Full Day Ryker Tour

Exploring Malta’s smaller islands—Gozo and Comino—via a combined jeep and powerboat adventure sounds like a fantastic way to see some of the most stunning spots in the archipelago. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the reviews and details paint a picture of an experience that balances sightseeing, local tastes, and fun water activities.

What we love about it is the mix of land and sea exploration, the chance to see iconic landmarks like Ramla Bay and Fungus Rock, and the opportunity to chill with a delicious Maltese lunch paired with local wines. The only notable consideration is that the land part of the tour can feel a bit rushed and sometimes uncomfortable, especially inside the jeep during stops.

This tour seems perfect for travelers who enjoy an active day out, appreciate scenic views, and want a taste of authentic Maltese cuisine. If you’re after a compact yet comprehensive experience of Malta’s less-visited islands, this could be a hit.

Good To Know

• Balanced experience: Combines land exploration with a scenic boat ride.
• Authentic tastes: Includes a three-course Maltese lunch with local wines.
• Comfort and safety: Fully insured and offers helmets and hairnets for safety.
• Unique access: Private powerboat crossing avoids ferry queues, saving time.
• Limited group size: Max 8 travelers, making it more personal.
• Seasonal highlights: Summer tours include swim stops for a quick dip.

A Detailed Look at the Full Day Ryker Tour in Gozo and Comino

This tour offers a comprehensive day out that covers the highlights of Gozo and the smaller island of Comino, with a mix of land and sea adventures. From what we gather, it’s designed for those who want a well-rounded experience without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

The Journey Begins with Convenience and Comfort

Starting at 8:00 AM from Malta, the tour offers hotel pickup and transport to Cirkewwa, where you’ll skip the usual ferry lines thanks to a private powerboat crossing. This small but significant perk speeds up your journey and minimizes waiting—something travelers highly appreciate. Arriving in Gozo around 10:00 AM, the group is then introduced to the day’s itinerary.

Exploring Gozo by Jeep

The land component features a brand-new Ryker vehicle, either driven solo or shared with a passenger. The guide, often praised for being knowledgeable, takes you through a series of scenic and culturally interesting spots such as Qala Belvedere, Ramla Valley, and Ramla Bay, where reviewers mention enjoying the beautiful, sandy beaches and the vibrant landscape.

Other stops include the Xewkija Rotunda Church, Sanap Cliffs (during winter), and Xlendi Bay. These are all spots that travelers can appreciate for their picturesque qualities. Notably, in reviews, some mention that the land tour can feel a bit rushed, with quick stops and limited time at each site. Still, most agree that the guide’s insights and friendly attitude made up for the hurried pace.

One reviewer highlighted that the tour was “well organized and saw a lot,” suggesting that the itinerary is packed but efficient. The inclusion of free food tasting and shopping at local spots adds a flavorful, cultural touch to the day.

Visiting Key Landmarks and Natural Wonders

The tour’s highlight is probably the visit to Fungus Rock and the Inland Sea. While the boat ride to Dwejra (famous for the Azure Window’s remains) isn’t included, the Fungus Rock and Ghasri Valley are still impressive. The Inland Sea, an iconic sea inlet, offers remarkable views, and some reviews mention that the tour includes a boat ride around these areas, weather permitting.

In winter, the Sanap Cliffs are a special stop—here, nature lovers can enjoy dramatic cliff views, although the review notes these are seasonal.

Lunch and Local Wines: A Delicious Midday Break

As part of the experience, you’ll enjoy a 3-course Maltese lunch with vegetarian, vegan, and halal options available. Reviewers repeatedly mention the delicious food and excellent local wines, which elevate the experience from a typical sightseeing tour to a genuine taste of Malta. One reviewer even called the wine “great,” adding that it paired perfectly with the meal, making it a highlight.

Transition to Comino by Powerboat

After lunch, the tour shifts gears—literally—as you hop aboard a private powerboat crossing to Comino. This part is weather-dependent but usually offers a smooth, scenic sail past the Caves and the famous Blue Lagoon. As one reviewer pointed out, this boat trip was “the part that really worth it”—the chance to swim in the warm Mediterranean waters is a major plus.

Swimming, Sunbathing, and Exploring Comino

Once in Comino, you’ll have time to swim and soak up the sun at various stops. Summer tours include swim-stops, where travelers can enjoy the crystal-clear waters, with plenty of opportunities to relax and cool off. The reviews describe the water as warm and inviting, perfect for a quick dip after a busy morning.

The boat trip back offers views of the caves and the Blue Lagoon, beautifully bathed in sunlight if the weather cooperates.

What We Think About the Overall Value

For $132.42 per person, this tour packs a lot into a single day. The combination of land exploration, local cuisine, scenic boat rides, and swimming makes it a solid value. The tour includes a fully insured Ryker, helmets, hairnets, and professional guides—adding a layer of safety and expertise that enhances the experience.

The fact that most reviews mention the guides’ knowledge and the quality of the food and wine indicates that these are strong points. The small group size means you’ll get more personalized attention, which many travelers appreciate.

However, some reviewers noted that the jeep ride can feel somewhat cramped—this is worth considering if you prefer spacious vehicles or longer stops. Also, the land portion might feel a bit quick and superficial for those seeking in-depth history or culture.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is well-suited for travelers who want a balanced, active day that includes both sightseeing and swimming, with minimal hassle. Fans of scenic drives, good food, and a touch of adventure in a small group will find it ideal.

It’s also perfect for those who appreciate a professional, well-organized tour with safety at the forefront, especially given the helmets, insurance, and expert guides.

Final Thoughts

The Full Day Ryker Tour offers a lively and varied way to explore Malta’s islands—combining scenic vistas, cultural highlights, delicious local flavors, and a fun boat ride. It’s a good mix for travelers who want to see the essential sights without spending days on multiple excursions.

While it might not satisfy those looking for a deep dive into Malta’s history or a leisurely pace, it delivers on fun, convenience, and a taste of authentic Maltese hospitality. If you enjoy small-group adventures with a bit of adrenaline, excellent food, and beautiful waters, this tour could be just the ticket.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, along with transport to Cirkewwa for the boat crossing.

What’s the minimum age to participate?
Children under 5 are not allowed as passengers; drivers must be 21+ with a valid full driving license.

Can I just join the boat or land part?
This tour is designed as a package, so you book as a driver or passenger. Passengers must come with someone who has a driver ticket sharing the vehicle.

What should I bring for the day?
Bring a small backpack with essentials, a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and some cash for extras. Closed footwear is required—no flip-flops or sandals.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is approximately 6 hours, including pickup, travel, sightseeing, lunch, and boat trip.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?
Most travelers can participate, but those who dislike quick stops or cramped land vehicles might find the jeep ride less comfortable.

What’s the weather policy?
The boat trip and swim stops depend on good weather. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

In sum, the Full Day Ryker Tour offers a lively, scenic, and tasty way to take in Malta’s highlights with a few added adventures on land and water. Whether you’re after stunning views, local flavors, or just a fun day out, it’s worth considering.