Sliema Cruise to Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon in Beautiful Malta

Malta’s best-known waters and sister islands fit into one long day on this Sliema boat trip to Gozo and Comino. You cruise past St Julian’s, St George’s Bay, Bugibba, and Mellieha, spend time around Gozo’s capital, then finish with a swim stop at the Blue Lagoon and a look at Comino’s caves.

I like the excellent amount of scenery for $48.06 and the easy mix of boat time, a short Gozo land tour, and free time. I also like the boat’s swimming ladders, waterslide, toilets, bar, and sun deck. The main drawback is that Gozo can feel rushed, while the Blue Lagoon may feel too crowded for anyone seeking peace.

Quick take on the Sliema to Gozo cruise

• Two islands in one day: A useful choice if you have only a few days in Malta.
• A full coastal show: The route gives you wide views of Malta’s bays, towns, cliffs, and harbor approaches.
• Gozo by bus: You get transport between the harbor and Victoria, with a photo stop along the way.
• Blue Lagoon swimming: You have 90 minutes from April through October, or 60 minutes from November through March.
• Useful boat facilities: Toilets, a bar, a sun deck, swimming ladders, and a waterslide make the long cruise easier.
• Large-group format: The boat can carry up to 200 people, so this is about coverage and value, not a quiet private outing.

What the $48.06 price really buys you

At $48.06 per person, this is a strong-value day if you want to see Malta’s two smaller islands without arranging several separate ferries, buses, and stops. The price includes the boat cruise, English commentary on board, transport on Gozo, the Blue Lagoon stop, and the cruise past Comino’s caves.

You are paying for a broad introduction, not a detailed cultural tour. Gozo time is mostly independent, and the bus portion is designed to move you between stops rather than explain every corner of the island. If your goal is to see the Citadel, take photos, swim in famous blue water, and enjoy a day at sea, the price works well.

Food and drinks are not included. The onboard bar sells them, but you should budget for those extras if you do not want to rely on the bar. Snorkeling equipment costs €5 per set. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to reach the Sliema meeting point yourself.

The tour runs for about seven and a half hours. That sounds generous, but a large portion goes toward sailing between Malta, Gozo, Comino, and Sliema. I see the long cruise as part of the attraction, especially if you like being on the water. If you want the maximum amount of time ashore, a direct ferry or a smaller, island-focused tour may suit you better.

Starting at Sliema’s Ferry 4

The meeting point is Luzzu Cruises at Ferries 4 on Triq Ix-Xatt in Sliema. Departure is scheduled for 10:00 a.m., and you are asked to arrive 30 minutes early. I would arrive 45 minutes early instead.

The reason is practical: wristbands and boarding arrangements can make the start feel a little untidy. Arriving early gives you time to find the correct queue, collect what you need, and choose a comfortable place on the boat without beginning the day in a rush.

The vessel has both indoor and outdoor areas. The sun deck is best for views, but it can be exposed to wind and changing weather. Bring an extra layer, even in warm months, because a breezy boat can feel cool after several hours. The bar sells food and drinks, and the onboard toilets are useful during the long crossings.

The swimming ladders and waterslide are available when the boat is anchored. That gives you a second way to enjoy the water beyond the Blue Lagoon stop. The slide is particularly appealing for families, though the boat’s large capacity means the swimming area can be limited when many people use it.

The coastal cruise past Malta’s bays

The trip begins with views of Malta from the water rather than from a road. You pass St Julian’s Bay and St George’s Bay, then continue toward Gozo past Bugibba and Mellieha.

The onboard English commentary helps give the coast some context. This is not a formal lecture, but it points out the main places as you pass them. I like this part because the water offers a different view of Malta’s built-up shoreline, bays, and historic towns. You can sit back, take photographs, and let the route provide the sightseeing.

The cruise also helps explain Malta’s shape. From deck level, bays that may seem close together on a map feel more distinct. The changing views are one of the strongest reasons to choose this experience rather than simply taking a fast transfer.

If the sea turns rough, the crossing can be uncomfortable. The crew has been praised for being friendly and professional, but no boat trip can control the weather. Anyone prone to seasickness should think carefully about the conditions and choose a sheltered seat when possible.

Gozo’s harbor, Xlendi, and Qala Belvedere

After reaching Gozo’s main harbor, you transfer to land transport for the island portion. The planned route includes a scenic photo stop, described around Xlendi Bay or Qala Belvedere, followed by time in Victoria, Gozo’s capital.

The first stop is mainly for photographs. Xlendi Bay is a pretty coastal setting, while Qala Belvedere offers broad views from the eastern side of Gozo. The exact stop can depend on the day’s operation, traffic, and weather. Some passengers have found this stop brief or less useful than expected, and there have been occasions when the planned Xlendi stop was skipped.

That makes this part more about seeing Gozo from the road than taking a full island tour. You will not have time to explore several villages or reach every major sight. The bus is a practical link from the harbor to Victoria, with a photo opportunity along the way.

The quality of the bus experience can vary. Some departures use a small tour vehicle, and commentary may be limited. In a few cases, poor timing or an unplanned stop has reduced the amount of time available in Victoria. Keep your own watch and listen carefully for the meeting instructions, since the return to the boat is time-sensitive.

One hour in Victoria and the Citadel

The main Gozo stop is Victoria, where you have roughly an hour to explore independently. The great prize is the Citadel, the fortified hilltop at the heart of the city.

If you want to see the Citadel, head there first. Do not spend your entire stop eating or shopping and expect plenty of time afterward. The walk and the Citadel visit can easily use most of your allotted hour, especially if you pause for photographs.

You can also visit the market, browse shops, or find something to eat. This flexibility suits people who prefer to choose their own pace, but it also means you are largely on your own. You may receive a meeting time without much help finding the Citadel or understanding which direction to walk.

The short stop is the biggest weakness of the Gozo portion. Victoria deserves more than a quick look, and the first photo stop may feel unnecessary if you would rather have extra time in the capital. If Gozo is your main reason for visiting Malta, choose a dedicated Gozo tour with longer stops.

Still, the one-hour visit has real value for a first look. You can see the Citadel, sample Victoria’s streets, and decide if Gozo deserves a longer return visit. That is a fair trade for people trying to fit several major sights into one day.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, limited quiet

The boat then continues to Comino and the famous Blue Lagoon. From April through October, you have 90 minutes here. From November through March, the stop is reduced to 60 minutes.

The water is the star. It is remarkably clear and bright, making this the best part of the day for swimming and snorkeling. Snorkel sets are available from the onboard bar for €5, though you can also bring your own equipment if you have it.

You can use the boat as your base or go ashore. This choice matters. If you stay near the boat, you have easier access to your belongings, the ladders, and the slide. If you go ashore, you may find more room to walk around, but you need to keep track of the departure time and any required access arrangements.

The Blue Lagoon is not a quiet natural retreat. It is a famous stop, and the area can be heavily commercialized and crowded. The water may be stunning, but the setting can feel busy, especially in the warmer months. The designated swimming area beside the boat may also feel narrow when several boats are anchored nearby.

Do not assume 90 minutes means 90 minutes of swimming. If the boat anchors away from the most popular water, walking to the lagoon and back can take part of your stop. In winter, the one-hour visit is particularly tight. You may have enough time for photographs and a quick walk, but swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the island all at once will be difficult.

Wear secure footwear if you go ashore. The rocky shoreline can be sharp, and water shoes or coral shoes are a sensible addition. Also, there is no stated storage service for belongings while you swim, so solo visitors should plan carefully before leaving bags unattended.

Comino’s caves on the return route

Before heading back to Sliema, the boat passes the Comino caves, including the Santa Marija Caves area. This is a photo stop from the water rather than a cave walking tour.

The boat gives you a useful view of the rock formations and openings along the coast. It is a pleasant final sightseeing section, especially when the light is good and the sea is calm. You can stay on deck with your camera ready, then settle in for the return cruise.

This stop also shows why the boat itself matters. A road tour cannot provide the same view of Comino’s rocky shoreline and sea caves. Even if the Gozo bus portion feels basic, the water route adds a strong visual element to the day.

Timing, weather, and comfort

The schedule is fairly full, so punctuality matters. You need to be back at each meeting point on time, especially in Victoria and at the Blue Lagoon. A late return can affect everyone because the boat still has to complete the route back to Sliema.

Weather is important. The experience requires good conditions, and poor weather can lead to a different date or a full refund if the operator cancels. Rough seas may also change how enjoyable the crossing feels, even when the trip goes ahead.

Dress for the day rather than just the forecast. A swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and a light layer make sense. If you plan to swim from the boat, keep your things organized before anchoring. If you plan to go ashore at the Blue Lagoon, remember that the coast is rocky and that your free time is limited.

The boat allows service animals, is near public transportation, and most people can participate. It is a large operation, with a maximum of 200 people, so expect a shared excursion rather than personal attention at every stop.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would choose this tour if you are visiting Malta for a short stay and want to cover Gozo, Comino, and the Blue Lagoon in one outing. It works especially well for families who like a mix of sightseeing and swimming, thanks to the onboard slide, ladders, and open deck.

It also suits people who prefer a planned day but still want some free time. You are not locked into a guide leading you around Victoria or the Blue Lagoon every minute.

I would hesitate if your priority is a quiet swim, detailed Gozo history, or a slow visit to the Citadel. The large boat, busy lagoon, basic bus transfer, and short Victoria stop may leave you wishing for more time and less movement.

You should also be comfortable with a long day on the water. The crew is generally described as friendly, organized, and professional, and departures usually run on schedule, but the experience depends heavily on sea conditions and crowd levels.

Should you book the Sliema Gozo and Blue Lagoon cruise?

Book it if you want maximum coverage for a reasonable price. You will see Malta’s coast from the water, get a useful first look at Gozo, swim at the Blue Lagoon, and pass Comino’s caves without arranging the transport yourself.

Skip it if you want Gozo to receive your full attention or if a crowded swimming stop sounds unpleasant. In that case, spend a full day on Gozo or choose a smaller boat outing focused on Comino.

For most short-stay visitors, I see this as a practical introduction rather than a deep island experience. Arrive early, arrange any required Blue Lagoon landing access before departure, protect your time in Victoria, and bring a light layer and water shoes. With those expectations, the tour offers a lot of Malta in one well-priced day.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from Luzzu Cruises at Ferries 4, Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema SLM 1023, Malta. The scheduled departure time is 10:00 a.m.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Arriving around 45 minutes early is sensible because wristbands and boarding arrangements may take time.

How long is the Blue Lagoon stop?

The stop lasts 90 minutes from April through October and 60 minutes from November through March.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are available for purchase at the onboard bar but are not included in the tour price.

Can I rent snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available from the onboard bar for €5 per set.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is also available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts.