Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay: Best of Gozo and Comino Day Trip

The big draw here is simple: you see Gozo and Comino in one day without arranging ferries, buses, and connections yourself. You cruise Malta’s northeastern coast, visit Gozo’s capital and its old fortress, then finish with a swim at the Blue Lagoon.

I like the easy combination of boat views and a Gozo bus transfer, and I like that the crew handles the awkward Mġarr Harbour connection. The catch is time. Victoria gets only about 1.5 hours, and Comino can be intensely crowded, especially in summer.

Key points

• Two islands in one outing: Gozo and Comino are both included, with return boat transport.
• The Citadel is within reach: You can walk from Victoria into Gozo’s medieval fortress during your free time.
• Blue Lagoon access now needs planning: Since May 2025, you must obtain a government pass before stepping ashore.
• The boat is comfortable: Expect air-conditioning, toilets, WiFi, and English commentary over the PA system.
• Go early for a better seat: The boat can fill up, and the best places for open views go quickly.
• This is independent sightseeing: You receive transport and assistance, not a personal guide at each stop.

One boat, two islands, and a tightly packed day

This $52 trip is designed for people who want a broad taste of Gozo and Comino rather than a slow, detailed visit to either island. The total outing lasts about 7 to 7.5 hours, with the exact start time depending on your chosen departure point and date.

You can board at Sliema Ferries or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. The boat is a modern catamaran with air-conditioning, toilets, and WiFi. English commentary plays over the PA system during the cruise, so you get some context as Malta slips behind you, though this is not a fully guided tour.

I see the main value in the transport. Gozo’s roads and connections can take planning, while this trip moves you from the harbor to Victoria by bus and brings you back to the boat afterward. You do not need to work out the ferry and local bus system on your own.

Still, you should know what you are buying. This is a transport-led day with free time, not a private sightseeing tour. At Victoria and Comino, you explore on your own and must return to the agreed meeting point on time. The boat will not wait for late arrivals.

Cruising from Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay

The morning begins with a coastal cruise toward Gozo. One available departure has been around 11:30 a.m., so check the current time carefully before booking. A later start can make the outing feel more like an afternoon-and-evening trip than a full day, particularly in summer when the sun stays out late.

The boat ride gives you a useful change of pace. Instead of spending the whole day on roads, you get views of Malta’s rocky northeastern coast and the open Mediterranean. If you like fresh air and photographs, arrive early and choose a seat with a clear view. The upper areas can be sunny, while indoor seating offers shade and air-conditioning.

The boat may become crowded. You might find yourself choosing between a good outside seat and a cooler spot indoors, so your priorities matter. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where the movement feels least noticeable and bring motion sickness prevention. The crossing is not always calm. Strong winds on the return journey can make the catamaran move sharply, even when the crew is doing everything properly.

The staff generally provide clear instructions and help with the transfers, but announcements can be fast or hard to understand. Listen closely when the driver explains which bus to use at Mġarr Harbour, and keep the return instructions handy.

Gozo by bus, with Victoria as your main stop

After arriving at Mġarr Harbour, you board a sightseeing bus for the ride to Victoria. The route passes churches, local landmarks, villages, and Gozo’s distinctive countryside. This gives you a quick look at the island beyond the harbor, but the bus ride is not accompanied by audio commentary.

That missing narration matters. You will see plenty from the windows, but you should not expect a guide to explain every church or roadside view. The English commentary applies to the boat cruise, not to the Gozo bus. If you want detailed background, you will need to read up before you go or use your time in Victoria to focus on the places that interest you most.

Victoria, also called Rabat, is Gozo’s capital. You get approximately 1.5 hours of free time there. That is enough to walk around the center and visit the Citadel, but it is not enough for a leisurely exploration of every corner.

The Citadel is the obvious priority. This medieval fortress rises above Victoria and has an imposing military shape that you can see from much of the island. Its position gives you a strong sense of Gozo’s scale, with rooftops, fields, and villages spreading out below.

Admission to Gozo sites is not included. You can visit the Citadel area during your free time, but any paid attraction or interior admission is your responsibility. Keep an eye on the clock. It is easy to spend most of the stop wandering through the fortress and then face a rushed walk back to the bus.

The bus transfer is practical but can feel untidy when several vehicles are loading at once. At Mġarr Harbour, make sure you know the exact bus returning to the waterfront. Do not simply follow the largest group. The driver’s instructions are more useful than the general crowd, and missing the correct bus can create a serious problem because the boat departs on schedule.

The Citadel in 90 minutes

If the Citadel is your main reason for visiting Gozo, use your time with a plan. Walk directly toward the fortress rather than spending the first half-hour browsing around Victoria. The old walls and high position are the main reward, and you can return toward the center afterward if time allows.

I like this stop because it provides more than a quick photo opportunity. The Citadel gives you a physical introduction to Gozo’s past and geography. You can see why a fortified high point mattered, while the views help you understand the island better than a bus ride alone.

The drawback is the short visit. One and a half hours passes quickly, especially if you want food, shopping, photographs, and a paid site visit. Bring comfortable shoes and avoid carrying a large bag, since oversize luggage is not allowed on the activity.

Some departure times may leave you with less time than expected because of loading delays or traffic. Keep your plans flexible and return to the assigned bus meeting place early. The return trip to Mġarr is not the time to squeeze in one last shop.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon

From Mġarr, you return to the catamaran and continue to Comino. You get approximately two hours on the island, centered on the famous Blue Lagoon.

The water is the star here: clear, turquoise, and shallow-looking from the shore, with a pale seabed and marine life below. If swimming and photographs are your priorities, this is the part of the day you will remember most. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Wearing your swimsuit under your clothes can save time because the boat toilet may become crowded when many people change at once.

The Blue Lagoon is also the busiest part of the trip. Its beauty draws large numbers of people, and the beach and access areas can feel packed. The water may look peaceful in photographs, but your actual stop can include crowded shorelines, noise, and limited room to settle down.

That does not make the stop worthless. It simply changes the experience. Think of it as a timed swim break at a famous natural site, not as a quiet island escape. Two hours is enough for a swim and some sun, but not enough to find a secluded corner or explore Comino at a relaxed pace.

Since May 2025, you need an official government access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. You obtain it in advance through blcomino.com, and the allocation is limited. For this excursion, select the afternoon timeslot when applying. Without the pass, you cannot disembark at the Blue Lagoon, so this is an essential step rather than a minor booking detail.

Optional caves trip and other Comino choices

An optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon costs about €15 per person, payable locally. It is not part of the $52 price, so bring cash if you want to add it.

The extra ride can be a good use of your Comino stop if you have already seen enough of the Blue Lagoon or want more time on the water. A speedboat can reach views and cave areas that the main catamaran does not provide. The tradeoff is less time for swimming, sitting, or walking on Comino.

Outside the lagoon, Comino has no cars or urban areas. In cooler months, that makes it more appealing for walking and photography. Trails lead toward St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery. In warm, crowded months, however, two hours may not be enough to combine a proper walk with swimming.

The schedule favors the lagoon. If you want Comino’s paths and historic structures, treat the Blue Lagoon as only one part of the stop and watch your time closely. The boat remains at the destination only as scheduled, so you must return when told.

Is $52 good value?

At $52 per person, the price is fair for the amount of transport included. You receive the coastal cruise, the return boat journey, the Gozo bus connection, free time in Victoria, and about two hours at Comino. Booking these pieces separately could take more time and make the day harder to coordinate.

The price does not cover everything. You pay for food and drinks, Gozo admissions, the optional caves boat, and the Blue Lagoon access pass if a fee applies. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you must reach Sliema or Buġibba Jetty yourself.

I would call it good value for a first visit when your priority is seeing both islands in a single day. I would not choose it for a quiet beach day, a detailed Gozo tour, or a flexible schedule. The convenience is the product. You give up depth and independence in exchange for a straightforward route.

The operator, Robert Arrigo & Sons Limited, provides the boat, crew, staff, and driver. The catamaran is air-conditioned and has useful basics such as toilets and WiFi. Staff are generally friendly and helpful, though organization can feel strained when many people arrive at once.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

You are a good match for this outing if you want:

• A simple way to combine Gozo and Comino
• A coastal cruise rather than a full day on a coach
• Time for the Citadel without planning your own island transport
• A scheduled swim at the Blue Lagoon
• A budget-friendly introduction to Malta’s sister islands

I would think twice if you dislike crowds, need long stops, or often feel seasick. It is also unsuitable for wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments, according to the activity restrictions.

Families and active couples may like the mix of transport, sightseeing, and swimming, but the day asks you to keep moving. You should be comfortable boarding boats, changing transport at Mġarr, walking around Victoria, and returning promptly to meeting points.

Practical advice before you book

Arrive early if you want a better seat on the boat. Bring cash for the optional caves trip and personal purchases, along with sun protection and comfortable shoes.

Do not bring large bags or oversize luggage. Pets are not allowed. Pack lightly, especially if you plan to swim and then continue moving between the boat, bus, and shore.

Check the Blue Lagoon pass before departure, and choose the afternoon slot required for this trip. Also check the meeting point and starting time attached to your selected departure option, since Sliema and Buġibba departures differ.

Finally, leave room for weather. Wind can make the return crossing rough, and a calm morning does not guarantee a calm afternoon. If you have a weak stomach on boats, prepare accordingly or choose an experience with less time at sea.

My verdict: book it for range, not solitude

I would book this tour if I had one spare day in Malta and wanted a practical first look at Gozo and Comino. The boat is comfortable, the crew provides useful assistance, and the route covers the Citadel and Blue Lagoon without forcing you to arrange several connections.

I would skip it if the Blue Lagoon crowd would ruin the day for you or if you want to explore Gozo beyond Victoria. For the best fit, book with realistic expectations: this is a well-organized island sampler, not a slow, guided discovery of every corner.

FAQ

Where can I board the boat?

You can depart from Sliema Ferries in Sliema or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. The meeting point depends on the option you book.

How long does the experience last?

The trip lasts approximately 7 to 7.5 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date and departure point.

Is a guide included?

No personal tour guide is included. The cruise has English commentary over the PA system, while the stops in Victoria and Comino are free time. The Gozo bus does not include audio commentary.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, you must obtain an official government access pass in advance to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. You can apply through blcomino.com, and you must select the afternoon timeslot for this trip.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so you should bring money or your own suitable refreshments. Cash is recommended in the preparation information.

Can I visit the Comino Caves?

You can pay for an optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon. It costs approximately €15 per person and is payable on location.

Is the trip suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. It is also not recommended for people prone to seasickness.