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

A boat trip to Gozo and Comino gives you a lot of Malta in one day: rugged coastlines, a medieval fortress, turquoise water, and the famous Blue Lagoon. At $51, the price is sensible if you want transport arranged and prefer seeing both smaller islands without planning ferries, buses, and connections yourself.

I especially like the scenic cruise from Sliema and the easy transfer to Victoria, Gozo’s capital. I also like the choice at Comino: swim from the boat, use the waterslide, go ashore, or simply enjoy the views. The main drawback is time. Victoria gets about 75 minutes, and the Blue Lagoon can be extremely crowded in warm months.

Key points before you book

• Two islands in 7.5 hours: Gozo and Comino fit into one carefully timed day.
• Victoria and the Citadel: You get free time to walk around Gozo’s capital and visit its medieval fortress.
• Boat-based sightseeing: The cruise includes Malta’s northern shoreline, Gozo’s coast, Comino, and the sea caves.
• Blue Lagoon access now requires a pass: From May 2025, you must arrange a government access pass before stepping ashore.
• More transport than guided tour: Boat commentary is provided, but Gozo and Comino are explored independently.
• Useful boat facilities: Toilets, indoor and outdoor seating, a cash bar, snacks, and a waterslide make the long sailing portions easier.

Why this day trip works from Sliema

The appeal is simple: you can see Malta’s two smaller islands without arranging separate transport. The boat leaves from Sliema Ferries in the morning, travels north along Malta’s shoreline, and handles the long crossings while you sit back with a coastal view.

The trip lasts about 7.5 hours, which makes it a full day but not an exhausting multi-day commitment. I would think of it as a scenic transfer with planned sightseeing stops. You are not joining a guide-led historical walk at every location. Instead, the crew gets you there, explains some sights from the boat, and gives you free time ashore.

That distinction matters. If you want detailed history, personal recommendations, and a guide beside you in Victoria, this is not the right format. If you want a reliable way to reach Gozo and Comino, with some commentary and clear meeting times, it makes good sense.

The boat has indoor and outdoor seating, toilets, and a cash bar selling drinks and some snacks. Arrive early if you want an open-air seat. One June departure had most of the upper deck filled 20 minutes before sailing, and the boat can feel tight when every seat is taken. The coastal views are worth claiming a good spot.

Sailing north along Malta’s coast

The first part is about the sea. From Sliema, you travel toward Gozo while looking back at Malta’s rugged northern shoreline and its coastal attractions. The route gives you a different view of the island than you get from the roads, with open water, cliffs, and rocky inlets passing by.

English commentary is provided during the cruise, and recorded commentary is available in other languages according to the experience details. The quality and volume can vary by position on the boat, so sit where you can hear the speaker if the coastal information matters to you.

One captain, Jean-Paul, was singled out for clear commentary and friendly attention during a summer sailing. Other crew members have also been praised for explaining departure times and helping families. You should still listen carefully to the instructions, because the day depends on everyone returning to the boat on time.

The trip can be smooth, but the sea is not always calm. A February sailing after a storm was rough enough to trouble some people, although the crew helped those feeling seasick. If you are prone to motion sickness, take that warning seriously. Sit in a stable part of the boat, follow your usual precautions, and reconsider the trip if rough water would spoil your day.

Gozo’s harbour and the ride to Victoria

At Mgarr Harbour, Gozo’s main port, you transfer to a bus or minibus. The ride takes you inland toward Victoria, with a short photo stop along the way at one of Gozo’s bays or at Qala Belvedere.

This part gives you a quick taste of Gozo beyond the harbour. You may pass churches, rural roads, and open countryside, with views that feel quieter and less built-up than much of Malta. The photo stop is brief, around 15 minutes, and some departures have allowed closer to 10 minutes. Treat it as a chance to stretch your legs and take a few pictures, not as a proper visit to the bay.

The Gozo transport is usually ready at the port, but the changeover can occasionally waste time if there are not enough vehicles waiting. Minibuses may also feel cramped. Follow the driver’s instructions and remain with the assigned vehicle. Changing buses can cause confusion and may leave you behind.

This is one place where the trip’s organized nature helps and limits you at the same time. You do not need to find a taxi or work out the local bus system, but you also cannot set your own pace or choose several Gozo villages.

Victoria and the Citadel in 75 minutes

Victoria, also known as Rabat, is Gozo’s capital and the main stop on the island. You get about 75 minutes here, enough for a quick meal, coffee, shopping, and a walk up to the Citadel.

The Citadel is the clear priority. This fortified hilltop area gives you broad views across Gozo and a strong sense of the island’s past. You can also see the Cathedral and walk through the historic streets, though admission to sites is not included and your time is limited.

I would head straight toward the Citadel when you arrive. Do not spend the first half hour browsing shops unless shopping is your main aim. The walk and sightseeing take time, and several people have wished for two or three hours in Victoria rather than 75 minutes.

Still, the short stop works well for a first look. You can climb to the fortress, take in the views, buy a snack or pastizzi, and return to the meeting point without rushing too badly. If you want a full Citadel visit, church interiors, museums, and a proper meal, plan a separate Gozo day.

The bus driver gives a return time, and the crew repeats the schedule. Take it seriously. This is free time, not a guided walk, and the boat cannot wait for late arrivals.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon

After Gozo, the boat heads for Comino and the Blue Lagoon. The stop lasts about 90 minutes, giving you time to swim, sunbathe, snorkel, walk along the island, or stay aboard.

The water is the star. On a clear day, the lagoon has remarkable turquoise color, and the contrast between pale rock and bright sea makes this the most memorable photo stop of the day. Water temperature is another matter. In spring and winter, it can be too cold for a comfortable swim, though you can still enjoy the scenery and the boat facilities.

Summer brings a different problem: crowds. The Blue Lagoon is very popular, and the shore can feel packed, with food trucks serving similar burgers and fries. If you dislike crowded beaches, use the boat as your base. You can swim from the vessel, take the waterslide, or sit with a drink while looking over the water.

One useful detail is that the boat may stop in a quieter part of the Blue Lagoon rather than putting everyone directly onto the busiest stretch of shore. That gives you more space in the water, even if you choose not to go ashore.

Comino itself has no cars or urban areas. If you prefer walking to swimming, use the time for a short countryside walk toward St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, or St. Mary’s Battery. The 90-minute stop is not long enough for a serious island hike, but it gives you a small taste of Comino beyond the beach.

The new Blue Lagoon access pass

Since May 2025, anyone who wants to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon must obtain a government-issued access pass in advance through blcomino.com. Daily numbers are limited.

For this particular boat trip, select the afternoon slot when applying. The pass is not included in the $51 price, and you are responsible for getting it yourself. Without one, you may not be allowed ashore, and no refund is provided for missing the lagoon because you did not arrange the pass.

This rule makes planning more important than it used to be. Check the official government site before booking, confirm that the correct date and afternoon slot are available, and keep the pass details accessible on your phone. You can still enjoy the boat and possibly swim from it, but the pass is required to disembark.

Comino Caves on the return

After the Blue Lagoon, the boat cruises past Comino’s sea caves before returning to Sliema. The crew takes the boat close enough for a better look, making this more than a simple ride back.

The caves are best treated as a photo stop from the water. You do not go inside on foot, and the view depends on sea conditions and the boat’s route. Still, it adds a final scenic note to a day that is otherwise divided between two islands.

This return sailing is also a good time to use the bar, find an indoor seat, or review your photos. The boat has toilets, which matters on a full-day outing with limited facilities at some stops.

What the $51 price really buys you

At $51 per person, the value comes from transport and coverage rather than private guiding. You are paying for the boat from Sliema, the cruise commentary, Gozo road transport, a photo stop, time in Victoria, Comino, the return sailing, and crew assistance.

Booking separate ferries, buses, and local transport could be more work even if the basic fares were lower. This trip also adds the shoreline cruise, the Comino Caves, a boat bar, toilets, and the waterslide. For someone with one free day, that is a fair package.

The price does not include food, drinks, admissions in Gozo, a personal guide, or the Blue Lagoon access pass. You should also budget for lunch or snacks. Food options at Comino are limited, so eating in Victoria may be the better choice.

The best value comes if you want a taste of Gozo and Comino. The weaker value comes if you want to study Gozo properly. A longer independent visit would give you more time in Victoria and more control over which villages, churches, and coastal sites you see.

Who should book this experience

I would recommend this for first-time visitors who want to cover two islands in one day, families who value organized transport, and anyone staying in Sliema who does not want to manage connections. The boat gives children something to enjoy, especially the waterslide and the lower windows where fish may be visible.

It also suits off-season visitors. Comino is quieter and still worthwhile for walking and photographs when swimming is unpleasant. The boat, however, remains weather dependent, and colder months may bring rougher water or less inviting sea temperatures.

I would think twice if you use a wheelchair, have a mobility impairment, or often suffer from seasickness. The experience is specifically not recommended for wheelchair users or people prone to motion sickness. Large bags and oversize luggage are not allowed, so pack lightly with comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if your goal is to see Gozo, Comino, and the Blue Lagoon in one organized day. The timing is tight, but the plan is clear, the transport is useful, and the boat adds scenery that a basic road trip misses.

Do not book it expecting a traditional guided tour. You will receive boat commentary and practical instructions, then explore Victoria and Comino on your own. Arrange the Blue Lagoon pass before you go, arrive early for better boat seating, and give yourself enough time to return to each meeting point.

For a first taste of Malta’s smaller islands, $51 is good value. For a slow, detailed visit to Gozo, choose a longer independent trip instead.

FAQ

How long does the Gozo and Comino boat trip last?

The experience lasts about 7.5 hours, including the boat journey, Gozo transport, free time in Victoria, the Blue Lagoon stop, and the return cruise past Comino’s sea caves.

Where does the boat leave from?

The boat departs from Sliema Ferries in the morning. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is this a guided tour?

It is mainly an organized transport and sightseeing experience. English commentary is provided during the cruise, but the stops in Gozo and Comino are at leisure. There is no personal guide accompanying you during the shore visits, and bus audio commentary is not included.

How much time do I get in Victoria?

You get approximately 75 minutes in Victoria, Gozo’s capital. You can walk around, visit the Citadel, stop for coffee or food, and browse shops, but admissions are not included.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. From May 2025, visitors who want to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon must obtain a government access pass in advance through blcomino.com. For this cruise, select the afternoon slot. The pass is not included in the tour price.

Can I swim at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. The Comino stop lasts about 90 minutes and allows time for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. You can also swim from the boat and use its waterslide. The water may be cold outside the warmer months.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. A cash bar on the boat sells some snacks and beverages, and food trucks are available near the Blue Lagoon. Eating in Victoria may give you more choice.

Is the trip suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. It is also not recommended for people prone to seasickness or motion sickness.