Sliema Cruise to Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon in Beautiful Malta

A boat day in Malta that feels like three trips. This Sliema cruise links Gozo, Comino, and the Blue Lagoon with a mix of cruising, short island sightseeing, and real water time. It is a smart option if your Malta window is tight, but you still want iconic views from the water and a taste of Gozo’s main hilltop town.

I especially like how the day is paced around big scenery moments, with coastal cruising that gives you sweeping looks toward St Julian’s Bay, St George’s Bay, and Mellieha on the way to Gozo. I also like the variety of on-boat time, including bathroom access, a sundeck, swimming ladders, and a waterslide when the boat is anchored.

One possible drawback is that Victoria on Gozo can feel rushed, especially if you want time for both the Citadel area and slower meals and shopping. If you really want to linger, you may find yourself focusing on highlights rather than wandering at ease.

Key things to know before you go

• One day, two islands: Gozo and Comino plus the Blue Lagoon, all in a single outing.
• Seasonal Blue Lagoon timing: 90 minutes in warmer months, 60 minutes in winter.
• Gozo has planned photo stops: Xlendi Bay, Qala Belvedere, and Victoria’s Citadel area.
• Comino Caves and cave views: you get a photo stop at Santa Marija Caves and cave viewing near Comino.
• Onboard fun and basics: sundeck, toilets, swimming ladders, and a waterslide when anchored.

Sliema to Gozo and Comino, the big-picture feel of the day

This is not a slow, stay-put island tour. It is a moving day, built around ferry-style cruising and timed stops that let you collect the best postcards fast. You start in Sliema, ride across to Gozo, then switch over to Comino for the water stop everybody talks about.

The value here is in getting multiple must-sees without needing separate tickets, rentals, or a full day of logistics. Even better, the pace keeps you from getting bored, because you are switching settings every so often, harbor to bus to boat to swim time.

Meeting Luzzu Cruises in Sliema, and how to avoid the first-day chaos

You meet at Luzzu Cruises, Ferries number 4, Triq Ix – Xatt, Sliema. The start time is 10:00 am, and you should aim to arrive 30 minutes early so you can get settled before boarding.

A small practical note from how this trip runs: the day can feel a bit chaotic at first because wrist bands may be issued. If you want your day to feel smooth, I’d give yourself a bigger buffer, especially during busy seasons when everyone is trying to organize Blue Lagoon access at the same time.

Your mobile ticket is used for entry, and the meeting point is near public transportation, which helps if you are not staying right next door.

The boat ride out of Sliema: comfort, views, and what you can do onboard

Once you board, the boat is set up for a long water stretch. You get bathroom facilities, a sundeck for sun and views, and an onboard bar where food and drinks are sold. There are also swimming ladders, plus a waterslide when the vessel is anchored.

I like that you can treat this as part of the experience, not just transportation. As you cruise, you pass major coastline landmarks on the way toward Gozo, with windows of time to look, take photos, and decide how much sun you want before you hit the water stops.

Language-wise, you get English commentary onboard. That is useful here because you are moving along the Maltese coast and heading toward sister-island geography fast.

Cruising past Malta on the way to Gozo, with photo moments built in

The route gives you multiple sightlines as you move away from Sliema. Along the way, you cruise by St Julian’s Bay, St George’s Bay, and Bugibba is bypassed while underway to Gozo. You also cruise past Mellieha on the approach.

For many people, the best photos happen when you are already out on the water and the coast looks layered, boats in the foreground, cliffs and towns in the distance. This is one of those days where the boat is earning its keep, not just getting you to the next stop.

Stop in Gozo: Xlendi Bay, then Victoria and the Citadel area

When you reach Gozo, you moor in the main harbor and switch to land time. There is a guided bus segment on Gozo with multiple stops, including a photo stop at Xlendi Bay and a longer stop in Victoria.

Xlendi Bay is short and scenic, so treat it like a quick reset and photo opportunity. If you want to do more than glance and shoot, you might feel like you are always looking at Gozo through a camera lens, not from a slow stroll.

Then Victoria is the main event on Gozo. You can see the fortified hilltop Citadel from the area, and you can decide how you want to spend your time. The plan gives you flexibility, with an option to visit the Citadel or check out the market, and the stop is long enough to cover the big sights if you move efficiently.

A balanced reality check: several people find that Victoria time can feel tight compared with Blue Lagoon time. If you are the type who wants a long sit-down lunch and lingering shopping, I’d manage expectations and focus on the Citadel viewpoint and one meal, not the whole itinerary.

Comino Caves and cave viewing, a photo stop you’ll remember

After Gozo, the boat heads toward Comino. Part of the draw is that you get cave scenery without having to organize anything yourself. You will have time for Comino and the Blue Lagoon, plus cave views along the way.

There is also a photo stop at the Santa Marija Caves. Think of it as a quick opportunity to grab shots and look at the rock formations from the boat, before you transition to your longer water time.

This is the kind of stop that works even if you do not get off the boat, because the boat positions you for viewing. And if you do like photos, the timing is helpful because the cruise is built around seeing rather than waiting.

The Blue Lagoon stop: swim, snorkel, or just enjoy the water

The Blue Lagoon is the headline. The boat uses it as an anchor stop with a set amount of time, and the timing changes with the season.

• April to October: 90 minutes
• November to March: 60 minutes

That difference matters. In the warmer months, you can do more than just dip your feet. In winter, you will need to be quick about getting changed, taking a short swim, and getting your photos before you’re back on the boat.

Snorkeling equipment is available to hire from the onboard bar for €5.00 per set. I like that this is simple and on-site, though you should still arrive with the right expectations for a rental kit, not a professional setup.

One more practical point: the swimming area is specific. If you want to swim beyond that small designated zone, you may find it awkward, especially if you are trying to keep belongings organized. For rocky shorelines, reef shoes can make a big difference since some areas can be sharp underfoot.

Also, the Blue Lagoon is popular and can feel busy. If your ideal is quiet and private, you may find it more crowded than you hoped. If your ideal is crystal-clear water and iconic views, you will likely feel satisfied.

When the boat is anchored: waterslide fun and a real break from the schedule

Once you are anchored at water time, that waterslide is part of the fun. The boat also gives you swimming ladders, so you can get in and out without needing a crew member to hoist you.

This is a good moment to slow down and let the day reset. Even people who are not big swimmers often enjoy the break in pace, the sun on the sundeck, and watching the water turn into your centerpiece.

In cooler weather, dress matters. Some people note it can feel cold out there when conditions shift, so bring layers even if you think you are chasing warmth.

Costs and value: why this price can make sense

At about $48.06 per person for roughly 7.5 hours, this is positioned as a budget-friendly way to cover a lot of territory. You get:

• A boat cruise from Sliema to Gozo and Comino with English commentary
• The Comino Blue Lagoon stop for seasonal timing
• Viewing Comino caves and a photo stop around Santa Marija Caves
• Land transport in Gozo with photo stops like Qala Belvedere and Victoria

What you are paying for is not a deluxe, all-day touring experience. You are paying for a well-run “highlights plus water time” format, where the boat facilities keep you comfortable and the stops are structured so you do not spend your day figuring things out.

If you compare that to doing Gozo and Comino separately with your own transport and separate timed water plans, the math often works in favor of this kind of package. If you want a slower, in-depth tour of only one island, you might decide you’d rather pay more for a smaller group or longer land time.

Who should book this cruise, and who might want a different plan

This tour fits best if you want a strong mix of:

• Ferry-style views from the water
• Fast island exposure with photo stops
• A timed swim at the Blue Lagoon
• A guided bus segment on Gozo rather than DIY navigating

It can work well for couples and families who want one organized day, not multiple bookings. Solo travelers can enjoy it too, but if you are very particular about where you can store items during swimming, you might want to plan carefully.

If your priority is deep exploring of Victoria or a long walk-focused day in Gozo, you may feel constrained by the scheduled time. In that case, consider whether you’d rather spend longer on Gozo, then do Comino and the Blue Lagoon as a separate visit.

Should you book the Sliema to Gozo, Comino, and Blue Lagoon tour?

I’d book this if your Malta trip is short and you want to check the big boxes in one day: Gozo, Comino, caves, and the Blue Lagoon water stop. The biggest reasons to choose it are the excellent views from the boat, the generally strong organization, and the friendly, helpful crew that keeps the day running on schedule.

I’d be cautious if you know you will be unhappy with tighter time in Victoria or if you are dreaming of a quiet, uncrowded swim. This is a “highlights in motion” day, not a slow, private escape.

If you go in with the right mindset, this cruise can feel like a smart shortcut to Malta’s best-known water sights, with just enough Gozo time to make you want to return.

FAQ

What time does this tour start, and where do I meet?

The tour starts at 10:00 am. You meet at Luzzu Cruises, Ferries number 4, Triq Ix – Xatt, Sliema, SLM 1023, Malta, and you should arrive about 30 minutes before departure.

How long is the Blue Lagoon stop?

It depends on the season. It is 90 minutes from April to October, and 60 minutes from November to March.

Is snorkeling gear included or can I rent it?

Snorkeling equipment is not included, but you can rent it onboard from the bar for €5.00 per set.

Is there a bus tour on Gozo?

Yes. You get land transport in Gozo with stops for photos, including a photo stop at Qala Belvedere and time in Victoria.

Are food and drinks included on the boat?

No. Food and drinks are not included. The boat bar sells food and drinks.

Do I need a Blue Lagoon landing pass?

Access to the Blue Lagoon involves a landing pass that you obtain and choose an afternoon slot for. You should arrange this ahead of time based on the information you receive after booking.

What happens if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.