Imagine cruising through rugged hills, sandy beaches, and remote villages, all in a modern, fully automatic UTV that you get to drive yourself. That’s exactly what the Gozo All-Inclusive Self-Drive Jeep Day Tour offers, and from the enthusiastic reviews and detailed itinerary, it looks like a real highlight for those craving adventure, scenic beauty, and a taste of local life.
While we haven’t been on this tour ourselves, the combination of off-road exploration, picturesque stops, and a private boat cruise make it an appealing choice for active travelers who love a mix of nature, culture, and fun.
What we love about this experience:
- The chance to drive your own all-terrain vehicle, adding excitement and a sense of freedom
- The opportunity to see iconic sights like Wied Il-Gasri, Ta Cenc Cliffs, and Dwejras, all with guided insights
- The private boat cruise that includes the Blue Lagoon—a perfect way to unwind and enjoy Malta’s crystal-clear waters
The main consideration is that drivers must be at least 21 years old with a valid license, meaning it’s best suited for those who meet the age and licensing requirements. Also, the tour’s 7-hour duration includes plenty of stops, but it’s a long day with some driving involved, so comfort with off-road vehicles is helpful. This tour is ideal for adventurous friends, families with older children, or couples seeking a mix of activity, scenery, and relaxation.
Good To Know
- Self-Drive Adventure: Drive modern UTVs across various terrains, adding a personal touch to your explorations.
- Scenic Highlights: Visit renowned spots like Dwejra Bay, Wied Il-Ghasri, and the Cittadella for memorable photo opportunities.
- Exclusive Experiences: Enjoy a boat reserved exclusively for Yippee clients, including a scenic sail past caves and the Blue Lagoon.
- Authentic Maltese Food: Indulge in a traditional Gozitan lunch featuring local flavors and Maltese sweets.
- All-Inclusive Value: The tour price covers transportation, lunch, boat rides, and guidance, providing a streamlined experience.
- Flexible & Convenient: Pickup and drop-off points are numerous, and booking can be flexible with free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
A Deep Dive into the Itinerary and What to Expect
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Starting Point and Logistics
The tour begins with pickup at one of 58 convenient hotel or location options around Malta. This extensive list ensures most travelers find a nearby spot, simplifying logistics. Expect to be picked up by a friendly Yippee transport service, which emphasizes comfort and punctuality. The tour lasts about 7 hours, excluding transfer times, with a flexible starting window that you can check when booking.
Driving Your UTV: An Off-Road Adventure
Once in Gozo, you’ll take the wheel of a sleek, fully automatic all-terrain UTV, designed for forward-facing seating for the driver and up to five passengers—making it perfect for families or groups of friends. Reviewers mention that these vehicles are “a real toy,” with one describing the experience as “truly addictive.”
Expect to traverse sandy dunes, lush valleys, and remote bays—off the beaten path where few travelers go. The guides, who seem to be knowledgeable and friendly (one reviewer even called Stephan a “super Reiseführer”—great guide), lead the convoy, ensuring safety and providing insightful commentary about each stop.
Exploring the Sights: Stops That Shine
Each stop on the tour offers a glimpse into Gozo’s diverse landscapes and cultural gems:
- Dwejra Bay: Known for its dramatic cliffs and the Azure Window (though no longer there, the area remains scenic), this is a perfect photo stop and a chance to breathe in the fresh sea air. The reviews mention it as a highlight, with one traveler noting “incredible scenery.”
- Xwejni Salt Pans: A 30-minute visit here allows travelers to see traditional salt harvesting methods still in use today—an authentic glimpse into Gozitan local life.
- Wied Il-Ghasri: A scenic gorge and small harbor, ideal for a quick exploration and photo-taking.
- Ta Pinu Basilica: A short visit to this impressive church offers a cultural pause and beautiful views.
- Xlendi Bay and Marsalforn Bay: These coastal spots are perfect for brief sightseeing, with stunning views, perfect for a quick stroll or a chance to snap some photos.
- Cittadella in Victoria: The historic hilltop citadel offers panoramic views and a sense of Gozitan history.
- Blue Lagoon and Comino: The private boat cruise to these iconic spots is a major attraction, especially during summer. You’ll get a chance for a swim in the clear waters—many reviewers, like Francisco, call the boat ride “memorable” and the scenery “incredible.” The boat is exclusively reserved for Yippee clients, adding a layer of exclusivity and comfort.
Food, Drink, and Relaxation
A highlight for many is the traditional Maltese lunch, which includes local nibbles, vegetarian baked pasta, water, and a Maltese dessert. Reviewers have praised the quality and authenticity of the meal, describing it as “delicious” and “authentic.”
In summer, the tour includes a swim stop in one of Gozitan bays, so you’ll want to pack swimwear and towels. The waters are often described as “beautiful” and perfect for cooling off after some off-road driving.
The Private Boat Cruise
The boat ride back to Malta, reserved just for Yippee clients, offers a scenic sail past caves and the Blue Lagoon. Reviewers have described this as a “scenic sail” and a perfect way to unwind after a day of adventure. Weather permitting, this adds a luxurious touch to an active day.
What Makes This Tour Stand Out?
The Self-Drive Element
Compared to guided tours where you’re a passenger, self-driving UTVs make this experience more dynamic. You get to feel the thrill of controlling your vehicle and choosing your pace through scenic routes. One reviewer said, “I took the self-drive option and have absolutely no regrets,” highlighting how the freedom adds to the fun.
The Scenic Diversity
From rugged cliffs and lush valleys to charming bays and historic sites, the tour showcases Gozitan landscapes at their best. Many reviews emphasize the “incredible scenery” and the variety of stops, which keeps the experience fresh and engaging throughout the day.
Authentic Local Flavors
The inclusion of a traditional Gozitan lunch and a visit to salt pans or the Cittadella offers a cultural layer that many other tours lack. Travelers appreciate the chance to connect with local life in a relaxed, authentic setting.
The Exclusive Boat Experience
Having a private boat reserved for Yippee guests is a real bonus, especially during peak summer when the Blue Lagoon is crowded. Many reviewers mention how peaceful and scenic the sail is, and the opportunity for a swim in crystal-clear waters is a true highlight.
Value for Money
At $159 per person, the tour packs in a lot—transportation, guide, lunch, boat rides, and multiple scenic stops—making it a great value for active travelers who want a comprehensive Gozo experience without the hassle of planning.
Considerations and Tips
- Driver’s license: Drivers must be 21+ with a valid license; provisional licenses are not accepted. Make sure your license is up to date to avoid disappointment.
- Physical condition: The off-road driving involves some bumpy terrain, so travelers should be comfortable with moderate physical activity.
- Weather dependence: The boat cruise and swim stops are weather-dependent. If the sea is rough, the return sail may be replaced by a ferry crossing.
- Packing essentials: Bring sunscreen, comfortable clothes, beachwear, and towels if you plan to swim.
- Group size: The tour operates as a private group, which means you’ll have a more personalized experience without large crowds.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
This tour suits adventure lovers who want more than just sightseeing—those eager to drive, explore off-road, and get a hands-on experience of Gozo’s landscapes. It’s also perfect for families with older children, couples craving a mix of activity and relaxation, and groups who appreciate an authentic local flavor combined with scenic beauty.
If you enjoy guided insights but also want the freedom of self-driving, this tour hits the sweet spot. It’s especially appealing if you’re interested in a luxurious, all-inclusive day that covers transportation, meals, scenic stops, and a memorable boat cruise.
FAQs
Is this tour suitable for children?
While the vehicles seat up to six, drivers must be 21+ with a valid license. Children can ride as passengers if they are comfortable with the vehicle, but the tour is best suited for older kids and teens.
What is included in the price?
The fee covers all transportation, a traditional Gozitan lunch, guidance from multilingual leaders, the boat cruise, ferry tickets if needed, and all scenic stops.
Can I drive if I only have a provisional license?
No, drivers must present a full, valid driver’s license. Provisional licenses are not accepted.
What happens if the weather isn’t suitable for sailing?
If sea conditions are severe, the return will be via the Gozo Channel ferry, and tickets will be provided. The tour will still include all land-based stops and activities.
Do I need to bring anything special?
Yes, pack sunscreen, comfortable clothes, beachwear if swimming, and towels. Bring your driver’s license and any dietary requirements in advance.
Is this experience accessible for wheelchair users?
The tour is foldable wheelchair accessible upon advising in advance, and the vehicles are suitable for most needs, but it’s best to confirm specific requirements ahead of booking.
This self-drive adventure around Gozo offers a fantastic mix of scenery, culture, and adrenaline, all wrapped into a seamless 7-hour package. The fact that you get to drive your own ultra-modern UTV means you’ll create a day tailored by your pace and interests—an experience that feels both personal and exhilarating.
The combination of scenic stops, authentic food, and a private boat cruise elevates this tour beyond typical sightseeing. Many reviewers mention the knowledgeable guides and the incredible views as highlights, making it clear this is a well-rounded and memorable way to explore Malta’s lesser-known island.
Perfect for active travelers ready to take the wheel, this adventure is a smart choice for those wanting a fun, authentic, and scenic day out in Gozo. With a good balance of guided insight and freedom to explore, it’s a tour that delivers on both excitement and value.
Whether you’re after stunning photo ops, off-road thrills, or a taste of local life, this tour ticks all the boxes—and leaves you with plenty of stories to tell back home.
You can check if your dates are available here: