Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay: Best of Gozo and Comino Day Trip

The best thing about this trip is the combination of Gozo by bus and Comino by boat. In one long day, you see Gozo’s hilltop capital and medieval Citadel, then trade old stone for clear water at the Blue Lagoon. It is a useful way to sample both islands when you have limited time in Malta.

I like the scenic cruise along Malta’s northeast coast, and I like that transport between Mġarr Harbour and Victoria is included. The main catch is crowding, especially at Comino, where the famous swimming spot can feel more like a busy pool than a quiet island bay.

Key points to know before booking

• Two islands in one day: Gozo gives you history and town life, while Comino offers swimming and sea views.
• Victoria time is short: You get about 1.5 hours, enough for the Citadel and a quick look around, but not a slow visit.
• The Blue Lagoon requires a pass: Since May 2025, you must arrange an official access pass before stepping ashore.
• This is not a guided tour: The boat has English commentary, but your time in Victoria and Comino is independent.
• The €15 cave trip is optional: A motorboat ride to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon can be paid for locally.
• Sea conditions matter: Strong winds can make the return crossing rough, so bring motion sickness protection if you need it.

A full day from Malta to Gozo and Comino

This is a seven to seven-and-a-half-hour outing with a simple idea: board a modern catamaran, cross to Gozo, use a bus to reach Victoria, then return to the boat and continue to Comino.

You can choose to leave from Sliema Ferries or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. The exact meeting point and departure time depend on the option you book. One practical tip is to arrive early if you care about your seat, since the boat can fill quickly.

The catamaran is air-conditioned and has toilets and WiFi. English commentary plays over the public-address system during the cruise, giving you some context as you pass the coast. This is useful, but it is not the same as having a guide walking with you at each stop.

The boat first heads along Malta’s northeast coast toward Gozo. The crossing gives you a pleasant change of pace from road touring. You get open sea, coastal views, and a clear sense that Gozo is a separate place with a quieter feel.

The schedule can be tight. Some departures begin around late morning, which means the trip uses a good part of the afternoon and leaves less daylight for each stop. That timing may suit you if you do not want an early start, but I would prefer an earlier departure for a fuller visit.

Arriving at Mġarr Harbour and riding to Victoria

Mġarr Harbour is Gozo’s main port, and it is your entry point to the island. From there, you board one of the included buses for the ride to Victoria, Gozo’s capital.

The bus route lets you see parts of Gozo that you would miss by remaining at the harbour. Churches, villages, bays, and open countryside pass by the windows. The ride is not a guided sightseeing tour, though, and there is no bus audio commentary included. You are mainly looking out and taking in the scenery on your own.

The transport is valuable because it removes the need to arrange a taxi or public bus connection on a short timetable. Still, the bus operation can be confusing when many people return to the harbour at the same time. Listen closely to the driver and remember the exact bus or meeting instructions.

A useful detail from the trip is that drivers may direct you to the same bus for the return to the waterfront. Do not assume every bus is interchangeable. Before leaving Victoria, confirm where you need to wait and what time you must be back.

Victoria and the Citadel in 90 minutes

You have approximately 1.5 hours in Victoria. That is enough for a focused visit, but you will need to choose your priorities.

The obvious first stop is the Citadel, the medieval fortress rising above the city. Its military walls and high position make it visible from much of Gozo. Inside and around the fortress, you can see the most important historic core of Victoria and enjoy broad views across the island.

The Citadel is free to see from the outside, but admission to individual sites is not included. You should not expect time for every museum, church, and historic building. This is a quick orientation visit, not a full historical tour.

I would head toward the Citadel soon after getting off the bus. The old town streets are worth a look, but the fortress is the place most likely to suffer if you spend too long wandering first. Wear comfortable shoes, since the visit involves walking and some uphill movement.

The short stop works best if you treat it as a first taste of Gozo. You can see the main landmark, get a feel for Victoria, and enjoy the island’s stone architecture. If you want a relaxed café stop, detailed museum visits, or time in several villages, this trip will feel rushed.

One point worth knowing: you are free to explore without a personal guide. That gives you freedom, but it also means you must manage your own time. Keep the return deadline in mind. The boat will not wait at the destination if you miss the agreed departure.

Back to Mġarr Harbour, then onward to Comino

After Victoria, the bus returns you to Mġarr Harbour. You board the catamaran again and continue toward Comino.

This part of the day shifts from cultural sightseeing to a beach and swimming stop. You get approximately two hours on Comino, although timing can vary with the day’s operation and sea conditions. Use the first few minutes to check where and when you must return to the boat.

The boat does not remain at the destination. That detail matters. You cannot stroll away from the landing area and lose track of time without consequences. Set an alarm if you plan to swim, walk, or hire the optional boat trip.

The Blue Lagoon: beautiful, busy, and regulated

The Blue Lagoon is the visual star of the trip. The water is clear and turquoise, with a pale seabed and marine life below. On a calm day, it is a fine place for a swim, snorkel, or short sunbathing break.

The practical problem is the number of people. In the warmer months, the beach and access points can become extremely crowded. The view remains beautiful, but the experience may feel noisy and congested rather than peaceful. If your ideal island stop means solitude, this is the wrong place to set your expectations.

Since May 2025, Malta requires an official access pass for anyone stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon. You must get the pass in advance through blcomino.com, and the daily number is limited. For this trip, choose the afternoon time slot when applying. Without the official pass, you will not be allowed to disembark.

This is a government rule, not something the boat operator controls, so treat the pass as part of your preparation. Do not wait until the morning of the trip if the available spaces may run out.

Pack your swimwear under your clothes. The onboard toilet can become very busy when many people change at once. Bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Cash is also sensible for optional purchases, including the cave trip.

Should you take the €15 cave boat?

At Comino, you may have the option to pay about €15 per person for a motorboat ride to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon. This is not included in the main price and is paid locally.

I would consider it if you want more time on the water and enjoy quick scenic boat rides. The smaller motorboat can show you coastal formations and areas that are not part of the main landing stop. It does, however, reduce the time available for swimming or sitting at the Blue Lagoon.

The choice depends on your priority. If the lagoon is your main reason for booking, keep the two-hour stop for swimming and walking. If you have already seen Malta’s best swimming spots or prefer a moving excursion to beach time, the extra €15 may be worthwhile.

Boat comfort, crowds, and rough seas

The catamaran is modern, air-conditioned, and fitted with toilets and WiFi. The crew and drivers provide assistance, and the organization is generally strong even with a large group. The boat offers a more scenic experience than simply taking a standard ferry, especially on the coastal approach to Gozo and Comino.

You should still arrive early if you want a better chance of choosing a comfortable seat. The trip can be busy, and the boarding areas may feel crowded at peak times.

Sea conditions are the biggest comfort variable. On a calm day, the cruise is easy and pleasant. In stronger wind, the boat can move sharply, particularly on the return to Malta. If you get seasick, bring medication or another motion sickness aid and choose your seat with care.

This excursion is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, wheelchair users, or people with mobility impairments. Oversize luggage and large bags are not allowed. Pets are also not permitted.

What the $52 price really covers

At about $52 per person, the price is reasonable if you want transport and a broad overview in one booking. You receive the catamaran cruise, English commentary on the boat, the Gozo bus transfer, and free time at both Victoria and Comino.

The value comes from convenience. You do not need to arrange a separate ferry, find transport from Mġarr Harbour, or work out a return connection after visiting Victoria. For a first Malta visit, that can save planning time.

The price does not cover food, drinks, site admissions, hotel transfers, or a guide. It also does not include the Blue Lagoon access pass or the optional cave ride. Think of the tour as transport plus free time, not as a fully guided island tour.

Compared with arranging each part separately, the package is practical. Compared with a private tour, it is inexpensive but less personal. You trade flexibility and quiet for a simple route and a fixed timetable.

The cancellation terms are helpful: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later. Check the departure time carefully, since options vary.

How to make the day work better

I would prepare for this trip as a boat outing first and a sightseeing tour second. That means wearing comfortable shoes, carrying swimwear and a towel, and protecting yourself from the sun.

Use your time in Victoria carefully. Go directly toward the Citadel, then explore the streets near the fortress if time remains. Do not assume you can linger at lunch and still see the main historic sights.

At Comino, confirm the return location before swimming. The boat will not wait, and the stop is free time rather than a guided visit. Keep your belongings compact, since large bags are not allowed and beach space can be limited.

Bring cash for the optional €15 boat trip and small purchases. If English announcements are difficult to follow, ask the crew or driver to repeat the return instructions and write down the meeting time.

Winter can offer a different kind of Comino visit. Swimming may not appeal, but the island has no cars or urban areas, and walking routes lead toward St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery. The trip is therefore not only a summer beach outing, though the Blue Lagoon access rules still apply when you plan to go ashore.

Who should book this day trip?

I would recommend it to you if you have one free day and want a broad sample of Gozo and Comino without arranging several connections. Families and first-time visitors may appreciate the included bus transfer and clear route.

It also suits anyone who values scenery, a quick historic stop, and swimming more than long museum visits. The crew is friendly and helpful, and the boat is comfortable for a full day on the water.

I would hesitate if you dislike fixed schedules, large groups, or crowded beaches. You should also skip it if rough seas cause problems for you or if you need step-free access and wheelchair facilities.

Should you book the Gozo and Comino day trip?

Book it if your goal is to see the Citadel and Blue Lagoon in one efficient outing. The tour gives you a good first look at two very different islands and handles the awkward transport between harbour, town, and boat.

Do not book it expecting a quiet beach day or a detailed guided tour. Victoria is brief, Comino can be heavily crowded, and the timetable leaves little room for delays. Get the Blue Lagoon pass before you go, arrive early, pack lightly, and accept that this is a busy sampler rather than a slow island escape.

FAQ

Where does the trip depart from?

You can choose departure from Sliema Ferries in Sliema or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. The exact meeting point and start time depend on the option booked.

How long does the day trip last?

The trip lasts approximately seven to seven and a half hours. Check the available departure times when booking.

How much free time do I get in Victoria?

You get approximately 1.5 hours in Victoria. This gives you time to visit the Citadel and explore part of the city, but not every site.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, you need an official access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. Apply through blcomino.com and select the afternoon time slot for this trip.

Is this a guided tour?

No. The boat provides English commentary during the cruise, but the stops in Victoria and Comino are free time. There is no tour guide or bus audio commentary included.

Is the Comino cave trip included?

No. The optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon costs approximately €15 per person and is paid locally.