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

Gozo and Comino make a fine double act: one island gives you old stone, churches, and wide views from a medieval fortress, while the other gives you clear water and a famous swimming stop. I like the boat journey along Malta’s rugged northern coast, and I like that the Gozo transfer is arranged for you rather than leaving you to find transport at Mgarr Harbour.

The catch is simple: this is a well-organized island transfer with sightseeing, not a traditional guided tour. You get about 75 minutes in Victoria and 90 minutes at the Blue Lagoon, which is enough for a taste but not enough for a slow visit. The Blue Lagoon can also be extremely crowded, especially in summer.

Key points to know before booking

• Two islands in one day: Reach Gozo and Comino without arranging separate ferries, buses, or taxis.
• Victoria is a short stop: You have roughly 75 minutes for the Citadel, a snack, shopping, or a quick walk around town.
• The Blue Lagoon is busy but beautiful: You can swim ashore or use the boat’s water slide and swimming area.
• The boat has useful comforts: Expect toilets, indoor and outdoor seating, a cash bar, snacks, and coastal commentary.
• Get your Blue Lagoon pass first: Since May 2025, you need a government access pass to step ashore, and this cruise requires the afternoon slot.
• Think of it as a taster: It suits first-time visitors who want a broad look at Malta’s smaller islands, not people seeking a quiet, detailed Gozo tour.

Why this Sliema boat trip works

At $51 per person for about 7.5 hours, this excursion offers a lot of transport for the money. You cruise from Sliema to Gozo, receive a bus transfer across the island, continue by boat to Comino, stop at the Blue Lagoon, pass the Comino caves, and return to Sliema.

That price matters because doing the same route independently can involve several separate decisions. You would need to reach the ferry terminal, cross to Gozo, arrange transport from Mgarr Harbour, then figure out how to reach Comino and return to Malta. Here, the crew, driver, and boat schedule do the heavy lifting.

I especially like the coastal part of the day. The boat lets you see Malta from the water, with rough shorelines, small bays, and sea views that you will miss from a road vehicle. On the return trip, the boat goes close to the Comino caves, giving you a better look than you would get from land.

You should also set your expectations correctly. The word tour may suggest a guide walking with you and explaining every site. That is not what you get here. English commentary is provided during the cruise, and some departures have had strong commentary from the captain, including Jean-Paul, but the stops on Gozo and Comino are your own time.

Leaving Sliema for Gozo by boat

The morning departure begins at Sliema Ferries. You cruise north past Malta’s shoreline toward Gozo, with the sea journey acting as the first sightseeing section rather than just a transfer.

The boat provides indoor and outdoor seating. If you want an open-air seat, arrive early. One departure had most of the upper deck occupied even when people arrived about 20 minutes before departure. The trade-off is comfort versus views: the top deck gives you the best outlook but can fill quickly, while indoor seating offers shelter and access to the bar.

The boat includes toilets, a cash bar, and some snacks and drinks. That is handy because food and drinks are not included in the price. You may want to eat breakfast before boarding and carry sunscreen, especially if you plan to sit outside for the full crossing.

The water can be rough after poor weather. If you are prone to seasickness or motion sickness, this may not be your best day out. Bring any medication you normally use, choose a stable seat, and avoid spending the entire crossing at the rail. Crew members have helped people who felt unwell, but the sea remains the sea.

The coastal commentary adds useful context. It is available in English, with pre-recorded versions in other languages on some departures. Still, the sound may not always be clear from every seat, so treat the commentary as a bonus rather than the main reason to book.

A quick look at Gozo from Mgarr Harbour

At Mgarr Harbour, you transfer to a bus or minibus for the journey to Victoria. The transfer is included, and staff give instructions about where to go and when to return.

This part is practical rather than luxurious. Some buses have been described as a tight squeeze, and a delay while waiting for enough coaches can eat into your island time. Pay close attention to the driver’s instructions, stay with the assigned vehicle, and do not change buses unless staff tell you to do so.

The road trip gives you a quick view of Gozo’s countryside. You pass churches, villages, and other landmarks, with the island feeling calmer and more rural than much of Malta. Since you are not taking a separate sightseeing bus around the island, this transfer is your main chance to see Gozo beyond Victoria.

There is also a photo stop of about 15 minutes. The exact location may be one of Gozo’s bays or Qala Belvedere. This is enough time for a few pictures and a breath of fresh air, but not enough for a long walk. Have your camera ready before the bus stops.

Victoria and the Citadel in 75 minutes

Victoria is Gozo’s capital, and the Citadel is the reason this stop earns its place on the route. The fortress rises above the town and gives you broad views over Gozo’s countryside. Its thick stone walls and elevated position make it the most rewarding sight during the land portion of the day.

You have about 75 minutes here. That sounds reasonable until you add the walk from the bus, finding the Citadel entrance, taking photographs, and leaving time for the return meeting point. If you want to enter the Citadel or another site, admissions are not included.

I would make the Citadel your first priority. Walk up, take in the views, and then use any remaining minutes for Victoria’s streets, a coffee, an ice cream, a pastizzi, or a quick look at the shops. Several people have wished for more time here, while others found the timing suitable for a first look. Both views make sense: 75 minutes works for highlights, but it does not allow a relaxed exploration of the fortress and the wider town.

The capital is not presented as a full walking tour. You are given freedom rather than a set route, so you need to manage your own time. That is a plus if you dislike being shepherded from one sight to another. It is a minus if you want someone to explain the history of the Citadel, Cathedral, or town as you walk.

Do not wander too far from the agreed meeting point. The boat cannot wait for late arrivals, and missing the bus connection could leave you responsible for arranging your own return.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon

After Gozo, you return to the boat and continue toward Comino. The island is small, largely free of cars and urban development, and best known for the Blue Lagoon’s pale, clear water.

The scheduled stop is about 90 minutes. You can swim, sunbathe, snorkel, walk, or remain on the boat. The water can be cool outside the warmest months, but the view is still worthwhile when swimming is not appealing.

The main issue is crowding. In summer, the shore can feel packed, with people competing for space and food stalls selling familiar fast food. If you want a quiet beach experience, this is unlikely to deliver it. The Blue Lagoon is famous precisely because many people want to see it.

The boat gives you a useful alternative. You can stay aboard, enjoy the views, and use the water slide into the sea. This is especially appealing if the shoreline is crowded or you do not want to pay for food on Comino. Some departures have also allowed swimming from the boat, giving you water access without stepping into the busiest part of the lagoon.

Since May 2025, you need an official government access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. Apply through blcomino.com before the trip and select the afternoon slot for this cruise. Daily numbers are limited, and the operator does not provide a refund if you arrive without the required pass. This is the most important practical detail in the entire booking process.

If you prefer walking to swimming, Comino has more to offer than the lagoon. You can follow trails toward St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery. The stop is short, so choose one aim. A swim, a walk, and a full meal will be difficult to fit into 90 minutes.

Cruising past the Comino caves

The return journey includes a close look at the Comino sea caves. This is one of the small touches that improves the trip. You do not need to arrange a separate cave boat, and the changing rock shapes give you something to watch after the main swimming stop.

Stay alert for announcements, since the best views may be on different sides of the boat depending on the route. The boat then heads back to Sliema, completing a long but varied day.

The schedule is fairly tight, yet the day does not feel like a race if you follow instructions. The key is to treat each stop as a sample. You are not seeing all of Gozo, and you are not exploring every corner of Comino. You are getting the principal sights with transport arranged.

What the boat and crew add

The boat is more than a bare ferry. It has toilets, a bar, snacks, indoor seating, outdoor decks, and a water slide. These features matter during a full-day outing, especially when you have children or do not want to leave the water stop to search for refreshments.

Crew members have generally been praised for clear reminders and friendly help. The driver also gives firm return times, which is useful when a group is spread across a town or beach. Communication at the departure point or port may occasionally feel confusing, so arrive early and look for the correct boat rather than assuming the first vessel is yours.

Some departures have featured commentary from Captain Jean-Paul, and Chris has been singled out for bringing Malta’s past to life. You should not count on a particular person being on your departure, but the experience can include more than simple transport.

The trip is suitable for families who can manage stairs, boat movement, and a full day out. It is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments, and large bags and oversize luggage are not allowed.

The best season for this experience

Summer gives you the warmest conditions for swimming, but it also brings the heaviest crowd at the Blue Lagoon. If your priority is entering the water, summer is the safer choice. If your priority is seeing Gozo, taking photographs, and enjoying a less intense day, the cooler months can work well.

In spring, autumn, and winter, the water may be too cold for some people. You can still walk on Comino, photograph the coast, visit the caves from the boat, and enjoy Victoria and the Citadel. The island stop becomes more about views and fresh air than a beach day.

Weather matters for the boat crossing. Strong wind can make the ride uncomfortable, even when the rest of the day is pleasant. Check conditions before you leave, dress in layers, and bring sunscreen regardless of the season.

Is $51 good value?

For $51, the value is strongest if you want transport and variety. The price includes the boat, the Gozo bus transfer, the photo stop, free time in Victoria, the Comino stop, the return cruise, and assistance from the crew and driver.

It does not include admissions, meals, drinks, hotel transfers, or a walking guide. You also need to arrange the Blue Lagoon access pass yourself. Add those limits to your budget and expectations.

I would compare this with the cost and effort of arranging two islands independently. The tour saves planning time and gives you a dependable return route. Its weakness is that you surrender flexibility. You cannot extend your Citadel visit, stay longer in a quieter Gozo village, or wait until the Blue Lagoon empties.

If you value convenience, the price is fair. If you want a detailed Gozo visit, pay for individual transport or choose a longer island stay instead.

Who should book this trip?

Book it if you are visiting Malta for the first time and want a broad look at Gozo and Comino in one day. It also suits you if you enjoy boat scenery, prefer free time to a constant guided walk, and want someone else to coordinate the island transfers.

Families may appreciate the water slide, onboard toilet, and clear return reminders. Couples and solo visitors can use the free time for the Citadel, a café, photographs, or a swim.

Skip it if you dislike boats, struggle with motion sickness, need step-free access, or want a quiet beach. You should also choose another plan if Victoria is your main interest and you want several hours there. The 75-minute stop is a preview, not a proper city visit.

Final verdict: a strong first taste of Gozo and Comino

I would book this tour for a first Malta visit when time is limited. The boat views, Citadel stop, Blue Lagoon, and Comino caves create a satisfying full-day mix, and $51 is reasonable for the amount of transport included.

Go in knowing exactly what you are buying: a scenic, well-coordinated day with free time, not a fully narrated cultural tour. Arrive early for better boat seating, carry swimwear and sunscreen, pack light, secure the afternoon Blue Lagoon pass, and put the Citadel first in Victoria. If those conditions suit you, this is an efficient way to meet Malta’s two smaller islands.

FAQ

How long does the Gozo, Comino, and Blue Lagoon tour last?

The activity lasts about 7.5 hours, including the boat journey from Sliema, the Gozo bus transfer, time in Victoria, the Comino stop, and the return cruise.

Where does the boat leave from?

The tour departs from Sliema Ferries in the morning and returns to Sliema after visiting Gozo, Comino, and the Comino caves.

Is this a guided tour?

It is not a traditional guided tour. The cruise includes English commentary, while the stops in Gozo and Comino are free time for you to explore independently.

How much time do you get in Victoria?

You get approximately 75 minutes in Victoria, Gozo’s capital. You can visit the Citadel, have a snack or coffee, shop, or walk around the town.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, anyone stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon must obtain a government access pass in advance through blcomino.com. Select the afternoon slot for this cruise, and remember that daily numbers are limited.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but a cash bar with some snacks and beverages is available on the boat. Food stalls are also available at the Blue Lagoon area.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

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