From Malta: Gozo & Comino Quad Bike & Boat Tour with Lunch

Gozo is best seen with a little dust on your shoes. This quad and boat tour takes you from Malta to Gozo, then across quiet country tracks, cliff roads, bays, and salt pans that are hard to reach on a standard coach trip. I like the mix of driving and sightseeing, and I like that the day includes a proper Gozitan meal rather than just a quick snack.

The guides, including names such as Dave, Saif, Mahmoud, and Mayron, are often praised for clear instructions, good humor, and careful convoy handling. The main drawback is the pace: you cover a lot of Gozo in seven hours, so most stops are short. Lunch has also been a weak point for some people, and the boat portion depends on the weather.

Key points to know before booking

• You see much of Gozo in one day: The route includes Sannap Cliffs, Xlendi, Dwejra Bay, Wied il-Mielaħ, Wied il-Għasri, and the Xwejni Salt Pans.
• The quad is part transport, part adventure: Expect paved roads, country lanes, and off-road sections, all ridden in a guided convoy.
• The lunch stop is in Sannat: You get traditional Gozitan food, local snacks, dessert, and drinks such as ice water.
• The boat adds a second view of the islands: The return trip passes Comino’s caves and may include the Blue Lagoon and a swim in summer.
• You need the right licence: Drivers must be at least 21 and carry a valid driving licence. Provisional and learner licences are not accepted.
• The insurance excess matters: You are responsible for the first €450 of any claim after an accident.

Why this Gozo tour works so well

Many Gozo excursions follow the same narrow set of roads. This one gives you a more active way to move around the island. You sit on a quad, follow a guide, and switch between regular roads and rougher tracks where the scenery feels more open and less packaged.

You do not need previous quad experience. The day begins with helmets and a safety briefing, and the group rides together in a convoy. Guides such as Dave, Rony, Wasim, Camel, Steve, Atef, and Mahmoud have been singled out for friendly instruction and steady support. That matters if you are nervous at first.

The quads seat one driver and one passenger. If two people share, you can take turns driving, which several couples have found useful. Check the booking details carefully if you want two drivers, since the listed vehicle arrangement does not automatically explain how driver changes are handled.

The tour is also good value for people who want several activities in one day. The advertised price is $131 per group up to one, though the final cost can depend on the booking setup and passenger arrangement. For that price, you get transport, the quad, guide, helmets, lunch, and the boat ride. A separate quad rental, taxi transfers, meal, and boat trip could quickly cost more, but the tradeoff is less freedom and a fairly full schedule.

Getting from Malta to Gozo

Pickup is offered from a long list of hotels and meeting points across Malta, Gozo, and nearby areas. You receive exact instructions by WhatsApp or email, and the vehicle is identified by a Yippee sign. Be ready five minutes before the stated time.

The transfer to Gozo takes about an hour in the itinerary. Traffic around Malta can cause delays, so avoid planning a tight evening booking after the tour. The transport portion also gives you a look at more of Malta than you would get by going straight to the ferry on your own.

The day can use a private boat when conditions are suitable. If the sea is too rough or the boat is not safe, the Gozo Channel communal ferry is used instead. That is a sensible weather backup, but it means the return may feel less special than the advertised private boat trip.

Starting near the Rotunda of Xewkija

The first sightseeing stop is the Rotunda of St. John Baptist Church. You have about 15 minutes here, so think of it as a quick orientation stop rather than a full church visit.

From there, the convoy heads toward the southern and western parts of Gozo. This is where the quad becomes useful. You are not simply sitting behind a window while the guide points at views. You get fresh air, changing roads, and the small thrill of handling the vehicle yourself.

The tour is still guided, so you are not expected to navigate Gozo alone. One rider described getting lost briefly and being reunited with the guide within minutes. Stay with the group, follow the instructions, and do not treat the off-road sections as a race.

Sannap Cliffs and Xlendi Bay

The Sannap Cliffs provide one of the day’s first big views. From the high ground, the sea and rugged southern edge of Gozo open out below you. The planned stop lasts about 30 minutes, enough time for photos and a breather after the first riding section.

The road then reaches Xlendi, a small coastal resort framed by steep cliffs and dark blue water. The stop is only about 15 minutes, so you will not have time for a long walk or a relaxed swim here. It works better as a quick look at one of Gozo’s best-known bays.

That short stop is typical of this excursion. You see many major places, but you do not settle into each one. I like this format if you have only one free day for Gozo. If you want long walks, quiet time at each bay, or detailed visits inside churches and museums, rent a car or stay overnight instead.

Country tracks, Wied il-Mielaħ, and Wied il-Għasri

The route continues through rural Gozo, including Pjazza l-Għejun, Wied il-Mielaħ, and Wied il-Għasri. The itinerary allows about 45 minutes at Pjazza l-Għejun, then around 30 minutes at each of the two coastal and valley sites.

Wied il-Mielaħ is known for its natural rock window. It is a strong photo stop, especially for people who prefer natural formations to built attractions. Wied il-Għasri has a narrow inlet and steep sides, giving you a different view of Gozo’s coast from the wider open cliffs at Sannap.

The off-road riding makes these sections more memorable than a simple drive past them. You get the sound of the quad, the uneven track, and the sense of moving through the countryside rather than crossing it in a tour bus. Still, the amount of true off-roading can vary. If you are booking mainly for an intense ATV session, keep expectations moderate. The day is a sightseeing tour with off-road riding, not a dedicated racing course.

Dwejra Bay and the remains of Gozo’s Azure Window

Dwejra Bay is one of the major stops, with about 45 minutes to look around. The area is known for the Inland Sea and Fungus Rock, as well as the famous coastal formations associated with the former Azure Window.

This is one of the places where the tour’s range pays off. You see Gozo’s cliffs and valleys earlier in the day, then arrive at a more dramatic coastal setting with several natural features close together. The guide also provides information about the island’s culture and past during the stops.

Do not expect a long swim at Dwejra. The scheduled time is built around sightseeing, photos, and moving on with the group. Wear closed-toe shoes, since they are required and make the rough ground more comfortable.

The Xwejni Salt Pans

The convoy rides along the coast toward the Xwejni Salt Pans near Żebbuġ. The stop lasts about 30 minutes. The pans form a broad grid of shallow salt beds cut into the rock beside the sea.

This is a good place to slow down and notice how Gozo uses its coast. The scene is quieter and more geometric than Dwejra, with the sea on one side and the worked stone pans on the other. It also breaks up the more active riding with a straightforward photo stop.

The main practical tip is to bring a hat and sunglasses. Gozo can feel very exposed, especially during the warmer months, and there may be little shade during the outdoor stops.

The lunch break in Sannat

Lunch comes after much of the riding, with about 45 minutes in Sannat. The meal is described as a light traditional Gozitan lunch with local snacks and dessert. It is a chance to try local flavors instead of relying on familiar fast food.

I like that the meal is built into the day. You can cool down, refill your energy, and compare notes with the group before returning to the coast. Some people have found the lunch satisfying, while others wanted more choice, especially for food allergies. If you have dietary restrictions, ask ahead rather than assuming the set meal can be changed.

Lunch is not the reason to book this trip. Think of it as a useful included meal that adds local character. The quality may not match a carefully chosen restaurant in Gozo, but it saves you the trouble of finding a table during a tightly planned excursion.

Comino caves and the summer swim

The final part uses a boat for the return journey, weather permitting. The boat passes Comino’s coastal caves and offers a different angle on the cliffs and rock formations you saw from land.

During summer, the boat may stop at the Blue Lagoon for a swim. This is a welcome finish after a hot day on the quads, but it is not guaranteed outside the summer season. Sea conditions also control the private boat option, so do not book this tour solely for swimming.

The boat ride is more than a simple transfer. It gives you time to sit down, take photos, and see the coastline without a helmet or steering wheel. Some boats may enter close to the caves, but the exact route depends on conditions and the captain’s decision.

What to bring, and what to watch

Bring your driving licence, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and closed-toe shoes. You need a valid licence to drive, and drivers must be 21 or older. A photo or copy of the licence may be accepted with identification, but check the current instructions before departure.

Provisional and learner licences are not accepted. Children under five cannot take part, and the activity is not suitable for anyone over 150 kilograms.

The most important financial detail is the insurance excess. The first €450 of any claim is excluded, so you are responsible for that amount if an accident occurs. Ride cautiously, listen during the briefing, and treat the quad as a vehicle rather than a toy.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. That is especially important here because you are driving on roads and uneven tracks for much of the day.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would choose this tour if you want to see a broad slice of Gozo without arranging several separate bookings. It suits couples who want to take turns driving, friends looking for an active day, and first-time quad riders who prefer a guide and a convoy.

It is also useful for people staying in Malta who do not want to work out ferry connections, local transport, lunch, and a boat ride on their own. Pickup and drop-off from many hotels remove much of the planning.

I would hesitate if you dislike group schedules, get motion sick on boats, or want a quiet, slow day. The route has many stops, but the visits are measured in minutes rather than hours. The van transfer may also be uncomfortable at times, and one account noted damp seats after a roof leak.

The tour is offered in English, French, and Arabic. Small-group availability can make the day feel more personal, though group size should be confirmed when you book.

Should you book the Gozo quad and boat tour?

Book it if you want adventure plus sightseeing, not just an ATV ride. The strongest parts are the wide Gozo route, the friendly guide support, the mix of paved and rough roads, and the boat passage past Comino’s caves.

Go in with sensible expectations about lunch, short sightseeing stops, and weather changes. Bring sun protection, closed shoes, a licence, and swim gear in summer. If those conditions suit you, this is a practical way to pack Gozo’s cliffs, bays, valleys, salt pans, local food, and Comino’s coast into one energetic day.

FAQ

How long does the Gozo quad and boat tour last?

The experience lasts about seven hours. Pickup and transport are included, so the total day may feel longer depending on your meeting point and traffic.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are offered from Malta, Gozo, or the closest accessible point to your hotel. Exact instructions are sent by WhatsApp or email.

What driving licence do I need?

Drivers must be at least 21 and present a valid driving licence. Provisional and learner licences are not accepted. Photos and copies may be accepted with an identification document.

Can two people ride one quad?

The quad is listed as seating one driver and one passenger. Couples can take turns driving, but confirm the arrangements when booking if both people want to drive.

Is previous quad biking experience required?

The tour includes a safety and operating briefing before the convoy sets off. The supplied information does not require previous quad experience.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A traditional Gozitan lunch is included, along with local snacks and dessert. Food choices for allergies may be limited, so ask about requirements before the tour.

Is the Blue Lagoon swim guaranteed?

No. The swimming stop takes place only during the summer months, and the boat trip also depends on suitable weather.

What happens if the private boat cannot operate?

If weather makes the private boat unsafe, a Gozo Channel communal ferry is provided instead.

What is the insurance excess?

Insurance excludes the first €450 of any claim. The driver or hirer must pay that amount if an accident occurs.