Gozo and the Blue Lagoon in one day.

This full-day cruise mixes Malta’s north-coast sea views with a bus trip into Gozo for Rabat and the Cittadella area, then finishes with serious turquoise-water time at Comino. I like the pacing because you get both sightseeing and a proper swim window, not just a quick stop. The best part is the chance to hang out in the Blue Lagoon waters, with time to snorkel or relax before you head back.

The only real drawback to think about is the short, timed stop in Gozo. You get enough time to see the Cittadella area and grab a snack, but if you’re hoping for a long, slow wander through Gozo’s heart, this format will feel a bit rushed.

Key points before you go

• Sliema Ferries check-in at 10:00, boat at 10:30, so build in buffer time
• Rabat (Victoria) plus Cittadella area, with about 75 minutes to explore on your own
• Comino Blue Lagoon swim time in the afternoon, with onboard facilities and optional snorkeling gear rental
• Comino walking requires a free QR ticket (from May 1, 2025), picked up online by time slot
• Optional top-deck sunbeds may cost extra (one common add-on is around EUR 10)
• Onboard comfort limits, like a small toilet, and the boat can run cool depending on wind

Meeting at Sliema Ferries: timing that actually matters

This trip runs like a classic day cruise, meaning punctuality matters even if Malta itself runs at its own pace. You’re asked to be at Sliema Ferries, right by McDonald’s, and to look for a Yellow Malta Sightseeing Booth. The check-in target is 10:00, and the boat leaves at 10:30.

That half-hour gap sounds small, but it matters for two reasons. First, you’ll need to find the booth, get sorted, and be ready to board. Second, the whole day is built on timed connections once you’re in Gozo and back on the water. If you miss the window, you can end up waiting around. I’d rather arrive a little early than spend the morning juggling bags and stress.

You should also plan for a “real day” feeling. The schedule is set for a full 8-hour outing, and you’ll be moving between boat and bus. Pack like you’ll be outside for most of the day, even if you think the sea air will be mild.

Cruising Malta’s north coast: St. Paul’s Island and Mellieha views

Once the boat pulls away, the cruise portion is your main scenic decompression. You travel along Malta’s northern coast, which is a nice change from the typical stone-street sightseeing. You’ll also get views of St. Paul’s Island and Mellieha from the water.

This is where the trip earns its value. For about the price of a single guided excursion, you’re getting not only transport, but also a long block of sea time with open-air viewpoints. If you’re the type who enjoys “watching the coastline roll by,” this part can feel like the easiest sightseeing day of your whole trip.

It’s also a decent time for spotting marine life. On some departures, you might see things like jellyfish, and you may get glimpses of fish close to the surface. Dolphins sometimes pop up too, though you can’t count on it.

One practical tip: bring a light layer. Even if it’s warm at midday, the boat can feel cooler on the way out, especially if the wind is up. You’ll thank yourself when you’re sitting still waiting for the next stop.

Gozo by bus to Rabat and Cittadella: what 75 minutes gets you

The Gozo portion starts with transportation by bus to the island’s capital area, Rabat (Victoria). In practice, this day doesn’t work like a guided walking tour with constant narration. It’s more of a “get you there, then give you time to explore” setup.

You’ll have about 75 minutes of free time in Rabat and the Cittadella area. That timing is enough to:

• get to the main viewpoint area of the Cittadella zone
• enjoy the views over the island
• grab a quick bite or snack
• return to the meeting point before the bus timing closes

But it’s not enough for a deep dive into every corner of Gozo. The most important thing to know is that you’re on a tight clock. The day is designed so the real heavy focus is the water at Comino, and Gozo is the “worth it but fast” stop.

If you want a leisurely Gozo day with long cafés, slow street wandering, or time for multiple villages, you’ll probably feel shortchanged here. If you want a taste of Gozo’s history-and-views vibe, this time window can be perfect.

Also watch your pace. If you pause for photos, you can burn minutes quickly on the way up and back. Bring comfortable shoes, because “quick walk with stairs” still adds up in a short schedule.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon: QR ticket rule and how to plan your swim

The afternoon is for Comino Island and the Blue Lagoon. This is the star of the itinerary, and you get time for either a swim or snorkel, plus the option to relax on the beach before heading back toward Malta.

Here’s the key rule to know because it can change what you’re allowed to do: As of May 1, 2025, you need a ticket to walk on Comino. The ticket is free of charge, but you must get it online at www.blcomino.com. When ordering, you have to choose the time slot 1330 hrs to 1730 hrs. You’ll receive a QR code, and Comino officials scan it on arrival.

If you don’t have the QR code, you can still swim next to the boat, so you’re not blocked from the water entirely. You’ll just lose the option to walk around the island.

So what’s the best way to plan? If your goal is photos, beach time, and exploring on foot, do the QR ticket step as soon as your travel plans lock in. If your goal is mainly to swim and snorkel, you can still have a great time without rushing into the walking ticket, but you should expect fewer on-foot options.

Also, don’t assume the Blue Lagoon means empty water. This is a famous spot, so it can get busy. The upside is that the water quality and visibility tend to make the crowds worth it, and your cruise format means you’re not stuck searching for the right boat or swim access point.

On the boat and between stops: comfort, toilets, and crowd reality

A lot of the day is spent either on the boat or on buses. That sounds simple, but it affects your comfort level.

First, there are onboard facilities, and you will have a chance to get through the day without needing to plan every bathroom break yourself. Still, one practical warning is that there may be a single, small toilet on the boat. If you’re tall, claustrophobia-prone, or traveling with kids, keep that in mind.

Second, the transport logistics on Gozo can feel like a group shuffle. Expect buses to be filled tightly at peak times and for timing rules to be taken seriously once you’re nearing the departure window. The best habit is to listen for return instructions and treat them like they’re part of the schedule, not a suggestion.

Third, seating can be a comfort factor. Depending on where you end up, you might prefer a spot with shade or less wind. There’s also an optional way to upgrade comfort, with sunbeds on the top deck for an extra fee that has been seen around EUR 10. If you’re sensitive to cold or sun, it’s worth thinking about whether paying for that comfort is actually cheaper than spending the day uncomfortable.

In short: pack for weather changes, expect a crowd on transport, and plan to stay flexible. You’re going for sea time plus a quick Gozo stop, not a slow, spacious private tour.

Food, drinks, and extras: where value adds up (or not)

The big value point here is that the cruise and transport to Victoria and Qala Belvedere are included, plus onboard facilities. The missing piece is that food and drinks are not included.

That matters more than people think. If you want lunch, snacks, or bottled drinks, you’ll need to budget separately. On a day that includes a long swim break and a short Gozo window, it’s easy to spend more on food than you planned.

Drinks have an extra wrinkle. There may be a window where free drinks are offered, often discussed around 11:30 to 13:00. If your timing lands you back off the boat before that window, you might not get much, or anything, from that benefit. The practical move is simple: when you board, check what’s actually available and for exactly what times.

Snorkeling equipment is also not automatically included. Snorkeling gear can be rented, so if you want it, don’t count on having it ready in your bag.

Bottom line for extras:

• Plan to buy your own food and drinks
• If you care about top-deck comfort, check the cost and availability
• If free drinks are part of your plan, confirm the time window on the day

What to bring for a smooth 8-hour sea day

You’re outdoors and in and out of water, so pack for practicality:

• Comfortable shoes for the Cittadella area walk and stairs
• Swimwear so you can switch quickly during the Comino stop
• Towel for after the swim
• Sunscreen because you’ll get sun even when it feels windy
• If you get cold easily, bring a light layer for the boat ride

And if your travel dates are after May 1, 2025, bring your plan for the Comino QR code. Screenshot it on your phone and also be ready to show it when scanned.

Price and value at about $45: who this tour fits best

At about $45 per person, this is priced like a value-focused day excursion. You’re paying for three things that would otherwise add up fast:

• the boat cruise along Malta’s north coast
• the transport to Gozo, including the Victoria area and related stops
• the Blue Lagoon time, which is the main reason many people visit Comino

You do not pay for included meals, and that can affect the final cost. If you add lunch, water, and any optional extras, the day can move from bargain to just fair. Still, compared to piecing together a boat, Gozo transport, and Comino access on your own, the convenience of this one-day flow often makes it feel like a solid deal.

Who should book:

• First-timers in Malta who want a taste of Gozo plus Comino without planning
• People who want swim time as part of their itinerary
• Travelers who enjoy quick, high-impact stops and then moving on

Who might skip:

• Anyone who wants a long, relaxed day in Gozo with multiple stops
• People who dislike tight schedules and bus timing
• Swimmers who want complete freedom to walk around Comino without managing the QR ticket rule

Should you book this Gozo and Blue Lagoon cruise?

If your goal is a single day that combines coastline cruising, a quick Cittadella visit, and real Blue Lagoon swimming, I think this tour is worth considering. It’s built for convenience, and the cruise portion helps stretch what you’re getting for the price.

Just go in with clear expectations. The Gozo stop is short, and you’ll need to handle your own food and any extra gear. If Comino walking is important to you after May 1, 2025, sort out the free QR ticket in advance.

If that sounds like your style of travel, book it. If you want a slow Gozo day or more flexibility, you might be happier with a different setup.

FAQ

Where do I meet and what time does the boat leave?

Meet at Sliema Ferries, opposite McDonald’s, and look for the Yellow Malta Sightseeing Booth. Be there at 10:00. The boat leaves at 10:30.

How long do I spend in Gozo, and what do I do there?

After arriving in Gozo, you take a bus to the capital area Rabat (Victoria). You get about 75 minutes of free time to explore the city and the Cittadella area.

What happens at Comino and the Blue Lagoon?

In the afternoon, you head to Comino Island for time at the Blue Lagoon. You can swim or snorkel, relax on the beach, and then return to Malta in the evening.

Do I need snorkeling equipment?

Snorkeling equipment is not included, but it is available to rent.

Is food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Do I need a ticket to walk on Comino?

Yes, as from May 1, 2025, you need a free ticket to walk on Comino. You must get it online at www.blcomino.com and select the time slot 1330 hrs to 1730 hrs. If you do not have the QR code, you will not be allowed to walk on Comino, but you can still swim next to the boat.