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

Gozo and Comino make Malta’s best one-day island combination, and this trip links them by scenic boat, bus, and sea views without asking you to arrange separate ferries or taxis. You will see Gozo’s countryside, Victoria’s Citadel, and the Blue Lagoon in one long day.

I like the smooth mix of transport and free time, and I like that the boat has toilets, a cash bar, indoor seating, outdoor decks, and a waterslide. The main catch is simple: Victoria gets only about 75 minutes, and the Blue Lagoon can be intensely crowded in warm months.

Key points at a glance

• See two islands in one day: Cruise from Sliema to Gozo, continue to Comino, and return past the Comino sea caves.
• Gozo by minibus: Ride from Mgarr Harbour to Victoria, with a short photo stop at a bay or the Qala Belvedere.
• Victoria’s Citadel: Use your free time to visit the medieval fortress, Cathedral area, cafés, or shops.
• Blue Lagoon stop: Spend about 90 minutes swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, walking, or staying on the boat.
• Practical boat comforts: Toilets, a cash bar, snacks, drinks, crew assistance, and a waterslide are included.
• Book the Blue Lagoon pass: Since May 2025, you need a government access pass to go ashore, and you must select the afternoon slot.

Why this Sliema day trip works

At $51 per person, this is a useful way to cover a lot of Malta’s northern islands in one day. You are paying for the cruise, the Gozo bus connection, crew assistance, the stop in Victoria, and the Comino visit. Food, drinks, site admissions, and the government pass for stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon cost extra.

I see this as a transport-focused island sampler, not a traditional sightseeing tour. You receive English commentary on the boat, but there is no walking guide leading you around Victoria or the Citadel. Once you leave the bus, you explore at your own pace and keep an eye on the return time.

That arrangement suits me when I want freedom and a clear route. It is less useful if you want detailed explanations at every church, fortress, and village. The boat crew and driver give instructions, but you need to manage your own sightseeing.

The overall day lasts about 7.5 hours. That sounds generous, but travel between islands takes time. The schedule gives you a taste of Gozo and a proper Blue Lagoon stop, not a full tour of either island.

Leaving Sliema for Gozo by boat

The meeting point is at Sliema Ferries, with a morning departure. Arrive early if you want an open-air seat on the upper deck. One passenger arrived 20 minutes before departure and still found many of those seats taken. The boat has indoor seating too, but the best views come from outside.

The first sailing heads north along Malta’s shoreline. You will see rugged coast, bays, and other coastal sights while the English commentary points out what you are passing. This is one of the strongest parts of the day because the boat gives you a broad view of Malta that you cannot get from a road.

The crossing takes about an hour each way. On calm days, it is an easy and pleasant ride. After rough weather, the sea can feel lively, so bring motion-sickness medication if you need it. The experience specifically advises against booking if you are prone to seasickness, and that warning deserves attention.

The boat is clean and has toilets, a bar, snacks, and drinks. You can sit inside or outside. Some boats also have underwater viewing windows, which can entertain children when the boat is stopped or moving slowly. The open deck is the place for photographs, but the sun can be strong, so pack sunscreen and a hat.

Mgarr Harbour and the Gozo minibus

Gozo’s main port, Mgarr Harbour, is your arrival point. From there, you board a bus or minibus for the trip to Victoria, Gozo’s capital. The bus transfer is important because it saves you from finding your own taxi or local connection, but it can also be the least polished part of the day.

Most of the route gives you a look at Gozo’s quieter countryside, churches, and small settlements. The vehicle may be compact, and one account described the ride as a tight squeeze. Pay attention to the instructions about your bus and return time. Do not switch vehicles unless the driver tells you to do so.

The company plans a short photo stop of roughly 15 minutes at a scenic bay or the Qala Belvedere. The exact stop can vary. You get enough time for photographs and a quick look, but not enough for a walk or a relaxed coffee.

This stop is a good reminder that Gozo is not only about Victoria. The island feels slower and more rural than Malta’s main urban areas. Still, you should treat the photo stop as a quick pause, not a major attraction.

Victoria and the Citadel in 75 minutes

The main Gozo stop lasts about 75 minutes. Victoria is compact, but that time disappears quickly once you walk toward the Citadel, take photographs, and look for food.

The Citadel is the clear priority. This medieval fortress rises above Victoria and gives you broad views over Gozo. You can explore the fortification area and see the Cathedral area, but admissions to sites are not included. If you want to enter a paid attraction, leave enough time to get back to the bus.

You can also use the stop for a coffee, snack, ice cream, pastizzi, or a little shopping. Several people found time for the Citadel, a quick souvenir stop, and something to eat, but the schedule does not leave room for a leisurely visit.

I would head straight toward the Citadel first. Once you have seen the main views, you can walk back through Victoria and find refreshments. Starting with lunch is risky because you may spend the whole stop at a table.

This is also where the tour’s main compromise becomes clear. Some people want two or three hours in Victoria, while others find 75 minutes enough for a first look. I think the time works if your goal is to see the Citadel and get a feel for Gozo. It does not work if you want museums, churches, shopping, and a relaxed meal.

The bus driver gives clear return instructions, and the crew repeats timings during the day. Still, this is a self-guided stop. You are responsible for reaching the meeting place on time.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon

After Gozo, the boat continues to Comino. The island is small, largely free of cars and urban areas, and best known for the Blue Lagoon’s clear turquoise water.

The stop lasts about 90 minutes. You can go ashore, swim, sunbathe, snorkel, walk, or stay on the boat. The boat may stop at a quieter section of the lagoon, giving you the option of swimming from the vessel rather than joining the main shore area. The waterslide adds a playful touch, especially for children and anyone who prefers a quick splash to a long swim.

The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but do not expect solitude. In summer, the shore can feel packed, and the access area can be hectic. Food stalls and trucks sell simple items such as burgers and fries, but you may prefer to eat in Gozo or bring a plan for your meal. The boat bar sells snacks and drinks, though food and beverages are not included in the price.

A useful alternative is to stay aboard. You can swim from the boat, use the slide, enjoy the view, and avoid the most crowded part of the lagoon. That option became especially valuable for people who found the shore too busy.

The water may be chilly outside summer. In spring and winter, Comino still works well for photographs and walking, even if swimming is not appealing. You can walk toward St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, or St. Mary’s Battery, but 90 minutes limits how far you can go.

The Blue Lagoon access pass matters

This is the most important practical detail in the booking information. Since May 2025, anyone who wants to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon must obtain a government-issued access pass in advance through blcomino.com.

The daily number of passes is limited. For this cruise, select the afternoon slot when applying. The pass is not included in the tour price, and you will not receive a refund if you cannot go ashore because you failed to secure one.

You may still be able to enjoy the water from the boat, depending on the day’s arrangements, but do not assume that a boat ticket automatically gives you permission to disembark. Sort out the pass before departure.

Sailing past the Comino sea caves

The return journey includes a cruise by the Comino caves. The boat goes close enough for a better look, and this is another strong reason to choose the boat-and-bus format rather than a basic ferry.

The caves are best enjoyed from the deck, so have your camera ready and listen for the crew’s announcements. The coastline looks most impressive from the water, with the boat offering angles you cannot get from the road or a crowded beach.

By this point, you will probably be ready for a seat, a drink, or a quiet ride indoors. The return crossing gives you time to rest before arriving back at Sliema.

What the $51 price really buys you

The value is strongest when you add up the day’s moving parts. You get the outward and return cruise, an English commentary, Gozo ground transport, a photo stop, Victoria free time, Comino access by boat, crew support, toilets, and the waterslide.

You do not get hotel transfers, a personal guide, food, drinks, attraction admissions, or the Blue Lagoon shore pass. Those exclusions are reasonable for a $51 day trip, but they shape the experience. Bring money for refreshments and decide in advance which Gozo attractions matter most to you.

Compared with arranging separate transport, the price is attractive. You avoid working out the route from Sliema to Gozo, finding a bus from Mgarr Harbour, and then arranging a Comino boat. The trade-off is a fixed timetable and limited time in Victoria.

The tour has a rating of 4.4 from 1,931 reviews, which fits the experience: strong organization and good sightseeing value, with predictable complaints about crowding, tight timings, boat seating, and the lack of a traditional guide.

Who should book this island combination

I would choose this trip if you have only one free day and want a broad taste of Gozo and Comino. It is particularly good for first-time visitors who value simple transport, sea views, and a clear schedule.

Families may like the boat toilet, bar, underwater viewing windows on some boats, and waterslide. Keep in mind that the experience is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. The boarding, bus transfers, and shore arrangements may be difficult if you need step-free access.

You should also think carefully if you get motion sickness. The boat can be rough after bad weather, and the crossing is a substantial part of the day.

Independent sightseers will appreciate the free time. You can choose the Citadel, a café, shopping, or a quick meal instead of following a guide. History fans who want detailed context should plan to read about the Citadel before going or book a separate guided visit.

The trip works in winter too. The boat ride, Gozo views, Victoria, and Comino’s walking routes remain worthwhile when the water is too cold for swimming. In high summer, the lagoon is more tempting but also much more crowded.

Small details that make the day easier

Wear comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to walk up to the Citadel or along Comino’s paths. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a small bag rather than bulky luggage.

Arrive early at Sliema if an outdoor seat matters to you. Keep your phone charged, since you may need it for the Blue Lagoon pass and for contacting the operator if instructed.

Listen carefully to the bus driver’s return instructions. The tour depends on everyone returning to the correct vehicle at the correct time, and missing the bus can spoil an otherwise easy day.

Pack a light snack if you want something beyond the boat bar or the food stalls at Comino. Eating in Victoria may be more pleasant, but the 75-minute stop means you need to keep an eye on the clock.

The crew has generally been praised for clear timing reminders and friendly help. Captain Jean-Paul received particular appreciation for his coastline commentary and calm handling of the day. Another named guide, Chris, was noted for bringing Malta’s history to life, though you should not book this experience expecting a dedicated guide throughout.

Should you book this Gozo and Comino cruise?

Book it if you want maximum coverage in one day: Gozo’s Citadel, a quick countryside stop, Comino, the Blue Lagoon, and the sea caves. The boat makes the journey part of the sightseeing, and the $51 price is fair for the transport and range of stops.

Skip it if you want a slow Gozo visit, a long lunch, or a quiet Blue Lagoon experience. For those priorities, spend a full day on Gozo or visit Comino at a less crowded time.

My practical choice would be to book this as an introduction to the islands, arrive early for the boat, secure the Blue Lagoon pass before departure, and treat Victoria as a focused Citadel visit rather than a full city tour. That gives you the best chance of enjoying the day without asking the timetable to do more than it can.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts about 7.5 hours, including the boat journeys, Gozo bus transfer, time in Victoria, the Comino stop, and the return cruise to Sliema.

Where does the tour depart?

It departs in the morning from Sliema Ferries in Malta.

Is Gozo explored by bus?

Yes. After arriving at Mgarr Harbour, you board a bus or minibus to Victoria, with a photo stop at a Gozo bay or the Qala Belvedere.

How much free time do I get in Victoria?

You get approximately 75 minutes in Victoria. You can visit the Citadel area, have a snack or coffee, shop, or walk around the city.

Is a guide included?

There is English commentary during the cruise and assistance from the crew, staff, and driver. This is not a traditional guided walking tour, and there is no audio commentary listed for the Gozo bus tour.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, anyone who wants 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.

Can I swim at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. The Comino stop lasts about 90 minutes, allowing time to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or walk. You can also stay on the boat and use the waterslide, depending on the day’s arrangements.

What is included on the boat?

The boat includes scenic sightseeing, English cruise commentary, toilets, crew assistance, a cash bar with some snacks and drinks, and a waterslide. Food and drinks are not included in the tour price.