From Sliema: Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon Cruise

The best thing about this $41 full-day cruise is how much of Malta you can see without arranging several separate trips. You sail from Sliema to Gozo, ride a minibus to Qala Belvedere and Victoria, then finish with time at Comino’s Blue Lagoon and a close pass by the sea caves. I like the optional Gozo bus because it turns a potentially confusing island stop into a simple, well-timed visit.

I also like the friendly onboard crew and the steady commentary about Sliema, Gozo, Comino, and the coast. Captain-led explanations add interest during the long sailing stretches, while the boat offers bathrooms, food, drinks, a slide, and space on the upper deck. The main drawback is the sea: rough water can cause seasickness, shorten the Blue Lagoon stop, or cancel swimming altogether.

Key points to know before booking

• Three Maltese islands in one day: Sliema, Gozo, and Comino are linked in a single 7.5-hour outing.
• The Gozo minibus is worth considering: It takes you to Qala Belvedere and Victoria, including views of the Citadel, without relying on local transport.
• Blue Lagoon time is weather-dependent: The planned stop is about 1 hour 30 minutes, but wind and sailing conditions can reduce it or move the boat to another bay.
• The boat has useful comforts: You get bathrooms, food and drink service, a water slide, and commentary from the captain and crew.
• Comino’s caves are seen from the water: The boat makes a close pass by Santa Maria Caves, usually allowing good photographs.
• You need a free Blue Lagoon QR code from May 1, 2025: The code is required if you plan to get off the boat at Comino.

What this Sliema to Gozo and Comino cruise is really like

This is a busy day on the water, not a slow island holiday. You leave from the Luzzu Cruises area at Sliema Ferry, look for the Mv Kataleya or Mv Lady Shelley, and head north along Malta’s coast.

The cruise passes St. Julian’s Bay, Qawra, St. Paul’s Bay, St. Paul’s Island, and Mellieha before reaching Gozo. The passing views are a major part of the experience, so I would arrive early enough to choose a seat on the upper deck if the weather is pleasant.

The boat is locally operated by Water Taxi Limited. The crew is often praised for being welcoming and helpful, and the captain provides ongoing information during the crossing. That matters on a day with several transfers and fixed departure times. You are not left guessing where to go next.

The vessel includes bathrooms, a small bar or food service, and a water slide. Food and drinks are not included in the $41 price, so bring extra money if you want to buy something onboard. You should also bring comfortable shoes and a towel.

Reaching Gozo through Mgarr Harbour

Gozo’s Mgarr Harbour is the first proper stop. It is a scenic arrival point, but this is not a full island tour by coach. You have a choice: explore around the harbour on your own, or pay for the optional minibus transportation to see more of Gozo.

I would choose the bus unless you have already visited Gozo or specifically want free time near Mgarr. The island has more to offer than you can comfortably reach on foot from the harbour, and the minibus makes good use of a limited stop.

The bus option also removes the stress of finding transport, checking routes, and getting back to the boat on time. Several passengers specifically found it the best way to keep the day moving. Still, pay attention to the return meeting time. One person nearly missed the planned minibus after a driver left early, although another minibus provided a solution. That is a useful reminder to confirm the pickup point and stay punctual.

Qala Belvedere gives you Gozo from above

The minibus makes a photo stop at Qala Belvedere, one of Gozo’s attractive viewpoints. This is a brief stop rather than a long walk, so have your camera ready as you leave the bus.

The view gives you a strong sense of Gozo’s position among the Maltese islands. It is a good contrast to the harbour and the later streets of Victoria. You will not have time for a long hike here, but the stop earns its place because it delivers a wide coastal view with little effort.

If you are travelling with children, older relatives, or anyone who does not want a demanding walking day, this short stop is easier than a full sightseeing circuit. The catch is that you cannot linger. The minibus follows the boat’s schedule.

Victoria and the Citadel: a short but worthwhile stop

Victoria, also called Rabat, is Gozo’s capital. The stop gives you time to walk, shop, eat, and visit the Citadel, the old fortified city above the town.

The scheduled visit is about 80 minutes, though the exact time can vary with the day’s operation. That sounds generous until you add a meal, photographs, and the walk uphill to the Citadel. If you want to see the old fortifications, do that first. Food service can be slow, and a leisurely lunch may leave you rushing.

I like this part of the trip because it gives you a taste of Gozo beyond the coast. You can see the island’s capital, look over the older stone buildings, and get a sense of local life. I would not expect to explore every corner of the Citadel or shop at length. This is an introduction, not a dedicated Victoria tour.

Sunday visitors should also keep expectations in check. Some shops in Gozo may be closed, so do not make shopping the main reason for choosing this day.

The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, crowded, and changeable

After returning to Mgarr Harbour, you board the boat again and head for Comino. The main stop is the famous Blue Lagoon, where you can swim, sunbathe, snorkel, walk along the shore, or use the boat’s slide.

The planned stop is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, with the activity schedule listing about 75 minutes. In practical terms, you should treat this as a good swim stop, not a whole afternoon at the beach. The available time can shrink when wind slows the crossing or the captain must alter the route.

The water can be remarkably clear on a calm day, and swimming is often the day’s highlight. The slide adds a little fun for children and adults who want more than a quiet paddle. You can also stay on the boat if you do not want to swim.

The Blue Lagoon has two important drawbacks. First, it can feel crowded, especially in the warmer months. One useful tip is to enjoy the view from the boat before rushing ashore, since the water and coastline may look better from the deck than from the packed landing area. Second, rough weather may make swimming unsafe or impossible.

From May 1, 2025, you need a free QR code to get off the boat at the Blue Lagoon. The booking information provides the registration link after purchase. Do this before the tour so you are not delayed when the crew checks shore access.

Santa Maria Caves are a quick coastal finale

After the Blue Lagoon, the boat passes the Santa Maria Caves, also called the Crystal Caves of Comino. The stop is brief, around 10 minutes, but the captain can bring the boat close enough for photographs.

This is a viewing stop from the water rather than a cave walk. You will not have time to explore on foot, and access depends on sea conditions. Still, it is a pleasing finish to the Comino section, especially when the water is calm and the boat can approach the rock formations closely.

The return trip to Sliema gives you another stretch of open-water views. Some days the sea is smooth; on others, the return is easier than the morning crossing. Several people have spotted dolphins during the ride, although that is a lucky extra, not a promised part of the tour.

How rough is the sea?

This is the most important practical question. The cruise takes you into open water around Malta, Gozo, and Comino, and conditions can change quickly. Wind can make the trip uncomfortable, particularly on the crossing from Sliema to Gozo.

If you are prone to seasickness, I would not choose this excursion casually. The crew provides sick bags and warnings when conditions are rough, but even a well-run boat cannot make choppy water smooth. Sit in a stable area, keep your eyes on the horizon, and consider your own tolerance before booking.

The captain can alter or cancel parts of the excursion, change the pickup or drop-off point, or replace the Blue Lagoon with another bay. In one poor-weather example, St. Mary’s Bay was used instead, but it offered a quieter and less interesting stop. The tour runs rain or shine, so you should book it for the island scenery and flexible structure, not only for a guaranteed swim.

Is the optional Gozo transport good value?

At $41 per person, the basic cruise is already a low-cost way to see Gozo and Comino in one day. The real value depends on how you use the Gozo stop.

If you stay around Mgarr Harbour, you save the extra transport charge but miss Qala Belvedere and Victoria. You also need to manage your own sightseeing while keeping track of the boat’s return time.

The minibus costs extra, but it covers the most useful pieces of the Gozo visit. You get the viewpoint, a transfer to Victoria, and help getting back to the harbour. I would choose it for a first visit, especially if you want to see the Citadel without working out local buses.

The boat’s food and drinks are not included, so budget for those separately. Even with the optional bus, the day compares well with arranging separate transport to Gozo and a separate Comino cruise. The trade-off is time: you see a lot, but you do not get long, relaxed visits at any one place.

Who will enjoy this day most?

I would recommend this cruise if you want a broad first look at Malta’s sister islands. It suits couples, families, and independent sightseers who like having transport and timing handled for them.

It is especially useful for you if:

• You have only a few days in Malta.
• You want both historic sights and swimming time.
• You prefer a guided structure without joining a walking tour all day.
• You are happy with short stops and a full schedule.
• You want to see Gozo without hiring a car or arranging separate buses.

I would choose a different plan if your main goal is a deep visit to Gozo. Victoria deserves more than a quick stop, and Comino can also fill a separate day if you want a slower beach experience. This cruise is about variety and value, not maximum time in one place.

People with mobility impairments should note that the activity is not suitable for them. You need to board a boat, transfer to a minibus if you choose that option, and manage uneven or walking-heavy stops. The excursion also takes place in rain or sunshine, with no guarantee that every water activity will operate.

Small details that make the day easier

Arrive at the Sliema meeting point with the boat name confirmed. Look for the Mv Kataleya or Mv Lady Shelley at Luzzu Cruises, and leave room in your schedule for the full 7.5-hour outing.

Wear shoes that work for both boat decks and town streets. Bring a towel, swimwear, sun protection, and a light layer because the upper deck can feel breezy even on a warm day.

Keep your phone charged. The day gives you repeated photo stops, from Qala Belvedere to the Citadel, the Blue Lagoon, and Santa Maria Caves.

Most of all, listen carefully when the crew announces meeting times. The boat and minibus cannot wait for a late return from Victoria or the Blue Lagoon. The staff are generally helpful, but you still need to manage your own watch.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That flexibility is useful when the forecast is uncertain, but you should still check conditions before setting out.

Should you book this Gozo and Comino cruise?

I would book it if I wanted the best amount of Malta sightseeing for a modest price and did not mind a brisk pace. The optional Gozo minibus is the choice I would make, since it adds Qala Belvedere and Victoria with little planning work.

I would skip it if seasickness is a serious problem, if you need long periods of quiet beach time, or if you want to explore Victoria in depth. For everyone else, this is a practical first taste of Gozo and Comino, with a friendly crew, strong coastal views, and enough time for one memorable swim when the weather cooperates.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The tour starts at Luzzu Cruises near Sliema Ferry. Look for the Mv Kataleya or Mv Lady Shelley.

How long does the experience last?

The full activity lasts about 7.5 hours, including the cruise, Gozo visit, Blue Lagoon stop, cave visit, and return to Sliema.

Is transport around Gozo included?

Optional transport is available. You can explore Gozo independently or choose the minibus option to visit Qala Belvedere and Victoria.

What can I see in Victoria?

You can walk around Victoria, shop, eat, and visit the Citadel, the old fortified city. The scheduled stop is about 80 minutes, though timings can change.

How long do you stay at the Blue Lagoon?

The planned Blue Lagoon stop is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. The actual time can change because of sea and weather conditions.

Do I need a ticket to get off at the Blue Lagoon?

From May 1, 2025, you need to register for a free QR code if you want to go ashore at the Blue Lagoon. The link is provided after booking.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the tour price, but service is available on the boat.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes and a towel. Swimwear and suitable clothing for changing weather are also sensible choices.

Can the tour be changed because of weather?

Yes. The captain can change or cancel the excursion, alter the pickup or drop-off location, or replace the Blue Lagoon stop according to weather and sea conditions.