Gozo Full Day Buggy Tour with Boat Ride

Getting a true taste of Malta’s enchanting island of Gozo often means combining adventure, scenic beauty, and a touch of local charm. This Gozo Full Day Buggy Tour with Boat Ride promises all that and more, offering an engaging way to explore some of the island’s most breathtaking spots. While I haven’t personally tried it, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a compelling picture of a day packed with highlights, fun, and authentic experiences.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it’s well-organized, with knowledgeable guides, and includes a mix of land and sea adventures. Second, the itinerary covers iconic sites like Dwejra Bay and Ramla Bay, giving you great photo opportunities and memorable moments. Third, the value for money is impressive—covering transportation, multiple stops, and even food tasting—making it a solid choice for anyone wanting a full, immersive Gozo experience.

That said, there’s a small consideration to keep in mind: the group size might feel a bit large for some, especially if you’re hoping for a more intimate adventure. The tour is best suited for families, friends, solo explorers, or anyone craving a mix of excitement and scenic beauty. If you’re ready for a lively, informative, and action-packed day, this tour could be just what you need.

Good To Know

• All-in-One Experience: Combines buggy driving, sightseeing, boat rides, and food tasting for a full day.
• Experienced Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Michael and Benny enhance the trip with interesting insights.
• Stunning Stops: Includes highlights like Dwejra Bay, Ramla Bay, and the Xlendi cliffs—perfect for photos.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for kids aged 4+ as passengers and for adventurous travelers.
• Weather-Dependent Boat Ride: Boat transfers and sea excursions are subject to weather conditions, so flexibility is key.
• Good Value: At approximately $133 per group, it offers a lot of variety for the price, including transportation, insurance, and food tasting.

The Experience in Detail

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting bright and early at 8:00 am from Valletta, the tour kicks off with pickup from your accommodation or nearby points. The small group size (max 8 travelers) ensures that everyone gets attention, though some reviews mention the group feeling a bit large at times. Once on the bus, the journey to Gozo is smooth and comfortable, setting the tone for a day packed with exploration.

Exploring Dwejra Bay and the Inland Sea

The first stop is the famous Dwejra Bay, known for its dramatic cliffs and the natural sea pool. Here, you’ll get an up-close look at the caves and the ruins of the Azure Window—the iconic rock formation that sadly collapsed in 2017 but remains a favorite photo spot. The boat ride through the caves, which is weather permitting, is a highlight, offering a unique perspective of the rugged coastline and water-carved caves. According to reviews, many found this boat trip to be a “spectacular experience,” and it’s a fantastic way to start the day.

Salt Pans and Ramla Bay

Next, we visit the Xwejni Salt Pans, where the traditional Phoenician method of salt harvesting continues—creating those distinctive black and white checkered patterns. It’s a great spot for dramatic photos and a glimpse into ancient practices still in use today. Then, a quick stop at Ramla Bay, famous for its vivid red sands and clear waters, provides a perfect opportunity for a quick walk or some stunning beach photos. The beach’s size and beauty are often praised, making it one of the tour’s most photographed stops.

Wied il-Ghasri and Xlendi

Continuing along the coastline, you’ll witness the secluded Wied il-Ghasri inlet, with its towering cliffs and tiny pebbly beach—ideal for those who love remote, untouched scenery. It’s one of the quieter spots that showcase Gozo’s natural rugged charm. A brief stop at Xlendi Beach and its caves then offers stunning vistas, perfect for quick photos and soaking in the sea breeze.

The Majestic Church of St. John The Baptist

The tour includes a visit to Victoria, Gozo’s capital, and the Church of St. John The Baptist—a Baroque masterpiece with the third-largest dome in Europe. The church’s intricate design and impressive height make it a must-see. For an extra fee, you can access the museum and even walk around the dome for panoramic views—something that several reviewers mention as a memorable highlight.

Cultural and Local Highlights

Other stops include Fontana and the vibrant Qbajjar Bay, where local life and scenic views blend seamlessly. The tour’s flexibility allows for sightseeing at your own pace, and guides often share interesting tidbits about each location’s history and significance.

The Boat Ride and Sea Views on Return

The final part of the day involves sailing past Comino’s Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon—weather permitting. Travelers often find this a perfect photo opportunity and a relaxing way to end the day, soaking up the stunning sea views while heading back to Malta.

What Travelers Are Saying

Reviewers consistently praise the guides—Michael, Mark, and Benny—for their knowledge and attentiveness. One reviewer especially appreciated Michael’s informative commentary on the hidden gems of Gozo. Others highlight the stunning scenery, with many describing the boat trip as “spectacular” and the views as “amazing,” especially when weather conditions are clear.

The value for money is also a common theme, with visitors feeling they received a full, varied experience, including transportation, sightseeing, boat rides, and food tasting, all within a reasonable price range. The inclusion of food tasting adds a nice local touch, giving you a taste of Gozitan cuisine.

However, some reviews note that the group size can be quite large, meaning you might not get as much personalized attention as in smaller groups. Also, the boat ride is weather-dependent, so if seas are rough, that part of the experience might be limited or canceled.

Practical Details and Tips

• Booking in advance is recommended (average of 29 days ahead) to secure your spot.
• The tour lasts around 8 hours, so be prepared for a full day of activity.
• Drivers must be 21+ and fully qualified, with a valid driver’s license and government-issued ID.
• The buggies are automatic and equipped with seatbelts, making driving easier and safer.
• Pickups are from Valletta, starting at 8:00 am, and are arranged for convenience, although not always directly in front of your accommodation.
• The boat ride is weather dependent; check weather forecasts if you’re eager for that part.
• Children aged 4+ can ride as passengers, making it suitable for families.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for adventurers seeking a mix of off-road fun and cultural sights. If you enjoy driving a buggy, exploring scenic coastlines, and discovering hidden spots, you’ll find this experience exciting. It’s also well-suited for families and friends looking for a full-day adventure that combines activity, sightseeing, and local flavor. Solo travelers wanting a lively, guided experience will appreciate the small group size and knowledgeable guides.

However, if you prefer quiet, personalized tours or want to avoid weather-dependent activities, you might need to consider other options. The tour offers good value for those wanting to see a broad swath of Gozo’s highlights in one day.

The Sum Up

This Gozo Full Day Buggy Tour with Boat Ride offers a unique, energetic way to experience Malta’s sister island. From rugged coastlines and secluded coves to cultural landmarks and delicious local food, it hits many marks for an adventurous traveler. The mix of scenic beauty, off-road fun, and informative guides makes it a standout choice, especially if you’re after an authentic slice of Gozo.

While the group size and weather dependency are considerations, the overall experience promises stunning views, a sense of freedom on the buggies, and a well-rounded itinerary. Whether it’s your first visit to Malta or a repeat trip, this tour provides a memorable day out that balances excitement with cultural discovery.

Who should book this tour?

It’s ideal for adventurous families, friends, solo explorers, and anyone eager to see Gozo in a lively, engaging way. If you’re after beautiful scenery, local flavors, and a bit of thrill, this tour delivers on all fronts.

FAQ

• Is pickup included? Yes, transportation from Valletta or nearby points is included.
• What is the tour duration? The full experience lasts approximately 8 hours.
• Can children participate? Yes, children aged 4 and above can ride as passengers.
• Are boat rides weather-dependent? Yes, boat transfers and cave trips depend on weather conditions.
• Is driving a buggy difficult? The buggies are fully automatic and equipped with seatbelts, making driving accessible for most qualified drivers.
• How many people are in the group? The maximum group size is 8 travelers, ensuring a manageable and lively experience.
• What should I bring? Comfortable clothes, sun protection, and a camera are recommended; food tasting is included, but consider any personal dietary needs.

This tour combines the thrill of off-road driving with the beauty of Gozo’s most iconic sights. If you’re looking for a day filled with adventure, culture, and stunning scenery—this might just be your perfect Malta experience.