Full Day Ryker Tour

Exploring Malta’s Less-Trodden Islands: A Look at the Full Day Ryker Tour

If you’re considering a tour that lets you experience Malta’s smaller islands—Gozo and Comino—by land and sea, the Full Day Ryker Tour might just catch your eye. We’ve compiled insights from travelers and the tour’s features to help you decide if this adventure matches your style.

What we genuinely appreciate about this experience is how it combines off-road exploration with boat rides—offering a varied day that touches on top sights and some well-earned relaxation. The inclusion of local wine and a hearty Maltese lunch adds a flavorful touch to the day. On the flip side, the tour’s shorter stops on Gozo and some discomfort from the Jeep ride are worth noting for those who want a leisurely, in-depth discovery.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy active sightseeing, are open to a full schedule, and want a taste of both land and water adventures without the hassle of ferry queues or complicated planning. If your goal is to see a lot in a short time, this could work well for you—just prepare for a somewhat fast-paced day.

Key Points

• Balanced experience with land and sea exploration of Malta’s islands
• Includes a scenic powerboat ride around Comino with swimming opportunities
• Delicious Maltese lunch paired with local wines enhances the day
• Group size is limited to 8, making for a more personalized experience
• Comfort level varies, especially on the Jeep, which can be tight
• Great for active travelers who want a comprehensive day without long waits

Why the Full Day Ryker Tour Might Appeal to You

If you’re looking for a full-day adventure that covers some of Malta’s best sights on Gozo and Comino without the hassle of ferry queues, this tour offers a practical and relatively comfortable way to see quite a bit. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy off-road journeys, water activities, and a local food and wine experience in one package.

The pickup service makes it easier to start your day, and the private powerboat crossing (weather permitting) adds a dash of exclusivity. For those concerned about safety, the tour provides helmets, hairnets, and full insurance, which is reassuring.

However, the Jeep ride can be crowded and short stops may feel rushed, as some reviews have pointed out. If you prefer slow, leisurely sightseeing, this might not be the best fit. But if you’re eager to pack in a lot, it’s a good choice.

In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Starting Point and Pick-up

The tour kicks off early at 8:00 AM from Gozo Pride Tours in Xewkija, Malta. From there, you’ll be transported to Cirkewwa for a private powerboat crossing (weather permitting), cutting down on ferry lines and making the trip smoother. This is a big plus—especially if you’ve ever been stuck in ferry queues or wanted to skip the crowds.

Arriving in Gozo: Your Land Adventure Begins

Once in Gozo around 10:00 AM, the group sets out on a 6-hour guided tour. The land exploration covers highlights like:

• Qala Belvedere: Offers panoramic views worth snapping a few photos.
• Ramla Bay and Ramla Valley: Famous for its reddish sand—a beautiful spot for photos and a quick walk.
• Xewkija Rotunda Church: An impressive architectural landmark.
• Sanap Cliffs (seasonal): Some reviews note seasonal changes affecting stops here.
• Xlendi Bay and Marsalforn: Coastal spots perfect for a quick stretch or snacks.

Key Landmarks and Highlights

• Fungus Rock: Known for its unique shape and historical importance; a quick photo stop.
• The Inland Sea: A stunning lagoon famous for its crystal-clear waters and proximity to the sea caves.
• Ghasri Valley and Saltpans: For a glimpse of traditional salt production and scenic vistas.

Lunch Break

Midday, you’ll settle in for a 3-course Maltese lunch, with vegetarian, vegan, and halal options available upon request. Reviews highlight the delicious food and excellent local wines, which really elevate the experience. It’s a perfect break from the busy morning; the food is hearty and authentic without being overly fancy.

Water Fun at Comino

After lunch, you’ll hop aboard a powerboat to explore Comino. The boat ride itself is a highlight—cruising past the Blue Lagoon and Comino Caves—with some stops for swimming. Reviewers mention how pleasant and warm the Mediterranean waters are, making for good opportunities to cool off and relax.

Returning to Malta

The day concludes with the boat ride back past the caves and Blue Lagoon. You can expect to be back in Malta around 5:30 to 6:00 PM. The whole experience wraps up with a good balance of sightseeing, activity, and downtime.

The Practical Side: What to Expect

Transportation and Group Size

The tour uses brand new Ryker vehicles for the land part, which are small, open-sided, and fun but can be tight and bumpy—some travelers found the Jeep a bit uncomfortable. The group is limited to 8 travelers, which means you’ll get a more intimate experience and easier interaction with your guide.

Booking and Cost

At $132.42 per person, the price includes pickup/drop-off, land and sea transport, the lunch, and scenic boat trip. Given the number of stops, the quality of food, and the personalized group size, many would say this offers good value—especially if you’re keen on a full-day combined experience.

What’s Not Included

The boat to Gozo is weather dependent, and some reviews note that certain stops (like Dwejra) or activities are not included or are seasonal. Also, children under 5 are not allowed, and drivers must be 21+ with a valid license.

Authentic Perspectives from Travelers

A couple of reviews give us honest insights: one traveler said, “Maurice was great. We all had a really good day and saw a lot of the Island,” highlighting the value of a knowledgeable guide. Others pointed out that the boat ride to Comino was particularly enjoyable, with some calling it the real highlight.

However, some found the short and quick stops on Gozo a bit superficial—“the city tour is very superficial, with quick stops,” one review mentioned. The Jeep ride also drew comments about discomfort, especially if you’re sensitive to tight spaces. It’s fair to say this is a busy, fast-paced tour that skims the surface of things rather than deep-diving into each location.

Who Will Love This Tour

This trip is ideal for adventurous travelers who want to see Malta’s iconic sights without the extra planning. If you like off-road driving, boat rides, and tasting local wine, you’ll likely enjoy this experience. It’s also suited for those who prefer small-group tours and value the convenience of hotel pickup.

If you’re after a relaxed, slow exploration, or want to spend lots of time in one spot, this tour probably isn’t the best fit. Likewise, if comfort on bumpy rides is a priority, you might find the Jeep a bit uncomfortable.

The Sum Up

The Full Day Ryker Tour provides a compact, energetic way to discover Malta’s lesser-known islands. It combines land exploration with a scenic boat trip, topped off with a tasty local meal and wine. For travelers eager to see multiple sights in a single day and enjoy a bit of adventure, this offers a solid, well-organized option.

It’s especially suited for those who are comfortable with a slightly fast-paced schedule, enjoy off-road fun, and want to avoid ferry queues. The limited group size and carefully curated stops mean you’ll get a more personal experience, though some might find the short stops and tight Jeep rides less relaxing.

All in all, if you’re looking for a full day of active sightseeing, water enjoyment, and good food, this tour could be just the ticket—provided you’re ready for a lively, slightly rushed adventure.

FAQs

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making it convenient to start your day without extra planning.

What’s the duration of the tour?
The full day lasts about 6 hours, from early morning pickup to late afternoon return.

Can I book as a passenger?
Passenger tickets are only available if you are coming with someone who has a driver ticket; otherwise, they may not be accommodated.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Children under 5 are not permitted as passengers, mainly due to safety requirements.

What should I wear?
Closed footwear like trainers or hard soles is required; no flip-flops or sandals, especially for the Jeep ride.

Is the boat ride weather dependent?
Yes, the scenic boat trip is weather dependent and may be canceled or altered if conditions are poor.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 8 travelers, promoting a more personalized experience.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers the land and sea transport, the boat crossing, lunch with local wines, helmets and insurance, and guide services.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Refunds are not given for late cancellations or no-shows.

If you’re after a rich, varied day exploring Malta’s islands with a good mix of activity and relaxation, this tour is worth considering. Just be ready for a lively pace and some bumpy rides—your adventure awaits!