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

Introduction

If you’re visiting Malta and looking to see its smaller islands without the hassle of planning multiple excursions, the From Sliema: Gozo, Comino & The Blue Lagoon Boat & Bus Tour might just be your best bet. This tour offers a curated experience designed to maximize your day with scenic boat rides, charming city visits, and time to relax in stunning waters.

What we love about this tour? First, the value for money is hard to beat at just $49 per person, considering the length and variety of sights covered. Second, the combination of boat and bus makes for a comfortable way to explore without feeling rushed. And third, the quality of scenery and authentic local spots really makes this trip stand out.

That said, one thing to keep in mind is the timed nature of the stops — it can feel a little hurried, especially in Gozo. This tour is perfect for travelers who want an overview of Malta’s smaller islands and are okay with a packed but well-organized day. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy scenic cruising, quick cultural visits, and a splash of swimming in crystal waters.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

• Affordable price point offers great value with scenic cruises and land excursions included.
• Well-organized itinerary balances sightseeing, free time, and relaxing moments.
• Knowledgeable crew and staff enhance the experience with helpful service and clear communication.
• Highlights include Gozo’s Citadel and Victoria, Comino’s Blue Lagoon, and scenic boat caves.
• Limited time ashore might mean rushing certain spots, but there’s enough variety to satisfy most.
• Comfortable transport and friendly guides make the day smooth and enjoyable.

A Detailed Breakdown of the Experience

Starting from Sliema: The Journey Begins

Your day kicks off from Sliema Ferries, where a spacious boat awaits to whisk you away on the first leg of your adventure. The cruise itself is a highlight — expect large windows below water level, offering a fascinating view of the marine life, and an open upper deck for enjoying the sun and panoramic vistas. Reviewers mention the boat is clean, spacious, and well-organized, making the sea crossing pleasant even if the weather isn’t perfect. During rough sea conditions, the crew was praised for their care, with many saying they looked after those feeling seasick, which is a thoughtful touch.

The Cruise Along Malta’s Northern Shore

As you sail north, you’ll admire Malta’s rugged coastline, dotted with caves and striking rock formations. The commentary provided by staff helps bring the scenery to life, sharing tidbits about the coast’s landmarks, which adds a layer of context that many travelers appreciated. Expect to see the stunning sea caves, which you’ll cruise past during the return trip, offering fantastic photo opportunities.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

On to Gozo: Land Exploration and the Citadel

Once you arrive at Mgarr Harbour, your land adventure begins with a bus transfer to Victoria, the capital of Gozo. The bus ride itself is a relaxing way to see more of the island’s lush landscapes, with a quick photo stop at a scenic bay along the way. Reviews highlight that the bus is comfortable and the driver friendly, though some mention the tight squeeze during pickups, so don’t forget to arrive early.

In Victoria, you’ll have about 75 minutes of free time — enough to wander, grab a coffee, or do some quick shopping. The crown jewel here is the Citadel, a medieval fortress offering spectacular views over the island. Reviewers like Jaya and Chris appreciated how the stop was timed well, though some wished for a bit more time to explore. One added suggestion was a short visit to the National Basilica of Gozo, which would have added a cultural depth to the stop.

The Charm of Gozo’s Countryside

Driving through Gozo, you’ll get a sense of the island’s peaceful, rural charm. The landscape is rugged yet inviting, perfect for nature lovers. Many reviews mention the stunning scenery and the picturesque churches and landmarks you pass. The guide’s commentary helps bring these sights alive, making the quick tour more meaningful.

Transition to Comino and the Blue Lagoon

After your time on Gozo, your boat sails toward Comino, a tiny island famous for the Blue Lagoon. This is arguably the highlight of the day — the crystal-clear waters beckon for swimming, snorkeling, or just lounging on the boat with a drink in hand. Reviewers rave about the stunning turquoise waters and the fun water slide onboard, which adds a playful element to the trip.

The Blue Lagoon: Swims and Photos

You’ll have approximately 90 minutes on Comino to enjoy the water. Many mention that the lagoon is bustling but beautiful, with plenty of space to find a quiet spot if you’re patient. The reviews note that the water can be chilly, especially in cooler months, but most warmed up quickly once they jumped in. Hikers and photographers will appreciate the trails leading to St. Mary’s Chapel, or the famous caves the boat passes during the cruise.

Additional Highlights: Caves and Coastal Views

Before heading back, the boat cruises past the impressive sea caves of Comino, providing more fantastic photo opportunities. The crew is often praised for their friendly service and helpfulness during this part of the trip.

What’s Included and What to Keep in Mind

The tour covers a lot for the price: scenic cruise, bus transfer in Gozo, free time in Victoria, Blue Lagoon stop, and visits to scenic caves. The price of $49 per person is quite reasonable when you factor in the comprehensive itinerary and the convenience of having everything organized.

Many reviews emphasize that the crew and staff are attentive and helpful, even when managing children, seasickness, or busy spots. The boat has toilet facilities and a cash bar, making the trip comfortable and convenient.

However, it’s important to note that no guide or audio commentary is provided during the bus tour, so you might want to bring a guidebook or be prepared to enjoy the scenery silently. Also, you’ll need to secure an official government access pass for the Blue Lagoon ashore if you plan to disembark — a step you should organize in advance to avoid disappointment, especially during peak seasons.

Timing and Duration

The trip lasts approximately 7.5 hours, making it a full but manageable day. The stops are well-paced, but some reviews suggest that the time in Victoria could feel a tad rushed, with some wishing for at least a little more time to explore. The Blue Lagoon stop, at 90 minutes, generally hits the sweet spot for swimming and relaxing.

Suitability and Practical Tips

This tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues or large luggage, as the bus and boat facilities are limited in accessibility. Seasickness can be an issue for some, so taking medication beforehand is advisable. You’ll want to bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, towels, and sunscreen to enjoy the full experience.

Authentic Experiences from Reviews

Reviewers consistently mention the friendly, helpful staff — with some highlighting crew members like Chris, who brought historical stories to life, or the Indonesian crew, who went above and beyond to assist travelers with motion sickness. Many also loved the small touches, like fish feeding for children or the boat’s underwater windows, which make the trip more interactive.

The Blue Lagoon is often described as “absolutely stunning”, with some guests noting they would have liked longer in Gozo or more time to hike around Comino, especially in the off-season when fewer travelers mean a more peaceful experience. The general consensus is that the trip offers great value, especially considering how much scenery and culture you see in just one day.

The Sum Up

This Sliema-based tour offers a fantastic opportunity to get a taste of Malta’s smaller islands without the stress of separate bookings. You’ll enjoy scenic boat rides, engaging stops, and enough free time to explore a few highlights — all for a very competitive price. It’s especially appealing for travelers who appreciate a mix of sightseeing, light adventure, and relaxing in beautiful waters.

While the schedule can feel a bit tight — particularly in Gozo — the overall experience is well worth it. The combination of friendly staff, stunning scenery, and the chance to swim in the Blue Lagoon makes this trip a memorable day out. It’s best suited for those who want a comprehensive, comfortable overview of Malta’s lesser-known gems and don’t mind a busy itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book the Blue Lagoon ashore access pass separately?
Yes, visitors wishing to disembark at the Blue Lagoon after the cruise must secure an official government access pass via blcomino.com. It’s recommended to do this well in advance, especially during peak times.

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour departs from Sliema Ferries. You’ll need to arrange your own transport there.

How long do I get in Gozo?
You’ll have about 75 minutes in Victoria, which is enough to see key sights like the Citadel or grab a coffee, but some reviews suggest they’d like more time.

Will there be commentary during the trip?
There is English commentary during the cruise, but no guided or audio commentary during the bus trip in Gozo.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, swimwear, towels, sunscreen, and a waterproof camera or phone are recommended. No large luggage or pets allowed.

Is this trip suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention traveling with kids, who enjoyed feeding fish, the boat’s underwater windows, and the water slide. Just be cautious about seasickness.

Are there food options onboard?
A cash bar is available with snacks and beverages, but no meals are included. It’s wise to bring some water and light snacks.

Is the trip weather-dependent?
Seas can be rough, especially if windy or stormy, but the crew is experienced, and safety is prioritized. In bad weather, some parts of the trip might be adjusted or canceled.

How is the overall value for money?
Most reviewers agree that at $49, this tour offers excellent value considering the variety of sights, boat comfort, and included stops — a full day for a reasonable price.

Exploring Malta’s smaller islands in a single day with this combo tour is a smart choice for travelers seeking a mix of scenic beauty, cultural highlights, and relaxing water time. Just plan ahead for the Blue Lagoon pass, and you’ll be all set for a memorable Maltese adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here: