Malta: Full-Day Gozo and Blue Lagoon Cruise

Gozo and the Blue Lagoon in one smooth day. This Malta cruise pairs a north-coast boat ride with Gozo highlights, including Victoria and Cittadella time, so you get both sea views and a real dose of island sightseeing.

I like the simple structure: bus to Gozo, then back to the water for Comino’s swim time. One caution, though, is that the Gozo window can feel tight, and the trip can involve extras or surprises on board, so don’t plan on a perfect, unlimited-free-ride day.

Key points before you go

• Sliema meet-up at 10:00, boat leaves 10:30 from Sliema Ferries, by the Yellow Malta Sightseeing Booth
• Gozo is mostly free time in Victoria, plus the chance to reach Cittadella, rather than a long guided tour
• Comino has a new QR-code rule for walking (free ticket, online, choose 13:30 to 17:30)
• The Blue Lagoon swim is the star, with time to snorkel or just float and relax
• Boat crowding and seating matter if you want shade or to avoid noise near the engine
• Food is not included, so pack a snack plan or budget for purchases

Sliema meet-up: getting on board without stress

This is a straightforward day trip with a clear starting point. You should be at Sliema Ferries by 10:00, standing near the Yellow Malta Sightseeing Booth opposite McDonald’s. The boat departs at 10:30, so arriving early is your best friend.

What I like about this setup is the rhythm. There’s a set meeting, then you move as a group. When boat schedules and bus schedules line up cleanly, the whole day feels easier.

If you tend to hate rushing, do a quick check the day before for any message about where to line up. A few people report that communication can arrive close to departure, so giving yourself a buffer saves your nerves.

The cruise along Malta’s north coast (St. Paul’s Island and Mellieha)

Once you’re underway, you’re treated to sea time with big Malta-coast views. The route runs along the northern coast, and you’ll pass sights like St. Paul’s Island and Mellieha, which are easy to spot from the water when the weather behaves.

This part matters more than you might think. It’s not just transportation, it’s the “reset” of the day. You go from land noise to open water, and suddenly Gozo feels like a destination rather than a checkbox.

Bring a light layer. Even in shoulder seasons, the wind on open water can make you feel chilly. One common complaint is that the outbound ride can be cold, especially if the sea wind picks up.

And yes, wildlife sightings can happen. People have reported seeing dolphins, jellyfish, and lots of fish from the boat. You can’t count on it every trip, but it’s a nice bonus when nature plays along.

Gozo transfer to Victoria: what you actually get in 75 minutes

After arriving on Gozo, the day switches gears to land sightseeing. You board a bus to Victoria, the capital of Gozo. Then you get about 75 minutes of free time to explore Victoria and reach Cittadella.

Here’s the practical truth: this is not a slow, in-depth guided tour. You’ll likely use your time to get your bearings fast, walk to viewpoints connected to Cittadella, and maybe grab a snack if you want one. If you love meandering, 75 minutes can feel like a sprint.

One thing I appreciate is the flexibility. With free time, you decide how much effort to put into climbing and how much to spend in town. That makes it friendly if you’re traveling with mixed walking comfort.

Also, take note of transport realities. The bus phase can be busy, and people have described it as packed. If you’re sensitive to crowding, plan to wear comfortable shoes and be ready for quick boarding and departures.

Cittadella time: the payoff and the time tradeoff

Cittadella is the big visual target on the Gozo side of the day. Even with limited time, reaching it gives you that classic elevated-island feeling, where streets and rooftops spread out below you.

But I’d call out the tradeoff plainly. Because your Gozo time is limited, it can feel like you do the essentials, not everything on your wishlist. Some people wish they had longer to explore beyond the top area and nearby streets.

If your priority is photo stops and a quick hit of viewpoints, this pacing can work well. If your priority is deep browsing, longer café breaks, or a detailed walking tour of Gozo, you may want a different day plan that gives you more hours on the island.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon: swimming time is the main event

In the afternoon, you board the boat again for Comino. This is where the day earns its reputation. You get time at the Blue Lagoon for swimming or snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the beach side if you’d rather keep it low-effort.

This is the moment you remember later. Malta’s shoreline changes as you move onto Comino, and the water quality is the whole point of the trip. If you want a beach break without planning ferry connections and timing yourself, this cruise does that for you.

Two big practical tips can make this smoother:

1. Plan your Comino walking rules ahead of time. From 1 May 2025, you need a free ticket to walk on the island. It’s online at www.blcomino.com and you must choose the 13:30 to 17:30 slot.
2. Bring the QR code. You’ll receive a QR code after ordering, and officials will scan it on arrival. If you don’t have the QR code, you can still swim next to the boat, but you won’t be allowed to walk on Comino itself.

So even if you miss the walking access, you’re not totally stuck. You just shift your time from island exploring to water time. That’s still a good day if your goal is swimming and relaxing.

Boat comfort and crowds: where to sit makes a difference

The boat is a key part of your comfort level. Feedback includes the idea that it’s a big boat, and some people liked the ability to enjoy sun options on the top level. There can also be a paid upgrade for sunbeds on the upper part of the boat (one report cites about EUR 10 as an example).

Crowding shows up in the negatives. Some people have reported needing to sit near the engine area with related smell, and others wished they could have gotten a better spot to avoid being too close to noise or sun.

Also, know this basic reality: there is only one small toilet on the boat. If you’re the type who hates waiting in line, plan restroom breaks around transfers rather than between every stop.

If you want the best chance at comfort, aim to get settled early and move to a better seating area when you can do so without being a nuisance to other passengers. Small choices like shade versus sun can turn a good trip into a great one.

Food, drinks, and the on-board reality check

Food and drinks are not included. That means you should treat the day like a “swim first, eat later” plan, not a catered cruise.

There’s also a recurring theme about drink offers. Some people say there were free drinks, while others report that what was promised did not match what they received. Because of that, I recommend bringing water if you can, and treating any free-drink claims as a bonus, not the core value.

If you’re the type who gets grumpy when hungry (no judgment), pack a snack before departure. A simple sandwich, fruit, or bars can make the Gozo-to-Comino transition feel way less stressful.

Optional extras like snorkeling items may also be sold or offered on board. The only clear guarantee is that snorkeling equipment is not included, but you can rent it.

Price and value: is $45 a smart deal?

At $45 per person, this trip is priced like a classic “main highlights” day. The value depends on what you want most.

If your top priorities are:

• Comino swim time
• Gozo’s Victoria and Cittadella
• Easy round-trip logistics without ferry planning

…then $45 can feel like a solid bargain because you’re buying time and coordination.

If your top priority is:

• a long guided tour in Gozo
• lots of time for town exploring
• guaranteed on-board perks and included meals

…then the price might feel less satisfying, especially with the tight Gozo window and the fact that food and drinks are not included.

My practical take: this is a good-value choice when you’re flexible, you want water time, and you’re okay with a faster pace.

Who should book this cruise (and who should consider something else)

I’d put this on your list if you’re:

• Visiting Malta for a short time and want a clean day package
• Interested in swimming at Comino without extra planning
• Comfortable with free time pacing in Gozo (walk, view, snack, return)

It may not be your best fit if you:

• Want a long, deeply guided Gozo experience
• Need lots of time to browse in town without time pressure
• Get stressed by crowded transport or limited restroom space

If you’re traveling with kids, the overall structure is simple, but keep expectations realistic. You’ll want swimwear ready, and you’ll want to be strategic about bathroom timing.

If you love nature, keep your eyes open. Some people have spotted marine life from the boat, and those moments can add extra joy to the day.

Should you book? My quick decision guide

Book it if your dream day is a sea-view boat ride plus a real swim stop at Comino, and you’re happy to see Gozo highlights in a compact time window.

Skip or search for an alternative if you’re hoping for a slow, detailed Gozo day where you can linger in town, eat without planning, and avoid uncertainty around drinks and on-board extras. This one is built for highlights, not for hours of wandering.

And one last “make it easy” checklist:

• Decide before departure whether you want to walk on Comino and order that QR code if you do
• Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, comfy walking shoes, and ideally a light layer for the boat ride
• Bring a snack plan since food and drinks are not included

If you align with that mindset, this cruise is a very workable way to get both Gozo flavor and the classic Comino water break.

FAQ

Where do I meet, and what time should I be there?

You start at Sliema Ferries opposite McDonald’s. Be there at 10:00 and look for a Yellow Malta Sightseeing Booth. The boat leaves at 10:30.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is 8 hours. The exact starting times can vary, so check availability when you book.

What stops are included in the itinerary?

You cruise along Malta’s northern coast, then go to Gozo with time in Victoria and access to Cittadella. In the afternoon, you head to Comino for the Blue Lagoon.

Is food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, though it may be available to rent.

Is an audio guide included, and what language is it?

Yes. An English audio guide is included.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Do I need a ticket to walk on Comino?

Yes, as of 1 May 2025. The walking ticket is free of charge, you must order it online at www.blcomino.com, and you need the QR code scanned on arrival. If you do not have the QR code, you can still swim next to the boat.

What is the cancellation policy?

There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.