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

Gozo and Comino are Malta’s best change of pace, and this 7.5-hour boat-and-bus outing lets you see both without arranging ferries, buses, and island connections yourself. You cruise north from Sliema, cross Gozo by minibus, then finish with turquoise water at the Blue Lagoon.

I like the scenic coastal cruise, especially the return past Comino’s sea caves, and I like the simple transport plan: a boat to Gozo, a waiting bus to Victoria, then back aboard for Comino. The main catch is that this is transport with free time, not a traditional guided tour, and Victoria’s 75 minutes can feel short.

Key points at a glance

• Gozo in one day: Ride from Mgarr Harbour to Victoria, with a short photo stop at a bay or Qala Belvedere.
• The Citadel is the main prize: Use your free time in Victoria for the medieval fortress and its broad views.
• Blue Lagoon time is flexible: Swim, snorkel, sunbathe, use the boat’s water slide, or stay aboard to escape the shore crowds.
• Commentary is mainly at sea: English information is provided during the cruise, but there is no regular guide walking around Gozo or Comino with you.
• The boat is practical: You have toilets, indoor and outdoor seating, and a cash bar selling snacks and drinks.
• Plan the new access rule: From May 2025, you need a government access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon, and this trip requires the afternoon slot.

Why this Malta island day trip works

At $51 per person, this is a useful way to cover a lot of ground in a single day. You are not paying for a private guide or a slow, detailed study of Gozo. You are paying for the boat crossings, coastal views, land transport on Gozo, and a planned stop at Comino.

That distinction matters. I would describe the experience as a scenic island transfer with sightseeing built in. The boat handles the awkward parts, the bus collects you at Gozo’s port, and the crew keeps repeating the return times. You get a taste of two islands without spending a day figuring out local connections.

The overall rating is 4.4 from 1,931 reviews, and the strongest pattern is clear: people value the organisation, friendly crew, clean boat, and number of places covered. The most common reservation is also clear: Victoria deserves more than 75 minutes, while the Blue Lagoon can be extremely crowded in warm months.

You should also know what this is not. There is no full-time tour guide explaining every church, street, and fortress. The boat has English commentary, and an English audio guide is included, but your time ashore is independent. That suits me when I want freedom, but you need to manage your own watch.

Leaving Sliema for Gozo by boat

The day begins at Sliema Ferries in the morning. From the water, you get a useful view of Malta’s northern shoreline, with rugged coast, open sea, and coastal features that are easy to miss from the road.

The crossing to Gozo takes about an hour according to the practical experience of the trip. Arrive early if you want an open-air seat. One passenger arrived 20 minutes before departure and found most of the upper deck already occupied, so the best seats go quickly.

The boat offers both outdoor and indoor seating. Outdoor seats are best for photographs and fresh air, while indoor space becomes more appealing if the sea turns rough or the sun gets intense. The boat has clean toilets, a cash bar, and snacks and drinks for purchase. It is not a luxury yacht, but those basics matter on a full day at sea.

If you are prone to seasickness, take the warning seriously. A storm can make the ride uncomfortable, even when the crew is helpful. Motion sickness medication is worth considering, and sitting inside may be easier than staying on the exposed upper deck.

The English commentary adds some context as you pass the coast. It may not always be easy to hear from every seat, and this is not a substitute for a guide with you all day. Still, the sailing itself is one of the most enjoyable parts of the outing, particularly when the weather is calm.

Gozo’s Mgarr Harbour and the bus to Victoria

At Mgarr Harbour, you transfer to one of the buses or minibuses waiting to take you inland. This removes the biggest practical headache of a short Gozo visit: finding transport from the port and then getting back in time for the boat.

Pay close attention to the driver’s instructions. You need to return to the agreed meeting point at the stated time, and changing buses can cause confusion. The transport has generally been prompt and well organised, though a small minibus can feel tight when the group is large.

The drive gives you a quick look at Gozo’s countryside. You pass churches, villages, and open views before reaching Victoria, the island’s capital. This is sightseeing from a bus window rather than a detailed drive with frequent stops, but it gives you a sense of how different Gozo feels from busier Malta.

You will usually make a photo stop of about 15 minutes at one of Gozo’s bays or at Qala Belvedere. The exact location can vary. Treat it as a quick look and camera stop, not a beach visit. Some people would happily trade part of the later Comino stop for more time at this viewpoint, but the short pause helps break up the transfer.

Victoria and the Citadel in 75 minutes

Victoria is the practical centre of Gozo, and the Citadel is the reason to use your limited time carefully. The fortress rises above the city and gives you wide views over the island’s countryside. Its walls, lanes, cathedral, and elevated position provide the strongest sense of place on this stop.

You have about 75 minutes here. That is enough to walk toward the Citadel, see the main fortress area, take photographs, and grab a coffee, snack, ice cream, or pastizzi. It is not enough for a leisurely visit to every church, museum, and shop.

I suggest heading to the Citadel first. You can browse shops or eat afterward, but you cannot recover time lost at lunch. Admissions to sites in Gozo are not included, so check your watch before paying to enter anything that could take longer than expected.

Some people find Victoria itself modest, especially if they expect a large sightseeing centre. I think the city works best as a base for the Citadel rather than as the star attraction. If you have already seen the fortress on another day, this schedule may feel less rewarding. If Gozo is new to you, the stop gives you a worthwhile first impression.

The time limit is the biggest weakness of the Gozo section. Several passengers wanted two or three hours in Victoria, and I understand why. Gozo rewards slower wandering, while this day is built around seeing two islands in sequence.

Still, the short visit has an advantage. You get the Citadel and a taste of Victoria without giving up the Blue Lagoon. For a first-time visitor with only one free day, that trade can make sense.

Sailing on to Comino and the Blue Lagoon

After Gozo, you return to the boat and sail toward Comino. The final major stop is the Blue Lagoon, where the water can look almost unreal in clear weather.

You have approximately 90 minutes at Comino. Use it according to the conditions and your mood. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, walk around the island, or remain aboard and use the water slide. Staying on the boat is not a poor second choice, especially in summer, when the shore can be packed and the water around the landing area becomes the least peaceful part of the visit.

A useful feature is that you can enjoy the sea without committing to the crowded beach area. Some passengers choose to swim from the boat instead, and the slide adds a playful touch. Families should note that the boat has underwater windows, which can make watching fish fun for children when conditions allow.

From May 2025, stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon requires a government-issued access pass. You must obtain it in advance through blcomino.com, and the pass allocation is limited. For this particular cruise, choose the afternoon slot. The responsibility is yours, and no refund is provided if you cannot go ashore because you did not secure the pass.

This new rule is easy to overlook, so handle it before the day of departure. If you do not plan to leave the boat, the pass requirement may not affect you, but check the current official instructions before travelling.

The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but do not expect solitude. In summer, the beach and access points can feel chaotic. Food stands sell basic items such as burgers and fries, so I would eat properly in Gozo or bring a sensible plan for snacks. The boat bar is convenient for drinks and light food, but it is not a full restaurant.

The water may be cold outside the main swimming season. In spring and winter, Comino can still be worthwhile for photographs and walking, even if you decide not to swim.

Comino beyond the water

The stop is centred on the Blue Lagoon, but Comino has more to offer if you use your free time on land. The island has no cars or urban areas, and its paths lead toward St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery.

You will not receive a guided walk to these sites, so use your time realistically. Ninety minutes is enough for a short walk and photographs, but not for a long island hike combined with a swim. The shore may be crowded, while the inland paths can offer a quieter view of Comino.

If swimming is your priority, stay close to the boat and return early. If you have already seen the Blue Lagoon or visit outside summer, walking may be the better use of your time. The flexibility is useful, but it requires you to choose rather than expecting a guide to arrange the stop for you.

The return cruise and Comino’s sea caves

The ride back to Sliema includes a close look at the Comino sea caves. This is a small but memorable finish, particularly if the boat can approach the caves closely and the sea is calm enough for clear views.

The return sailing also gives you a chance to sit down, use the toilet, buy a drink, and sort your photographs. After a hot and busy stop at the lagoon, that quiet spell on the boat can be welcome.

The crew receives strong praise for keeping the day moving and explaining when to return. Captain Jean-Paul is specifically noted for friendly service and coastline commentary on one departure. You may not have the same crew, but the useful point is that the operation depends on clear time reminders rather than a guide shepherding you at every step.

What the $51 price really buys you

The $51 fare is good value if you want coverage and convenience. It includes the scenic cruise, English commentary at sea, Gozo transport, the photo stop, time in Victoria, the Comino stop, use of the water slide, the sea-cave route, and crew assistance.

You would spend more effort, and potentially more money, arranging separate transport to Gozo, a bus to Victoria, and a boat to Comino. This outing bundles those connections into one day and removes the risk of missing an onward departure because you chose the wrong bus.

The fare does not include food, drinks, admission fees in Gozo, hotel transfers, or a guide. The Blue Lagoon access pass is also separate. Add those costs before comparing it with a private excursion or a ferry-based independent day.

I would not choose this for a detailed cultural visit to Gozo. A private guide or a dedicated Gozo day would give you more time and context. I would choose it if my priority were to see Gozo, Comino, and the Blue Lagoon in one manageable outing at a moderate price.

Who will enjoy this boat and bus trip

This experience suits you if you:

• Have only one day for Gozo and Comino
• Prefer organised transport but independent sightseeing
• Want a mix of coast views, a fortress, and swimming
• Are happy with a fast introduction rather than a detailed island visit
• Like having a boat bar, toilets, indoor seating, and outdoor decks
• Want the option to swim from the boat instead of joining the shore crowd

It is less suitable if you use a wheelchair, have a mobility impairment, or are prone to seasickness. The activity is also a poor fit if you need a slow pace, a quiet beach, or continuous historical explanation.

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Do not bring pets, oversize luggage, or large bags. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to reach Sliema Ferries independently.

The cancellation terms are forgiving: you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available starting time when booking, since the activity lasts roughly 7.5 hours.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want an efficient first look at Gozo and Comino, with the fun of a boat ride and the option of a Blue Lagoon swim. The clean boat, helpful crew, clear departure reminders, and reliable Gozo bus connections make the $51 price sensible.

Do not book it expecting a fully guided historical tour or a peaceful Blue Lagoon retreat. Victoria is brief, Comino can be crowded, and the new shore access pass adds one more task before departure.

My practical choice would be to arrive early for an upper-deck seat, eat in Victoria, head to the Citadel before shopping, secure the correct afternoon Blue Lagoon pass, and return to the boat before the crew’s deadline. Follow that plan and this is a strong one-day sampler of Malta’s two smaller islands.

FAQ

How long does the Sliema, Gozo, and Comino trip last?

The activity lasts approximately 7.5 hours, with a morning departure from Sliema Ferries. Check the available start time when booking.

Is this a guided tour?

No. The boat provides English commentary, and an English audio guide is included, but the stops in Victoria and at the Blue Lagoon are free time. No guide accompanies you around the islands.

How much time do you get in Victoria?

You get approximately 75 minutes in Victoria, enough for the Citadel, a short walk, and a coffee or snack. Admissions to attractions in Gozo are not included.

Do you need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. From May 2025, anyone wishing to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon must obtain a government access pass in advance through blcomino.com. Select the afternoon slot for this cruise, and remember that the daily allocation is limited.

Can you swim at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. The stop lasts about 90 minutes, giving you time to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or walk. You can also stay on the boat and use its water slide for a swim.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but the boat has a cash bar selling some snacks and beverages. Plan to buy food in Victoria or bring suitable provisions within the luggage restrictions.