From Sliema: Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon Cruise

I’m reviewing this Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon cruise from Sliema, a full-day island hop that mixes ferry-style cruising with shore time in Victoria and a Comino swim stop. You’ll also get a chance to see Gozo viewpoints like Qala Belvedere and the Citadel area in Victoria.

Two things I really like about this outing: the mix of structured stops plus optional freedom in Gozo, and the payoff at Blue Lagoon where you get serious time in the water. The crew’s on-board talk is also a highlight, with people consistently mentioning knowledgeable, helpful guidance.

One consideration: the sea can get rough on the way out, and that can affect how much time you actually get in Comino. If you’re prone to seasickness, this one needs careful thought.

Key points before you go

• Sliema-to-Gozo-to-Comino loop in one organized day, so you’re not juggling ferry schedules
• Optional mini-bus in Gozo (most travelers who want to see more choose it)
• Photo stops in Gozo at Qala Belvedere plus time in Victoria and the Citadel area
• Blue Lagoon time is about swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling, with weather possibly changing the exact dock/length
• Comino Crystal Caves plus a boat day that includes a water slide (when conditions allow)
• 2025 Blue Lagoon QR code requirement if you want to get off the boat at Comino Blue Lagoon

You can check availability for your dates here:

Price and logistics: what $41 really buys you

At about $41 per person for a 7.5-hour experience, you’re paying for an organized day that includes boat travel from Sliema, island stops, and the Comino Blue Lagoon window. For first-timers, that matters because Malta’s ferrying can be easy to overthink. Here, you follow the plan and spend your time enjoying the views instead of route planning.

What’s not included is also pretty important: hotel transfers and food and drinks. The boat experience is built around the transport and stops; you’ll want a plan for snacks and water on your own.

Also note the “rain or shine” reality. This runs in typical Malta fashion, but the captain can alter or cancel parts based on weather, including pickup/drop-off adjustments. That flexibility is common with boat days, and most people seem to feel it’s handled professionally.

Finding the boat: Sliema departure without stress

Your meeting point is the Luzzu Cruises boat, specifically Mv Kataleya or Mv Lady Shelley. This is the kind of trip where being early helps. Multiple travelers mention that finding the boat is straightforward, and once you’re aboard, the crew keeps things moving.

The route includes a series of scenic coastal passes along the way (you’ll pass by areas like St. Julian’s Bay, Qawra/St. Paul’s Bay, St Paul’s Island, and Mellieha). Even before you reach Gozo, you’re getting that “why people love Maltese waters” preview from the deck.

The Gozo morning: Mgarr Harbor to Victoria (and the Citadel views)

Once you reach Mgarr Harbour, you get a choice. You can explore Gozo on your own or take the optional mini-bus to hit the key highlights efficiently. For many visitors, the mini-bus is the difference between feeling like you saw Gozo and feeling like you just passed through.

Qala Belvedere viewpoint: quick stop, big payoff

You’ll get a photo stop at Qala Belvedere, one of Gozo’s celebrated viewpoints. The appeal here is timing: it’s short enough that you’re not stuck, but dramatic enough that it feels like a real “arrived on Gozo” moment.

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Victoria: capital city energy with real walking time

Then you move to Victoria, with self-guided time planned for about 80 minutes. This is a sweet spot for roaming at your own pace—enough time to walk around, grab a coffee, and focus on the big sights without turning the day into a sprint.

Most travelers who did the bus option also mention they appreciated how it structured their time. You get the Citadel area in the mix (the old fortified city), plus the simple convenience of being dropped near where you want to be.

A practical heads-up: be on time for bus returns

One traveler had a mini-bus driver leave slightly early at the meeting point, but they managed to catch another bus and still get back to the boat. Translation: keep a close eye on time and make your way back promptly when the return window starts. In a timed boat itinerary, a few minutes can matter.

The scenic cruising rhythm: why the in-between time matters

This tour isn’t just “get off, get on.” The cruising portion is part of the experience. People talk about enjoying the top deck while the captain provides commentary about the islands. That’s not just entertainment. It helps you connect what you’re seeing—coastline changes, island geography, and the sense of place.

Also, expect the mood of the boat ride to change. Several reviews say the outbound crossing can be rough due to wind, while the return is smoother. That doesn’t mean the crew is careless. It means the weather writes the schedule, and the captain adapts.

Comino afternoon: Blue Lagoon swim time (about 75–90 minutes in practice)

The main event on the Comino side is the Blue Lagoon stop. The plan calls for about 1 hour 30 minutes, and the experience is built for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.

Here’s the big practical rule for 2025: if you want to get off the boat at Comino Blue Lagoon, you must register to obtain a free QR code (mandatory starting 01/05/25). The link arrives after booking. Travelers specifically mention this matters because staff check it before you board to go ashore.

If conditions are rough, your time may shrink

A few reviews describe a weather-related reduction—one person said they only had about 45 minutes at Blue Lagoon due to the timing impact from rough seas. You can’t control that part. What you can do is keep your expectations flexible and pack for the possibility of a shorter shore break.

Don’t forget the simple comfort basics

Even on a warm day, Comino water time is “wet and cold” depending on the season. Bring a towel and wear comfortable shoes. If you plan to snorkel, consider having a plan for how you’ll manage your belongings while you’re in the water (you won’t want to rush your stuff at the last second).

Crystal Caves of Comino: what you actually get

After the Blue Lagoon stop, the itinerary includes a visit to the Crystal Caves of Comino. In practice, that can be more about scenic passing and short activity windows than a long guided cave tour, since this is still a boat-day schedule.

What I like about adding caves is that it breaks up the day. Gozo morning is walking and viewpoints. Comino turns into water and shoreline spectacle. Caves add a different kind of photo moment and a different texture of the landscape—especially if you’ve been on Malta’s mainland beaches already.

The water slide and boat extras: fun, but not guaranteed

This cruise includes use of a water slide, which many travelers mention as a highlight. But a couple of reviews say they didn’t get to use it—apparently due to conditions or not being explained clearly.

So plan like this: treat the slide as a bonus. You’re still coming for the Blue Lagoon swim window and the island scenery. If the slide happens, great. If it doesn’t, you haven’t lost the point of the day.

Other stops you may see on the route back

The itinerary includes a photo stop at Santa Maria Caves (listed as a short stop/pass-by) on the return side. A few reviews also mention an alternative docking bay when the weather made the original plan less practical, with the Santa Maria area feeling quieter for some people. That’s one reason to think of this tour as a weather-aware itinerary rather than a rigid script.

Food and drinks: plan for what you’ll want during the day

Food and drinks are not included, but there is food service on board mentioned in reviews. Some travelers talked about bar options (including cocktails) and how prices felt high for the amount served.

Also, one reviewer pointed out that food service can be slow during busy moments. Translation: don’t count on a fast snack turnaround. If you want a smooth day, bring a small stash of your own snacks and water if your stomach runs better with a quick option between stops.

Who this cruise is best for

This is a great fit if you want:

• One organized day that covers Gozo + Comino without separate bookings
• A strong first look at Gozo’s main highlights in Victoria
• A Blue Lagoon swim experience without having to coordinate transport yourself
• A crew that explains what you’re seeing and keeps logistics clear

It’s less of a fit if:

• You’re prone to seasickness (rough outbound conditions are a recurring theme)
• You need accessibility support—this tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments
• You want long, unhurried time on shore. The stops are timed, and weather can tighten things up further.

Value check: why travelers keep recommending it

People consistently mention that it’s good value for money because it bundles transport, viewpoints, and Comino’s top swimming spot into one ticket. It’s hard to match that convenience if you build your own plan from scratch—especially if you also want the option to see Victoria beyond the port area.

Also, the crew reputation is a real part of the value. Multiple reviews describe friendly staff, helpful guidance, and a captain who manages navigation confidently when seas are rough. When boat conditions turn choppy, that competence turns into trust—and trust makes the day feel smoother.

Tips that make the day go better

Here are a few smart moves based on what people reported:

• Consider the mini-bus option in Gozo if you want to maximize Victoria and viewpoints without wasting time
• Be early at the meeting point and keep an eye on return times for buses
• Register for the Blue Lagoon QR code if you’re traveling in 2025 and plan to get off at Comino
• Bring a towel and wear comfortable shoes for Victoria walking
• If you tend to get sick on boats, think hard about whether you want this day trip. Some travelers said crews handed out sick bags, but it still won’t feel great

Should you book: my practical verdict

If you’re in Malta for a short stay and you want a top hits day—Gozo viewpoints + Victoria + Blue Lagoon—this cruise is an easy yes. The organization sounds reliable, the views are consistently praised, and you’re getting a lot of island time for a relatively reasonable price.

Skip it only if your priority is comfort over flexibility. If you’re highly sensitive to rough seas, you might prefer a land-based or slower-paced plan. And if you want long hours on shore in Comino or Victoria, consider separate tours so you’re not working within timed windows.

Bottom line: book this when you want a well-run day that introduces you to Malta’s neighbor islands, and when you’re okay with the sea setting the pace.

You can check availability for your dates here: