From Sliema/Bugibba: Best of Gozo & Comino Catamaran Tour VT

Exploring Malta’s Small Islands: A Honest Look at the Best of Gozo & Comino by Catamaran

If you’re considering a day trip from Malta to explore its smaller neighbors, this Best of Gozo & Comino Catamaran Tour might be on your radar. We haven’t personally taken it, but based on reviews and tour details, it’s a popular way to see some of Malta’s most photogenic spots without the hassle of planning multiple transfers or boat rides.

What makes this experience appealing? First, the state-of-the-art, eco-friendly catamaran promises a comfortable journey with plenty of room, both indoors and outdoors, for taking in the views. Second, the combination of land visits and free time at some of the most beautiful beaches and towns makes it versatile—great for those who want a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation.

However, it’s not a guided tour, meaning you’ll be exploring independently once on land. This can be a plus if you prefer freedom, but might feel a little less structured if you’re used to guided guides giving detailed historical insights. The trip suits travelers who enjoy scenic boat rides, like a bit of independence during their day, and are eager to tick off key spots like the Citadel in Gozo and the Blue Lagoon in Comino.

Who Should Consider This Tour? If you’re after a straightforward, well-organized day that combines scenic cruising with some free time on the islands, this could be a good pick. It’s especially suited for those comfortable navigating at their own pace and looking for a hassle-free way to enjoy Malta’s highlights.

Key Points

• Comfortable, eco-friendly catamaran with indoor and outdoor seating options
• Flexible schedule with multiple start points from Sliema or Bugibba
• Includes unguided land transfer to the Citadel in Gozo, allowing personal exploration
• Perfect for sunbathers and swimmers at Blue Lagoon with ample free time
• All-in-one experience covering boat, land transfers, and spots of interest
• Requires pre-booking Blue Lagoon Access for afternoon visits, emphasizing environmental care

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and Departure

The tour departs from either Sliema or Bugibba, giving you some flexibility depending on where you’re staying. The meeting points are convenient, and you’ll start your adventure with a ferry ride across Malta’s north-east coast. The ride itself lasts about 40 minutes, and as you cruise along, you’ll enjoy views that quickly get you into vacation mode. The catamaran’s design offers both outdoor decks for sunbathing and air-conditioned indoor spaces to beat the heat or during windy days.

The Catamaran Cruise

The vessel is described as state-of-the-art and eco-friendly, which many travelers appreciate. The 33-meter craft features free WiFi and restrooms, making the journey comfortable and practical. You can choose your preferred seating—outdoors for better views and fresh air, or indoors if you want a bit of shade or to chat comfortably.

The cruise also offers a chance to relax on deck while enjoying the breeze and scenic coastline. Several reviews mention the stunning views from aboard, noting that the boat provides ample space, so it doesn’t feel crowded—even during busy times.

Land in Gozo: Victoria and the Citadel

Once in Gozo, you’ll hop into a chauffeur-driven, air-conditioned vehicle for a 20-minute scenic drive to Victoria, the island’s capital. Here, you have about 2-3 hours to explore at your own pace. The highlight is the Citadel, a fortress perched atop the town, with panoramic views across the island.

This part of the tour is unguided, so you can wander at your leisure. The free time is generous, giving you the chance to soak up the atmosphere, take photos, or enjoy a quick snack in one of the local cafes. The drive to Victoria itself is a bonus—it offers a glimpse of Gozo’s rural landscapes and charming villages.

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Returning to the Sea: Blue Lagoon in Comino

After exploring Victoria, the boat takes you back to Mgarr Harbour for the short cruise to the Blue Lagoon. This is the trip’s star attraction—famous for its turquoise, crystal-clear waters. Here, you get about 105 minutes of free time, enough to swim, sunbathe, or just relax on the rocks.

Reviews highlight the Blue Lagoon as genuinely stunning, with many visitors mentioning how picture-perfect the water is. It’s worth noting that reserving your Blue Lagoon Access in advance is mandatory, and you’ll need to present your QR code on the day. This step helps protect the delicate environment and avoid overcrowding.

Return Journey

The return cruise is about 50 minutes, giving you plenty of time to unwind and appreciate the views once more. On the way back, the boat’s amenities, like WiFi and restrooms, keep comfort high.

Final Transfers and Drop-off

Once back in Malta, transportation is arranged from Sliema or Bugibba to your hotel, making the day seamless. The organized transfer is especially helpful if you’re unfamiliar with local transport or are tired after a full day.

What We Like and What to Keep in Mind

The good stuff? The scenic cruise offers some incredible views of Malta’s coast, and the free time at the Blue Lagoon is a real highlight for relaxation lovers. The independent exploration in Gozo allows you to set your pace, whether you want to take photos, wander the streets, or just enjoy the scenery.

A slight downside? Because the tour is unguided, if you’re craving historical insights or structured sightseeing, you might find this setup a bit lacking. Also, the Blue Lagoon access must be booked in advance—miss that step, and you could face restrictions or delays.

Pricing-wise, it offers good value considering the all-included boat transfers, land transport, and free time—if you’re someone who values flexibility and scenic cruising.

Real Traveller Insights

One reviewer described the experience as a “perfect one-day trip”, emphasizing the stunning views and the relaxing cruise. Others appreciated that it’s a hassle-free way to visit two islands, with plenty of free time to enjoy the beaches and explore at their own pace.

However, some mentioned the unguided nature might leave those interested in historical insights wanting more. The Blue Lagoon is often called breathtaking, but remember that it can get busy, which is why the reservation system is important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, especially for the Blue Lagoon Access, which must be reserved before your trip.

Is the tour suitable if I want guided explanations?
Not really. The tour is unguided once on land, so if you prefer detailed guided commentary, this might not be the best option.

Can I sit outside on the boat?
Absolutely. There are outdoor decks perfect for sunbathing and enjoying the sea breeze.

How long do I get at each stop?
You’ll have about 2-3 hours in Gozo for exploring Victoria and around 105 minutes at Blue Lagoon.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are available for purchase on board and on land.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the land transfers are air-conditioned and chauffeur-driven, making the land part of your trip relaxed.

Can I swim at Blue Lagoon?
Yes, and many use the time for swimming, sunbathing, or just relaxing in the water.

What if I don’t want to swim?
You can enjoy the scenery, take photos, or relax on the boat. The free time allows flexibility.

Is the boat suitable for people with mobility issues?
The tour includes transfers and boat access, but it’s best to check if you need assistance, as unguided exploration is involved.

What language is the tour operated in?
English, as specified in the details.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re after a relaxed, scenic way to explore Malta’s smaller islands, this tour offers a good mix of cruising, free exploration, and beaches. The comfort of the catamaran and the balance of land and sea make it appealing, especially if you enjoy spontaneity and flexibility.

It’s ideal for travelers who want to see Gozo’s Citadel and enjoy the Blue Lagoon without the hassle of multiple bookings or guided tours. However, if you prefer detailed historical commentary or guided experiences, you might need to look for options that offer more structured excursions.

This experience has a strong reputation for stunning scenery and relaxing free time, making it a solid choice for anyone wanting to capture the essence of Malta’s island life in one day.

Hope this helps you decide whether this trip fits your Malta itinerary. Feel free to ask if you want tips on what to bring or how to make the most of your free time!

You can check availability for your dates here: