GOZO – Highspeed Catamaran dep Valletta + Hop on Hop off Tour

Exploring Gozo by Fast Catamaran and Open-Top Bus: A Practical Guide

If you’re looking for a swift way to visit Malta’s charming neighbor, Gozo, this tour offers a highspeed catamaran crossing and a hop-on hop-off bus to explore the island’s highlights. For $34.91 per person, you get a roughly 6-hour journey that combines a 45-minute ferry ride with a flexible bus tour around key sights.

We particularly appreciate the quick ferry crossing—it’s fast, smooth, and provides great views of the coastline, setting the tone for a relaxed day. The open-top bus adds a layer of convenience, letting you see multiple attractions without worrying about renting a car. The stops include famous archaeological sites, beaches, charming villages, and scenic bays—making it a well-rounded introduction to Gozo.

However, the experience isn’t flawless. Several reviews mention timing issues, overcrowding, and technical glitches with the bus, which can impact your comfort and overall enjoyment. This tour is best suited for travelers who value quick, scenic access and are comfortable with some unpredictability in transportation.

If you’re a budget-conscious traveler seeking an efficient way to see Gozo’s highlights, or a visitor with limited time wanting a taste of the island, this tour might be just right. But if you prefer a more relaxed, unhurried experience or excellent comfort, you might want to consider alternatives or rental options.

Key Points

• Fast ferry crossing offers a quick, scenic start to your day in Gozo.
• Open-top bus provides flexibility to explore at your own pace, but may suffer from overcrowding.
• Stops include top attractions like Ggantija Temples, Ramla Beach, and Azure Window (affectionately remembered, now collapsed but still iconic).
• The tour’s value depends heavily on punctuality and bus conditions, which reviews suggest can be inconsistent.
• No included lunch, so plan to bring snacks or eat at stops like Marsalforn or Victoria.
• The tour is suitable for adventurous travelers comfortable with logistical hiccups and looking for quick access.

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Ferry Crossing

The adventure begins at the Liesse ticket redemption point in Valletta, where you’ll exchange your voucher for a ticket. The catamaran ride is typically praised for its speed and comfort. It takes about 45 minutes to cross the northern coast of Malta, providing a chance to enjoy views of the sea and coastline.

Many reviews remark positively on this part of the trip, describing it as “smooth, comfortable, and on time.” The ferry has a reputation for efficiency, making it a good choice for those wanting to skip the longer, more crowded crossings.

Some travelers, however, note that rough seas can turn the ride tricky. One reviewer mentioned that “the outbound ferry was an absolute nightmare because of high waves,” which caused discomfort and even vomiting among some passengers. Though this is weather-dependent, it’s worth considering if you’re sensitive to seasickness or expecting bad weather.

The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

Once on Gozo, your ticket grants access to a double-decker open-top bus with buses every 45 minutes. The routes cover a broad range of sights, from archaeological parks to beaches and small villages.

What we love about this part: the bustling, panoramic rides offer views that are hard to beat, and the flexibility to hop off and explore places at your own pace. Stops include Mgarr Harbour, Ramla Beach, Ggantija Archaeological Park, Marsalforn, Victoria, Ta’ Pinu, Azure Window (although collapsed, still picturesque), Xlendi Bay, and Xewkija.

What’s challenging: Several reviewers mention timing issues—buses often don’t arrive as scheduled, which can lead to long waits, especially in the heat. One traveler described the bus as “noisy, rickety, and with non-functioning earphones,” making it difficult to follow commentary. There are complaints of overcrowding, which can make hopping off and back on a gamble, especially during peak times.

A significant concern is the audio guide system—many found it faulty or unhelpful, which diminishes the educational value of the tour. A few reviews even mention being herded like cattle during boarding, adding to a feeling of being rushed or squeezed into an overcrowded bus.

Major Stops and Attractions

• Mgarr Harbour: The starting point, with views of the bustling port and ferry terminal.
• Ggantija Archaeological Park: Home to some of the world’s oldest free-standing temples, dating back over 5,500 years. It’s a highlight for history buffs.
• Ramla Beach: A beautiful, sandy spot perfect for a quick swim or just enjoying the sun.
• Victoria: The island’s capital, with a charming walled city, narrow streets, and a lively market.
• Ta’ Pinu: A revered basilica with stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere.
• Azure Window: Though the iconic limestone arch collapsed in 2017, the site remains a must-see for its dramatic scenery.
• Xlendi Bay: Known for its scenic views and popular for swimming and dining.

Food and Amenities

Lunch is not included, so plan ahead. While some stops have cafes and small eateries, you may want to bring snacks or enjoy the local fare in towns like Marsalforn or Victoria. Several reviews suggest that the stops are good for sampling local tapas and fresh seafood, especially near the bays.

Timing and Practicalities

The entire tour lasts about 6 hours, including the ferry crossing and the bus ride. The timing can be tight, especially if buses don’t run on schedule. Travelers have complained about waiting in the sun for over half an hour at some stops, which can be uncomfortable, especially in warm weather.

The group size is limited to 300 travelers, which is generally manageable, but the popularity can lead to crowding onboard the bus.

Authenticity and Experience

While the scenic views and interesting stops make this tour a worthwhile introduction to Gozo, many reviews highlight logistical frustrations. Some describe it as a “scam” or “rubbish bus”, but that’s often due to expectations of comfort and punctuality rather than the destinations themselves.

One reviewer summed it up as “decent considering the price,” which is fair—this isn’t a luxury experience, but a cost-effective way to see quite a bit in a short time. For adventurous travelers willing to tolerate some chaos, it provides a taste of Gozo’s highlights without the hassle of independent planning.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is best suited for budget travelers eager to see Gozo’s main attractions quickly and affordably. It’s good for those short on time or wanting a guided overview rather than exploring freely. If you’re comfortable with some logistical hiccups and want to enjoy scenic ferry rides and panoramic bus views, this tour can be a practical choice.

However, if you prioritize comfort, punctuality, or detailed guided commentary, you might find the experience lacking. For families with kids, or travelers who dislike crowds, the overcrowding and timing issues could be a drawback.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ferry ride included in the price?
Yes, the ferry crossing is part of the ticket, and it’s typically considered one of the highlights—quick and comfortable.

How long does the entire tour last?
The total duration is approximately 6 hours, including ferry time and bus rides.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or enjoy local eateries during stops.

Is the hop-on hop-off bus flexible?
Yes, you can hop off and explore stops at your own pace, but reviews suggest timing and crowding can be issues.

Where does the tour start?
The tour begins at the Liesse ticket redemption point in Valletta, near public transportation.

What stops are included?
Stops include Mgarr Harbour, Ggantija Temples, Ramla Beach, Victoria, Ta’ Pinu, Azure Window site, Xlendi Bay, and others.

What are the main complaints about this tour?
Many travelers mention overcrowding, unreliable schedules, and faulty audio guides as frustrations.

Is this tour suitable for kids or elderly travelers?
It can be, but be aware of the crowds and long waits—bring water and plan for some patience.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Weather cancellations are also possible.

Is this tour good value for money?
Considering transportation and the chance to see key sites, many find it decent value, but remember the occasional logistical hiccups can impact overall satisfaction.

In essence, this tour offers a pragmatic way to glimpse Gozo’s beauty and history, especially if you’re mindful of its quirks. It’s a good option for those seeking speed and affordability, but if comfort and punctuality are your priorities, exploring other options might serve you better. Either way, with a bit of patience, you’ll leave with a good sense of what makes Gozo special.