Sliema Cruise to Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon in Beautiful Malta

Malta’s best-known island sights fit into one long day here: Gozo’s hilltop Citadel and Comino’s brilliant Blue Lagoon. You cruise from Sliema, switch to a bus on Gozo, then return to the boat for swimming and a look at the Comino caves.

I like the way this trip combines sightseeing with free time. You get coastal views, an easy visit to Victoria, and a chance to swim from the boat without arranging several separate tickets. I also like the practical boat setup, including toilets, a bar, sundeck, swimming ladders, and a waterslide.

The trade-off is pace. Gozo gets roughly an hour, while the Blue Lagoon stop can take 90 minutes in summer but only 60 minutes in winter. The lagoon is beautiful, yet crowded, and the Gozo bus portion can feel more like transport than a proper guided tour.

Key points to know before booking

• Two islands in one day: A useful choice if you have only a few days in Malta and want Gozo and Comino in one outing.
• Victoria is the main Gozo stop: You have time to visit the Citadel or explore the market, but not enough for a slow, thorough visit.
• The Blue Lagoon is for swimming and photos: It is lovely, but busy, and the boat may anchor some distance from the best-known swimming area.
• The boat is part of the experience: You get a sun deck, bar, toilets, swimming ladders, and a slide when the vessel is anchored.
• Arrive early: The official arrival time is 30 minutes before the 10 a.m. departure, but getting there 45 minutes early helps with wristbands and Blue Lagoon landing arrangements.
• Season changes the stop: The Blue Lagoon visit lasts 90 minutes from April through October and 60 minutes from November through March.

Starting in Sliema at 10 a.m.

Your day begins at Luzzu Cruises, Ferries 4, on Triq Ix-Xatt in Sliema. The boat leaves at 10 a.m., and I would not cut arrival close. The official advice is 30 minutes early, but 45 minutes gives you more breathing room for check-in, wristbands, and any landing pass arrangements.

The departure point is in one of Malta’s main tourist areas and is close to public transport. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to make your own way to Sliema. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, which keeps the return simple.

This is a large-group trip, with up to 200 people. That number matters. You are getting an efficient island day rather than a quiet private cruise. Boarding can feel slightly disorganized, especially when many people are sorting out Blue Lagoon access at once, so read the information sent after booking and deal with any required pass before departure.

The vessel has a bathroom, onboard bar, food and drinks for sale, and a sundeck. Those basics make a seven-and-a-half-hour outing easier, especially since you will spend much of the day moving between islands. Food and drinks are extra, and snorkeling equipment can be hired onboard for €5 per set.

The coastal cruise past Malta’s bays

Once the boat leaves Sliema, the journey itself becomes a sightseeing ride. You pass St Julian’s Bay and St George’s Bay, then continue by Bugibba and Mellieha on the way to Gozo.

The onboard English commentary provides context as the boat moves along Malta’s coast. You should think of it as a broad introduction rather than a detailed history lesson. The best part is the view: bays, shoreline towns, and Malta’s changing coast are easier to appreciate from offshore than from a busy road.

The cruise also gives you a useful sense of distance between Malta’s islands. Gozo is not simply a quick stop around the corner, and the boat ride takes a meaningful portion of the day. If you enjoy being on the water, that travel time feels like part of the holiday. If you mainly want time ashore, the schedule can seem less generous.

Bring a light layer even in warm weather. The boat can feel cool when it is moving, and conditions may change. If the sea turns rough, the open-water sections can be uncomfortable, though the crew has been praised for staying helpful and professional when weather worsened.

Gozo’s Citadel and the short Victoria visit

The boat docks at Gozo’s main harbor, where you transfer to land transport. The Gozo portion includes a photo stop at Qala Belvedere and a stop at Xlendi Bay, described as a scenic place for photographs. Depending on the day and the driver, the exact handling of these stops can vary. One poor experience included a missed Xlendi stop and an unscheduled café break, so you should keep expectations practical.

The main visit is Victoria, Gozo’s capital. You get about an hour to explore independently, and the most worthwhile target is the Citadel, the fortified town on the hill. It gives you the historic core of Victoria and a strong view over the surrounding countryside.

The Citadel is not right beside every drop-off point. Allow time to find your way there, rather than spending the whole stop on lunch or shopping. Some departures leave you at the city bus station, which can mean a walk to the Citadel. Clear directions are not always provided, so ask the driver where the quickest route begins as soon as you get off.

You can also visit the market or simply walk Victoria’s streets. This flexibility suits people who prefer to set their own pace, but it also explains why some visitors find the Gozo section thin. The bus is not a full sightseeing tour with a guide walking you through each site. It is mainly a way to move from the harbor to the island’s capital and scenic points.

I would make the Citadel your priority. Xlendi Bay is attractive for photos, but Victoria offers more to explore. If the bus stops are running late, protect your Citadel time rather than lingering at a café.

The transport itself has received mixed impressions. Some days bring a good driver and a smooth transfer. On other days, the vehicle may be a small tour van, with little commentary and limited help. If you want detailed Gozo interpretation, this is not the strongest option. If you mainly want a quick look at Victoria without arranging buses yourself, it does the job.

Comino and the famous Blue Lagoon

After Gozo, the boat heads to Comino, where the centerpiece is the Blue Lagoon. From April through October, the scheduled stop is 90 minutes. From November through March, it is 60 minutes.

The water is the star. On a clear day, the lagoon has the bright blue color that makes Comino one of Malta’s most photographed places. You can swim, sunbathe, snorkel, or use the boat as a base. The boat has swimming ladders and a waterslide, which adds a playful touch for families and anyone who would rather jump in near the vessel.

You can rent snorkeling equipment onboard for €5 per set. Food and drinks cost extra. There is no mention of storage for personal belongings at the swimming area, so solo swimmers should plan carefully. If you leave your phone, wallet, or bag on the boat, you may not be able to keep an eye on it from the water.

The boat may anchor away from the most famous part of the lagoon. That can mean some of your short stop is spent walking to the water and back. In winter, an hour is enough for photos and a brisk walk, but it leaves little time for a relaxed swim and sightseeing. Even in summer, 90 minutes disappears quickly if you want to do both.

The biggest issue is crowding. The Blue Lagoon is not a quiet natural pool. Boats, swimmers, sunbathers, and shore facilities can make the area feel heavily used. You can still enjoy the color of the water, but do not book this expecting solitude.

If swimming is your main reason for booking, choose the warmest season offered and make the lagoon your priority. If you care more about Gozo’s culture and scenery, you may find the long Blue Lagoon stop less rewarding than additional time in Victoria.

The tour information allows some flexibility at Comino. You can use the boat as your base or go ashore. A landing pass is not included and may need to be arranged for an afternoon slot before departure. Check this carefully before you arrive, since sorting it out at the harbor can create a rushed start.

The Comino caves on the return

Before returning to Sliema, the boat makes a photo stop at the Comino caves, including the Santa Marija Caves. The vessel views the caves from the water, rather than offering a long shore visit.

This is a welcome change of pace after the Blue Lagoon. You can stay on deck, take photographs, and see the rock formations without adding another transfer. The stop depends on sea and weather conditions, so it may be adjusted when the water is rough.

The return cruise also gives you another stretch of Malta’s coast from offshore. By this point, some people will be ready for a quiet seat and a drink from the bar. Others will want the upper deck for final photographs. The boat has enough onboard space to support both styles, though a group of up to 200 means the best seats can go early.

What the $48 price really buys you

At about $48.06 per person, this is a strong value if you want a full day on the water and do not want to coordinate separate transport to Gozo and Comino. The price includes the boat cruise, English commentary onboard, Gozo land transport, the scenic stops, the Blue Lagoon visit, and the Comino caves.

It does not include hotel transfers, meals, drinks, snorkeling equipment, or a Blue Lagoon landing pass. Those extras are not surprising, but they affect the final cost. You should also budget for whatever you buy in Victoria or onboard.

The value depends on your priorities. For a first visit to Malta, seeing two islands in one day is efficient. You get a broad taste of Gozo, a look at Comino, and a long coastal cruise. For a slower holiday, the schedule may feel hurried, especially at Victoria.

I see this as a good middle-ground option. It costs more than simply finding your own ferry, but it gives you a set route and transport on Gozo. It costs less than a small private boat experience, but you accept a larger group and less personal attention.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend it to you if you:

• Have limited time in Malta and want Gozo and Comino on the same day.
• Like boat rides as much as the stops themselves.
• Want a straightforward way to reach the Blue Lagoon.
• Prefer independent time in Victoria rather than a tightly guided walking tour.
• Are happy with a large, organized group.
• Want the option to swim from the boat, use the waterslide, or relax on deck.

I would think twice if you:

• Want a detailed guided tour of Gozo.
• Need lots of time at the Citadel and in Victoria.
• Dislike crowded swimming spots.
• Want a small, quiet sailing trip.
• Are booking mainly for a long swim in the Blue Lagoon during winter.
• Need hotel pickup or included meals.

Families can find plenty to like, especially the slide and ladders. The outing also works for couples and solo visitors, but solo swimmers should be especially careful with valuables. Anyone with limited mobility should note that the day involves boarding a boat, transferring to land transport, and moving around at the stops. The activity states that most people can participate, but it does not promise full step-free access.

Practical ways to make the day better

Arrive 45 minutes before departure, even though 30 minutes is the stated minimum. This gives you time to receive your wristband, find the correct boarding point, and handle any Blue Lagoon landing requirement.

Wear shoes suitable for rough ground and bring water shoes for the lagoon. The rocks can be sharp, and the swimming areas are not a soft sandy beach. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and a light layer for the moving boat.

Keep your Gozo plan simple. Head for the Citadel first, then use any remaining time for Victoria’s streets or the market. Do not assume the bus driver will provide a full explanation or lead you to the Citadel entrance.

If you want a seat on the sundeck, arrive early when boarding begins. If you are prone to seasickness, the open sea can be demanding in poor weather, so check conditions and carry whatever remedy you normally use.

The tour requires good weather. If conditions force cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

Should you book this Malta island cruise?

Book it if you want an efficient introduction to Malta’s two most popular island stops, and you can accept a busy schedule. The strongest parts are the coastal cruise, the friendly crew, the easy combination of Gozo and Comino, and the chance to swim from a well-equipped boat.

Do not book it expecting a detailed Gozo tour or a peaceful Blue Lagoon escape. The Citadel visit is short, the bus service may be basic, and Comino can be crowded. At this price, I think it is a sensible choice for a first Malta visit or a short stay, especially if you value seeing a lot in one day more than exploring one place slowly.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The boat departs from Luzzu Cruises, Ferries 4, Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema SLM 1023, Malta. You should arrive 30 minutes before the 10 a.m. departure, though arriving 45 minutes early is a useful precaution.

How long is the full experience?

The trip lasts approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes and returns to the same meeting point in Sliema.

How much time do I get at the Blue Lagoon?

From April through October, the scheduled Blue Lagoon stop is 90 minutes. From November through March, it is 60 minutes.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are available for purchase at the onboard bar, but they are not included in the tour price.

Can I rent snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available to hire from the onboard bar for €5 per set.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. The activity also requires a minimum number of participants, and a cancellation for that reason offers the same choices.