GOZO All Inclusive Self Drive 4×4 Jeep Day or Sunset tour

Gozo plus Comino in one smooth loop. I love how this packs hotel pickup with guided stops on Gozo, then adds proper water time on Comino. You get boat time for the Blue Lagoon and cave sights, plus an al fresco 3-course lunch on Comino. The main catch is the day runs on a schedule, so you should not count on long, unstructured hangs at every viewpoint.

What makes this tour feel practical is the all-in-one mix of quick history stops, photo breaks, and ride time in modern UTVs with forward-facing seats. In other words, you are not stuck in one place all day, but you also get enough guided commentary to make each stop make sense. A possible drawback is that weather can affect boat operations, swim stops, and even whether certain Comino or Dwejra options run as planned.

Key highlights at a glance

• All-in-one Gozo route with scenic stops like Sanap Cliffs, Xlendi, Fontana, Ta’ Pinu, and Xwejni Salt Pans
• Comino water time with Blue Lagoon swim in warmer months (winter may be viewing only)
• Tuk-tuk and UTV style touring to keep the pace moving without exhausting you
• 3-course lunch on Comino served al fresco, part of what makes the value feel real
• Ggantija temples are optional so you can decide based on your interests and budget
• Weather can change the plan, including potential itinerary swaps or different transport if boats cannot operate

Gozo and Comino in one day, with pickup and UTV driving

This is a Malta-based tour that connects Gozo and Comino with guided stops plus transport that is built for time. You start from your hotel or the closest pickup point, and the company uses a Yippee-branded process to get you to the crossings and back. Once you are on the island loop, you ride in modern UTVs (forward-facing, which helps a lot if you are traveling with kids or hate being turned sideways in transit).

The self drive component is a big deal if you are the kind of person who wants control of your pace. Drivers must be 21 or older and have a valid driver’s licence, with provisional licences not accepted. If you are not driving, you still benefit because the route is structured enough that you are not constantly navigating or figuring out parking.

Duration is about 7 hours excluding transfer time, which means you can fit it into a full Malta trip without losing your whole day. There is also a sunset route with a shorter window, and that changes a couple of choices (notably Ggantija).

Price and what $112.13 includes, for real value

At $112.13 per person, you are paying for more than sightseeing. The price bundles the parts that usually cost extra on small group tours: pickup and drop-off, reserved crossings (weather permitting), boat back reserved for your group, and a guided route that strings multiple highlights together.

Here is what you can count on being included:

• Pickup in Malta or Gozo from your hotel or nearest pickup point
• Reserved crossing services (ferry and/or boat as required)
• A leader and commentary during the drive and stops
• A 3-course lunch on Comino al fresco
• A return ride to your original pickup point

What is not included:

• Ggantija entrance (optional)
• Optional extra boat costs for the Inland Sea/Dwejra area
• Gratitude to the leader and personal expenses

So the value math works best if you want the itinerary breadth, not just one beach. If you already have transport and you are happy to DIY Gozo and Comino, the price might feel steep. But if you want the route handled, the lunch included, and boat time organized, this is one of those “pay once, stress less” tours.

Also, the tour caps at a maximum of 30 travelers. That matters because it reduces the chance you will be stuck watching everyone else while your group is sorting itself out.

What to pack and how the self drive tour actually works

Do not show up underdressed for water time. The tour is explicit: bring your swimwear, because the day can include actual swimming on Comino. Comfortable shoes are also non-negotiable, since you will step around cliffs, old stone sites, and viewpoint areas.

If you plan to drive:

• Bring a valid driver’s licence and be 21 or older
• Expect a quick handoff process once you meet the transport team and are assigned to vehicles

If you are not driving:

• You still need to be comfortable with a “ride, stop, photo, move” rhythm
• Forward-facing seating helps keep motion less distracting than older off-road setups

The tour is in English with a multilingual leader, so you will usually have someone who can handle the basics no matter your group mix. One more practical note: the tour states that drivers are fully qualified and must show a valid licence, so treat that as a safety and credibility signal.

Sanap Cliffs and Xlendi, where the views set the tone

This itinerary starts strong with high viewpoints. Sanap Cliffs are one of the higher points on Gozo, and they deliver that classic Mediterranean panorama, including views toward Malta and Comino in the distance. Even with short stop times, these are the kind of places where the photos come out better because the horizon is so wide.

Then you head to Xlendi, a popular Gozo destination with bright blue water, cliffs, and Xlendi Tower. The goal here is not to turn it into a long beach vacation. It is to give you a quick taste of Gozo’s coastal drama and a setting you can understand from the car and on foot.

What I like about these early stops is how they make the rest of the day easier. When you see the cliffs first, the later inland and sacred stops feel connected rather than random.

Downside to consider: viewpoint stops are time-limited. If you want a slow, lingering beach morning, you will have to accept that this tour is more “great hits” than “two-hour wander.”

Fontana and Ta’ Pinu: small places that feel real

Fontana is a fishing village with a population around 1,000, and it has that lived-in feel that bigger towns lose. You will also pass through the area near Victoria, and Fontana’s connection to the sea comes up during the guided commentary. The stop is short, but the point is to show you that Gozo is not only cliffs and temples, it is also working communities and simple everyday beauty.

Then you reach Ta’ Pinu National Shrine, dedicated to Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu. This stop is more spiritual and reflective than the coastal sections. The shrine’s architecture and setting bring you into a different pace, and you get time to look around and absorb the atmosphere.

If you are the type who likes meaning behind the places you visit, these are some of the most worthwhile stops. They break up the “drive, photo, drive” rhythm and give your day balance.

Possible drawback: if you are traveling with people who only want beaches and swimming, these two stops may feel quieter. I still think they are worth it because they help you understand why locals care about these sites.

Ggantija temples are optional, so choose based on your style

Ggantija Temples are UNESCO-listed megalithic temples on Gozo and are among the oldest free-standing structures in the world. The tour offers a stop at Ggantija, but entrance is not included in the base price.

That optional setup is a good design choice. If you love archaeology and you want to spend time inside a major heritage site, you can add it. If you prefer beach time and photo stops over paid entry, you can keep your day simpler and stay focused on Comino later.

Timing-wise, this is a short stop, so if you do decide to visit, wear or bring comfortable walking shoes and be ready for a quick look rather than a long museum session.

Also, the sunset route does not offer Ggantija because it is closed. If temples matter to you, pick the morning version.

Dwejra Bay and the Inland Sea, plus the optional boat cost

Dwejra Bay is one of those Gozo places you see in photos, then still feel surprised by in person. The dramatic coastline, plus the chance to look toward the Inland Sea, makes this stop a highlight if you like nature and geology.

The Inland Sea is a lagoon of seawater linked to the Mediterranean Sea through a natural opening and arch. The tour includes stops here, but there is an optional Inland Sea boat trip that costs extra. If you are hoping for that up-close viewpoint, budget for the add-on.

Do not plan on a perfect day here. Water and sea conditions affect what runs. If conditions make it unsafe or impractical to operate boat components, your experience can shift.

What I like about including both Dwejra Bay and the Inland Sea is that you get context first. You see the coastline, then you understand what the Inland Sea is, and the story connects.

Xwejni Salt Pans, Marsalforn, and the Comino shift

Xwejni Salt Pans are a centuries-old salt landscape of terraced fields and glistening salt crystals. It is one of those places where the visuals look simple but the human story behind it makes you pause. The guided commentary helps you understand how Gozo’s salt flats were used by earlier inhabitants, turning sea water into salt through evaporation.

From there, the route moves toward Marsalforn, a popular tourist resort town on the north coast of Gozo. There is only a small sandy beach, but the rocky coastline has plenty of swim spots, depending on conditions and what you feel like doing during your short time.

Then you cross over toward Comino for the water portion and lunch. The tour is designed so you do not have to spend your day figuring out connections. You just follow the plan: Gozo stops first, then Comino time.

If you hate rushing, this is where you should pay attention to how you will use your energy. Salt pans and viewpoint stops are quick steps for photos and context, but the Comino segment is the part where you might want to be more ready to swim.

Comino Blue Lagoon, caves, and when you actually get to swim

Comino is where the day turns into vacation mode. The Blue Lagoon is famous for clear water, and the tour includes a boat-based experience with Comino caves. You will get a stop at the Blue Lagoon, and in winter it may be viewing only, while in summer you get a swim stop.

This is one of the most important details to check mentally before you book: swimming depends on season and conditions. If you want guaranteed swim time, your best bet is going in warmer months, but even then, weather can influence whether boats operate exactly as planned.

The Comino Caves stop is built around the idea of seeing carved limestone formations from the water. The caves stretch over 40 meters, according to the tour description, and that is the kind of scale that makes a short visit feel satisfying when you are on the boat.

In addition, the tour runs with a 3-course lunch al fresco on Comino. That is a big practical win. It keeps you from spending time hunting for food between swimming and cave stops. You get a meal that fits the day’s schedule.

From a pace standpoint, this is the part you should plan around. After you have done the Gozo highlights, Comino rewards you with water time and a break from the road.

Weather changes and the reality of group logistics

This is a well-structured tour, but it is still a boat-and-coastline day. The company notes that if prevailing conditions do not allow boats to operate, your booking may change into a full day tuk-tuk tour in Gozo. That is a useful safety plan, and it also means your day might shift away from the most water-focused parts.

Group logistics can also feel bumpy at the start on busy days. The day involves ferry movement, vehicle assignment, and the switch between Gozo and Comino. On high-demand days, you can expect some waiting while staff confirm lists and route assignments, especially right after you arrive on Gozo.

Language matching is another consideration. The tour is English-led, but when your group includes multiple languages, it can take a bit of effort to align people with the right guide approach. If you care about clear communication at every stop, pick your comfort level accordingly.

The good news is that once you are in the boat and settled into the day, the experience tends to feel smooth, with a guide who explains what you are seeing and keeps the pace moving.

Who this Gozo and Comino self drive tour fits best

You should strongly consider this tour if you want:

• A one-day hit list of Gozo and Comino highlights without renting your own vehicle
• Included lunch plus organized crossings and return transport
• The option to drive if you have the licence and age
• A mix of viewpoints, cultural sites, and real water time

You might want to think twice if you:

• Want lots of downtime at one beach, with minimal driving
• Are extremely sensitive to schedule changes caused by weather
• Have a group that would hate short stops and constant movement

It also makes sense for families because the vehicles have forward-facing seats, and the route is paced to include multiple short stops rather than one long grind.

Should you book this tour or look elsewhere?

I think this is a strong choice if you want a structured, all-in-one day that covers the best-known Gozo views and then delivers Comino’s Blue Lagoon experience, with lunch handled for you. The price makes sense when you factor in pickup, crossings, reserved boat return, and the included Comino meal.

Book it if:

• You like coastal scenery, salt pans, and at least a couple of cultural stops
• Swimming on Comino matters to your trip
• You value convenience, not DIY navigation

Consider another option if:

• You are hoping for unlimited time at each stop
• You are traveling in a season where swimming might be limited
• You need a highly predictable itinerary with zero weather impact

If you do book, pack for water time, wear comfortable shoes, and keep expectations aligned with a 7-hour itinerary that is built for highlights rather than long stays. It is a fun, efficient way to experience Malta’s two islands in one shot, and it saves you from the hardest part of the trip, figuring out connections yourself.

FAQ

Is Ggantija Temples included in the tour price?

Ggantija temples are an optional stop. The entrance fee is not included, so you would need to pay it separately if you decide to go in.

Does the sunset tour include Ggantija?

No. The sunset route does not offer Ggantija because it will be closed.

Is lunch included?

Yes. You get a 3-course lunch on Comino al fresco as part of the experience.

Will I be able to swim at the Blue Lagoon?

In summer you will have a swim stop. In winter, it may be viewing only if conditions allow.

Is the Inland Sea boat trip included?

No. The Inland Sea Dwejra boat trip is optional and not included.

How long is the tour?

The tour duration is about 7 hours, excluding transfer time.

What time is pickup?

Start time is listed as 8:00 am for the morning tour. Sunset routes start at 12:30 for the Valetta area, with other locations following, and the confirmed pickup time is sent after booking.

What happens if boats cannot operate due to weather?

If prevailing weather conditions do not allow boats to operate, your booking can be changed to a full day tuk-tuk tour in Gozo.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time.