Best of Gozo and Comino from Malta

If you’re dreaming of a day filled with turquoise waters, historic sights, and scenic island vistas, the Best of Gozo and Comino from Malta might just be on your radar. While we haven’t personally taken the tour, the detailed itinerary, genuine traveler reviews, and consistent feedback paint a clear picture of what to expect.

What truly excites us about this trip? First, the combination of scenic ferry rides and independent exploration offers a relaxed, flexible vibe. Second, the free time in Victoria’s Citadel and at the Blue Lagoon gives travelers a chance to soak in the beauty at their own pace. Lastly, the value for price, especially considering the included transport and boat rides, makes this an appealing option for budget-conscious explorers.

That said, a potential consideration is the unguided nature of the tour. If you prefer guided historical or cultural commentary, this might not be the best fit. But if you’re comfortable with self-guided wandering and enjoy free time, this tour suits independent travelers who want scenic highlights without a rigid schedule.

It’s ideal for those wanting a balanced day—a mix of guided transport, scenic cruising, and leisure — while keeping costs reasonable and experience authentic.

Good To Know

• Flexible itinerary with plenty of free time for exploring at your own pace
• Comfortable boat and land transportation in air-conditioned vehicles
• Affordable price point considering the ferry rides, transfers, and free time included
• Unguided but well-organized with clear instructions and organized transfers
• Spectacular sights like the Blue Lagoon and the fortress city of Victoria
• Limited guided commentary means you’ll explore independently, which appeals to autonomous travelers

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Starting from Malta: Ease of Access and Departure

The tour begins with a straightforward check-in process either at Sliema or Bugibba. The main point here is arriving at least 25 minutes early, ensuring smooth boarding onto the eco-friendly, 33-meter catamaran operated by Captain Morgan. The boat itself is described as eco-conscious, which might appeal to environmentally minded travelers. Expect a gentle cruise along Malta’s north-east coast, offering stunning views of the coastline and a chance to relax as you sail toward Gozo.

Travel time: approximately 45 minutes through the North Comino Channel, with a chance to enjoy onboard WiFi, restrooms, and outdoor or indoor seating options.

Stop 1: Ferry to Gozo and Scenic Cruising

The boat ride is among the highlights—a chance to unwind and enjoy Malta’s waters. Several reviews mention the scenic beauty of this stretch, with some noting the trip is smooth and the sights captivating.

Stop 2: Arriving in Gozo at Mgarr Harbour

Once on the island, you’ll be greeted by your chauffeur-driven minibus for your land transfer. This part is unguided, giving you the freedom to explore Victoria’s Citadel at your own pace.

Travel time from the harbor to Victoria? About 40 minutes, but the real treat is the free time you get in the fortress city. Reviewers mention that the drive provides a helpful overview, and some appreciated the chance to wander freely—”time to walk around and soak in the atmosphere” was a common comment.

Stop 3: Exploring Victoria and the Citadel

The fortress within Victoria is a highlight, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into Gozo’s fortified past. According to reviews, the free time here is well-spent—some travelers enjoyed visiting local shops, taking photos, or just wandering the cobbled streets.

One reviewer noted that the driver gave some high-level explanations of the sites, making the experience more enriching despite the unguided format. If you love wandering with a sense of curiosity, you’ll appreciate this flexible stop.

Return to Mgarr Harbour and Cruise to Comino

After your exploration, you’ll head back to Mgarr Harbour for the short boat ride to the Blue Lagoon in Comino. The cruise offers more scenic vistas, and travelers have mentioned the crystal-clear waters as the star of the show.

The Blue Lagoon: Sun, Swim, and Chill

The Blue Lagoon is renowned for its turquoise, almost surreal waters. Free time here is approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes, giving plenty of opportunity to swim, sunbathe, or walk around. A few reviews comment on how crowded it can get, especially during peak months, but most still find it worth the visit.

Tip: Arrive at the embarkation point at least 15 minutes early to secure your spot on the boat back, especially during summer when crowds swell.

Final Leg: Return Cruise to Malta

In the late afternoon, you’ll cruise back from Comino to Malta—either Sliema or Bugibba—depending on your booking. The organized transport to your hotel makes returning straightforward, with most travelers noting the overall smoothness of the process.

What the Reviews Reveal

While the tour generally receives a 3.5/5 rating, reviews highlight both strengths and weaknesses. The scenic boat rides and free time in key spots are widely praised. One reviewer called it a “great day” with “spectacular” waters at Blue Lagoon, though they also noted it was crowded**—a common sentiment.

Some travelers appreciated the organization and availability of WiFi onboard, noting the trip’s comfort. Others, however, experienced confusion about pickup points, especially due to recent construction changes in Bugibba, which caused some to walk extra or take Ubers.

A reviewer in Spanish mentioned that the unguided tour felt a bit lacking in guidance during the Gozo stop, but overall, most found the balance of free time and transport suitable.

Transportation and Practicalities

The boat cruise is a key part of this experience, offering indoor and outdoor seating, restrooms, and WiFi—making the ride comfortable and convenient. The air-conditioned minibus transfers on Gozo are a plus, especially during warmer months, ensuring you stay comfortable while traveling between stops.

Since the tour is unguided, it relies on good signage and clear instructions. Travelers have mentioned that the driver provides some top-level explanations, which helps frame the experience, but if you’re craving detailed guided commentary, this tour might feel a little light.

Price and Value

At $52.14 per person, this tour offers a cost-effective way to visit two islands, including boat rides, land transfers, and free time. Considering the multiple boat cruises, organised land transfer, and free time at key attractions, this price point is reasonable. For travelers seeking a relaxed, independent exploration with scenic highlights, it offers good value.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience works best for independent travelers who enjoy self-guided exploration but appreciate organized logistics. If you’re on a budget and want to see the iconic Blue Lagoon and Gozo’s Citadel without paying for guided tours, this fits the bill.

Those who value comfort—thanks to air-conditioned transport and a comfortable boat—will find it appealing. However, if you prefer guided commentary or a more structured tour experience, you may want to consider alternatives.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

In essence, this tour offers a relaxed, scenic, and affordable way to see some of Malta’s most beautiful spots. The boat rides are smooth, the free time allows you to explore without feeling rushed, and the highlight—the Blue Lagoon—is truly a scene to remember.

While the unguided format means you’ll need to be comfortable exploring independently, reviews suggest that the overall organization and transportation are solid. Plus, the beautiful waters, historic fortress in Gozo, and easy logistics make this a practical choice for travelers who want a taste of Malta’s island charms.

If you’re looking for a cost-effective day trip that balances scenic cruising with free exploration, this tour is a solid pick, especially for those who don’t mind a little independence.

FAQ

Can I choose my pickup point?
Yes, you can opt for either Sliema or Bugibba, but it’s important to arrive at least 25 minutes early and check the specific meeting point, especially since recent construction has shifted some pickup locations.

Is this tour guided?
No, the tour is unguided, meaning you’ll explore the Citadel and Blue Lagoon independently. Some driver explanations are provided during transfers.

How long is the boat ride?
The initial cruise from Malta to Gozo takes about 45 minutes, and the return cruises between Gozo, Comino, and Malta are approximately 40 minutes each.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included but are available for purchase onboard the boat.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. Arrive early for the Blue Lagoon’s return trip during busy months to secure your spot.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, most children should enjoy the scenic boat rides and time at the Blue Lagoon, but always check with your group if traveling with young kids.

Can I purchase additional excursions at Blue Lagoon?
Yes, boat trips to the caves and other activities are available for purchase onboard if you want to extend your adventure.

What is included in the price?
The price covers ferry rides, land transfers in Gozo, the boat cruise, and organized transport back to your hotel.

Is it weather-dependent?
Yes, this tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

How much free time do I get at each stop?
You’ll have about 40 minutes in Victoria, 2 hours and 40 minutes at Blue Lagoon, and plenty of flexibility during the transfer and cruise segments.

This tour offers a good mix of scenic cruising, independent exploration, and relaxed pacing. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a budget-friendly, scenic day out with ample free time to soak in the island views.