Exploring Malta’s Sister Islands: A Day Trip to Gozo and Comino
If you’re visiting Malta and want to see a different side of this captivating archipelago, a day trip to Gozo and Comino is a fantastic choice. For around $50 per person, you get a 7 to 7.5-hour adventure that blends scenic boat cruises, a bus tour of Gozo’s highlights, and a relaxing visit to the famous Blue Lagoon. Starting from Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay, this tour offers a taste of traditional Mediterranean charm, picturesque landscapes, and a chance to swim in crystal-clear waters.
What we love about this trip is how it combines sea and land experiences — you’ll enjoy a modern catamaran cruise with WiFi and onboard toilets, making the journey comfortable and informative. Plus, the visit to Victoria, the capital of Gozo, and the medieval Citadel gives a glimpse into island life that’s both authentic and scenic. The Blue Lagoon’s turquoise waters provide a perfect setting for a swim and some sunbathing.
One thing to keep in mind is that free time at the Blue Lagoon can be crowded, and the government-mandated access pass (booked in advance) is required if you want to disembark on Comino. If you’re keen on exploring the island more deeply or avoiding large crowds, this might feel a bit rushed or hectic. But overall, the mix of relaxation, sightseeing, and optional activities makes it suitable for most travelers who enjoy a full, varied day.
This tour is especially good for first-time visitors wanting an overview of these smaller islands. It’s also perfect if you’re interested in historic sites like the Citadel or simply want a beach and boat experience that’s well-organized and reasonably priced.
Key Points
- Balanced itinerary combining boat cruise and land exploration
- Highlights include Victoria, the Citadel, and Blue Lagoon
- Value for money considering transportation, free time, and scenic views
- Excellent reviews for professionalism, organization, and knowledgeable guides
- Crowded Blue Lagoon can be overwhelming but is stunning
- Advance booking for Blue Lagoon disembarkation is mandatory from May 2025
A Deep Dive Into the Experience
When we think about how to spend a day exploring Malta’s surrounding islands, this tour hits some prime spots while keeping things straightforward and enjoyable. Starting from Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay, you’ll board a modern catamaran that’s well-equipped with air conditioning, WiFi, and toilet facilities — details that make longer trips more comfortable. The boat’s scenic cruise along Malta’s coast sets the tone, offering fantastic views of the coastline and an opportunity to relax before heading to the islands.
The first major stop is Gozo, a smaller, quieter island with a rural feel. The boat pulls into Marr Harbour, from where a bus will whisk you away on a short drive to Victoria, the island’s charming capital. With about 90 minutes of free time, you can wander the streets at your own pace, browsing local shops, or climb up to the Citadel for sweeping views. The Citadel’s medieval fortress isn’t just a photo op; it’s a window into Gozo’s past, and many reviews mention the imposing walls and picturesque skyline as a highlight.
According to feedback, guides often make the experience extra special by sharing local insights and making the journey lively. One review from Natia from Georgia praised a guide for making the tour “the best experience in Malta,” mentioning the knowledgeable, fun, and interesting nature of the guide.
Back at Marr Harbour, the boat leaves for Comino, a tiny island with virtually no cars or urbanization. Here’s where the Blue Lagoon comes into focus — a must-see for its stunning turquoise waters. You’ll have roughly 2 hours of free time. Some travelers, like one reviewer, found the experience overwhelming due to the crowds, noting that it’s not as relaxing as it might seem. But even with the crowds, the crystal-clear waters and white sandy base make it a memorable photo and swimming spot.
An important logistical note: starting May 2025, to disembark at Blue Lagoon, you’ll need to pre-book an access pass on the official government website. No pass, no entry ashore — this is a government regulation, not a tour operator requirement. If you want to avoid hassle, plan ahead and select an afternoon timeslot when applying for your pass.
Additional activities include optional excursions like a motorboat trip to the caves and Crystal Lagoon for about €15, payable on-site. This is worth considering if you’re interested in exploring the caves or want a more adventurous experience.
The value of this trip is quite good, given that transportation, free time, and scenic views are included. While lunch and admission to sites are not included, many travelers find the free time at Victoria and Blue Lagoon enough to make the trip memorable.
Planning more time in Victoria Gozo? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary
Morning Departure and Coastal Cruise
The day begins early, with departures from Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay. The modern catamaran sets sail along the coast, providing a comfortable and scenic journey. Expect a commentary on Malta’s coastline, highlighting notable landmarks and natural features. This segment is more relaxing than active but sets a perfect mood for the day.
Gozo Arrival and Tour of Victoria
Upon reaching Marr Harbour, you’ll transfer to a bus for a short drive to Victoria. Here, you’ll have about 90 minutes to explore on your own. The Citadel is the main event — a medieval fortress with imposing walls, narrow streets, and panoramic views. Many reviews mention how photogenic and impressive the Citadel is — a real highlight for history buffs and photographers alike. Walking the streets of Victoria offers a chance to observe everyday Gozitan life, with small cafes and local shops.
More Great Tours NearbyReturn to Marr Harbour and Head to Comino
Back at the harbor, the boat departs for Comino, a tiny, car-free island famous for the Blue Lagoon. The 2-hour leisure period is free, giving you time to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or just take photos of the breathtaking waters. Keep in mind that during peak times, the lagoon can get crowded and noisy, which some travelers find less relaxing.
Blue Lagoon and Optional Activities
Many visitors rave about the Blue Lagoon’s transparent waters and pristine sands. It’s an iconic Malta experience, but crowds and traffic can diminish the tranquility. For those interested, an optional motorboat trip to Caves and other lagoons is available for a small fee, offering a more adventurous exploration.
Return Journey
As the day winds down, you’ll board the boat back to Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay. The trip wraps up around early evening, leaving you with plenty of memories (and probably some sunburn or photos of that perfect blue water).
What the Reviews Say
The vast majority of reviews highlight the professionalism of the crew and guides. One reviewer called the crew “very helpful and friendly,” and praised the well-organized nature of the trip. Others appreciated the knowledgeable guides who made the experience more engaging.
Regarding scenery and attractions, many found the views of Gozo and the Blue Lagoon “magnificent” and “unforgettable,” with some suggesting you buy an additional caves trip for even more spectacular sights.
However, some feedback points out that free time at the Blue Lagoon can be overwhelming due to crowds, and getting around during the day can be chaotic — especially at the bus station. The requirement to secure an access pass for disembarkation at Blue Lagoon starting next year is a key consideration and requires planning ahead.
Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?
This day trip offers a great overview of some of Malta’s most scenic spots with a combination of boat and land experiences. It’s ideal for first-timers wanting to see Gozo’s Citadel and the Blue Lagoon without a lot of fuss. If you like organized tours with free time to explore at your own pace, this fits your style. It’s also a good value, especially considering the scenic cruise and transportation included.
Travelers who prefer a more relaxed or in-depth exploration might find the limited time at each stop a bit rushed, or might want to consider adding extra activities like caves visits. If crowds or government-mandated passes seem off-putting, plan to arrive early or book your Blue Lagoon access pass well in advance.
This tour offers a balanced day of sightseeing, swimming, and scenic views, making it a solid choice for anyone wanting a quick but memorable taste of Malta’s surrounding islands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book the Blue Lagoon disembarkation pass in advance?
Yes, starting from May 2025, you must acquire an access pass through the official government website to disembark at Blue Lagoon. It’s advisable to choose the afternoon timeslot when applying, due to limited daily passes.
Is there hotel pickup and drop-off included?
No, this tour does not include hotel transfers. You’ll meet at the designated Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay meeting points.
What should I bring on the day?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, cash for extras, and motion sickness prevention if needed.
Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included. You may want to bring snacks or plan to buy something during your free time.
How long is the free time at Victoria and Blue Lagoon?
You’ll have roughly 1.5 hours in Victoria and about 2 hours at Blue Lagoon. Keep track of time to return to the meeting point promptly.
Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
It’s best suited for those who can walk and stand comfortably, as it involves bus rides and free exploration. It’s not recommended for travelers with mobility issues or those prone to seasickness.
Can I participate if I don’t want to swim?
Absolutely. The Blue Lagoon is a highlight for swimming, but you can simply relax, sunbathe, or take photos from the shore if you prefer not to swim.
This well-organized, scenic, and reasonably priced trip offers a delightful taste of Malta’s islands, perfect for those wanting a blend of history, nature, and relaxation in a single day. Whether you’re after stunning vistas, a dip in turquoise waters, or simply want to see what makes Gozo and Comino special, this tour makes it easy and enjoyable.
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