements before you pay.

Malta’s north coast from the boat

The first part of the day is a coastal cruise. From the water, you can see St. Paul’s Island and Mellieha, with Malta’s northern shore sliding past as the boat heads toward Gozo.

This is a pleasant way to cover distance. You are not sitting on a road in traffic, and the sea gives you a changing view of the island. It is also a good chance to settle into the day before the short walking stop in Victoria.

Bring a light layer even on a warm day. The sea breeze can make the outward trip feel cold, especially in spring. The upper deck gives you sun and open air, while lower seating offers more shelter. If you want the upper sunbed area, ask about the EUR 10 charge before boarding rather than assuming it comes with the ticket.

The boat can get busy. A seat near the engine may come with more smell and noise, and the available indoor or shaded seating may fill quickly. One small toilet onboard is another reason to plan ahead before departure and during the longer stretches at sea.

The cruise itself is part sightseeing, part transport. If you expect a quiet sailing with plenty of room, you may find the group size frustrating. If you view the boat as the practical link between Malta, Gozo, and Comino, the arrangement makes more sense.

Victoria and the Cittadella in 75 minutes

On arrival at Gozo, you board a bus for Victoria, also called Rabat, the island’s capital. The included transport is helpful because the boat landing and the city center are not treated as one continuous walking tour.

Your free time in Victoria lasts about 75 minutes. This is enough to walk toward the Cittadella, climb to its upper areas, take in the views, and grab a quick snack. It is not enough for a slow city visit, a long meal, and a detailed look at every corner.

The Cittadella is the clear priority. It sits above Victoria, so you can use your limited time well by heading there first. The elevated position gives you a wider view across Gozo and makes the stop feel more rewarding than simply wandering around the bus drop-off area.

I would keep your plan simple:

• Go directly toward the Cittadella.
• Allow time for the climb and return to the meeting point.
• Take photos before stopping for food.
• Keep your watch visible, since the bus departure controls the rest of the day.

This is a glimpse of Gozo, not a full Gozo tour. The experience includes Victoria and Qala Belvedere, but it does not promise the Azure Window or a broad island circuit. If that famous former rock formation is on your must-see list, this is not the right itinerary.

The bus transfer is efficient, but it can feel tight when many people return at once. More buses would make the changeover easier. Give yourself a buffer rather than arriving at the last possible minute.

Comino’s Blue Lagoon and the new access rule

After Gozo, the boat heads to Comino for the Blue Lagoon. This is where the day shifts from sightseeing to swimming.

The water is clear and turquoise, and you can swim or snorkel beside the boat. You can also relax on the beach, though the shore may feel busy. The lagoon is beautiful, but it is not a private swimming stop. Expect plenty of activity around this famous patch of water.

For visits from May 1, 2025, you need a free Comino walking ticket. Order it at www.blcomino.com and choose the 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm slot. You receive a QR code, which Comino officials scan when you arrive. Without that code, you cannot walk on Comino, although you can still swim next to the boat.

This rule matters because the boat stop and the island access are not exactly the same thing. You can enjoy the water without walking ashore, but you should arrange the pass if you want the beach or paths. Save the QR code on your phone before departure.

Plan your Blue Lagoon time around what you actually want to do. If swimming is your priority, change into your swimsuit before arrival or use the onboard facilities. If you want to sit on land, get your access code ready and do not spend the entire stop waiting in line for equipment or drinks.

Snorkel gear is not included, but it can be rented. You may also see fish, jellyfish, or even dolphins from the boat, though sightings are never guaranteed. Bring sunscreen and a towel, since the sun and reflected glare can be intense around the water.

How crowded and comfortable is the boat?

The boat is large enough to carry a substantial group, but that does not mean you will always have a spacious seat. Busy departures can leave you sitting close to the engine or beside other people for much of the day.

I would arrive early if you care about seating. The open top level is useful for sun, views, and sunbeds, while the lower areas give some protection from wind. Ask about any seating or sunbed supplement at check-in.

The boat has onboard facilities, but comfort is basic. The small toilet can create a queue, and the engine area may be unpleasant for anyone sensitive to noise or fumes. This is a full-day outing, so those small details matter more than they would on a short harbor cruise.

The schedule can also run late. Malta’s relaxed pace is part of the setting, but it can test your patience when you are waiting for a bus or preparing to sail back. Keep the evening open.

What to bring for the full eight hours

The required packing list is simple, but each item earns its place:

• Comfortable shoes for Victoria and the Cittadella
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Water and food, since neither is included
• Your Comino QR code, if you plan to walk on the island

You may want a light jacket for the outward cruise, especially outside the hottest summer months. A waterproof pouch for your phone is useful around the lagoon, though it is not listed as a requirement.

Do not rely on buying everything onboard. Drinks and food are not included, and you may have limited time to purchase them. Bringing a snack also protects your short Victoria visit from turning into a rushed search for lunch.

Who will like this day, and who will not

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a single-day introduction to Malta’s surrounding islands. It covers three distinct pleasures: a coastal boat ride, a short cultural stop in Gozo, and a swim at Comino.

It also suits families and casual sightseers who prefer organized transport. You do not need to work out the ferry connections or local bus routes, and the English-speaking host and audio guide keep the basic logistics clear.

The trip is less suitable if your main aim is to explore Gozo properly. Seventy-five minutes in Victoria leaves little room for museums, a long meal, or a relaxed walk through the city. You should also think twice if you dislike crowds, fixed schedules, or selling on board for boat rides and snorkel equipment.

Strong swimmers will get the most from the Blue Lagoon stop. If you do not plan to enter the water, the beach and boat views still offer something, but the cruise’s biggest reward may feel less important.

My booking advice

Book this for convenience, variety, and the chance to swim at Comino without arranging several separate trips. The $45 price is fair if you use the included transport and treat the day as a highlights tour.

Skip it if you want a quiet boat, a detailed Gozo visit, or a full island tour. Before booking, arrange the free Comino QR code, pack food and water, and ask about extra charges for the upper deck and drinks. Those three steps will make the day feel much better organized.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

Meet at 10:00 at Sliema Ferries, opposite McDonald’s. Look for the yellow Malta Sightseeing booth. The boat leaves at 10:30.

Where does the cruise end?

The activity ends back at the Sliema Ferries meeting point.

How long does the activity last?

The listed duration is eight hours. Check the available starting time when booking, and allow some flexibility because the return may run later than planned.

How much free time do I get in Victoria?

You get about 75 minutes to explore Victoria, also known as Rabat, and visit the Cittadella.

Do I need a ticket to visit Comino?

From May 1, 2025, you need a free ticket to walk on Comino. Order it online at www.blcomino.com, choose the 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm slot, and keep the QR code available for scanning.

Are food, drinks, and snorkel equipment included?

No. Food, drinks, and snorkeling equipment are not included. Snorkel equipment is available to rent.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. The host and audio guide are available in English.