Malta: Gozo Full Day Jeep Tour with Lunch and Boat Trip offers a chance to see one of Malta’s most intriguing islands from a perspective few visitors experience. For about $92.69 per person, you’ll spend roughly 8 hours exploring Gozo’s lush valleys, historic landmarks, and rugged coastlines. The tour includes hotel pickup, ferry transfer, a buffet lunch with wine, and an optional boat trip to the Blue Lagoon and the caves.
What we love most: First, the off-road jeep adventure through the island’s lesser-seen valleys and along dramatic cliffs immerses you in Gozo’s natural beauty. Second, the well-organized itinerary ensures you get a taste of everything—from ancient temples to seaside panoramas—without feeling rushed.
A possible consideration: The lunch options have been described as basic, mainly pasta, rice, and potatoes, which might not satisfy every palate. Also, the size of the group (up to 8 per jeep) can feel cozy or cramped, depending on your expectations.
This tour suits travelers who enjoy active exploration combined with cultural stops and scenic views. If you’re after an authentic experience with a knowledgeable guide, this trip will deliver, especially if you’re curious about the lesser-known parts of Gozo.
Key Points
- Authentic Jeep Experience: Off-road tracks and valley routes offer a more intimate view of Gozo’s landscape.
- Cultural & Natural Sights: Stops include Ggantija Temples, Calypso Cave, and the Citadel, blending history and mythology.
- Scenic Coastlines: The Inland Sea, Wied il-Mielah Window, and Sanap Cliffs provide spectacular photo opportunities.
- Includes Ferry & Lunch: Round-trip ferry from Malta plus a hearty buffet lunch makes it good value.
- Guided & Flexible: Knowledgeable guides like Tony and Mario enhance the experience with local insights.
- Optional Boat Trip: Weather permitting, an additional boat ride to caves and Blue Lagoon adds a memorable water element.
In-Depth Review of the Full-Day Jeep Tour in Gozo
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An Overview of the Experience
This tour neatly combines adventure, culture, and scenery in one package. You’ll start early, around 8 a.m., with pickup from your hotel—if you’re staying in a central location—and then head to Mgarr Harbour for the ferry crossing. The ferry trip itself is smooth and offers a chance to get your first glimpse of Gozo from the water, an experience many reviews describe as “beautiful” with “stunning views” of cliffs and caves.
Once on the island, the real fun begins. Your guide, often a local like Mario or Tony, takes the wheel of a comfortable off-road jeep that shuttles you across some of Gozo’s most captivating sights. The small group size (up to 8 people) allows for a more personalized experience, with plenty of opportunities for photos and questions.
The Itinerary and Why It Matters
The tour’s itinerary is carefully curated to give you a well-rounded taste of Gozo. Here’s a detailed look at each stop:
Ggantija Temples
We start at the Ggantija Temples, a Neolithic site that predates the Egyptian pyramids. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a marvel—massive megalithic stones built thousands of years ago. Many reviews highlight how fascinating it is to stand in a site that echoes human ingenuity from thousands of years past.
Calypso Cave
Next, we visit Calypso’s Cave at Ramla Bay. Here, you can picture Odysseus imprisoned by the nymph, as the legend goes. It’s a natural cave with breathtaking views of the bay. Many travelers love that it’s free to enter and takes just 10 minutes, making it a quick yet atmospheric stop.
The Citadel
In the historic heart of Victoria, the Citadel offers panoramic views and a glimpse into Gozo’s layered history, from Bronze Age settlements to Punic-Roman streets. The free entry means you can wander at your own pace, soaking in the ancient walls and narrow alleys.
Inland Sea & Blue Hole
The Inland Sea is a mesmerizing lagoon connected to the sea via a natural arch. Weather permitting, a boat trip here is often included, adding an exciting water element. It’s a highlight, with many reviewers describing it as “mesmerizing,” and the boat ride provides a different perspective on Gozo’s rugged coastline.
Coastal Landmarks
Stops at Wied il-Mielah Window, a stunning sea arch, and the Xwejni Salt Pans, with their mosaic of drying salt, give you a real sense of Gozo’s natural beauty and traditional industries. The Sanap Cliffs, towering limestone formations plunging into the sea, offer jaw-dropping views and fantastic photo ops.
Cultural Stops
The Church of St. John The Baptist and the Gozitan basilica of Ta’ Pinu introduce you to local religious architecture and spiritual traditions, enriching the cultural aspect of your visit.
Scenic Overlooks in Qala
Finally, the Belvedere of Qala presents sweeping vistas of nearby islands—perfect for snapping memorable photos and pondering your day’s adventures.
The Lunch and Water Experience
The buffet lunch included is a significant value add, featuring local dishes, water, and unlimited local wine. Many reviews rave about the quality of the meal, describing it as “delicious” and “the best I’ve had on an excursion.” However, some found the options limited, mainly carbs and tinned tuna, which might feel light or repetitive for those craving more variety.
The Boat Trip
Weather permitting, a speedboat transfer to the Blue Lagoon and the Comino Caves provides you with a refreshing water adventure. Many travelers mention that the boat ride is breathtaking and adds a special touch to the day, especially for photography and cooling off.
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Guides and Group Dynamics
Guides like Tony, George, and Mario score high marks for knowledgeability and friendliness. Their insights transform a sightseeing day into a lively learning experience. The small group size means you get plenty of personal attention, and the guides often tailor the experience based on your interests—whether that’s more photo stops or extra time at certain landmarks.
The Practicalities
The price of just under $93 per person is quite reasonable considering the comprehensive itinerary, ferry, lunch, and optional boat ride. This makes it a good value for travelers wanting a full-day, immersive experience without the hassle of organizing transport or multiple tickets.
However, the cramped jeep rides (up to 8 people) can be uncomfortable if you’re expecting a spacious ride, especially when the group is large. Some reviews mention the lunch options as underwhelming, which is worth considering if you’re a foodie or prefer varied meals.
Who Should Book?
This tour best suits active travelers who enjoy small-group adventures and have a curiosity for history, nature, and scenic vistas. If you’re looking for an authentic, well-organized way to see Gozo’s highlights with local insights, this tour delivers. It’s also perfect if you want a balanced mix of land and water experiences with convenience included.
Final Thoughts
This full-day Jeep tour in Gozo delivers a rich combination of scenic vistas, historic sites, and cultural insights—all wrapped into one well-organized package. The off-road journey lets you experience parts of the island that few travelers see, and the lunch with wine adds a touch of local flavor. The optional boat trip enhances the day with a splash of adventure and stunning views.
While the group size and lunch options might not suit everyone, the knowledgeable guides, beautiful scenery, and seamless logistics make this a memorable way to explore Gozo for first-timers and repeat visitors alike. It’s especially ideal for those who want a balanced, hassle-free introduction to Malta’s sister island, packed into a single day.
If you’re craving an adventure with cultural depth and breathtaking scenery, this tour is worth considering. Just pack a sense of humor about the cramped rides and limited lunch choices—and prepare for a day full of discovery.
FAQ
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in this tour, making it easy to start your day without extra planning.
How long does the ferry ride take?
The tour includes round-trip ferry transport from Malta, providing a smooth crossing that gets you into Gozo’s scenery quickly.
What stops are free to enter?
Most landmark sites like the Ggantija Temples, Citadel, Calypso Cave, and Ta’ Pinu Church have free entry, while the Inland Sea boat trip is optional and weather-dependent.
What is the group size?
The tour accommodates up to 48 travelers overall, but the jeeps are limited to 8 passengers each, ensuring a more intimate experience.
Is the lunch suitable for special diets?
The buffet lunch is prepared daily and caters to food allergies, though options are mainly carbs, rice, and potatoes. Vegetarian options might be available, but it’s best to check in advance.
Can I expect a boat trip?
Yes, weather permitting, a speedboat transfer to the Blue Lagoon and caves is part of the experience, adding a fun water element.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, sun protection, and cash for optional extras or tips are recommended.
Are children allowed?
Children must be accompanied by adults, and the physical nature of the tour suggests a moderate fitness level is ideal.
What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Is this tour good value?
Considering the ferry, lunch, guided tours, and optional boat trip, many reviewers agree it’s a great value for a full day exploring Gozo’s highlights.
This full-day jeep tour offers an authentic, convenient, and scenic way to experience Gozo—perfect for curious travelers who want to see the island’s natural beauty and ancient sites without feeling rushed. Good guides, stunning vistas, and a blend of land and water adventures make it a memorable choice for your Malta holiday.