From Sliema/Bugibba: Best of Gozo & Comino Catamaran Tour VT

Exploring Malta’s Smaller Islands: A Closer Look at the Best of Gozo & Comino Catamaran Tour

Trying to see Malta’s lesser-known gems in one day? This Best of Gozo & Comino Catamaran Tour offers a balanced way to experience the island’s highlights without feeling rushed. We’ve reviewed this experience based on firsthand feedback and detailed the ins and outs so you can decide if it’s right for your Malta adventure.

What we love about this tour is how it combines a scenic sea cruise with a taste of land-based exploration, plus the sheer convenience of organized transport. First, the stunning views from the eco-friendly catamaran make the 7-hour trip feel relaxed rather than hurried. Second, the free time in Gozo’s Citadel, allowing you to wander and soak up the atmosphere at your own pace, is a real plus. Third, the Blue Lagoon’s crystal-clear waters—famous for their beauty—offer a genuine chance to unwind and enjoy the sea.

A potential consideration is the unguided nature of the land portion—if you’re looking for a guided tour or deeper historical insights, this might feel a bit light. Also, you need to pre-book the Blue Lagoon Access separately, which can add a step if you’re planning your day.

This trip is best suited for travelers who want a flexible, scenic day out that balances sea travel, independent exploration, and stunning scenic spots. It suits those who enjoy a mix of relaxation, light sightseeing, and time in the water.

Good To Know

• Flexible itinerary with options to choose Sliema or Bugibba as your starting point
• Eco-friendly catamaran provides comfort, WiFi, and ample space for sightseeing
• Separate land transfer in Gozo ensures easy access to the Citadel and surroundings
• Free time at Blue Lagoon offers perfect opportunities for swimming and sunbathing
• Unguided experience allows for personal pacing and exploration
• Pre-booking Blue Lagoon Access is mandatory for environmental and crowd control reasons

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

This tour is designed to be a well-rounded day trip, with a focus on both scenic beauty and independent exploration. Starting from either Sliema or Bugibba, you’ll board a modern 33-meter eco-friendly catamaran. The vessel is spacious, with options to sit outdoors for the best views or indoors in air-conditioned comfort, a feature appreciated especially during warmer months.

The Cruising Phase: Malta’s North-East Coast & Beyond

The cruise itself lasts around 40 minutes from Malta to Gozo, offering sweeping views of the coast and the open sea. The vessel’s WiFi makes it easy to share the experience live or catch up on some photos. As you glide past Malta’s rugged shoreline, you’ll get a sense of the island’s natural beauty, with reviewers noting how calm the sea was—a huge factor in making the journey pleasant and relaxing.

Gozo: A Land of Old Charm and Fortress Views

Once in Mgarr Harbour, you’ll transition into unguided, chauffeur-driven transfers in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles to Victoria, Gozo’s bustling capital. The 20-minute scenic drive takes you past lush countryside and traditional villages, setting the scene for the visit to the Citadel.

Here, you get around 1.5 hours to explore at your own pace. The Citadel is a captivating fortress city with panoramic views, narrow streets, and historic charm. While no guided commentary is included, the freedom to wander means you can spend more time in spots you like—whether it’s the battlements or the quaint cafes.

Return to the Water: From Gozo to Comino’s Blue Lagoon

Back at Mgarr Harbour, you’ll hop on the 20-minute boat cruise to Comino’s Blue Lagoon. The water here is often described as a turquoise paradise, perfect for swimming and relaxing. While some reviews mentioned a lack of guidance during the land portion, the boat ride itself is smooth, and the environment is stunningly photogenic.

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Free Time in Blue Lagoon: Swimming, Sunbathing, or Exploring

The 105-minute break at Blue Lagoon is your window to jump into the crystal waters, lounge on the beach, or explore the tiny island. Keep in mind that Blue Lagoon Access must be reserved in advance for the afternoon slot—this is crucial to avoid overcrowding and protect the environment. You’ll receive a QR code to present to ferry staff and officials, making this process fairly straightforward if done beforehand.

The Return Voyage: Relaxing and Scenic

The return trip takes about 50 minutes by catamaran, giving you another chance to enjoy the views, relax, or use the onboard amenities like WiFi and restrooms. Many reviewers found the overall cruise comfortable, with one noting the spaciousness and calmness of the vessel as a big plus.

Practical Details & Considerations

• The price of $51 per person is quite competitive for a full day of sea cruising, land exploration, and free time—especially considering the included transportation and activities.
• The tour is unguided, so travelers should be comfortable with self-guided exploration and navigation.
• Food and drinks are available for purchase onboard and on land, but bringing your own snacks might be preferable for flexibility.
• The tour’s duration is flexible depending on the departure time, but generally lasts about 7 hours, which makes it suitable for a full or half-day outing.

Real Traveler Insights

From reviews, some nuances stand out. For example, one traveler praised the large and spacious catamaran and beautiful scenery but pointed out a lack of coordination during the return trip from Mdina, highlighting that logistics on the ground can sometimes be less seamless.

Another mentioned that the sea was calm, making the cruise very pleasant, especially for those prone to seasickness. The availability of WiFi onboard was a bonus, allowing travelers to share moments instantly or catch up on social media.

While the unguided aspect was generally seen as a positive for independence, some might wish for more guided commentary or historical insights during the land visit. Still, many appreciated the flexibility to explore the Citadel and Blue Lagoon at their own pace.

The Bottom Line

This tour offers a smart balance of scenic cruising, independent exploration, and relaxation. The modern catamaran enhances the experience, providing comfort and great views. The land visits, especially to Victoria’s Citadel, provide a tangible connection to Malta’s historic charm without feeling overly structured or hurried.

The mandatory pre-booking of Blue Lagoon Access is an important step to ensure a smooth experience, and the separate reservation process is straightforward if done in advance. The unguided nature might suit independent travelers or seasoned explorers who prefer to set their own pace.

This trip is ideal for travelers who want to see Malta’s highlights from the water, enjoy some beach time, and appreciate the freedom to explore without a guide. It’s especially good for those looking for a value-packed day that combines comfort, scenic beauty, and flexibility.

FAQ

Do I need to book Blue Lagoon Access separately?
Yes, you must reserve Blue Lagoon Access for the afternoon slot through the Malta Tourism Authority’s website before booking your ferry, as it’s mandatory for environmental reasons and crowd control.

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers the catamaran cruise from Malta to Gozo, land transfers in Gozo, free time at the Citadel, the cruise to and from the Blue Lagoon, and free time there. WiFi and restrooms are also on board.

Is this tour guided?
No, the tour is unguided. You will have free time at each stop and transportation arranged, but no guided commentary or tours are included.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, beachwear, a towel, and possibly snacks or drinks if you prefer not to purchase onboard.

Can I sit outdoors on the boat?
Yes, you can choose to sit outdoors for the best views or indoors in air-conditioned comfort, depending on your preference and the weather.

How long does each stop last?
You’ll have about 1.5 hours at the Citadel and around 1 hour at Blue Lagoon—ample time for sightseeing, swimming, or relaxing.

What happens if I cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change unexpectedly.

In summary, this Best of Gozo & Comino Catamaran Tour offers a practical, scenic, and flexible way to experience Malta’s smaller islands. With stunning views, free time for exploration, and a comfortable cruise, it’s a great choice for independent travelers, water lovers, and those seeking a balance between adventure and relaxation.

You can check if your dates are available here: