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

Two islands, one busy day. This 7.5-hour boat and bus trip packs Gozo and Comino into a single outing, with coastal views, a short visit to Victoria, and time at Malta’s famous Blue Lagoon. I especially like the scenic cruise from Sliema and the easy bus transfer across Gozo, since you can see a good deal without arranging separate ferries and taxis.

The trip also gives you choices. You can explore the Citadel, stop for a coffee, swim from the boat, or walk around Comino instead. The main drawback is time: Victoria gets about 75 minutes, and the Blue Lagoon can be extremely crowded, particularly in summer.

Key points to know before booking

• Gozo’s Citadel is the cultural highlight: You get free time in Victoria, enough for a quick look around the fortress, a snack, and a few views across Gozo.
• The boat ride is part of the experience: You cruise along Malta’s rugged northern coast, hear English commentary, and pass close to Comino’s sea caves on the way back.
• The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about 90 minutes: Swim, use the boat’s water slide, sunbathe, or stay aboard if the shore looks too crowded.
• This is transport with free time, not a traditional guided tour: Staff keep the schedule moving, but you explore Gozo and Comino on your own.
• Arrive early for the best seats: Open-air places fill quickly, and the boat may feel tight during the one-hour crossing.
• A Blue Lagoon access pass is now required: Since May 2025, you must obtain the government pass in advance and select the afternoon slot for this trip.

The Sliema departure and the northbound cruise

The day starts at Sliema Ferries in the morning. From there, the boat heads north toward Gozo, giving you a long look at Malta from the water rather than from a road or coach window.

I like this opening because the crossing is not just a transfer. You get views of the shoreline, rocky coast, and small coastal attractions, with English commentary from the boat. On some boats, the commentary is also available as a recording in other languages, but English is the stated language for the experience.

The boat has indoor and outdoor seating, toilets, and a cash bar serving drinks and snacks. Some departures use a boat with underwater viewing windows, which can be fun for children when fish are visible. The water slide is used later at Comino, not during the crossing.

Try to arrive at least 20 minutes early if you want an open-air seat. Upper-deck places can disappear quickly, and several people found the seating close together on the crossing. If you are prone to seasickness, take that seriously. The boat ride can feel rough after poor weather, even though the crew are helpful and the trip is usually described as smooth and well managed.

The size and comfort of the boat may vary by departure. Expect a clean, practical vessel rather than a quiet private cruise. You are paying for transport, scenery, and access to two islands, not for a spacious yacht.

Gozo’s Mgarr Harbour and the short island transfer

At Mgarr Harbour, Gozo’s main port, you transfer to a bus or minibus. This is a useful part of the arrangement. Instead of being dropped at the harbor and left to solve the island’s transport on your own, you are taken toward Victoria, Gozo’s capital.

The bus ride lets you see the countryside and pass churches, villages, and other landmarks. There is also a photo stop of about 15 minutes at one of Gozo’s bays or at Qala Belvedere. The exact location can vary, so think of this as a quick scenic pause rather than a full sightseeing stop.

That short timing matters. You will have enough time for photographs, but not for a long walk or a relaxed meal. Keep your camera ready and listen carefully for the return time. At the harbor, several vehicles may be waiting, and the transfer can feel confusing if people do not move promptly.

This section is practical rather than luxurious. Some minibuses can feel cramped, and the driver may give only basic instructions. The tradeoff is that you reach Victoria efficiently and do not spend much of your Gozo visit figuring out local transport.

Victoria and the Citadel in 75 minutes

Victoria is the main stop on Gozo, with roughly 75 minutes of free time. You can use it in several ways, but you cannot do everything.

The Citadel is the clear priority. This medieval fortress rises above Victoria and offers broad views across Gozo. It is also being considered by UNESCO as a possible World Heritage Site. You can walk through the historic area and visit the cathedral area if time allows, though admissions are not included.

If you prefer a slower break, stay near the city center for coffee, a snack, ice cream, or a look through the shops. Pastizzi, a savory Maltese pastry, makes an easy snack if you spot one. A few people use this stop for lunch before returning to the boat, which is sensible because Comino has limited food choices and tends toward basic burgers and fries.

The main complaint about Victoria is not that it lacks interest, but that the clock moves fast. Seventy-five minutes is enough for a first taste of the Citadel and a quick refreshment. It is not enough for a careful visit to several sites. If you want to explore Gozo’s churches, museums, and villages in detail, plan a separate day.

I would head straight toward the Citadel first, then use any remaining time for food or shopping. Do not spend the first 20 minutes wandering without a plan. The driver will give you a meeting time, and missing the bus can cause real trouble for the rest of the day.

Sailing toward Comino and the Blue Lagoon

After Gozo, you return to the boat and continue to Comino. The island is tiny, largely free of cars and urban areas, and known for its clear water and open countryside. The Blue Lagoon is the main attraction, and the boat stops there for about 90 minutes.

Since May 2025, visitors who want to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon must obtain an access pass through the official government website, blcomino.com. The daily number is limited, and you must select the afternoon slot when applying for this particular cruise. This is essential: if you arrive without the correct pass and cannot go ashore, no refund is provided.

The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but the setting is not peaceful in high season. Expect a very popular swimming area with crowds, food stands, and people moving in and out. The water can look spectacular, but the shore may feel packed. That contrast is worth understanding before you book.

You have several ways to spend the stop:

• Swim or snorkel in the clear water.
• Sunbathe if you find a suitable place.
• Walk along the island’s paths.
• Stay on the boat and use the water slide.
• Enjoy a drink while taking in the view.

Staying aboard is not a poor substitute. When the shore is crowded, the boat can give you a less cramped place to swim. The slide is a hit with children and playful adults, and you avoid carrying your things onto a busy beach.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. The activity is not well suited to wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. It is also a poor choice if you regularly suffer from motion sickness.

Comino beyond the lagoon

The Blue Lagoon takes most of the attention, but Comino offers more if you visit outside the warmest months. With no cars or built-up urban areas, the island can work well for a short walk and photography when the water is too cold.

The listed trails lead toward St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery. Ninety minutes is not enough for an ambitious hike, but it can be enough for a short walk if you leave the swimming area promptly.

In cooler months, Comino becomes a different sort of stop. You may not want to swim, yet the sea views and quiet paths still give the visit a purpose. Several winter departures have worked well because the island feels less focused on beach time.

The boat also passes close to the Comino sea caves on the return journey. This is a good final look at the island, especially if you did not walk far ashore. Have your camera ready, since the boat gets close enough for a better view than you would get from a distant ferry route.

How the timing affects the day

The schedule is efficient, but it leaves little room for delays. You have a photo stop of about 15 minutes, around 75 minutes in Victoria, and roughly 90 minutes at the Blue Lagoon. Those limits are the reason the experience can cover so much in one day.

I like the balance for a first visit. You get a taste of Gozo’s countryside and historic center, then time for Comino’s water and caves. Still, you need to accept that this is a sampler. Gozo deserves more time than this if you want villages, churches, museums, and a proper meal.

The crew and drivers give repeated reminders about when to return. Listen to them and set an alarm on your phone. The boat will not wait for a late swimmer or a slow shopper.

The trip is run by Robert Arrigo & Sons Limited. Staff are responsible for the cruise, transfers, and general assistance, but this is not a guided walking experience. You do not get a guide leading you through the Citadel or explaining every site in Victoria. The boat commentary gives context during the sailing, while the island stops are your own time.

Is the $51 price good value?

At about $51 per person, the price is fair for what you receive. It covers the scenic cruise from Sliema, the Gozo bus transfer, the photo stop, free time in Victoria, the Comino stop, the return route by the caves, crew assistance, and use of the water slide.

You would otherwise need to organize transport to Gozo, arrange a way from Mgarr Harbour to Victoria, and find a separate boat or ferry for Comino. The convenience has real value, especially if you have only one spare day.

The price does not include food, drinks, admissions in Gozo, hotel transfers, or the government access pass for the Blue Lagoon. You also need to budget for whatever you buy at the boat bar or in Victoria.

The best value comes if you want variety. You see two islands, ride the coast, visit a fortress, and have a chance to swim without making several separate bookings. The value is weaker if your main goal is a long, quiet day in Victoria or a relaxed beach visit.

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend it to first-time visitors who want a broad look at Malta’s smaller islands. Families may like the water slide, underwater viewing windows on some boats, clear schedule, and easy bus transfer. The experience also suits couples and friends who prefer independent exploring rather than following a guide all day.

It works well in spring, autumn, and winter too. You can enjoy the cruise, Victoria, and Comino’s walking paths even when swimming is uncomfortable. In summer, the water is the main draw, but the Blue Lagoon will likely be at its busiest.

I would choose a different plan if you dislike boats, become seasick, need step-free access, or want serious time for Gozo’s sights. A private or slower Gozo visit would give you more freedom, while this trip gives you more coverage for less planning.

FAQ

How long does the Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon trip last?

The experience lasts about 7.5 hours, including the boat journey, Gozo transport, time in Victoria, the Comino stop, and the return cruise to Sliema.

Where does the boat leave from?

The boat departs from Sliema Ferries in the morning.

Is transport included on Gozo?

Yes. After arriving at Mgarr Harbour, you board a bus or minibus for the journey toward Victoria, with a photo stop along the way.

How much free time do I get in Victoria?

You get approximately 75 minutes in Victoria. You can visit the Citadel, have a coffee or snack, shop, or explore the city center.

Is the Citadel entrance included?

No. Admissions to sites in Gozo are not included, so any entrance fee at the Citadel or other attractions is paid separately.

How long is the Blue Lagoon stop?

The stop at Comino and the Blue Lagoon lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Do I need a pass to visit the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, you need a government-issued access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. For this cruise, select the afternoon slot when applying through blcomino.com.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. A cash bar on the boat sells some snacks and beverages, and you can also buy food during your free time in Victoria.

Is this a guided tour?

It is not a traditional guided tour. You receive English commentary during the cruise, but the stops in Victoria and Comino are independent free time. You must return to the agreed meeting point by the stated time.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want to see Gozo and Comino in one day with the least transport planning. The strongest parts are the coastal cruise, efficient Gozo transfer, Citadel visit, and the choice between swimming ashore or using the boat’s water slide.

Go in with realistic expectations. Victoria is brief, the Blue Lagoon is popular, and the boat may feel crowded. Secure the access pass before departure, arrive early for an outdoor seat, pack your swim gear and sunscreen, and treat the day as a well-organized island sampler rather than a slow cultural tour. For $51, that is a sensible trade if variety matters most.