Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay: Best of Gozo and Comino Day Trip

Gozo and Comino, packed into one day. I like how this trip ties together a catamaran cruise with real time to swim in the Blue Lagoon, plus a land bus loop through Gozo. The English narration over the boat’s PA helps you follow what you’re seeing, even when the day gets busy.

Two things I really like are the Victoria free time (you get about 1.5 hours) and the chance to see Gozo’s top landmark, the hilltop Cittadella fortress inside Victoria. It’s a simple flow, but it gives you both an old-town feel and big views over Gozo and the harbor.

The main consideration is the Blue Lagoon access pass. Since May 2025 you must get a government-issued pass in advance for your allotted afternoon slot, and you will not be able to disembark without it.

Key things to know before you go

• Choose your departure point: Sliema Ferries or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay (pick when booking)
• English commentary is cruise-only: you get PA narration on the boat, not a full guided experience on land
• Victoria is your anchor stop: about 1.5 hours free time to wander and (optionally) go up to Cittadella
• Comino is short and sweet: about 2 hours on the island for the Blue Lagoon swim stop
• Blue Lagoon disembark requires a pass: get it ahead through blcomino.com and choose the afternoon timeslot
• The boat setup helps on a long day: air-conditioned comfort, WiFi, toilets, and crew help during transfers

Why This Gozo and Comino Day Trip Works for a First Malta Visit

This is the kind of outing that makes sense when you want variety without spending days planning. You get sea views on the way to Gozo, a land sightseeing circuit in Victoria, and then a Comino break built around the Blue Lagoon. It’s one day, but it hits the big “Malta postcard” moments.

I like that the schedule is structured around two real experiences: Victoria with the Citadel in the middle, and the Blue Lagoon on Comino at the end. If you’ve only got one day to spare, this gives you enough time to see a different island vibe, not just take a photo and rush away.

One more plus is that the boat is modern and air-conditioned, with WiFi and toilet facilities. That matters on a hot or crowded day because your comfort is tied to how much you can enjoy the stops.

Meeting Point Choices: Sliema Ferries vs Buġibba Jetty

You depart in the morning either from Sliema Ferries in Sliema or from Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. When you book, you choose your preferred departure point and time, so match it to where you’re staying.

If you’re based around Sliema, leaving from Sliema Ferries is usually the easiest. If you’re closer to St. Paul’s Bay, Buġibba Jetty can save you a chunk of travel time before you even start the fun.

A practical tip: go a little early. This trip can get very busy, and having a buffer makes the boarding process easier when people are moving between boat and bus connections.

Morning on the Catamaran: Cruise Along Malta’s Northeast Coast

Your day starts on a modern catamaran. You leave in the morning and cruise up Malta’s northeast coast toward Gozo, with English commentary over a PA system during the trip.

This is more than “just getting there.” The cruise gives you a moving viewpoint over Malta’s shoreline, and it also sets expectations for what’s ahead on land. The narration helps you connect the coastline you see from the water with the places you’ll drive past later in Gozo.

If you’re sensitive to motion, pay attention here. The sea can be calm or it can kick up winds, and at least one passenger described the return sailing as noticeably rough. Bring whatever motion-sickness prevention you like, and don’t wait until you feel sick to start dealing with it.

Gozo by Bus to Victoria: From Mġarr Harbour to the Citadel Area

Once you reach Mġarr Harbour in Gozo, you switch to a bus for the ride to Victoria, Gozo’s charming capital city. The bus route is part scenery, part orientation, with stops along the way that let you appreciate churches, landmarks, and the overall feel of the island.

When you arrive in Victoria, you get about 1.5 hours of free time. That free time is where you decide how much energy you want to spend on the old-town streets versus going up toward the Cittadella fortress.

It’s also worth noting how this trip handles structure. There’s no full bus audio guide described for the land segment, so plan to use your time actively. If you like photos, start early in your Victoria window so you’re not running late later for the return.

Cittadella Time in Victoria: How to Make the Most of 1.5 Hours

The Cittadella (also commonly called Citadel) is the big landmark you’ll likely hear about once you’re in Victoria. It’s a medieval fortress within the city, and it dominates the skyline with imposing military architecture that you can see from many parts of Gozo.

With only about 1.5 hours, I’d treat Cittadella as a choose-your-own-adventure:

• If you want the fortress views, start with Cittadella first, then come down to wander.
• If you’d rather keep it easy on your feet, you can spend more time in the Victoria streets and only do partial sightseeing.

One key mindset: your time in Victoria is free time, not a guided tour. That means you should decide where you want to go before you’re standing among lots of people. If you wait until you’re overwhelmed, the clock will do what the clock does.

The Return to Mġarr Harbour and the Quick Hop to Comino

After Victoria, the bus brings you back to Mġarr Harbour. Then you board the boat again and continue on toward Comino.

Comino is the destination for your Blue Lagoon stop, and this is where the trip’s “water payoff” happens. The schedule keeps Comino time focused, and the boat does not stay there for long. So once you arrive, be ready to move, swim, and meet back up for the return.

Also remember: the excursion includes a brief window on Comino, about 2 hours. That can feel short if you’re planning to snorkel a lot, take many outfit changes, or get distracted by photo stops.

Blue Lagoon Disembark at Comino: Access Pass Rule and Swim Reality

Comino is all about the Blue Lagoon, famous for its crystal-clear water, turquoise tones, and a white sandy base. You’ll disembark for about 2 hours, which is enough for a swim stop, sunbathing, and lighter snorkeling.

But there’s an important new rule you cannot ignore. After May 2025, Malta requires a government access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. These passes come from blcomino.com, and daily allocation is limited.

Your practical move:

• Buy the pass in advance
• Make sure you select the afternoon timeslot you’ll need for this trip
• Keep the pass details handy so you’re ready for checks

Also, your swim time is not a private beach moment. The Blue Lagoon can be extremely crowded, and that affects how comfortable the experience feels. If your top priority is solitude, this may frustrate you. If your priority is a quick hit of world-famous water and you’re okay with shared space, it can be totally worth it.

One more practical detail: bathrooms can get busy when people are changing. If you want less hassle, consider wearing your swimwear early and adjusting on arrival rather than waiting until the last minute.

Comfort, Crowds, and Timing: Seats, Toilets, and Seasickness

This day trip can feel like a well-run machine, but it still has the reality of peak demand. Expect busy periods, especially around connections in Gozo and at Comino.

A few small things I’d plan for:

• Get to your departure spot early to improve your chances of a better seat on the catamaran
• Bring a towel and sunglasses so you’re not scrambling when you hit the Comino water
• Plan for busy toilets during swim-time changes
• If seasickness is your weak point, use motion-sickness prevention ahead of time

Time can also matter a lot with a day trip. Some departures run later in the morning, and one review complaint pointed out that leaving around 11:30 am felt late because you lose a chunk of the day’s sunlight. If your booking gives you a later start, mentally prepare for a faster pace. You’ll likely still enjoy it, but you might feel more “scheduled” than “leisure.”

And one last rule of survival: the boat will not remain at the destination. When you’re given a meeting point to return to, treat it like a train departure. Find the spot, show up early, and you’ll stay stress-free.

What’s Included, What You’ll Pay Extra For

This trip’s core value is the combination of scenic cruise + Gozo transport + Comino Blue Lagoon time in one package.

Included items:

• Scenic cruise along Malta’s coast with English commentary over PA
• Land transportation in Gozo between Mġarr Harbour and Victoria
• Free time in Victoria (about 1.5 hours)
• Free time in Comino (about 2 hours)
• Fully air-conditioned boat, WiFi, toilet facilities, and crew assistance

Not included items that matter for your budget:

• The government Blue Lagoon access pass
• Hotel pickup and drop-off transfers
• Food and drinks
• Admission fees for sites in Gozo (if you choose to pay to enter something on your own)
• Any optional add-on

Price check: at $52 per person for 7 to 7.5 hours, you’re basically paying for transportation and time at the two key island stops. When you also consider that the Blue Lagoon pass is a separate requirement, I’d budget for that extra cost early so you don’t get surprised at the last moment.

Optional Comino Add-On: Motorboat to Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon

There is an optional trip: a motorboat trip to Comino Caves and the Crystal Lagoon, about €15 per person, payable on location.

This can be a good choice if you want more than just the Blue Lagoon swim. It’s also a way to turn Comino into an exploration day rather than a beach-and-back day. The tradeoff is simple: you’ll get less flexibility with your allotted Comino time, because you’ll be doing another activity during that island window.

If you’re the type who likes caves and close-up scenery, it’s worth considering. If your main goal is swimming and relaxing, you can skip it and keep your time simple.

Who This Trip Suits Best, and Who Might Want Another Option

This tour fits best if you want a structured day that includes both island sightseeing and water time.

You’ll likely enjoy it if:

• You’re visiting Malta for the first time and want Gozo + Comino in one day
• You like free-time wandering (Victoria and Comino stops are not guided)
• You want a boat day with comfort features like air-conditioning and WiFi
• You can handle crowds and want that classic Blue Lagoon experience anyway

It may not be a great fit if:

• You have mobility impairments or use a wheelchair, since it’s not suitable for wheelchair users
• You’re prone to seasickness, since conditions can vary and the schedule requires boat travel both ways
• You dislike being on a strict return timeline, because the boat will not wait at the destination

Should You Book This Gozo and Comino Day Trip?

If your goal is to see Gozo’s capital area and then spend time at the Blue Lagoon, this is a solid way to do it in a single day. The ship comfort helps, the cruise adds context, and Victoria gives you enough breathing room to make Cittadella a realistic option.

I’d book it when:

• You can get your Blue Lagoon access pass in advance for the correct afternoon slot
• You’re okay with crowds at Comino
• You pack for comfort, bring swim essentials, and manage your meeting-point timing

I’d think twice when:

• Your travel style needs quiet, uncrowded water time
• You know you get seasick easily
• You’re stuck on a later departure and worry the day will feel rushed

Bottom line: for most people, the value comes from doing two iconic island experiences back-to-back with transport handled for you. Just plan the pass early, show up on time, and treat Blue Lagoon as a shared, high-impact swim stop rather than a private beach.

FAQ

Where do I depart for this Gozo and Comino day trip?

You can depart either from Sliema Ferries in Sliema or from Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. Your selected departure point and time depend on the option you book.

How long is the trip and how much free time do I get on the islands?

The total duration is about 7 to 7.5 hours. You get approximately 1.5 hours in Victoria and about 2 hours on Comino for the Blue Lagoon.

Is there a guided tour while you’re in Victoria or on Comino?

No. This is not a guided tour, and the stops in Victoria and at the Blue Lagoon are at leisure with free time.

Do I need an access pass to get off at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. After a government directive effective May 2025, you need an official access pass in advance to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. Passes are obtained through blcomino.com, and you must book the afternoon timeslot.

What’s included in the price?

The price includes the scenic cruise with English commentary over a PA system, land transportation in Gozo between Mġarr Harbour and Victoria and back, free time in Victoria, free time at Comino and the Blue Lagoon, and boat amenities like air-conditioning, WiFi, and toilet facilities.

What’s not included?

Food and drinks are not included, and you also need to cover the Blue Lagoon access pass. Sites in Gozo may have extra admissions, and hotel transfers are not included. An optional motorboat add-on is extra.

Is the boat comfortable and does it have facilities?

Yes. The boat is air-conditioned and includes WiFi and toilet facilities.

Is this trip suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users?

No. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments and wheelchair users.