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

A pair of tiny islands, big views, one efficient day. This Gozo and Comino boat and bus tour from Sliema is built around scenic water time, English cruise commentary, and free time in Victoria and the Blue Lagoon. It is a straightforward, do-it-your-way day, with the main job of the crew to get you to the right places on time.

I especially like two things: the clean, comfortable boat setup (toilets, plus a cash bar and even a waterslide), and the Gozo transport plan that gets you from Mgarr Harbour to Victoria by bus so you can spend your time seeing rather than figuring things out. The stop in Comino is mostly about the water, but you still get a real chance to explore.

The one drawback to plan around is pacing. With only about 75 minutes in Victoria and limited time at the lagoon, it is a taste, not a deep stay, and the Blue Lagoon can be very busy.

Key points to know before you go

• English commentary on the cruise keeps the scenery meaningful without turning it into a lecture
• Photo stop timing in Gozo is short, so have your camera ready for Qala Belvedere or a bay
• Victoria in 75 minutes is enough for a solid walk and the Citadel viewpoints, not a long museum day
• Blue Lagoon time is about 90 minutes to swim, snorkel, or just enjoy the water views
• A government access pass is required for Blue Lagoon shore time after May 2025
• Not guided once you land in Gozo and Comino, so you are responsible for your own pace and return timing

Sliema to Gozo by sea, plus cruise commentary that actually helps

The day kicks off from Sliema Ferries in the morning, heading toward Gozo first. The scenic cruise is not just a transfer. You get English commentary during the boat ride, plus open views of Malta’s northern shoreline as you move north. That makes the travel time feel like part of the experience, instead of wasted time staring at the water.

On board, you are set up for comfort: there are toilet facilities, and you can choose seating inside or outside depending on weather. If you are sensitive to heat or wind, sit where you can control it, especially on a longer sea crossing. And yes, there is a cash bar on the boat, so you can grab a drink while you watch the coastline slide by.

One small practical tip: arrive early at the departure area. Some people report that the best open-air seating fills up quickly, so getting there a bit before the scheduled time helps.

Gozo by bus from Mgarr Harbour to Victoria, a quick island hit

Once you reach Mgarr Harbour, the experience switches modes. You board a bus to Victoria, the capital of Gozo. This is where the tour earns its keep for one-day visitors, because you skip the stress of rental cars or complicated connections.

The bus route gives you two useful things:

1. A moving overview of Gozo, with countryside views and passing landmarks.
2. A 15-minute photo stop at either a gorgeous bay spot or Qala Belvedere.

That photo stop is brief, so treat it like a chance to grab postcard angles, not a chance to wander far. If you like photos, plan to move fast, then get back on the bus.

Victoria in 75 minutes, what the Citadel time is good for

You get about 75 minutes free time in Victoria, and within that window, the big draw is the Citadel, the medieval fortress in the city. It is significant enough that it is considered by UNESCO as a possible World Heritage Site, so even a short visit helps you understand why Victoria is the island’s focal point.

Here is how I’d use your time in Victoria if you want the most return:

• Walk toward the Citadel viewpoints first, since the best scenery is usually higher up and you do not want to run out of time.
• Keep the rest simple: stroll a few streets, pick one good café or snack, and don’t try to do everything.

Some visitors wish there was more time here, and I get it. Seventy-five minutes can feel tight if you want to linger. But for most people, it is enough to get a feel for Victoria’s layout and the sense of place around the Citadel.

Comino basics: no cars, a short transfer, then the Blue Lagoon focus

After Victoria, you cruise toward Comino. Comino is the small island that exists largely for one reason: the water. When you arrive near the famous area, the color shifts from normal sea to that bright, clear turquoise people came for.

Your stop at Comino is centered on the Blue Lagoon with about 90 minutes. This is your swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and photo time. If you are the type who likes to do one or two activities well, you can make this work easily. If you try to do everything, you’ll feel rushed.

Also pay attention to the season. In cooler months, the water may be too chilly for comfort. The tour setup still makes sense, because you can walk around the Comino countryside and enjoy views without forcing a swim.

Blue Lagoon access pass after May 2025, the one rule that can ruin your day

This matters a lot. After a new directive that took effect in May 2025, you need a government access pass to disembark ashore at the Blue Lagoon. Passes are obtained via the official site blcomino.com, and the daily allocations are limited.

For this specific cruise, you should select the afternoon slot when applying for your pass. If you do not have the right pass and you cannot access the lagoon, there are no refunds offered for that situation because it is your responsibility to secure it.

So do not leave this to the last minute. Check the pass requirement before you book, then lock it in before your trip day.

Blue Lagoon in real life, expect crowds and use your time smart

Even with a pass, the Blue Lagoon can feel packed. That is normal for one of the world’s most famous swim spots, and it changes your strategy.

I recommend you plan your 90 minutes like this:

• Go early within your stop window for better water access.
• If you want photos, do them while people are still settling in.
• If you plan to snorkel, give yourself time to find a comfortable spot and calm water.

One fun detail in this tour is the waterslide on board. If you end up skipping shore time to keep things simple, you can still get a splashy moment back at the boat.

And when you return, remember you are not on a traditional guided tour. The stops are leisure-based, so follow your meeting instructions carefully. People miss buses or boats because they get distracted, not because the tour fails. Stay mindful of the return time.

Comino caves on the return, the scenic bonus you do not want to miss

On the way back, the cruise passes by the Comino sea caves. This is one of those small add-ons that changes how the day feels. The main focus is still the Blue Lagoon, but the caves give you a second viewing moment, especially if the light is right.

Think of it as your payoff for sticking to the schedule: you spend time on land and in the water, then you get one more chunk of scenery before the day closes.

Boat and comfort details, from toilets to snacks

This tour is not pretending to be a luxury yacht. It is a well-run day with practical onboard comforts:

• Toilet facilities on the boat
• Cash bar with snacks and drinks
• Seating options inside or outside

If you are sensitive to motion, keep expectations realistic. This experience is not suitable for people prone to seasickness or motion sickness, so if you know you react badly to boat rides, you may want to choose a different Malta plan.

If you want your swim to be comfortable, bring what you need. The essentials are simple: swimwear, a towel, comfortable shoes, and sunscreen.

Price and value for a 7.5-hour Gozo and Comino day trip

At around $51 per person, this is priced like transport plus key island stops. That sounds simple, but value comes from the structure.

Here’s what you are really paying for:

• The boat connection from Sliema to Gozo, plus cruise commentary.
• Organized movement once you land, including the bus ride to Victoria.
• Guaranteed time at the Blue Lagoon for swimming and sun.
• On-board comfort basics that matter when you are out for most of the day.

If you tried to DIY this alone, you’d spend time coordinating ferries, buses, and a plan for where to go once you arrive. For a one-day taste of Gozo and Comino, paying for that “keep it moving” system can be the smart choice.

Who should book, and who should skip this style of day

This tour fits best if you want:

• A single-day overview of Gozo and Comino
• Planned transportation that reduces stress
• A beach swim moment with a dedicated Blue Lagoon stop

It is not a fit if:

• You have mobility impairments or use a wheelchair (it is listed as not suitable)
• You get seasick or have motion sickness
• You want a fully guided walking tour through each site, because stops are mostly at leisure and you are managing your own time

If you want a calmer pace for hiking, especially off-season, Comino can still be good because there are routes around places such as St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery. But the day is designed around Blue Lagoon time.

Should you book this Gozo and Comino boat and bus tour?

I’d book it if your priority is a smooth, efficient day from Sliema that gives you Victoria’s Citadel views and a serious Blue Lagoon swim window without the planning headache. At $51 per person, you are mostly buying organization and access to the highlights, not a long, sit-down guided experience.

I would hesitate if you dislike crowds, you cannot get the required Blue Lagoon access pass, or you know you are prone to motion sickness. In those cases, the schedule and sea time can work against you.

If you are in the sweet spot, it is an excellent way to see two small islands without sacrificing your whole vacation day to logistics.

FAQ

How long is the Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon tour from Sliema?

The total duration is about 7.5 hours.

Where does the tour start?

It departs from Sliema Ferries in the morning.

What transportation is used during the day?

You travel by scenic boat cruise from Sliema to Gozo, then use a bus in Gozo to reach Victoria, and finally cruise by boat to Comino and the Blue Lagoon.

How much free time do I get in Victoria and at the Blue Lagoon?

You get about 75 minutes in Victoria, and about 90 minutes at Comino and the Blue Lagoon.

Do I need a Blue Lagoon access pass after May 2025?

Yes. After May 2025, Malta requires an access pass in advance to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. Passes are available through blcomino.com, and the allocation is limited. For this cruise, you should choose the afternoon slot.

Is there a guided tour through Gozo and Comino?

This is not a guided tour once you arrive on the islands. Stops in Gozo and Comino are at leisure, so you explore on your own and return to the meeting points on time.

What facilities are on the boat?

The boat has toilet facilities and a cash bar with snacks and beverages.

What should I bring for the Blue Lagoon stop?

Bring swimwear, a towel, comfortable shoes, and sunscreen.

What is not included in the price?

Food and drinks are not included. Admissions to sites in Gozo are not included, and the Blue Lagoon shore access pass is not included.

Is the tour suitable if I have mobility issues or get seasick?

No. It is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, and it is also not suitable for people prone to seasickness or motion sickness. Pets are not allowed, and you should avoid oversize luggage or large bags.