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

The best thing about this trip is how much Malta you can cover in one day. You get a coastal catamaran cruise, a quick look at Gozo’s capital and medieval Citadel, then a swim stop at Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon. It is a busy, sightseeing-heavy day rather than a slow island escape.

I like the simple transport plan and the chance to see both Victoria and Comino without arranging ferries and buses yourself. I also like that the boat has air-conditioning, toilets, WiFi, and crew support. The catch is clear: the Blue Lagoon can be extremely crowded, and the time in Gozo is too short for a relaxed visit.

Key points

• Two islands in one day: Gozo and Comino are combined with a scenic cruise from Malta.
• Victoria by sightseeing bus: You get roughly 1.5 hours to explore Gozo’s capital and the Citadel.
• About two hours at Comino: Swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or walk around the Blue Lagoon area.
• Blue Lagoon pass required: Since May 2025, you must arrange an official afternoon access pass before disembarking.
• Good boat facilities: The catamaran is air-conditioned and has toilets, WiFi, and English commentary.
• Crowds and sea conditions matter: Comino gets packed, and rough water can make the return crossing uncomfortable.

One boat, two islands, and a very full day

For $52 per person, this trip is designed for visitors who want an efficient introduction to Gozo and Comino. It is not a private tour and it is not built around long guided visits. Instead, you travel with a large group, follow a set timetable, and use free time at each stop as you choose.

You can leave from Sliema Ferries or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. Select the departure point and time carefully when booking, since your meeting place depends on that choice. The total outing takes about 7 to 7.5 hours, though the exact rhythm of the day can be affected by boarding delays, traffic, and sea conditions.

I see this as a useful Malta sampler. You will not understand every corner of Gozo, and you will not find a quiet Blue Lagoon in summer. But you will get the classic views, the major landmarks, and a pleasant amount of time on the water without having to piece together the route yourself.

The morning catamaran from Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay

The day begins aboard a modern catamaran. From Sliema, the boat cruises along Malta’s northeast coast before heading toward Gozo. From St. Paul’s Bay, the route begins at Buġibba Jetty. The cruise gives you a different view of Malta, with open water, rocky shorelines, bays, and the approach to Gozo’s main harbor.

English commentary is broadcast over the boat’s public-address system. This is useful for basic orientation, although it is not the same as having a guide beside you. One practical point is worth taking seriously: get to the departure point early if you want a better choice of seats. The boat can be busy, and late boarding may leave you with fewer options.

The catamaran has air-conditioning, toilets, and WiFi. Those are modest comforts, but they matter on a long day with several transfers. You can also buy or carry food and drinks, though neither is included. Bring cash for purchases and for the optional boat trip around Comino.

If you are prone to seasickness, think carefully before booking. Calm water can change quickly. On one return crossing, strong winds made the boat move sharply, and the ride felt alarming even though the crew got everyone back safely. Motion sickness tablets, a light meal, and a seat in a less exposed part of the boat may help, but this trip is not suitable for people who already know they struggle badly at sea.

Gozo by road, with Victoria as your main stop

At Mġarr Harbour, Gozo’s principal port, you transfer to a sightseeing bus. The bus takes you toward Victoria, passing churches, rural scenery, and other landmarks along the way. You are seeing Gozo through a window rather than stopping at every point, so treat this section as an introduction, not a full island tour.

The included bus ride is one of the strongest practical features of the trip. Hiring a car or arranging local transport would take more planning, and the bus gets you from the harbor to the island’s capital without making you manage the route. The tradeoff is that this transfer can feel crowded and confusing when several buses are loading at once.

Pay close attention to the driver’s instructions. The return bus may not be the first vehicle you see, and the correct bus is tied to the agreed meeting point and departure time. One useful instruction given on a previous trip was to return to the exact same bus for the ride back to the waterfront. Before walking away, make sure you know the bus number, location, and time.

You have approximately 1.5 hours in Victoria. In practice, that is enough for a focused visit, not a leisurely afternoon. You can walk through the city, find a place for a drink or snack, and climb toward the Citadel. You should not expect enough time to explore every church, museum, and street.

The Citadel: Gozo’s great landmark

The Citadel, also called Cittadella, is Victoria’s major landmark. This medieval fortress rises above the city and has an imposing military profile. Its position makes it easy to spot from many parts of Gozo, and it gives you a strong sense of the island’s defensive past.

You can visit the Citadel during your free time, but admission to sites in Gozo is not included. That means you should allow for any entry costs and avoid spending your entire stop inside one attraction if you also want to walk around Victoria.

I would head toward the Citadel soon after leaving the bus. Even if you only explore the exterior paths and viewpoints, it gives you the most distinctive part of the Gozo visit. Then use the remaining time for the streets and squares below. Wear comfortable shoes because the day includes walking, uneven surfaces, and a later stop where you may be carrying swim gear.

The main weakness is the clock. Several hours would suit Victoria better, especially if you want to visit the fortress properly. Here, the Citadel works best as a quick, self-guided highlight rather than a detailed historical visit. There is no official guide for the free time, and the bus ride has no audio commentary.

Returning to Mġarr Harbour and heading for Comino

After Victoria, the bus returns you to Mġarr Harbour. You then board the catamaran again and continue toward Comino. Keep track of the return time because the boat does not wait at the destination. Missing the agreed meeting time can leave you responsible for your own onward arrangements.

This second boat ride is part transport and part sightseeing. The water and coastal views are a major reason to book this kind of outing, but weather has the final say. Strong winds can turn a pleasant cruise into a rough crossing, particularly on the way back to Malta.

The crew provides assistance, and the boat is organized around fixed departure times. Still, this is not a guided walking tour. At each stop, you are responsible for finding your way back to the correct meeting place. I would take a photo of the boat, note the crew’s instructions, and set an alarm for the return time.

Two hours at the Blue Lagoon

Comino is the highlight for many people. You get approximately two hours on the island, with the main focus on the Blue Lagoon. The water is clear and turquoise, the seabed is pale, and the bay is well suited to a refreshing swim or short snorkel.

Bring your swimsuit, towel, sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. It is smart to wear your swimwear under your clothes, since the boat’s toilet can become very busy when many people change at once. Comfortable shoes also help if you want to leave the water and walk around Comino.

The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but you need realistic expectations. In the warmer months, the narrow shore and swimming area can be extremely crowded. The setting remains striking, yet the noise, limited space, and heavy foot traffic can make the stop feel less relaxing than the photographs suggest.

I would treat the lagoon as a swim and photo stop, not as a peaceful beach afternoon. Get your bearings quickly, decide where you will leave your belongings, and keep enough time to return to the meeting point. If you prefer quiet coves and open space, this may be the least satisfying part of the day.

Since May 2025, you must obtain an official government access pass before stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon. The pass is arranged through blcomino.com, daily numbers are limited, and you must select the afternoon timeslot when applying. Without the pass, you will not be allowed to disembark there. This is the most important booking detail to handle before the day begins.

Optional caves and the quieter side of Comino

An optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon costs about €15 per person, payable locally. The short ride offers views from the water and takes you into cave areas that the main catamaran does not provide in the same way.

This add-on is not included in the $52 price, so decide based on your interests and budget. If you enjoy seeing coastal rock formations from a small, fast boat, it can add something memorable. If you mainly want to swim at the Blue Lagoon, save the money and keep the extra time for yourself.

Comino also has walking routes leading to St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery. The provided schedule gives you only about two hours, so you will need to choose between swimming, the optional boat trip, and walking. In winter, when swimming is less appealing, the island’s car-free setting can work better for hikers and photographers.

What the $52 price really buys you

The price is reasonable if you value convenience. It covers the scenic cruise, English commentary on the boat, the Gozo harbor-to-Victoria bus, the return bus, free time in Victoria, and free time at Comino. You also get air-conditioning, WiFi, toilets, and help from the crew, staff, and driver.

The price does not include food, drinks, Gozo attraction tickets, a guide, the Blue Lagoon access pass, or the optional caves boat. Hotel transfers are also excluded. Add those costs, if needed, before comparing this trip with a private driver or a ferry-based plan.

The strongest value is the transport. You can see two islands without figuring out ferry connections, local buses, or harbor transfers. The weakest value is time: you pay for access to two popular places, but you only get a short look at Gozo and a crowded two-hour stop at Comino.

For a first visit to Malta, that tradeoff may be worthwhile. For a repeat visit, or for someone who prefers slow travel, I would choose one island and spend the full day there instead.

Who should book this day trip

This outing suits you if you want:

• A straightforward way to combine Gozo and Comino
• A scenic boat ride as part of the day
• A brief look at Victoria and the Citadel
• Time to swim at the Blue Lagoon
• Organized transport without renting a car
• A flexible, self-guided format rather than a narrated walking tour

It is less suitable if you want a quiet beach, a detailed history tour, or plenty of time in Victoria. It is also a poor match for anyone with serious mobility limits, since the trip involves boat boarding, bus transfers, walking, and uneven ground. Wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments are specifically advised not to book.

Bring only a small day bag. Oversize luggage and large bags are not allowed. Your essentials are comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, cash, and motion sickness prevention if you need it.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if your Malta plans are short and you want the main sights of Gozo and Comino in one organized day. The crew and boat operation are generally praised for being friendly, professional, and well run, and the included bus transfer saves real effort.

Do not book it expecting solitude, a personal guide, or a deep visit to either island. The best approach is to see this as a well-priced sampler. Secure the Blue Lagoon pass first, arrive early for the boat, listen carefully for the bus instructions, and accept that the schedule favors coverage over calm.

FAQ

How long does the Gozo and Comino trip last?

The trip lasts approximately 7 to 7.5 hours. Starting times vary by the option selected, so check availability when booking.

Where does the boat depart?

You can depart from Sliema Ferries in Sliema or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. The available meeting point depends on the option you choose.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must reach the selected meeting point yourself.

How much free time is provided in Victoria?

You receive approximately 1.5 hours of free time in Victoria. This allows for a focused visit to the city and the Citadel, but not a full tour of every attraction.

Is admission to the Citadel included?

No. Admission to sites in Gozo is not included. You can visit the Citadel during your free time, but any applicable entry fees are paid separately.

How long do you spend at the Blue Lagoon?

You have approximately two hours of free time at Comino and the Blue Lagoon. The boat does not remain at the destination, so return to the agreed meeting place on time.

Do you need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, you need an official access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. Obtain it in advance through blcomino.com, choose the afternoon timeslot, and note that daily availability is limited.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Bring money for purchases, and remember that cash is listed among the recommended items.

Is the trip suitable for wheelchair users or people prone to seasickness?

No. The trip is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, or people prone to seasickness. Rough conditions can make the boat crossing uncomfortable.