Gozo and Comino Trip with Land Transportation in Gozo

If you’re dreaming of exploring Malta’s stunning coastline, quaint villages, and crystal-clear waters, this Gozo and Comino trip might just be the perfect fit. From what we’ve gathered, it offers a well-rounded taste of the islands’ best spots, combining a scenic boat cruise with some leisurely land excursions. Whether you’re into breathtaking views, historical sites, or relaxing by turquoise waters, this tour is designed to give you a bit of everything.

What we particularly like about this experience is how it balances comfort with adventure. First, the modern catamaran promises a smooth, air-conditioned ride with Wi-Fi and onboard toilets—small touches that make a big difference when spending hours at sea. Second, the free time in Victoria, Gozitan’s charming capital, allows for genuine exploration, not just rushed sightseeing.

One thing to consider is the need to pre-arrange your Blue Lagoon access pass—a government regulation that can be a bit confusing but is essential if you want to step ashore there. Also, the tour doesn’t include guided commentary during the land stops, so if you’re craving in-depth history or local insights, you’d need to bring your own guide or do some homework beforehand.

This trip tends to suit travelers who appreciate a relaxed pace, scenic views, and flexibility in their day. It’s especially good for those who want to sample a few highlights without the stress of planning each detail themselves.

Key Points

• Comfortable Transportation: Modern, air-conditioned boat with Wi-Fi makes for a pleasant cruise.
• Flexible Land Stops: Free time in Victoria and at the Blue Lagoon gives room to explore based on your interests.
• Informed Choices: Need to pre-arrange the Blue Lagoon access pass, which is crucial for disembarkation.
• Value for Money: For around $54, you get a scenic cruise, land transfers, and hours of free time—worth considering for a full-day adventure.
• Optional Extras: You can book additional trips, like a motorboat tour to caves, on-site if you wish.
• Group Size & Booking: The tour can accommodate up to 170 travelers, so it’s lively but not overly crowded.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Departure Points & Early Morning Start

The trip begins from either Sliema Ferries or Buibba Jetty, depending on what you select during booking. The boat rides are a highlight in themselves, offering sweeping views of Malta’s coastline as you cruise northeast toward Gozo. Many travelers, including one reviewer who pointed out the initial confusion about the pickup point, find the process smooth once you locate the large, recognizable boat—the big red I see Malta boat.

First Stop: Mgarr Harbour, Gozo

Once you arrive at Mgarr Harbour, the main gateway to Gozo, the group disembarks for the land portion. Here, you jump onto a bus that takes you into the heart of Victoria, the island’s charming capital. The bus drive itself offers a quick glimpse of the landscape dotted with historic churches and lush scenery, setting the tone for what’s to come.

Free Time in Victoria

Once in Victoria, you’re free to explore for approximately 1.5 hours. That’s enough time to wander the narrow streets, soak in the local vibe, or visit the Citadel Fortress—a medieval stronghold perched above the city for panoramic views. Many travelers appreciate this downtime, as it’s a chance to enjoy local cafes or browse shops, making the experience more personal than a guided tour.

Blue Lagoon: The Star Attraction

After returning to Mgarr Harbour, the boat whisks you off again, this time heading to Comino Island. The Blue Lagoon is the star attraction here—famous for its transparent, turquoise waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the boat deck. The 2-hour stop allows enough time to breathe in the scenery, take photos, or dip into the water.

A key point here is that disembarkation at the Blue Lagoon requires an official government-issued access pass, which must be obtained in advance online. Without this, you’ll be limited to viewing from the boat, so plan ahead if this is a must-see for you.

Optional Excursions & Final Return

The trip offers an optional motorboat tour to caves and additional lagoons, which can be booked on-site for around €15. Keep in mind, this depends heavily on weather conditions and availability. The boat will then return to the departure point, and you’ll cruise back along the scenic coast of Malta, completing your approximately 7-8 hour day.

The Experience in Practice

What consistently comes through in reviews is how well-organized and scenic this tour is. One traveler mentioned that it’s a “great well-organized trip”—despite some initial confusion about the pickup point, the experience itself was smooth. The modern boat, with free Wi-Fi and toilet facilities, makes a big difference when you’re at sea for hours.

The land portion, especially the free time in Victoria, allows for a more authentic experience of Gozo. You can explore at your own pace, wander through historic streets, or sit in a cozy cafe. The Citadel Fortress is often highlighted as a must-visit spot, offering a taste of medieval architecture and stunning views.

The Blue Lagoon’s turquoise waters are often described as “absolutely stunning,” and many people find it hard to leave once they’ve dipped in. If you’re into photography or simply love relaxing by the sea, this is the highlight of the trip.

Is It Worth the Price?

At just under $54, this trip offers a comprehensive day out. The cost covers the boat cruise, land transport in Gozo, and the free time at key stops. For travelers wanting a hassle-free way to see some of Malta’s most famous spots without fussing over logistics, it’s a solid deal. The experience combines the scenic beauty of boat rides with the opportunity for genuine exploration, especially in Victoria.

It’s worth noting that food and guided tours aren’t included, so if you prefer guided commentary or meals, you might want to plan for those separately. Still, many find this flexibility appealing, especially since you can explore at your own pace during each stop.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip appeals to travelers who enjoy a mix of relaxation and sightseeing. It’s ideal if you prefer not to be tied to a guided commentary but want the convenience of transportation and pre-planned stops. The free time in Victoria makes it particularly good for those who like to explore independently, and the scenic cruise adds a layer of comfort.

It’s not suited for travelers with mobility issues or those prone to seasickness, given the boat travel and walking involved. If you’re traveling with kids or in a group that appreciates a lively, social atmosphere, this trip can work well—just be aware of the group size and the need to stay organized with timings.

FAQ

Do I need to book the Blue Lagoon access pass in advance?
Yes, starting from May 2025, you’ll need to get a government-issued access pass online to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. It’s important to do this ahead of time, as passes are limited and not obtaining one could mean missing out on stepping ashore.

Where do I meet the boat for departure?
You can choose to depart from either Sliema Ferries or Buibba Jetty. The trip organizer recommends arriving 15-20 minutes early to ensure smooth boarding, and the recognizable large boat is the key landmark.

Is this a guided tour?
No, this isn’t guided in the traditional sense. You get free time at stops, and there’s some commentary during the cruise, but no guided walking tours or detailed explanations during the land stops.

Can I book additional activities on-site?
Yes, an optional motorboat trip to caves and lagoons can be booked on location for around €15, weather permitting.

How long is the entire trip?
The entire experience lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, including boat rides, land stops, and free time.

Is there Wi-Fi onboard?
Yes, the boat offers free Wi-Fi, which is a nice touch for sharing photos or staying connected during your cruise.

Final Thoughts

This Gozo and Comino trip offers a relaxed yet immersive way to enjoy Malta’s stunning coastal scenery and historic highlights. The combination of scenic boat rides, free exploration time, and the chance to swim at the Blue Lagoon makes it a well-rounded day trip for those seeking a break from packed guided tours.

While it requires some planning—particularly regarding the Blue Lagoon access pass—it delivers a good balance of comfort, flexibility, and sightseeing. If you’re someone who enjoys discovering new places at your own pace but appreciates the convenience of organized transportation and logistics, this trip is likely to satisfy.

Overall, it’s a popular choice for travelers wanting a taste of Malta’s best spots without the complication of planning every detail themselves. Just be sure to arrive prepared, especially for the Blue Lagoon disembarkation, and enjoy the vista and serenity of these beautiful islands.

Happy travels, and enjoy your Maltese adventure!