Malta: Full-Day Gozo and Blue Lagoon Cruise

The best part of this day is the contrast: one boat ride gives you Gozo’s hilltop Cittadella and Comino’s clear swimming water. You cruise past St. Paul’s Island and Mellieha, then trade stone walls and city streets for a salty afternoon at the Blue Lagoon.

I like the simple route and the price. At $45 per person, you get the cruise, transport to Victoria, transport to Qala Belvedere, and onboard facilities without arranging ferries and buses yourself. I also like that you have enough time for a proper swim, not just a quick photo stop.

The main drawback is the tight schedule in Gozo. Seventy-five minutes is enough to climb toward the Cittadella and grab a snack, but not enough for a broad visit to Victoria. This is a boat-and-swim day with a short city stop, not a full Gozo sightseeing tour.

Key points to know before you book

• The Gozo stop is independent time, not a guided city tour: You are dropped near Victoria and told when to return.
• The Cittadella is the main target: With only 75 minutes, head there first rather than wandering.
• The Blue Lagoon stop is the day’s longest pleasure stop: You can swim, snorkel, or stay on the beach for roughly two hours.
• The boat can be crowded: Seating near the engine may mean more noise, fumes, and less comfort.
• The upper deck costs extra: A sunbed on the top level may be available for about EUR 10.
• Comino now requires a free walking ticket: From May 1, 2025, book the 13:30 to 17:30 time slot at blcomino.com.

What this Malta cruise actually offers

This is a full-day sea outing built around two famous stops. You leave from Sliema, cruise along Malta’s northern coast, spend a short period in Gozo’s capital, then head to Comino for the Blue Lagoon before returning to Malta.

The schedule is straightforward, but the word tour can cause confusion. In Gozo, you do not receive a long guided visit through Victoria. The bus takes you into the city, and you explore on your own for 75 minutes before meeting the group again.

That makes the trip easy for independent visitors who want a look at Gozo without hiring a car. It is less useful if you want detailed local commentary, several Gozo villages, or a visit to attractions beyond Victoria and the Cittadella.

The boat itself is a large vessel with several seating areas. You may find open-air sunbeds on the upper deck for an added charge, while standard seating is included. Bring a light layer even in warm weather. The ride can feel cold when wind picks up, especially on the way out in spring.

Leaving Sliema at 10:30

Your meeting point is the Yellow Malta Sightseeing Booth opposite McDonald’s at Sliema Ferries. Be there by 10:00, since the boat leaves at 10:30. The activity returns to this same point in the evening.

Sliema is a practical departure spot, but do not arrive at the last minute. You need to find the booth, check in, and locate your place on the boat. If you are relying on a pickup message, keep checking your email. One reported problem was a late arrival of the pickup details, which caused needless worry before the day began.

Once underway, the cruise gives you a different view of Malta. You pass along the northern coast with views toward St. Paul’s Island and Mellieha. This is not a narrated sightseeing cruise packed with facts, but it is a pleasant way to connect the islands.

The English-speaking host and English audio guide cover the basic support provided. The boat has onboard facilities, though comfort depends on where you sit. There is only one small toilet, so expect a queue at busy moments and plan ahead before the boat gets moving.

Some departures include attempts to sell extra boat rides or snorkeling equipment. Snorkel gear is not included, but it may be available to rent. Food and drinks are also your responsibility, so bring water and something to eat if you do not want to buy items onboard.

Victoria and the Cittadella in 75 minutes

Gozo’s capital is referred to as Rabat and Victoria in the activity details. You are taken by bus into the city, then given free time. The most worthwhile use of that time is the Cittadella, the fortified high point above Victoria.

The Cittadella gives you a compact introduction to Gozo. Its walls, elevated position, and views make it easy to understand why this site matters, even during a short visit. You can walk uphill, look around the fortifications, and return toward the meeting point for a snack or brief city walk.

But you need to manage the clock carefully. Seventy-five minutes sounds generous until you account for the bus transfer, walking to the Cittadella, climbing up, taking photos, and getting back to the pickup point. I would make the Cittadella your first stop, then use any remaining time for food or a quick look at Victoria.

This is not the right excursion for a slow café morning in Gozo. You will not have time to explore at an unhurried pace, and you should not plan on seeing the whole island. The bus transfer is useful, yet it also limits your independence and adds another point where delays can eat into your visit.

Some people expect a wider Gozo tour or a stop at the former Azure Window site. That is not part of this route. The advertised Gozo experience centers on Victoria, the Cittadella, and the transport connection back to the boat.

The return transfer can feel crowded. At busy times, passengers may be packed onto buses while everyone tries to get back to the vessel. More buses would make this stage easier, but you should still expect a group operation rather than a private excursion.

Cruising toward Comino

After Gozo, the boat heads toward Comino. This second part of the day changes the mood completely. Instead of racing through city streets, you get time to sit by the water, swim, snorkel, or relax on the beach.

The Blue Lagoon is the main reason many people choose this trip. Its clear turquoise water is appealing from the boat, and the stop gives you a useful amount of time to enjoy it rather than simply passing by. The exact schedule can slip, though, and some departures reach the lagoon later than planned.

Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. Water shoes may be useful for getting in and out of the water, but they are not listed as an included item. Snorkeling equipment is extra, so bring your own if you already have it or budget for a rental.

The lagoon can be busy. A beautiful setting does not guarantee solitude, especially on a large group cruise. You may need to move away from the busiest patch of shore to find a little breathing room, and beach space can be limited.

There is also an important new rule for Comino. From May 1, 2025, you need a free ticket to walk on the island. Get it online at blcomino.com and select the 13:30 to 17:30 slot. Officials scan the QR code when you arrive. Without it, you cannot walk on Comino, although you can still swim beside the boat.

Do this before departure rather than trying to sort it out at the lagoon. Save the QR code on your phone, and make sure each person in your group has the required ticket.

Seating, drinks, and extra costs

The base price is attractive because it covers the major transport pieces. You avoid arranging the Malta to Gozo connection, a bus into Victoria, and the transfer to the Blue Lagoon. For $45, that is solid value if your goal is a simple island day with a substantial swim stop.

The price does not cover meals, drinks, or snorkeling equipment. Pack a bottle of water and food if you want to control costs. Some passengers have also been told about free drinks, while others found that the offer had changed or was limited to a short window, roughly 11:30 to 13:00. Treat drinks as not included unless the operator confirms the current offer when you book.

The upper deck is another possible extra. An open-air sunbed may cost around EUR 10. That could be worthwhile if you want a better place to sunbathe, but it is frustrating if the charge is not clear before boarding. Standard seating remains part of the basic trip.

Boat position matters. Sitting near the engine can mean more smell and noise. The top level may give you better air and sun, while lower seating can be preferable if you want shade. Arrive early enough to have some choice, but do not assume every seat is equally comfortable.

Timing and the risk of a late return

The stated duration is eight hours, but allow flexibility around the schedule. One departure returned later than the planned 16:00 time, reaching Malta closer to 17:00. That may not ruin your day, but it matters if you have a dinner reservation, airport transfer, or evening show.

The cruise has several moving parts: boat boarding, the Gozo bus, the return transfer, and the Comino stop. A delay at one stage can affect the next. Malta’s relaxed approach to time may also show up here, so avoid booking something immediately after the advertised return.

The tradeoff is easy to understand. A fixed group cruise gives you a lower price and removes much of the transport work. In exchange, you give up control over the timetable. If you want a precise schedule, a private car and independent ferry plan may suit you better, though it will require more planning and likely more money.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this excursion to you if you want to see Gozo and swim at the Blue Lagoon in one uncomplicated day. It suits first-time Malta visitors, families who prefer organized transport, and anyone who does not want to plan separate ferries and buses.

It is also a good match for swimmers and sun seekers. The water stop is the strongest part of the program, and you get enough time to enjoy it properly. Bring your own snorkel gear if you care about snorkeling and want to avoid a rental charge.

You may not like it if you prefer small groups, quiet beaches, or long cultural visits. The boat can be crowded, the toilet is small, and the Gozo portion is too brief for a full city visit. Independent hikers and photographers may also find the fixed route restrictive.

Wheelchair access is listed, which makes this more practical for some visitors than a self-planned island day. Still, the short Gozo stop, bus transfer, boat layout, and beach conditions are worth confirming with the provider if you have specific mobility needs.

What to pack for the boat and islands

Keep your essentials in a small day bag that you can carry easily between the boat, bus, and shore. I would bring:

• Comfortable shoes for Victoria and the Cittadella
• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen
• Drinking water
• Food or snacks
• A light layer for the windy boat ride
• Your Comino QR code
• Snorkeling gear if you prefer not to rent it

You should also protect your phone during the swim stop. The clearest water is part of the appeal, but boats, wet walkways, and crowded shore areas are not ideal places for loose valuables.

Is the $45 price fair?

For the route provided, yes, with limits. The cruise, transport into Victoria, and Comino stop make the fare reasonable for a full day. You are paying for convenience more than personal attention.

The value drops if you expect a guided Gozo tour, included food, free drinks, or premium seating. Add the possible EUR 10 upper-deck fee, plus lunch, drinks, and snorkel rental, and your real spending can rise.

I would compare this with the cost and effort of arranging a Gozo visit and Blue Lagoon trip separately. If you are comfortable with a group schedule, this package saves work. If you want more time in Victoria or a quieter boat, spend more on a smaller or private option.

Should you book this Gozo and Blue Lagoon cruise?

Book it if you want one affordable day covering two major island stops, and you are happy with a large boat, a short Gozo visit, and a busy Blue Lagoon. Put the Cittadella first, arrive early at Sliema, bring food and water, and secure the free Comino walking ticket before you go.

Skip it if Gozo is your main priority. Seventy-five minutes is simply not enough for a relaxed visit, and this route does not take you around the wider island. For a swim-focused day with a quick taste of Gozo, though, it delivers the basic plan at a sensible price.

FAQ

Where does the cruise begin?

Meet at 10:00 at the Sliema Ferries meeting point, opposite McDonald’s. Look for the Yellow Malta Sightseeing Booth. The boat leaves at 10:30.

Where does the activity finish?

The cruise returns to the same meeting point at Sliema Ferries.

How long does the activity last?

The listed duration is eight hours. Actual return times can vary, so leave some flexibility in your evening plans.

How much free time do I get in Victoria?

You get 75 minutes of free time in Victoria, also called Rabat in the activity details. This allows time for the Cittadella and a short look around the city.

Is this a guided tour of Victoria?

No. Transport to Victoria is included, but the city visit is free time rather than a detailed guided walking tour.

Do I need a ticket to walk on Comino?

From May 1, 2025, you need a free online ticket to walk on Comino. Choose the 13:30 to 17:30 slot at blcomino.com and keep the QR code ready for scanning on arrival.

Can I visit Comino without the free ticket?

Without the QR code, you will not be allowed to walk on Comino. You can still swim next to the boat.

Are food, drinks, and snorkeling equipment included?

No. Food, drinks, and snorkeling equipment are not included. Snorkeling equipment may be available to rent, and you should bring your own food and water if needed.