Two smaller islands, one well-timed day. This Gozo and Comino combo gets you from Malta’s busy coast to the calm of the Blue Lagoon without fiddling with ferries or rental cars.

I really like the mix of transport and freedom. You get a scenic morning cruise, a bus ride through Gozo’s countryside, then real free time in Victoria and on Comino so you can go at your own pace.

One thing to consider: this is not a full guided tour once you arrive on the islands, and the Blue Lagoon now requires a government access pass after May 2025. If you miss that, you miss the shore time.

Key things to know before you go

• A boat plus a Gozo bus ride means you see more in one day than doing ferries solo
• Victoria’s Citadel is included in your free time, but the clock moves fast
• Comino time is mainly for the Blue Lagoon swim, not a long Comino wander
• You need a Blue Lagoon access pass from blcomino.com (limited daily spots)
• The return cruise includes Comino cave scenery, plus on-board comforts like toilets and a cash bar
• The boat has a water slide, and that becomes the unofficial group highlight

From Sliema: the easy start that sets the tone

This is the kind of day trip that works because it starts with momentum. You leave from Sliema Ferries in the morning and head north toward Gozo. Even before you reach land, the cruise does a job a bus alone can’t: it buys you sea views and a real sense of “we’re going somewhere.”

On the water, you’ll have English commentary during the cruise, plus toilets on board, which sounds basic until you’re on a seven-ish hour day and you’re grateful for it. Many people also like that the boat has plenty of seats both outside and inside, so you can choose sun or shade as the day changes.

If you’re sensitive to motion, pay attention. This is not marketed for seasickness, and the tour notes it’s not suitable for people prone to seasickness or motion sickness. If that’s you, plan accordingly.

The Gozo leg: bus rides, photo stops, and real Citadel views

When you arrive at Mgarr Harbour on Gozo, you switch to a bus for the ride inland. This part is practical. A shuttle gets you where you actually want to spend time, instead of leaving you to figure out routes and schedules on your own.

You’ll pass by Gozo’s countryside and landmarks on the way to Victoria, the island’s capital. There’s also a quick photo stop (around 15 minutes) at a bay or at Qala Belvedere, which is there for a reason. You get a chance to snap the coast and hillside scenes that Gozo does so well, then it’s back to moving.

Then comes the main Gozo payoff: about 75 minutes in Victoria. You can roam, grab a coffee or snack, shop if that’s your thing, and most importantly, you’re right by the Citadel. This medieval fortress is the headline attraction, and it’s mentioned as being considered by UNESCO as a possible World Heritage Site. Even if you don’t go inside, the Citadel area works because it gives big views over Gozo’s shape and the way the island sits in the sea.

How to use your Victoria time well

Seventy-five minutes sounds generous until you’re standing in a viewpoint queue or you’re enjoying a street café. I’d treat Victoria like a choose-your-own-adventure:

• Prioritize Citadel viewpoints first, then wander.
• If you want photos, decide your stops early so you’re not crisscrossing the whole center.
• If you’re thinking of lunch, aim for something quick so you don’t feel rushed when it’s time to return to the bus.

A few people felt they wanted more time in Victoria. That’s understandable. The tour is designed for a fast taste of Gozo, not for a full day of island history and slow wandering.

Photo stop timing and why it can feel short

That first Gozo photo break is brief by design. The scheduled time is about 15 minutes, but in practice, the moment can feel tighter if the group is boarding, walking in a small loop, or if you hit the wrong side of the crowd.

So here’s my practical advice: if you care about photos, come ready. Have your camera or phone charged, keep your bag secure, and be ready to move when the crew signals. The tour does a good job reminding you about return times, but the best views go to the people who are already positioned.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon: the part everyone remembers

After Gozo, you sail to Comino. This is where the day goes from countryside to postcard water. You’ll stop for about 90 minutes at the Blue Lagoon. That’s enough time to swim, snorkel, or sunbathe, and it’s also long enough to just sit back and enjoy that bright turquoise look people travel for.

You also have an option that’s smart if the water feels cold or if the beach crowd is intense: stay near the boat and enjoy the on-board fun. The tour includes a water slide, and in real life it becomes a favorite when the lagoon is packed.

The one rule you must not skip: the Blue Lagoon access pass

After a new Malta government directive effective May 2025, you must obtain a government-issued access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. Passes are handled through the official site blcomino.com, and daily availability is limited.

For this cruise, you’re told to select the afternoon slot when you apply for your pass. And this is the key detail: no refunds are provided if you cannot access the lagoon without the pass. Plan for that before you arrive. Don’t treat it like a last-minute add-on.

What to do if the water is too chilly

The tour notes that Comino is worth visiting even in off-season months when swimming might be too cold. Comino has no cars or urban areas, so it’s a walk-and-hike kind of place. You can use hiking trails aimed at spots like St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery. Even if you skip swimming, you still get scenery and the freedom of moving without traffic noise.

Comino caves on the way back: the ride that feels like bonus sightseeing

After the Blue Lagoon stop, the boat cruises by the Comino Caves on the return. This is one of those “quiet extras” that makes the day feel fuller without adding more time pressure on land.

The value here is simple: you get another layer of scenery from the water. If you like photos, this is an easier segment than running around on shore. You can stay seated, look up at the rock lines, and still feel like you’re seeing something beyond the main lagoon.

Food, drinks, and the small realities of a busy day

Food and drinks are not included, but there is a cash bar on the boat for snacks and beverages. Prices are not listed here, so I’d assume you’ll pay a bit more than you would on land, which is normal for a boat setup.

On Comino itself, some people noted food options are mainly simple and similar, so plan for the fact that this is not a gourmet island stop. My recommendation is to eat before you get to the Blue Lagoon if you want a stress-free day, or to keep meals flexible and quick.

Comfort and group rhythm: what the reviews hint at

A pattern shows up in feedback: the schedule works, but the day can feel tight if you’re not paying attention to instructions.

A few people mentioned it can be chaotic in the sense that you need to follow clear directions about where to be and which bus or boat section to use. That’s not unusual on island transfers. The big win is that the crew is generally good at time reminders, and when you follow them, the whole day clicks.

There’s also a practical crowd note. People mention that seats fill up quickly on the open-air part of the boat. If you want those views, get to the desk earlier. Not by an hour, but enough to beat the rush. It’s the difference between sunshine views and trying to squeeze where you can.

On-board, toilets help. The bar helps. The water slide helps. The rest is up to you, meaning you should pack swim gear and comfortable shoes like the tour advises.

Price and value: is $51 a fair deal?

At about $51 per person for a 7.5-hour day that combines cruise, Gozo bus transport, and a Blue Lagoon swim break, the value is solid if you want breadth. You’re paying mainly for three things:

1. transportation between islands without planning hassles
2. timed land access so you don’t lose hours searching for buses or ferries
3. a structured day that still lets you wander during key moments

If you’re the type who wants in-depth guided history, you might feel the bus and island time is more “drop and roam” than “explain and explore.” That’s because this experience is not positioned as a deep guided tour once you reach Gozo and Comino.

But if your goal is a first taste, the price feels reasonable for the variety. You get a medieval fortress viewpoint hour-plus, plus Comino water time, plus cave scenery on return, all in one day.

Who this tour is perfect for, and who should skip it

This works best for:

• people who want two islands in one day without figuring out ferry logistics
• visitors who enjoy free time more than lectures
• beach-and-views fans, especially those who want the Blue Lagoon experience with an easy schedule

It’s a poor fit for:

• anyone who struggles with seasickness or motion
• people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, since the tour is not suitable for that
• anyone who won’t handle planning the Blue Lagoon access pass ahead of time

If you’re unsure, think about your tolerance for crowds at the Blue Lagoon. The lagoon can be very busy, and that’s part of the package. The on-board slide option and the ability to enjoy the boat while still in the area helps a lot, but you should still be ready for a popular scene.

Should you book this Gozo and Comino day trip?

I’d book it if you want a straightforward day with big scenery, practical logistics, and time to make your own choices. The Citadel time in Victoria plus the Blue Lagoon swim window is a winning combo, and the included boat comforts like toilets and the water slide are real advantages.

I’d skip or rethink if any of these are true:

• you can’t get the Blue Lagoon access pass in time
• you hate boats or motion
• you need step-by-step guided history rather than free roaming

If you’re booking, do the one thing that prevents heartbreak: secure your Blue Lagoon access pass from blcomino.com ahead of time, and bring swim gear plus a towel so you can use the 90 minutes well. Do that, and this day trip has a way of turning into the kind of Malta memory that’s easy to talk about for weeks.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 7.5 hours.

Where does the tour start?

It departs from Sliema Ferries in the morning.

How long do I get in Victoria, Gozo?

You get about 75 minutes of free time in Victoria.

How long is the Blue Lagoon stop on Comino?

The stop at the Blue Lagoon is about 90 minutes.

Do I need a Blue Lagoon access pass?

Yes. After May 2025, the tour requires a government access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon, obtained in advance from blcomino.com.

Is there a guide on the bus in Gozo?

No. This is not described as a guided tour on the islands, and a tour guide or audio commentary during the bus tour is not included.

What’s included on the boat?

Toilet facilities are included, along with English commentary during the cruise and a water slide. A cash bar is available for snacks and beverages, but food and drinks are not included.

Can I bring pets or large luggage?

Pets are not allowed. Oversize luggage and large bags are not allowed.

Is this tour refundable if plans change?

Yes. It offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.