From Sliema: Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon Cruise

The best thing about this full-day trip is that it lets you see Gozo and Comino in one outing without piecing together ferries, buses, and boats yourself. You cruise north from Sliema, pause for Gozo’s main sights, then finish with the bright waters of Comino’s Blue Lagoon.

I like the optional Gozo minibus, which saves valuable time, and the captain’s running commentary about Malta’s islands and coast. The main catch is the sea: rough water can cause sickness and may shorten the Blue Lagoon stop or force a change of plan.

Key points at a glance

• Two islands in one day: Cruise from Sliema to Gozo, then continue to Comino.
• Gozo by minibus or on foot: Add the bus to reach Qala Belvedere and Victoria without relying on local transport.
• Victoria and the Citadel: Spend roughly 80 to 120 minutes in Gozo’s capital, depending on the day’s schedule.
• Blue Lagoon stop: Plan for about 75 to 90 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, or using the boat slide.
• Comino caves by boat: The captain takes you past Santa Maria Caves for a close photo stop when conditions allow.

Why this cruise works as a Malta day trip

At $41 per person, this is a strong-value way to see Malta’s two smaller islands from the water. The price covers the main cruise, the Gozo stop, the Blue Lagoon, and the Comino caves. You still pay separately for food, drinks, and any optional Gozo transport, but the day covers a lot of ground for the money.

You are not getting a slow, private sailing trip. This is a structured excursion on a working sightseeing boat, with set departure and return times. That trade-off is useful if you have only a few days in Malta and want a first look at Gozo and Comino rather than a deep visit to either island.

The day also gives you a changing view of Malta’s coast. From Sliema, the boat passes St. Julian’s Bay, Qawra, St. Paul’s Bay, St. Paul’s Island, and Mellieha before reaching Gozo. The outward journey can be rough, especially in windy weather, but the captain gives warnings and the crew has sick bags available.

The boat has toilets, a food and drink service, a mini bar, and seating on the upper deck. In warm weather, the top deck is the place to be. In cooler months, you can still enjoy the views, though a jacket is sensible.

Boarding at Sliema and the northbound cruise

The meeting point is at Sliema Ferry, Ferries 4. Look for the Luzzu Cruises vessel named MV Kataleya or MV Lady Shelley. Hotel transfers are not included, so you need to make your own way to the ferry area.

Try to arrive early enough to get settled before departure. The route begins with a pleasant coastal cruise rather than a fast transfer. The captain provides commentary about Sliema, the bays, and the islands, which helps turn the boat ride into part of the experience.

The outward trip can take longer than expected if the sea is rough. That matters because the schedule has several moving parts. A late arrival at Gozo or a slower crossing can reduce time at Comino later in the day. One recent outing had only about 45 minutes at the Blue Lagoon because of difficult conditions, despite the planned stop being around 90 minutes.

If you are prone to seasickness, take this warning seriously. People who handled the smoother return crossing well still found the outbound journey difficult. Sit where movement is least noticeable, keep your eyes on the horizon, and bring any medication you normally use. This excursion is not suitable for people who suffer badly at sea.

Gozo’s Mgarr Harbour and the minibus choice

The first island stop is Mgarr Harbour, Gozo’s main port. Here, you choose between exploring independently and taking the optional minibus.

I strongly favor adding the minibus if you want to see more than the harbor. Gozo has plenty of quiet roads and scattered sights, but the time available is limited. The organized bus takes you to Qala Belvedere and Victoria, then returns you to the boat at the appointed time.

The main advantage is simple: you do not waste your Gozo stop arranging transport. Several passengers found the bus made the day easier and allowed them to see both the viewpoint and Victoria without worrying about missing the vessel.

There is one practical point to remember. Listen carefully to the return instructions and be back at the minibus meeting point early. One passenger was concerned when a minibus left before the stated meeting time, although another bus provided a way back. On a trip with fixed boat departures, it is better not to cut things close.

If you skip the minibus, you can explore at your own pace around Mgarr Harbour. That suits you if you prefer a quiet walk, a meal, or less structured time. It is less suitable if your goal is to see Victoria and the Citadel, since independent transport may leave you watching the clock.

Qala Belvedere and Gozo’s best quick view

Qala Belvedere is a photo stop, not a long visit. It gives you one of Gozo’s broad coastal viewpoints and a useful sense of the island’s position beside Comino and Malta.

This is the kind of stop that works well on a combined excursion. You get time to take photographs and enjoy the view, but the tour does not pretend that a few minutes at a lookout equals a full exploration of Gozo. Keep your camera ready and follow the driver’s timing.

The minibus driver adds value here by pointing out sights along the route. One driver named Carmen received special praise for being kind and helpful, particularly when a passenger was feeling unwell. That personal attention can make a real difference on a long day at sea.

Victoria and the Citadel

Victoria, also called Rabat, is Gozo’s capital and the most substantial land stop. The schedule provides about 80 minutes, with some departures allowing closer to two hours.

Your priority should be the Citadel, the old fortified city above Victoria. You can walk up, look around the historic fortifications, and return to the meeting point. You also have time for a coffee, a snack, or a quick look at the central streets, but not for a leisurely full meal and a detailed museum visit.

Food service can be slow, so plan carefully. If you want to see the Citadel, do that before sitting down for lunch. A rushed meal is a poor use of limited time, and the bus will not wait for late diners.

Sunday is another useful planning detail. Many shops in Gozo may be closed on Sundays, so Victoria is better for walking and sightseeing than for shopping on that day. The stop is still worthwhile, but adjust your expectations.

The Gozo portion is also the part most likely to leave you wanting more. Some visitors would gladly have spent longer in Victoria, while others found the allotted time enough for the Citadel and a drink. I would treat this stop as an introduction, not a complete Gozo visit.

Returning to the boat and heading for Comino

After Victoria and the viewpoint, the minibus returns to Mgarr Harbour. The boat then continues toward Comino, usually the most anticipated section of the day.

The approach to Comino gives you a fine view of the island’s pale rock, narrow inlets, and clear water. You can stay on deck for photographs or find a seat before the boat reaches the Blue Lagoon.

The crew keeps the day moving, and the captain continues to explain what you are seeing. The pace is efficient, though that efficiency means you should keep track of every meeting time. Missing the boat is not a minor inconvenience when the next stop is part of a fixed coastal route.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful, crowded, and weather dependent

The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes when conditions and timing allow. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, walk along the shore, or stay aboard.

The water is the star here. On a calm, sunny day, the color is striking, and swimming is the high point of the trip for many people. The boat’s water slide adds a playful touch, especially for families and anyone who wants more than a quiet swim. A submarine-style viewing window is another small feature that children may enjoy.

The Blue Lagoon can feel crowded, particularly in the busy summer season. The water may look better from the boat than from the packed shoreline, and one useful strategy is to swim from the vessel if shore space feels chaotic. Drinks are available, but prices at the lagoon can feel high, especially for cocktails with modest amounts of alcohol.

From May 1, 2025, you need a free QR code registration to go ashore at the Blue Lagoon. The link is provided after booking, and the code is checked before you get off the boat. Complete this step in advance so you do not lose beach time dealing with registration.

Weather controls this stop. High winds may prevent swimming, shorten the visit, or require the captain to use another bay. Santa Maria Bay is a possible alternative, but it does not offer the same excitement as the Blue Lagoon. The captain has the right to alter or cancel the route and change the pickup or drop-off point when conditions require it.

Santa Maria Caves and the ride back to Sliema

After Comino, the boat passes the Santa Maria Caves, also called the Crystal Caves in the tour description. This is a short stop of roughly 10 minutes, mainly for photographs from the vessel.

The captain may bring the boat close to the cave openings when the sea permits. That close approach can produce some of the day’s best pictures, especially when sunlight reaches the water and rock. It is not a cave walk, so do not expect to go ashore or explore underground.

The return trip is often calmer than the outward crossing, though nobody can guarantee that. It gives you time to sit back, review your photographs, and watch the coast slide past. On a clear evening, the ride back can be especially pleasant, with the changing light over Malta’s bays.

The boat should return to the Luzzu Cruises area in Sliema after about 7.5 hours. Exact timing can shift with wind, waves, and the captain’s route decisions.

Boat comfort, food, and what to bring

This is a long day, so basic comfort matters. The vessel has bathrooms, food service, drinks, and a mini bar. You can buy refreshments aboard, but food and drinks are not included in the $41 price.

Bring comfortable shoes and a towel. Add swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and a light layer for the boat, even if the forecast looks warm. The upper deck offers the best views, but it also gets the full wind.

The cruise runs rain or shine. The captain may change the route for safety, and the Blue Lagoon experience can be very different in calm weather than in strong wind. If swimming is your main reason for booking, choose a day with favorable conditions when possible, but accept that sea conditions can change.

The excursion is not suitable for people with mobility impairments because it involves boat access, island transfers, and getting around at stops. It is also a poor match for anyone highly sensitive to motion at sea.

Who should book this $41 excursion?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a broad first look at Malta’s northern islands and prefer one organized day to several separate bookings. It works especially well for families, first-time visitors, couples, and anyone staying in Sliema or nearby St. Julian’s.

Choose the Gozo minibus if you want Qala Belvedere and Victoria. It is the practical option and widely regarded as worth adding. Go independently only if you value flexibility more than seeing the main sights.

This is less suitable if you want a slow, detailed day on Gozo. Victoria receives a useful but limited visit, and the Blue Lagoon stop is designed for a quick swim rather than a full beach day. If you have several days in Malta, separate full-day visits to Gozo and Comino would give each island more breathing room.

The experience has a 4.5 rating from 3,461 ratings, and the praise centers on the same things I would value: friendly crew, clear organization, strong commentary, comfortable transport, and good value. The most common cautions are also consistent: rough seas, crowds at the Blue Lagoon, limited time in Victoria, and occasional changes caused by weather.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want a scenic, budget-friendly day with Gozo’s Citadel, a Qala viewpoint, Comino’s Blue Lagoon, and cave views all in one package. Add the minibus, arrive early, register for the Blue Lagoon QR code, and prepare for possible rough water.

Skip it if you get seriously seasick or want to spend a full day exploring one island at your own pace. For everyone else, this is a well-priced introduction to Malta’s northern coast and a sensible way to fit Gozo and Comino into a short stay.

FAQ

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately 7.5 hours, including the cruise from Sliema, the Gozo stop, the Blue Lagoon visit, the Comino caves, and the return to Sliema.

Where does the boat leave from?

You meet at Luzzu Cruises at Sliema Ferry, Ferries 4. Look for the boat named MV Kataleya or MV Lady Shelley.

Is transport around Gozo included?

Gozo transport is optional. You can explore independently or choose the minibus option during checkout. The minibus visits Qala Belvedere and Victoria.

How much time do I get in Victoria?

The stated stop is about 80 minutes, though some outings allow closer to two hours. This is enough for the Citadel, a walk, and possibly a quick drink or snack.

How long is the Blue Lagoon stop?

The planned Blue Lagoon stop is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes. Weather and sea conditions can shorten or change the stop.

Do I need a QR code for the Blue Lagoon?

From May 1, 2025, you need to register for a free QR code if you want to get off the boat at the Blue Lagoon. The registration link is provided after booking.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes and a towel. Food and drinks are not included, and hotel transfers are not included.