Full Day Cruise to Gozo & Blue Lagoon with visit to Rabat

The real draw here is the combination of Gozo’s hilltop Cittadella and Comino’s Blue Lagoon in one day. I like the north-coast cruise, with views toward St. Paul’s Island and Mellieha, and I like that the $41 price includes the boat, Gozo bus transfer, and onboard facilities. The tradeoff is simple: you get a taste of Gozo, not a full island tour.

I also like the generous swimming stop and the easy, no-planning-needed format. But you should expect a busy boat, limited time in Victoria, and possible delays. The upper sun deck may cost extra, the boat has only one small toilet, and food and drinks are not included.

Key points to know before you book

• Victoria means Rabat on this trip: You’ll have about 75 minutes in Gozo’s capital, enough for a quick look at Cittadella, a snack, and a short walk.
• The Blue Lagoon is the main event: You can swim or snorkel beside the boat, or walk onto Comino with the required free QR ticket.
• The boat leaves Sliema at 10:30: Meet at 10:00 at the Yellow Malta Sightseeing Booth opposite McDonald’s at Sliema Ferries.
• Gozo transport is included: A bus takes you from the landing point to Victoria and includes transport toward Qala Belvedere.
• Bring your own supplies: Food, drinks, and snorkeling equipment are not included. Snorkeling gear is available to rent.
• Comino now requires a free entry ticket: Choose the 13:30 to 17:30 time slot at blcomino.com from May 1, 2025 onward.

What this eight-hour Malta cruise is really like

This is a full-day boat outing built around two stops, not a detailed guided tour of Gozo. You cruise north from Malta, transfer by bus into Victoria, return to the boat, and then spend the afternoon at Comino’s Blue Lagoon before sailing back to Malta.

That structure works well if you want Malta’s famous water views without arranging ferries, buses, and island connections yourself. It works less well if Gozo is high on your list and you want time for several villages, museums, or archaeological sites.

The activity includes English commentary and an English audio guide. The information supplied does not name an individual guide, so you should think of this as a boat excursion with organized transfers rather than a personal walking tour.

The boat has onboard facilities, but the exact setup matters. One account described only one very small toilet. On a full boat, that can mean a queue, especially after swimming or before the return crossing. Plan ahead when you can.

Meeting at Sliema Ferries at 10:00

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

That half-hour gap is useful, since a busy waterfront meeting point can take a little sorting out. Keep the meeting instructions handy on your phone, and do not rely on arriving at the last minute. One past booking described the meeting directions as unclear until several calls and emails settled the matter, so the yellow booth is the detail to focus on.

The boat’s departure time and the actual return time can vary. A past outing sailed home later than expected, and delays are possible when loading passengers or when sea conditions slow the schedule. I would avoid booking a tight evening plan after this trip.

Cruising past St. Paul’s Island and Mellieha

The first part of the day is the cruise itself. As you head along Malta’s northern coast, you’ll see St. Paul’s Island and the Mellieha area from the water.

This is a good reason to choose a boat trip rather than simply taking a fast ferry. The sea gives you a wider view of Malta’s coast, and the trip turns transportation into part of the day. Commentary continues throughout the cruise, so you have context while you sit, stand outside, or watch from the upper level.

Bring a light layer even in warm weather. The open deck can feel chilly on the outward run because of the wind, especially in spring. One April outing was described as surprisingly cold on the way out. Comfortable shoes also help, since the day includes boat decks, bus steps, streets, and possibly the uphill route into Cittadella.

You may choose to pay extra for an upper sunbed area. The cost reported for the top level was €10, but this is not part of the stated tour price. I would treat it as an optional comfort upgrade, not an expected feature.

Victoria and Cittadella in a 75-minute stop

After reaching Gozo, you board a bus for Victoria, the island’s capital. You may also see it called Rabat. The name can cause confusion, but this is the same central Gozo stop described in the itinerary.

You have about 75 minutes of free time. That is enough to walk toward Cittadella, climb to its higher points, take in the views, and grab a quick snack. It is not enough for a relaxed visit to every corner of the old citadel or a broad tour of central Victoria.

I would make Cittadella your first target. Its elevated position gives you the clearest sense of Gozo, and reaching the top should take priority over browsing shops or stopping for a long meal. If you have mobility concerns, a baby stroller, or anyone in your group who needs a slower pace, the short stop will feel tighter.

This is also where the tour’s limits are most obvious. You are not getting a full guided look at Gozo’s villages or countryside. Transport toward Victoria and Qala Belvedere is included, but the schedule leaves little room to wander far from the main center.

The bus return can also feel crowded. One past account described passengers being packed onto the buses like sardines. The issue is not the destination itself, but the fixed return time and the number of people moving at once. Listen carefully for the meeting instructions and return early rather than squeezing in one more stop.

Returning to the boat and heading for Comino

After Victoria, you board the bus back toward the boat. Then the cruise continues to Comino, where the Blue Lagoon takes over the afternoon.

The timing is designed to give you a substantial water stop. Past schedules describe roughly 1.5 to two hours at the lagoon, although sailing times and loading can affect the exact amount. This is enough time to swim, snorkel, sit on the beach, and dry off, but it is not an unlimited beach day.

Since May 1, 2025, you need a free ticket to walk onto Comino. Get it online at blcomino.com and choose the 13:30 to 17:30 time slot. Your QR code will be scanned by Comino officials on arrival. Without it, you can still swim beside the boat, but you cannot walk onto the island.

That rule is easy to miss and important to handle before departure. Save the QR code where you can reach it without an internet connection. The ticket is free, so it does not change the tour’s price, but forgetting it changes what you can do at the stop.

Swimming at the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is the strongest part of the itinerary for most people who want a Malta boat day. The water is clear and turquoise, and you can swim or snorkel directly in the area around the boat. If you have the Comino QR ticket, you can also walk onto the island and use the beach.

Expect this to be popular. The lagoon may be crowded, especially in the warmer months, so it is best to think of the stop as a beautiful shared swimming area rather than a quiet cove. The color of the water is the reward, but privacy is not guaranteed.

Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. You’ll want sun protection even if you plan to stay on the boat. Snorkeling equipment is not included, though you can rent it. If you already own a mask, bringing it may be simpler, but the supplied details do not specify rental prices or the exact equipment available.

If you are traveling with a baby or someone who does not swim, the Blue Lagoon may be less comfortable than it sounds. There is little to do beyond swimming, sitting by the water, or relaxing on the boat, and the setting can be crowded. Families should also plan for a long day in the sun, with limited private space.

Food, drinks, and the small costs that matter

The listed price is $41 per person. For a day that includes the cruise to Gozo and Comino, an organized Gozo transfer, English commentary, and the Blue Lagoon stop, that is a fair price if you want convenience more than independence.

The price does not include food or drinks. Bring water and something to eat, or be prepared to buy supplies during the day. Older arrangements may have included limited free drinks, but the current details specifically exclude food and drinks. I would not count on complimentary beverages.

There may also be an optional charge for the top deck or sunbed section. The reported figure was €10. Confirm the cost before paying, especially if having a particular seat matters to you.

The most important value question is how you use the Gozo stop. If you want to say you have visited Gozo, see Cittadella, and enjoy the Blue Lagoon in one day, the price makes sense. If your main goal is to explore Gozo properly, a dedicated Gozo excursion with more time on land would likely be a better use of your money.

Comfort, crowds, and the rhythm of the day

The boat is large enough to carry a sizeable group, which helps keep the price down but reduces the sense of personal space. Seating may be inside, outside, or near the engine. One past account noted an unpleasant smell and a preference for a shaded upper level away from the engine.

Choose your seat early if you have a strong preference. Shade, fresh air, and a clear view can make a real difference over eight hours. The top deck may be the best place for views, but check whether it carries the extra fee.

The schedule can also run on island time. A late sailing or delayed return does not necessarily ruin the day, but you should leave room around the activity. A previous outing returned at 5:00 instead of 4:00, and the slower pace was accepted as part of Malta’s relaxed rhythm. I would still treat the advertised timing as approximate.

The experience is listed as wheelchair accessible. Since the itinerary includes a boat, bus transfer, city walking, Cittadella, and a beach or swim stop, you should confirm the practical details for your specific needs before booking. The supplied information does not explain which parts of the route have step-free access.

Who should book this Malta day trip?

I would choose this tour if you want:

• A simple way to visit both Gozo and Comino in one day
• A scenic cruise instead of separate ferry planning
• A short introduction to Victoria and Cittadella
• Plenty of time for swimming at the Blue Lagoon
• A modest price with transport included
• English commentary and an organized schedule

I would hesitate if you want:

• Several hours to explore Gozo
• A quiet, uncrowded beach
• A personal guide walking with you in Victoria
• Guaranteed punctual departures and return times
• Meals, drinks, or snorkeling gear included
• A relaxed day with very little time on a crowded boat

The tour suits couples, friends, and active families who can manage a long day and are happy to follow a fixed timetable. It is less suitable for anyone who dislikes group transport, needs frequent private facilities, or wants to set their own pace.

Should you book the Gozo and Blue Lagoon cruise?

Book it if your priority is seeing two of Malta’s best-known island stops without complicated planning. The Blue Lagoon is the clear highlight, and the cruise adds attractive coastal views rather than treating transport as dead time.

Go in with realistic expectations. Victoria is a quick stop, not a full Gozo tour. The boat can be crowded, drinks are not included, the upper deck may cost extra, and the Comino QR ticket is now essential if you want to walk onto the island.

At $41, this is a practical introduction to Gozo and Comino. Choose it for variety, swimming, and ease. Skip it in favor of a longer Gozo tour if Cittadella and the island itself matter more to you than the Blue Lagoon.

FAQ

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts about eight hours.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at 10:00 at Sliema Ferries, opposite McDonald’s. Look for the Yellow Malta Sightseeing Booth.

What time does the boat leave?

The boat leaves at 10:30.

Is Victoria the same place as Rabat on this tour?

Yes. Victoria is also referred to as Rabat, and it is the capital city of Gozo.

How much free time do I get in Victoria?

You have about 75 minutes to explore Victoria and Cittadella.

Is transport to Victoria included?

Yes. Transport to Victoria and Qala Belvedere is included.

Do I need a ticket to visit Comino?

From May 1, 2025, you need a free QR ticket to walk onto Comino. Select the 13:30 to 17:30 time slot at blcomino.com.

Are food, drinks, and snorkeling equipment included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Snorkeling equipment is available to rent.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.