Malta: Full-Day Gozo and Blue Lagoon Cruise

The main draw here is simple: one boat trip links Gozo’s Cittadella with Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon. You get sea views, a short taste of Gozo, and time for a swim without arranging ferries, buses, and island connections yourself.

I like the easy all-in-one plan and the cruise past St. Paul’s Island and Mellieha. I also like that you get transport into Victoria, plus a stop at Qala Belvedere, rather than being left to sort out every connection alone. The tradeoff is important: 75 minutes in Victoria is short, and the Blue Lagoon can feel crowded.

Key points to know before booking

• The boat leaves Sliema at 10:30: Arrive by 10:00 at the yellow Malta Sightseeing booth opposite McDonald’s at Sliema Ferries.
• Gozo time is limited: You have about 75 minutes in Victoria and the Cittadella, enough for a quick look but not a full visit.
• The Blue Lagoon stop is the main event: Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and shoes that can handle shore access.
• Comino now requires a free ticket: From May 1, 2025, select the 13:30 to 17:30 entry slot at blcomino.com.
• Upper-deck seating costs extra: Sunbeds on the top level have been reported at €10, so check the current arrangement before boarding.
• This is transport with free time, not a guided Gozo tour: You explore independently after the bus drops you in Victoria.

A full day from Sliema to two islands

At $45 per person, this is priced as a practical island sampler rather than a detailed cultural tour. You are paying for the cruise, transport to Victoria, the return trip, access to onboard facilities, and a Blue Lagoon stop. Food, drinks, and snorkeling equipment are extra.

That price can work well if you want to see Gozo and Comino in one day. Booking separate transport can take more planning, especially when you are trying to fit a bus into Victoria and a boat to Comino. The catch is that the schedule gives you a taste of each place, not much freedom to linger.

The day begins at Sliema Ferries. You should be at the yellow Malta Sightseeing booth by 10:00, with the boat scheduled to leave at 10:30. Give yourself time to find the correct booth, since the meeting point is beside a busy waterfront area and not simply any place where boats are tied up.

The cruise follows Malta’s northern coast. You will see St. Paul’s Island and the area around Mellieha from the water. This part is useful for getting a broad view of the coast, though the boat ride is also exposed to wind. In cooler months, especially April, you may find the outward trip surprisingly chilly even under a bright sun. Pack a light layer instead of relying on swimwear alone.

Victoria and the Cittadella in 75 minutes

On Gozo, you transfer to a bus bound for Rabat, also called Victoria. This naming can be confusing: Rabat is the historic name, while Victoria is the name commonly used for Gozo’s capital. The town is your base for a short period of independent exploring.

The Cittadella is the clear priority. This fortified hilltop area gives you the most memorable view and the strongest sense of Gozo’s old center. With only 75 minutes, I would head there first rather than wandering around town and hoping you have enough time left.

You may manage the climb to the upper part of the Cittadella, take in the views, and grab a quick snack. You will not have much room for a slow museum visit, a long café stop, and a broad walk around Victoria. That is the central limitation of this excursion.

The transport arrangement is convenient, but do not mistake it for a guided city tour. You are dropped near the center, given a return time, and left to choose what matters most. That suits you if you enjoy setting your own pace. It will disappoint you if you expect a guide to explain Gozo’s history or lead you through the sights.

The included transport also refers to Qala Belvedere. The exact flow of the day can depend on boat and bus operations, so listen carefully for instructions before leaving Gozo. Keep track of the meeting point and return time. Missing the bus or boat is not a good way to gain more time on the island.

One practical problem is the bus transfer back to the boat. If many people return at once, the buses can feel packed, and the process may take longer than expected. Stay alert for staff directions and do not assume the transfer will be calm or spacious.

The Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, busy shore

After Gozo, the boat continues toward Comino and the Blue Lagoon. This is the part most people picture when they book the day: pale turquoise water, a place to swim, and time to relax before returning to Malta.

The water is the strongest reason to choose this cruise. You can swim beside the boat, use the beach area when permitted, or rent snorkeling equipment if you did not bring your own. Fish and jellyfish may be visible from the boat, and dolphins have occasionally been spotted during the crossing, though these are lucky extras rather than promised parts of the trip.

The Blue Lagoon is not a quiet secret spot. It is one of Malta’s best-known swimming areas, so you should expect other boats and plenty of activity, particularly in the warmer months. The water can still look wonderful, but the setting is more social than peaceful.

From May 1, 2025, you need a free ticket to walk onto Comino. Get it online at blcomino.com and choose the 13:30 to 17:30 time slot. Officials scan the QR code when you arrive. Without that code, you cannot walk on Comino, although you can still swim beside the boat.

This rule matters because a person who forgets the ticket may still have access to the water but lose the chance to walk ashore. Save the QR code on your phone before leaving Malta, and make sure your phone has enough battery for the scan.

The stop is long enough for a swim and a little rest, but the exact timing can shift. Some departures have provided around 90 minutes at the lagoon, while the overall schedule can run later than planned. Bring your belongings in a small waterproof bag if you have one, since you may move between boat, shore, and water several times.

Boat comfort, seating, and extra charges

The vessel is large enough to offer several seating areas, but your experience depends heavily on where you sit. The upper level has sunbeds available for an additional €10. That can appeal to you if you want open-air views and a place to stretch out, but it is an optional cost rather than part of the $45 fare.

The lower areas provide shade, though seats near the engine may have more noise and an unpleasant smell. On a crowded departure, you may not have your first choice of seating. If you want a quieter spot, arrive early and ask staff where the best available area is.

Bring water and food. They are not included, and the schedule gives you limited time to find refreshments in Gozo. Drinks may be available on the boat, but you should not base your budget on free beverages. The official inclusions do not list food or drinks, and the timing of any drink offers has not always been clear.

There is only one small toilet on the boat according to the available trip details. Use facilities before departure when possible, and expect a queue at busy times. This is a small detail, but it matters on an eight-hour day with a long boat journey.

The boat ride itself is part sightseeing, part transport. You can enjoy the coast and the open water, but wind, engine noise, and crowds are part of the bargain. I would choose this trip for the route and the swimming stop, not for a quiet luxury cruise.

Timing: allow for a flexible return

The scheduled duration is eight hours, with a return to the Sliema meeting point in the evening. In practice, boat departures and returns can run late. A departure that is delayed may shorten one stop or push the return past the time you first expected.

You should avoid booking a tightly timed dinner, airport transfer, or evening show immediately afterward. Malta’s pace can be relaxed, and the boat must also manage boarding, bus transfers, and changing conditions at sea.

The day is commonly divided between Gozo and Comino. Victoria gets the shorter, more structured visit, while the afternoon at the Blue Lagoon is designed around swimming and relaxing. That division makes sense for a first look at both islands, but it will feel rushed if your main goal is to explore Gozo.

The English-speaking host and English audio guide help with basic instructions and orientation. Do not expect a long, continuous lecture about every place you pass. The useful information is mainly where to go, when to return, and how the transfers work.

What to bring for this particular day

Pack lightly, but pack for both a boat ride and a beach stop.

• Comfortable shoes for the walk toward the Cittadella
• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• A light layer for the windy crossing
• Water and snacks
• A phone with the Comino QR code ready
• A waterproof pouch for small valuables
• Snorkeling equipment, or money to rent it

Comfortable footwear matters more than it might seem. The day includes walking in Victoria, boarding and leaving the boat, and possible movement around the Blue Lagoon. Flip-flops may be fine for the swim but less useful for the Cittadella.

Wheelchair access is listed for the activity, but the independent walking time in Victoria and access around the shore can still vary by location. If you need detailed help with a particular mobility requirement, confirm the arrangements before paying.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this to you if you want a simple first look at Gozo and Comino and do not want to organize several transport links. Families and casual sightseers may appreciate the straightforward plan, especially those who value a swim as much as sightseeing.

It also suits you if the Blue Lagoon is the priority and Gozo is a bonus. You get a scenic boat route, a short visit to Victoria, and a substantial water stop in one day.

I would hesitate if you want serious time in Gozo. Seventy-five minutes is enough for the Cittadella and a quick snack, but not enough for a relaxed town visit. I would also look elsewhere if you want a small boat, a quiet atmosphere, or a fully guided cultural tour.

The trip can work for swimmers who are happy to stay near the boat. You do not need to walk onto Comino to enter the water, but the free QR ticket is still essential if you want to explore the island on foot.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if your priority is seeing two Maltese islands in one organized day and swimming in the Blue Lagoon. At $45, it offers solid value for the combined boat route and transport, provided you accept crowded conditions, extra charges, and limited time in Victoria.

Skip it if Gozo deserves a full day on your itinerary. In that case, a slower visit would give you more time for the Cittadella and Victoria. For everyone else, arrive early, bring food and a warm layer, secure the free Comino ticket, and treat the schedule as flexible rather than exact.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

Meet at 10:00 at Sliema Ferries, opposite McDonald’s, near the yellow Malta Sightseeing booth. The boat is scheduled to leave at 10:30.

How long does the activity last?

The advertised duration is eight hours. It returns to the Sliema meeting point in the evening, although departure and return times can vary.

How much free time do I get in Victoria?

You get 75 minutes to explore Victoria, also called Rabat, including the Cittadella area.

Do I need a ticket for Comino?

Yes. From May 1, 2025, you need a free online ticket to walk on Comino. Choose the 13:30 to 17:30 slot and keep the QR code ready for scanning. You can still swim beside the boat without walking onto the island.

Are food, drinks, and snorkeling equipment included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Snorkeling equipment can be rented, and you may bring your own.

What cancellation option is available?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you book without paying immediately.