Gozo has a way of surprising you. This all-inclusive self-drive day (or sunset loop) blends Jeep-style riding, boat time, and big-sky views with stops in Gozo’s most photo-friendly spots and a proper lunch on Comino.

I like two things a lot: the hotel pickup and drop-off that keeps things low-stress, and the way the tour mixes land sights with real water breaks like the Blue Lagoon swim stop when conditions allow it. The one drawback to plan around is that boat timing depends on weather, so the day can shift if seas get choppy.

Key things to know before you go

• Pickup-first, drop-off-first comfort: you start and end where you were picked up (Valletta, or other areas based on your location).
• Water transport is built in: ferry or a reserved boat crossing to Gozo, plus a reserved boat back to Malta.
• Self-drive requires the right credentials: drivers must be 21+, and you need a fully valid licence (provisional is not accepted).
• UNESCO stop depends on route: Ggantija is optional, entrance fee not included, and the sunset route skips it.
• Swim time is seasonal: Blue Lagoon swimming is the goal in summer, but in winter you may only view depending on conditions.
• Small-group feel (max 30): with a multilingual leader, it’s easier to ask questions and keep track of your group.

Price and Logistics: What $112.13 Buys You in Real Terms

At about $112.13 per person, you’re paying for more than just sightseeing. You are buying transportation across Malta, Gozo, and Comino, a guided day with a multilingual leader, plus a meal served al fresco on Comino.

The value gets even better because the “hard parts” are handled: the tour includes the crossings (ferry, plus reserved boat time when weather permits), and the return back to Malta is also reserved for you. That is exactly what helps when you are juggling a single day and don’t want to spend it figuring out timetables.

Two small cost notes to keep in mind:

• Ggantija entrance is not included (the stop itself is free for the short visit, but the temple fee is extra if you choose to go in).
• There can be optional add-on fees later, like an Inland Sea Dwejra boat trip (optional).

Also, read your pickup time carefully. Your booking platform message can show the wrong default pickup time, and the correct one is sent by the operator after you book. Show up at the advised stop about 5 minutes early, because the transport does not wait forever.

Getting Around on Gozo: Tuk-Tuks, UTV Style, and Self-Drive Rules

This is not a “sit on a bus and watch” kind of tour. You’ll move around using a mix of tuk-tuk transportation and modern off-road style vehicles (listed as ultra modern UTVs with forward-facing seats). That matters because it helps you feel the landscape instead of just seeing it from a distance.

If you plan to drive, treat it like a mini driving day:

• Drivers must be 21+
• You need a fully qualified valid driver’s licence
• Provisional licences are not accepted

Families often like the forward-facing seating, since you can actually look out as you travel, not just stare at backs in front of you.

One practical tip: bring comfortable shoes and have your camera ready. Most stops are short photo bursts, so you will want to move quickly and intelligently.

Timing, Route Differences, and the Weather Reality Check

The tour runs about 7 hours excluding transfer time. The start time listed is 8:00 am, and Valletta pickups are specifically noted as 8:00 am for the morning tour, with the sunset option starting around 12:30 (for Valletta).

Routes are not identical:

• Morning and sunset routes vary slightly.
• The sunset tour does not include the Ggantija option since it is closed.

And then there is the wildcard: weather. The plan includes boats, and if boat operations are not possible due to conditions, your booking is changed to a full day tuk-tuk tour in Gozo. That is not a bad outcome, just different from the water-heavy day you may be expecting, so pack your flexibility mindset along with the swimwear.

Sanap Cliffs and the Gozo Viewpoint Moment

You start with a high viewpoint at Sanap Cliffs, one of the island’s highest points. This is one of those stops that doesn’t require a long time, because the perspective does the work for you.

What you should expect here:

• Quick arrival and a brief window for photos
• Malta and Comino visible in the distance on clear days
• A real sense of how Gozo sits in the bigger Maltese story

The upside is speed plus impact. If your day feels packed, this is the kind of stop that makes the schedule feel worth it. The only drawback is that it’s brief, so if you want a slower, lingering viewpoint, you may need to get those extra photos first.

Xlendi: Blue Water, Cliffs, and a Classic Gozo Coast Feel

Next comes Xlendi, one of Gozo’s most popular coastal spots. It’s famous for blue water, dramatic cliffs, and the Xlendi Tower area.

This stop works best as:

• A photo and orientation moment
• A chance to see why people plan their days around the water here

If you are the type who likes to move fast between viewpoints, you’ll probably enjoy Xlendi’s “hit it, see it, move on” style. If you want more time to swim or wander, just know this day is designed for multiple stops, so your time here is not meant to be a full beach day.

Fontana Village: Quiet Culture Near Victoria

Fontana is a small fishing village with a population around 1,000. It’s close enough to Victoria to feel connected, but it still has that calm, lived-in vibe that makes Gozo feel less like a theme park.

You’ll stop briefly to take in:

• The sea-linked character of the village
• The Sacred Heart of Jesus spring, with its connection to the town’s history

This kind of stop is a nice counterweight to the coast and the big landmarks. It’s also a good reminder that Gozo is not only cliffs and water, it’s people, routines, and faith and community spaces.

Ggantija Temples (UNESCO): Short Visit, Optional Fee

If you choose to add it, Ggantija Temples is a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s famous for being among the oldest free-standing structures in the world. It predates the Egyptian pyramids in terms of timeframe, and that kind of age changes how you look at stones.

What to keep in mind:

• The stop is part of the program, but entrance fee is not included
• On the sunset route, this option is not available because the site is closed

Even if you only do a short visit outside, the stop is still worthwhile for the setting. If you go inside, plan to take your time with the megalithic layout rather than rushing through. These temples reward a slower pace, but your tour schedule will keep it compact.

Dwejra Bay and the Inland Sea Area: Limestone Drama by the Water

Dwejra Bay is one of the most dramatic coastline areas in Gozo. It’s a place where cliffs meet sea, and the geology does a lot of the talking.

Then you move toward the Inland Sea, sometimes linked to the Dwejra area and described as a seawater lagoon connected to the Mediterranean Sea through a narrow natural arch.

Two practical thoughts:

• You’ll get a scenic stop, not a long expedition.
• The optional boat trip on the Inland Sea Dwejra portion has an additional fee, so decide based on your comfort level and time.

On days when weather is rough, water conditions can change your boat options. If you’re hoping for more water contact than viewing, ask your leader on the day what is running and what isn’t.

Ta’ Pinu National Shrine: Faith, Architecture, and Peaceful Views

Ta’ Pinu National Shrine is a spiritual landmark that combines faith and striking architecture. Even if religion is not your travel priority, the sanctuary’s setting and the way it draws pilgrims is a real cultural moment.

This stop is typically brief, so think of it as:

• A short pause to reset
• A chance to see a major Gozo landmark up close

If you love architecture or quiet places away from crowds, you’ll appreciate this one because it’s not trying to be a beach. It gives you a different texture for the day.

Xwejni Salt Pans and Marsalforn: Gozo’s Working Landscapes

Xwejni Salt Pans are centuries-old salt fields that show another side of Gozo: work shaped by geography. The view of terraced salt pans can feel almost abstract, especially when the crystals are present and the light catches them.

You’re also likely to pass through or stop around Marsalforn, a busy north-coast town known for hotels, restaurants, bars, and rocky coastline swimming spots. There is only a small sandy beach there, but the area is popular, and the vibe is more “vacation town” than “quiet village.”

This pairing is good for balance:

• Salt pans give you a slower, landscape-focused moment.
• Marsalforn gives you a lively feel and a sense of where people spend time on Gozo.

Comino Lunch and the Boat-to-Water Switch

After the Gozo portion, the day’s rhythm shifts toward water. You cross toward Comino, and transportation includes motorboat time as part of getting around the island’s highlights.

The program includes a 3-course lunch al fresco on Comino, served in a traditional Gozitan style meal concept. This is one of those features that changes the whole tone of the trip. When lunch is handled and you’re not hunting for a place with food and views, you spend your energy enjoying the places instead of solving logistics.

If you like practical travel, this is a big deal. It’s less mentally taxing, and it keeps you ready for the late-day highlights.

Blue Lagoon Swim Stop and Comino Caves: The Comino Payoff

This is where the tour earns its reputation. Comino’s Blue Lagoon is famous for clear water and beach scenery, and the tour typically includes:

• A swim stop in summer
• In winter, you may get viewing if conditions allow

If you want a smoother experience, bring swimwear (you really do need it), plus a towel and water-friendly footwear if you are sensitive to rocky entries.

Then there are Comino caves. They are carved by limestone, stretch over about 40 meters, and are best seen from the water during a boat portion. When the conditions are calm, the cave time is one of those “remember this” moments. When conditions are windy, you may spend a little less time in specific areas, so keep your expectations flexible.

If the weather forces changes, you might lose or shorten the swim windows. That’s the trade-off with all boat-and-water plans.

What the Reviews Emphasize, and How You Should Use That

The strongest praise lines up with three themes:

• Staff are hands-on and engaging
• Views feel incredible
• The pace works well once you’re moving

There are also a couple of warning signs to take seriously:

• Some people reported a rough start when groups were lining up after ferry arrival.
• Another issue that came up was the need to match language skills to passengers, since that affects how smoothly instructions land.
• In a few cases, weather changes meant fewer swim stops than hoped.

Here’s how you protect your day:

• Arrive early at the correct pickup point and bring your patience mindset.
• If you have accessibility needs or language preferences, flag them quickly at the start when you can.
• Keep a backup plan for swim time by focusing on photos and viewpoints too, not only the water.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Prefer Something Else)

This tour is a strong fit if you:

• Want to pack in Gozo and Comino in a single day
• Like a mix of viewpoints, culture, and water stops
• Prefer having transport handled instead of planning your own route
• Are traveling as a family or a group of friends who enjoy movement and short stops

It may not be your best match if you:

• Hate schedule shifts, especially those driven by weather
• Want long beach time, not a mix of viewpoints and transfers
• Need guaranteed swim time year-round

Should You Book This Gozo All Inclusive Self Drive Tour?

If you want a first-timer friendly, transport-heavy Gozo and Comino day, this is a practical pick. You get real value from the included crossings, reserved return boat time, and the Comino lunch, plus the mix of views, culture, and water.

I’d book it when:

• You are okay with short stops and a moving day
• You bring your swimwear and accept that sea conditions rule the final script
• You want a guided day that removes most stress

I’d think twice when:

• You require a long, uninterrupted swim window
• You are traveling during conditions that often disrupt boat operations and you cannot adjust your expectations

If you’re flexible and want variety, this tour can feel like one great day with a lot of Gozo personality, then a Comino finish that’s hard to top.

FAQ

Is Ggantija included in the tour price?

Ggantija temples are an optional stop, and the entrance fee is not included.

Do the morning and sunset tours follow the same route?

Not exactly. Morning and sunset routes are slightly different, and the sunset tour does not have Ggantija as an option because it will be closed.

What time does the tour start, and how long is it?

The start time is listed as 8:00 am, and the tour duration is about 7 hours excluding transfer time. Return timing from Valletta is noted as about 18:30 for the day tour and around 22:30 for the sunset tour.

Does the price include boat and ferry transportation?

Yes. Crossing to Gozo is included by boat reserved for Yippee guests (weather permitting), ferry ticket is included whenever required, and the boat back to Malta is reserved for Yippee clients.

Is there swimming in the Blue Lagoon?

In summer, there is a swim stop. In winter, it may be a viewing stop depending on weather conditions.

What do I need if I want to drive a vehicle?

Drivers must be 21+ and fully qualified, with a valid driver’s licence. Provisional licences are not accepted.