Gozo and Comino in one day means two very different island stops: Gozo’s hilltop capital, Victoria, and Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon. A catamaran and a bus handle the transfers, leaving you time to see Gozo’s Cittadella and swim or walk on Comino.
I like the contrast between Victoria’s old streets and fortress and Comino’s open, sea-facing terrain. I also like that the trip includes Gozo land transport, so you can reach Victoria without arranging a separate bus or taxi.
The trade-off is a brisk schedule, not a guided tour. You get about 90 minutes in Victoria and two hours on Comino, and delays can cut into that island time. Be ready to keep an eye on the clock.
- At a glance: two islands, one tightly timed day
- From Sliema or Bugibba, the journey starts on the water
- Gozo’s Cittadella rewards a focused visit
- Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the swim stop
- The value comes from seeing both islands in one day
- Who will enjoy this day trip most
- Should you book the Gozo and Comino tour?
- FAQ
- Where does the tour depart from?
- What time does the Sliema tour depart?
- How long is the tour?
- Is there a guide in Gozo?
- Is transport between Mgarr Harbour and Victoria included?
- Are meals and drinks included?
- Can I swim at the Blue Lagoon?
- Is the Comino Caves boat trip included?
- Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users and strollers?
- What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?
At a glance: two islands, one tightly timed day
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4 / 4- Victoria gets about 1.5 hours: enough for a focused visit to the Cittadella and nearby streets, but not a leisurely tour of the capital.
- Comino gets about two hours: swim, snorkel, relax, or walk. The Blue Lagoon can be crowded, especially when several boats arrive.
- The transfers are part of the value: a scenic cruise links the islands, and a bus takes you between Mgarr Harbour and Victoria.
- It is self-guided on land: there is English commentary over the boat’s PA, but no tour guide or audio guide is included.
- The sea sets the pace: weather, wind, and traffic can change the schedule. On Comino, uneven ground makes walking practical and wheelchairs or strollers unsuitable.
- Check the price and departure details: the listed package prices start at US$50.55, while the summary gives a starting price of US$58.15. Confirm your exact option and meeting point before booking.
From Sliema or Bugibba, the journey starts on the water
You can choose a departure from Sliema Ferries or Bugibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. The Sliema option is listed with a 10:00 departure and a 17:00 return, though times may change. Check the details for your selected package rather than assuming both departure points follow the same schedule.
From Sliema, look for the red iSeeMalta boat in the area between the Ferries 1 and Bouverie bus stops. Arrive 20 minutes early. Boarding can be confusing if you are unsure which company or ticket to show, so have your mobile voucher and booking confirmation ready and ask the crew to clarify if needed. Late arrivals and no-shows are not refunded.
The boat is air-conditioned and has toilets, Wi-Fi, and a cash bar selling snacks and drinks. English commentary is provided over the PA during the cruise. That gives you some context along the route, but it is not the same as having a guide beside you to answer questions or lead you around the islands.
I see the boat transfer as more than a way to get from one stop to another. The coastal cruise gives the day a scenic start, and it saves you from organizing separate sea and land transport. Still, this is a shared excursion, and the schedule depends on keeping the group moving.
Gozo’s Cittadella rewards a focused visit
At Mgarr Harbour, you board a bus for Victoria, Gozo’s capital. The drive passes landmarks and countryside, but the visit is self-guided: the driver handles the transfer, not a walking tour. If you want historical detail, plan to read up beforehand or make a short list of what you most want to see.
The main draw is the Cittadella, the fortified city above Victoria. Its high position and imposing walls make it an easy focal point for a short stop. Inside and around it, Gozo’s warm-toned stone, narrow lanes, and old architecture offer a different feel from the island’s harbours and bays.
With roughly 90 minutes, I would head toward the Cittadella first, then leave time to wander Victoria’s streets or pause for a drink if you find a convenient spot. You will need to make choices. The stop is long enough to see the main sights at a purposeful pace, but not enough to explore every corner, visit several sites at length, and take an unhurried meal.
Admission to sites in Gozo is not included. If you plan to enter a particular attraction, check its opening arrangements and costs in advance, then decide whether it is worth giving up some of your limited free time. The value of this stop is greatest for people who are happy to choose a few highlights rather than try to cover the whole town.
Be punctual at the bus meeting point. The boat and bus legs connect, and the tour cannot wait indefinitely for someone still browsing a shop or taking one last photo. I would set an alarm and aim to return a few minutes early.
Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the swim stop
After returning to Mgarr Harbour, you sail to Comino for about two hours at the Blue Lagoon. The water is the headline attraction: clear, bright, and inviting for a swim or snorkel. Bring swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes if you prefer not to stay damp on the boat.
The Blue Lagoon is popular for good reason, but popularity has a cost. It can be crowded, and the time on shore may feel short if the boat arrives late while the departure time stays fixed. A previous trip was reported to have provided about 1 hour and 45 minutes on the island rather than the full two hours. Treat the stated stop as an approximate window, not a promise that every minute will be spent ashore.
There is more to Comino than the water. With no cars or urban areas, the island also suits a short walk and photographs. Trails lead toward St. Mary’s Chapel, the Watch Tower, and the Battery, but two hours is not a lot of time for swimming, a long walk, and a relaxed lunch. Pick your priority before you arrive.
An optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon can be booked and paid for on location, subject to weather. The stated price is around €15 per person and may change. It is an extra, not part of the tour price, and taking it will use some of your island time.
Carry cash. Internet service on Comino can be unreliable, and cash is usually needed for purchases there. The boat’s bar accepts cash and credit cards, but don’t count on a phone connection for every payment or last-minute plan.
The value comes from seeing both islands in one day
The tour’s appeal is simple: one booking gets you a scenic cruise, Gozo transport, time in Victoria, and a Blue Lagoon stop. At the listed starting prices of US$50.55 or US$58.15, depending on the package and displayed price, that can be good value if you want a sampler of both islands without building the transport plan yourself. Check the final price for your chosen departure before paying.
The compromises are equally clear. You pay for transport and access to the two stops, not a guided cultural tour. Meals, drinks, attraction admissions, the optional cave trip, and hotel transfers cost extra or are not included. If you want a slower day, more time in Gozo, or a guide explaining what you see, a single-island visit may suit you better.
The tour has had strong praise for combining Gozo and Comino efficiently, offering friendly and helpful boat staff, and giving enough time for a satisfying first look at both islands. At the same time, check-in and coordination have been points of frustration. Some people have found it unclear which ticket to show or where to board. Keep your voucher handy, identify the red boat at Sliema, and ask staff directly if anything does not match your booking.
The overall rating is 3.8 out of 5 from 10 ratings, a mixed but useful signal. The best experiences appear to come when the schedule runs smoothly and the weather cooperates. Strong winds or rough conditions can lead to a cancellation; if that happens, you can reschedule or request a full refund if rescheduling is not possible.
Who will enjoy this day trip most
I would consider this tour if you have one free day, want to see both Gozo and Comino, and are comfortable exploring independently. It suits swimmers and snorkellers, people who enjoy scenic boat rides, and anyone content with a quick visit to Victoria rather than a deep exploration.
It is less suited to anyone prone to seasickness, since the itinerary includes boat travel. The boat is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, but Comino’s rugged, uneven ground is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. Pets and large suitcases are not allowed.
Bring sun protection, comfortable shoes, swimwear, a beach towel, and cash. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen matter on an exposed island stop; comfortable shoes are useful if you want to leave the Blue Lagoon shore and walk toward the chapel, tower, or battery.
Should you book the Gozo and Comino tour?
Book it if seeing two islands in one day matters more than lingering. The Cittadella and Blue Lagoon make a memorable pair, and the included bus transfer makes Gozo more straightforward to visit. Go in with realistic expectations: the land stops are self-guided, timing can shift, and the Blue Lagoon may be busy.
If you want long swims, a guided history tour, or a leisurely afternoon in Victoria, choose a trip with fewer stops. For a practical first look at Gozo and Comino from Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay, this is a good-value option when the schedule and weather cooperate.
Gozo and Comino One-Day Tour from Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay
“Not easy to redeem as you need to check what is the name of the company. No guide on the bus transfer only a driver. The service needs improvement…”
FAQ
Where does the tour depart from?
You can choose Sliema Ferries or Bugibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay when booking. For the Sliema departure, look for the red iSeeMalta boat between the Ferries 1 and Bouverie bus stops.
What time does the Sliema tour depart?
The listed Sliema departure is 10:00, with a listed return at 17:00. Times can change, so check the details confirmed for your booking.
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about seven hours. It includes roughly 1.5 hours of free time in Victoria and about two hours on Comino, though delays or conditions can affect the schedule.
Is there a guide in Gozo?
No tour guide or audio guide is included. You travel by bus between Mgarr Harbour and Victoria and explore Victoria on your own.
Is transport between Mgarr Harbour and Victoria included?
Yes. Land transport between Mgarr Harbour and Victoria, in both directions, is included.
Are meals and drinks included?
No. Meals and beverages are not included. The boat has a cash bar with snacks and drinks.
Can I swim at the Blue Lagoon?
Yes. The Comino stop gives you free time to swim, snorkel, or relax by the water. Bring swimwear and a towel.
Is the Comino Caves boat trip included?
No. The optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon is booked and paid for on site, subject to weather. The stated fee is around €15 per person and can change.
Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users and strollers?
The boat is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, but Comino’s uneven, rugged terrain is unsuitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?
If the trip is cancelled because of bad weather, sea conditions, or strong winds, you can reschedule. If rescheduling is not possible, you can request a full refund.