Gozo Full Day Buggy Tour with Boat Ride

Experience the Best of Gozo on a Full-Day Buggy Tour with Boat Ride

Imagine weaving through rugged cliffs, past ancient salt pans, and along sandy beaches—all with the sea breeze in your hair. For those craving an adventurous exploration of Malta’s sister island, this Gozo Full Day Buggy Tour with Boat Ride offers a lively, flexible way to see the highlights and hidden corners of this beautiful island. Starting from Valletta, for roughly eight hours, you’ll venture off the beaten path in a fully automatic, seatbelt-equipped buggy, guided by friendly experts who know every twist and turn of Gozo.

What makes this tour stand out is its blend of land and sea adventures—from scenic drives to boat trips through caves—and its focus on authentic, less touristy sites. We love that the tour includes stops at iconic spots like Dwejra Bay and Ramla Bay, along with a visit to the impressive Church of St. John The Baptist with its towering dome. Plus, the boat rides (weather permitting) add a touch of maritime magic missing from many land-only tours.

One thing to consider is the group size, which is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers. This keeps the experience intimate but might mean early booking is wise, as it’s popular—usually booked about a month in advance. It’s also tailored to qualified drivers aged 21+ with a valid driver’s license and ID, making it perfect for confident, thrill-seeking adults rather than young children.

If you’re someone who relishes active, hands-on experiences combined with scenic beauty and cultural stops, this tour will suit you well. It’s especially ideal for families with older kids, friends, or solo adventurers eager to see Gozo in a memorable, engaging way.

Key Points

• Authentic Exploration: Visit undiscovered spots and iconic landmarks in one comprehensive day.
• Active & Flexible: Drive your own fully automatic buggy with expert guidance, making the experience personal.
• Stunning Views & Unique Sites: From cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean to ancient salt pans, every stop offers photo-worthy moments.
• Sea & Land Combo: Enjoy boat rides through caves and along coastlines, weather permitting—with the chance to see the Blue Lagoon.
• Family-Friendly & Safe: Designed for confident drivers 21+, with safety briefings and seatbelts on all buggies.
• Value for Money: All-inclusive price covers transport, insurance, food tasting, and the buggy experience, making it a worthwhile expense for an active day.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Logistics

We begin early, with pickup options starting from Valletta at 8 am, traveling via Marfa or Cirkewwa to reach the port. The tour includes minivan pickups, so you don’t have to worry about navigating yourself. Be sure to note your accommodation details when booking, as pickups might not be directly in front of your hotel but arranged for ease of access.

The tour’s duration is approximately 8 hours, which is packed with diverse activities and sightseeing. The group remains small, capped at 8 travelers, fostering a more personalized experience and better interaction with guides.

First Stop: Dwejra Bay and The Inland Sea

Dwejra Bay is often called one of Gozo’s prettiest spots. The highlight here is the boat trip through the caves, which sails over the ruins of the famous Azure Window (no longer standing but still a powerful sight). The boat ride is weather-dependent but offers a remarkable perspective on the rugged coastline and natural formations. It’s an experience that travelers have raved about, with one reviewer noting that the boat trip through the caves flows out into the open sea—”flowing out into the Mediterranean.”

Salt Pans and Ramla Bay

Next, you’ll see the Xwejni Salt Pans—a landscape shaped by centuries of tradition, where sea water is evaporated naturally to harvest salt. The checkerboard pattern of these pans makes for excellent photos, and it’s a reminder of Gozo’s ancient industries. It’s a short stop but a fascinating glimpse into local craftsmanship dating back to Phoenician times.

Ramla Bay, with its distinctive red sands, is a favorite for its striking color and wide, golden shoreline. You can soak in the views and enjoy a quick walk along the sand, or just marvel at the contrast of red sands against the blue sea.

Wied il-Ghasri and Xlendi

The tour then takes you to Wied il-Ghasri, a little-known inlet with towering cliffs and a tiny pebbly beach. Its secluded nature makes it a perfect spot for photos and quiet contemplation. It’s one of those off-the-beaten-path gems that make the adventure special.

Later, at Xlendi Beach, you can admire the dramatic cliffs and explore caves along the coast—another scenic highlight that photographers love. It’s only a brief stop, but it leaves a lasting impression.

Cultural and Urban Highlights

A visit to the Church of St. John The Baptist is a must. This magnificent Baroque church boasts the third-largest dome in Europe—standing at 75 meters high—designed by Giuseppe Damato. Inside, it’s a quiet sanctuary, and for an extra fee, you can access the museum or walk on the roof for panoramic views of Gozo. It’s a chance to connect with local faith and craftsmanship.

The tour also includes time in Victoria, the island’s capital, with its narrow streets, shops, and lively atmosphere. While brief, this stop offers a taste of local life and a chance to explore further if you wish.

Coastal Views and Sailing

On the return journey, weather permitting, you’ll sail past Comino’s Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, offering stunning photos of turquoise waters and rocky islands. The boat trip adds a relaxing, scenic element to the day—perfect for unwinding after the buggy adventure.

Food Tastings and Local Flavors

An often-overlooked detail, this tour features food tasting, giving you a chance to sample local Maltese delicacies. This adds an authentic taste of the island’s culinary culture, complementing the sightseeing.

The Bumpy Road of Reviews and Real Experiences

While most reviews glow about the knowledgeable guides and the awe-inspiring scenery, a few mention some logistical hiccups—like the complicated initial meeting point or larger-than-ideal groups. One traveler shared that guides like Michael provide a lot of information, making each stop educational as well as scenic. Others appreciated the safety and comfort of the fully automatic buggies.

Price, Value, and Practical Considerations

At $132.99 per group, this tour packs a full day of activities—land and sea—at a price that’s reasonable when you consider the included boat rides, food tastings, and personal-guided exploration. Having all transportation, insurance, and equipment included means fewer surprises and peace of mind.

The main consideration is that drivers must be 21+ and fully qualified, so if you’re traveling with younger family members or non-drivers, they’ll need to join as passengers or enjoy other parts of the tour. Also, the weather can influence boat trips, so flexibility is key.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re eager for a hands-on, active day that combines scenic drives, cultural sights, and boat adventures, this tour is a standout. It’s ideal for adventurous adults, families with older kids, or groups of friends looking for a lively way to experience Gozo beyond the usual bus tours.

Travelers who value authentic sites, scenic views, and personal interaction will find this experience rewarding. It’s perfect if you want the thrill of driving your own vehicle, combined with time to relax and absorb the island’s beauty.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This buggy and boat combo tour offers a well-rounded, authentic slice of Gozo. The variety of stops—ranging from dramatic coastlines to cultural landmarks—ensures you see the island’s best features without feeling rushed. The small group size and guided commentary add a personal touch that larger tours often lack.

Most travelers rave about the guides, the stunning vistas, and the value for money. The inclusion of food tasting and scenic boat rides enhances the experience, making it an excellent choice for those who want to get off the beaten path and enjoy a day full of adventure.

If you’re looking for a fun, active way to explore Gozo with a knowledgeable guide and a touch of sea breeze, this tour might just be your best Malta experience.

FAQ

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, the tour includes minivan pickups from your accommodation or a nearby collection point, starting around 8 am.

What’s the minimum age to participate?
Children must be 4+ to ride as passengers, but drivers need to be 21+ and fully qualified.

Are boat rides included?
Boat transfers are included and weather permitting, especially for the cave trip at Dwejra Bay and the sailing past Comino’s Blue Lagoon on the return.

Do I need a driver’s license?
Yes, drivers must have a valid driver’s license and government-issued photo ID.

How long does each stop last?
Stop durations vary from about 10 to 30 minutes, offering enough time for photos and quick sightseeing.

Is food included?
Yes, the tour includes food tastings that showcase local flavors.

What if the weather is bad?
Boat rides depend on weather conditions; if canceled, you’ll still enjoy the land-based activities and sightseeing.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How many people are in a group?
A maximum of 8 travelers ensures a more personalized experience.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. Solo adventurers will find it a great way to meet like-minded explorers while enjoying the island.

This full-day buggy adventure showcases Gozo’s natural beauty and cultural highlights in a lively, engaging way. Whether you’re after stunning vistas, off-road thrills, or a taste of local life, it delivers a memorable Malta experience that’s well worth considering.