Malta: Around Comino Cruise and Gozo Jeep Tour with Lunch

Comino’s clear water is the star here, but the clever part is fitting Comino and Gozo into one day. You get a boat ride, a swim at the Blue Lagoon, lunch with local wine, and a 4×4 run through Gozo’s villages and coast.

I like the mix of water time and inland stops, especially the views from Qala, the old salt pans at Xwejni, and Dwejra Bay. I also like that guides such as George, Johnny, Nick, Grace, and Peter have been singled out for friendly service and good island commentary. The trade-off is comfort: transport, boats, and jeeps may be crowded, and the day can run longer than the advertised six and a half hours.

Key points to know before booking

• Two islands in one outing: Cruise around Comino, then explore Gozo by open-air 4×4.
• The Blue Lagoon is the main event: You get about an hour to swim or snorkel, weather permitting.
• Gozo is seen at a fast pace: Qala, Xagħra, Xwejni, Ta’ Pinu, and Dwejra are included, but stops are short.
• Lunch is included: Expect a buffet, water, and local wine, with the meal served either onboard or at Mariblu Guesthouse depending on the tour order.
• Selected-hotel pickup is included: Actual pickup arrangements can vary, and transfer vehicles have drawn some complaints.
• Best for active visitors: You should be comfortable with boat boarding, swimming, uneven ground, and a bumpy jeep ride.

One day, two very different Maltese islands

At $81, this is an efficient way to see two of Malta’s most popular nearby islands without arranging ferries, drivers, lunch, and sightseeing on your own. The day is built around motion: boat, jeep, short walks, photographs, lunch, and another boat ride.

That pace is useful if you have only a short stay in Malta. You will not get a slow, thorough visit to Gozo, but you will see several of its signature places and get time in the sea. I would think of this as a broad first look, not a relaxed island holiday.

The schedule can run in either direction. Some departures begin with the boat and continue with the Gozo jeep tour. Others reach Gozo first, then use the boat for Comino and the return to Malta. That explains why lunch may be served at Mariblu Guesthouse or aboard the boat.

The advertised duration is about 6 hours 30 minutes, but some departures have lasted closer to a full day, with pickup around 8:00 or 8:30 in the morning and return around 6:00 or 7:00 in the evening. Build in spare time rather than scheduling an important evening reservation.

Starting at Mgarr Harbour

After pickup from a selected hotel, you are taken to the harbor for the island portion of the trip. At Mgarr, the group is divided among several jeeps, usually according to language where possible.

This handoff is an important part of the day. Your boat group may not be your jeep group, and your driver becomes the main guide for the Gozo section. Guides named in past departures include George, Johnny, Nick, Grace, and Peter, but assignments change.

The jeep is not a private safari vehicle in the usual sense. It is a shared ride, and some departures have placed six people in the rear section. If you want more personal space, this is not the right tour to book simply for the vehicle. The open-air ride can be fun and gives you broad views, but it may also feel cramped and rough.

Qala views and the first taste of Gozo

The Qala Belvedere is one of the most useful early stops because it gives you a wide view toward Comino and Malta. It helps you understand the geography of the islands before the day moves on.

You then stop near Qala Parish Church, where you can photograph the stone facade and traditional Maltese church design. The visit is brief, so treat it as a photo and orientation stop rather than a full historical visit.

Qala is a good example of the tour’s style. You get a strong viewpoint and a recognizable local landmark, but not much time to linger. If you enjoy moving from place to place and collecting impressions, this works well. If you prefer museums, long walks, or detailed architecture tours, the schedule may feel rushed.

Xagħra and the view from Calypso Cave

The next stop is around Xagħra, where Calypso Cave provides one of the day’s best coastal viewpoints. The cave itself and the surrounding cliffs give you a chance to see how exposed and rugged Gozo’s coast can be.

The stop is mainly for viewing and photographs. You should not expect a long cave exploration. The attraction’s value comes from the position above the water, the open coastal view, and the chance to pause after the jeep ride.

The route may pass through Marsalforn before reaching the salt pans. That village gives you a quick look at one of Gozo’s seaside communities, but the itinerary does not provide an extended stop there.

Xwejni Salt Pans and an old working tradition

The Xwejni Salt Pans are among the most distinctive stops on Gozo. Rectangular rock-cut pools spread beside the coast, where seawater evaporates and leaves salt behind.

This is more than a scenic photo stop. The pans show a traditional way of making sea salt that has continued for centuries. You can see the geometric pools, the rocky shoreline, and the simple relationship between sun, seawater, and local work.

You have about 25 minutes here. That is enough for photographs and a quick explanation from your guide, but not enough for a long walk along the coast. Wear shoes that can handle uneven ground, particularly if you want to move around beyond the immediate stopping point.

Ta’ Pinu, a landmark seen from the road

Ta’ Pinu National Shrine is one of Gozo’s best-known churches. The tour passes by or stops near the sanctuary, allowing you to admire its stone architecture and hilltop position.

The itinerary describes this as an exterior viewing stop. That matters if you are hoping to attend a service or study the interior. You will instead get a short visit, photographs, and views across the surrounding countryside.

For many people, Ta’ Pinu is valuable because it breaks up the coastal scenery. Gozo is not only about water and cliffs. Its churches, villages, and pale limestone give the island a strong visual character, and this stop gives you a quick look at that side of Gozo.

Dwejra Bay and the Inland Sea

Dwejra Bay is the most dramatic Gozo stop on the jeep route. You have free time to look around the Inland Sea, a sheltered body of water beside the open coast.

The area is known for cliffs, unusual rock formations, and boat access through the Inland Sea. A small boat ride may be available, but it is not listed as a guaranteed part of the included experience. Think of it as an optional possibility rather than something to count on.

You get roughly 20 minutes here, so plan your time. Walk to the viewpoint, take your photographs, and ask your guide about any available boat option before committing your short break to it. The stop is brief, but it is one of the places most likely to make the Gozo portion feel worthwhile.

Lunch at Mariblu or aboard the boat

Lunch is a buffet, with water and local wine included. Depending on the order of your tour, you may eat at Mariblu Guesthouse or on the boat.

The food is intended to be filling rather than fancy. Past menus have included pasta, chicken, potatoes, salad, cold meats, and fruit, with an omelet offered in at least one case for visitors who did not eat meat. The exact selection can vary.

I like having lunch built into the schedule because it removes the need to search for a restaurant during a tightly timed day. Just keep your expectations sensible. This is a practical group meal, not a special dining experience. The wine is included, though some people have found it ordinary.

The minimum drinking age is 17. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Comino by boat: Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon

The boat section is the strongest reason to book this trip. Comino’s Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon offer clear water, rocky swimming areas, and a chance to see the coast from the sea.

The schedule includes about an hour for swimming or snorkeling at the Blue Lagoon. The boat may stop in or near the water rather than at a conventional beach, so you may need to climb down, use a ladder, or enter from the boat. That makes this more suitable for confident swimmers and active children than for anyone who needs an easy, shallow shoreline.

Snorkeling equipment is listed as included, although some tour details and past experiences have caused confusion about whether masks and snorkels are free or require a deposit. Confirm the arrangement with the crew before you leave the boat. Water and, on the boat portion, refreshments may be available according to the day’s setup.

The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but it is also the point where crowding matters most. The boat can feel full, and the lagoon itself is a popular destination. You will get the famous color and a good swim, but you should not expect solitude.

Crystal Lagoon is another swimming stop in the schedule. Some versions of the day provide two water stops, while weather or boat operations can alter the plan. Bring a towel, sun protection, and a waterproof bag for your phone.

Santa Marija caves and the ride back

On the way back, the boat passes the caves around Santa Marija Bay. This is a short coastal viewing section rather than a long cave visit.

The caves are best appreciated from the water, where you can see their openings and the way the rock has been shaped by the sea. Keep your camera ready, but do not expect the boat to pause for a long time at every formation.

The return boat ride to Malta is included and may feature a Crystal Lagoon cave tour, depending on weather. Sea conditions control much of this part of the day. If the weather turns poor, the cruise can be changed or replaced with a land-based safari.

Transport, comfort, and group size

The tour has a maximum group size of 65, but your actual jeep group is smaller. Even so, the jeeps can feel crowded, and the seats are not designed for luxury.

The road sections can be bumpy. Some people find that part adventurous, while others find the vehicle old or uncomfortable. If you have back problems, dislike rough roads, or need a roomy seat, consider booking a private driver instead.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are offered from selected hotels, but do not assume every property is covered. Some pickups use a nearby meeting hotel. Check the exact location and time carefully, especially since the printed booking time has not always matched the actual pickup or boat departure.

Transport has been the weakest part of the experience for some departures. Complaints have included late pickups, older buses, poor air conditioning, rushed driving, and vehicle breakdowns. Other departures have been picked up on time and run well, so this appears to depend on the day and vehicle.

Who will enjoy this tour most?

I would recommend it to you if:

• You have limited time in Malta and want a broad look at Gozo and Comino.
• You enjoy swimming, boat rides, and short scenic stops.
• You prefer having transport, a guide, and lunch arranged in one booking.
• You are comfortable with shared vehicles and a busy schedule.
• You want to see places that are awkward to reach without a car.

I would hesitate if you want a quiet day, a detailed Gozo history tour, or plenty of time at each attraction. Families can enjoy it, but children should be watched closely around the boat and open water. One departure had a five-year-old who managed the day well, but the boat environment still calls for close supervision.

The tour also depends heavily on weather. Strong wind or rough seas can remove the cruise portion, although a different date, alternative tour, or refund is offered if the operator cancels for poor conditions.

Is $81 good value?

The price is fair if you would otherwise pay separately for transport to Gozo, a boat trip around Comino, a guided island tour, lunch, and hotel transfers. The convenience is the main value.

You are not paying for luxury. The boats may be crowded, the jeeps may be tight, and the buffet is basic. You are paying for a full route with many moving parts and for the chance to see both islands without planning the connections yourself.

The best value comes when you use every part of the day: take the Gozo viewpoints seriously, swim if conditions allow, and listen to your jeep guide. Guides such as George, Johnny, Nick, Grace, and Peter have helped make the island portion more personal and informative.

My booking advice

Book this tour if you want a lively, packed introduction to Gozo and Comino and you can accept shared transport. The Blue Lagoon swim and the Gozo views are the strongest parts, while the salt pans and Dwejra Bay add welcome variety.

Skip it if comfort, quiet, or a slow schedule matters more than coverage. For a short Malta visit, though, this is a practical way to see a lot in one day. Confirm your pickup hotel, ask about the exact boat schedule, bring swim gear and sun protection, and leave your evening open in case the return runs late.

FAQ

How long does the Gozo and Comino tour last?

The advertised duration is approximately 6 hours 30 minutes. Some departures have lasted closer to a full day, with pickup around 8:00 or 8:30 in the morning and return around 6:00 or 7:00 in the evening.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from selected hotels. Your exact pickup point may be a nearby hotel rather than your own property, so check the confirmed meeting location carefully.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch is included, along with water and local wine. Depending on the tour order, lunch is served at Mariblu Guesthouse or onboard the boat.

Can I swim at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. The tour includes about a one-hour swim stop at the Blue Lagoon, with time for swimming or snorkeling. The boat may stop in the water, so you should be comfortable boarding and entering from a boat.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling equipment is listed as included. Because some tour arrangements may involve a deposit or different equipment procedures, confirm the details with the crew before the swimming stop.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The cruise requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you will be offered another date or tour, or a full refund.

Can children join the tour?

Yes, but children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour requires moderate physical fitness, and close supervision is important around the boat, swimming stops, and uneven coastal ground.