From Sliema: Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon Cruise

The best thing about this $41 island-hopping day is how much Malta you see without arranging ferries, buses, and beach transfers yourself. You cruise past St. Julian’s Bay, St. Paul’s Bay, St. Paul’s Island, and Mellieha before reaching Gozo, then finish at Comino’s Blue Lagoon.

I like the optional Gozo minibus, which makes Qala Belvedere and Victoria easy to fit into a short stop. I also like the friendly crew, regular commentary, clean boat, onboard facilities, and the fun waterslide. The main catch is the sea: rough conditions can cause seasickness and may shorten or change the Blue Lagoon stop.

I love this trip for its big Malta views, but you should not expect a slow, in-depth visit to Gozo and Comino. It is a busy sampler, not two separate island holidays packed into one day.

Key points at a glance

• Gozo by minibus or on your own: The optional bus saves time and reaches Qala Belvedere and Victoria, while independent visitors have more freedom at Mgarr Harbour.
• Qala Belvedere photo stop: This viewpoint gives you one of Gozo’s best broad views and is a quick but worthwhile camera break.
• Victoria and the Citadel: You get time to walk, shop, eat, and visit the old fortified city, but meal service can use up much of the stop.
• Blue Lagoon for about 75 to 90 minutes: Bring a towel and swimwear, but expect crowds and possible weather changes.
• Santa Maria Caves from the water: The boat passes close for photographs when conditions allow.
• Rough-sea warning: People prone to seasickness should think carefully before booking, especially outside calm summer conditions.

Why this cruise works as a first Malta day

This is a useful introduction to Malta’s three main islands. You leave from the Luzzu Cruises berth at Sliema Ferry, look back at the resort coastline, and spend the day moving between Gozo’s towns, Comino’s coves, and Malta’s open sea.

The trip lasts about 7.5 hours. That is long enough to feel like a full outing, yet short enough to fit into a compact Malta visit. The price of about $41 per person is strong value if you want transport, boat sightseeing, Gozo access, and a Blue Lagoon stop in one booking.

The tradeoff is pace. You will not have time to explore Gozo’s villages at length or linger over every swim. I would think of this as a well-planned sampler. It gives you a taste of the islands and helps you decide where you might return for a slower visit.

The boat is identified as the MV Kataleya or MV Lady Shelley. Staff provide English commentary, and the captain gives information about the coast and islands along the route. Several departures have received praise for calm, friendly handling, and one driver named Carmen was singled out for helping passengers who became seasick.

Leaving Sliema and following Malta’s northern coast

The meeting point is at the Luzzu Cruises boat near Sliema Ferry, Ferries 4. Look for the MV Kataleya or MV Lady Shelley, and arrive with enough time to find the correct vessel. Hotel transfers are not included, so you need to make your own way to Sliema.

The opening cruise passes St. Julian’s Bay, Qawra, St. Paul’s Bay, St. Paul’s Island, and Mellieha. This part is not a sightseeing stop, but it gives you a pleasant moving view of Malta’s shoreline. You can sit inside, use the upper deck, or watch the coast from the side of the boat.

The boat has toilets and a small bar or food service, according to the supplied details and guest accounts. Food and drinks are not included in the price, so bring money if you want something during the day. You should also carry water, sunscreen, a hat, and a towel.

The sea is the first serious practical issue. Several departures had rough water, especially on the way to Gozo or on the return to Sliema. The crew warned people in advance and handed out sick bags when needed, but that does not make a choppy crossing pleasant. If you are strongly prone to seasickness, this is not the right day trip for you.

Mgarr Harbour and the Gozo choice

The boat reaches Mgarr Harbour, Gozo’s main port. Here you have a choice: explore around the harbour on your own or take the optional minibus toward Qala Belvedere and Victoria.

I recommend the minibus for most first-time visitors. Gozo is larger than you may expect, and the tour’s time is limited. The bus gives you a practical way to reach inland sights without trying to arrange local transport during a short port stop. It also keeps the day moving, which matters because the boat will leave at a set time.

The minibus option is not simply a transfer to Victoria. It includes a photo stop at Qala Belvedere, then time in Victoria, Gozo’s capital. The bus drivers provide directions and point out what to see, though the amount of explanation can vary by departure.

If you skip the bus, you gain independence but lose access to the planned viewpoint and the easy ride to Victoria. You might prefer this option if you mainly want a quiet walk around Mgarr Harbour or do not want to follow a fixed schedule. Just keep a close eye on the return time.

One caution is worth taking seriously: be at the bus meeting point early. One departure had a minibus leave before the expected meeting time, although the affected passengers were able to board another vehicle. This is a good reason not to wander far after your Victoria time ends.

Qala Belvedere, a quick view with real payoff

Qala Belvedere is a short photo stop, not a long walk or full attraction visit. Its value is the view. You get a wide look across the surrounding coast and islands, making it one of the strongest visual moments on the Gozo portion of the day.

The stop is especially useful because the rest of the excursion gives you limited time to reach viewpoints on your own. Have your camera ready before the bus arrives. You may not have time to linger, and the group will need to stay on schedule.

This is also where the minibus earns its cost. Without it, reaching a similar viewpoint during a short port visit would be difficult. If your priority is scenery rather than shopping, this may be the most efficient part of the Gozo add-on.

Victoria and the Citadel in about 80 minutes

Victoria gives you the day’s main taste of Gozo’s town life. The old fortified Citadel rises above the city and provides the clearest link to Gozo’s defensive past. You can walk toward the Citadel, see the main streets, shop, stop for coffee, or find a quick meal.

The scheduled Victoria visit is listed at about 80 minutes, although some departures have provided closer to two hours. Either way, plan carefully. If you want the Citadel, do that first. Food service can be slow, and waiting for a meal may leave you with little time for the old fort and central streets.

I would avoid a leisurely restaurant lunch here. Choose something quick, then spend the remaining minutes walking uphill toward the Citadel and returning to the bus meeting point with time to spare. You are not getting a full Victoria tour, but you can get a satisfying first look.

This stop is also the clearest limitation of the combined itinerary. Gozo deserves more than a short visit, especially if you want to see rural areas, churches, or more of the island’s coast. Some people will find the time just right for a first visit. Others will wish the boat returned later.

Returning to the boat and heading for Comino

After the Gozo portion, you return to Mgarr Harbour and rejoin the boat. The timing is carefully linked to the vessel’s arrival, so do not treat the port as an open-ended stop.

The cruise toward Comino is one of the most enjoyable parts of the day. The water often feels calmer than on the morning crossing, though weather can change quickly. You may get views of rocky shorelines and small bays as the boat approaches the Blue Lagoon.

The crew keeps the group informed, and the captain’s commentary helps turn the transfer into sightseeing rather than dead time. On some trips, passengers have also spotted dolphins from the boat, though this is an occasional bonus and not part of the promised program.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, limited space

The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about 75 to 90 minutes in the planned schedule. That is enough time for a swim, a little snorkeling, sunbathing, or a walk along the shore, but it is not a full beach day.

From May 1, 2025, you need a free QR code registration if you plan to leave the boat at Comino’s Blue Lagoon. The link is provided after booking, and the code is mandatory for going ashore. Do this before the trip so you do not lose part of your short stop.

The lagoon is famous for clear water, but fame brings crowds. Some people prefer swimming from the boat, where the view can feel better and the shoreline congestion is less noticeable. The boat also has a waterslide, which adds a bit of fun for children and adults when conditions allow.

Do not count on the slide operating in poor weather. One departure did not use it, apparently because of sea conditions, and the reason was not clearly explained. The same applies to the swim itself. Strong wind can make swimming unsafe, and the captain may shorten the stop or use another bay.

In rough conditions, the Blue Lagoon stop has been reduced to about 45 minutes. On another weather-affected departure, the boat used St. Mary’s Bay instead, which provided a safer alternative but was less appealing for swimming and sightseeing. The captain can alter or cancel parts of the excursion according to conditions, and the tour runs rain or shine.

That weather policy is fair, but it is important to understand before you book. The Blue Lagoon is the emotional high point for many people, yet it is the part most exposed to wind, waves, crowds, and official access rules.

Santa Maria Caves from the water

After the Blue Lagoon, the boat passes the Santa Maria Caves, also called the Crystal Caves of Comino in the tour description. This is a photo stop from the water, lasting about 10 minutes.

The boat may get close enough for excellent photographs, depending on sea conditions. You do not normally get a long shore visit inside the caves, so think of this as a coastal viewing stop rather than a cave hike.

It is a smart addition to the route. You have already had your main swim, and the caves give you something different to look at before the return cruise. Have your camera ready and follow crew instructions near the railings.

What the $41 price really gets you

At around $41 per person, this is good value for a full day if you want an overview of Gozo and Comino. The core price includes the Sliema to Gozo cruise, the Comino stop, the cave visit, and use of the waterslide. The optional Gozo transport may cost extra, depending on the booking choice you select.

The value comes from combining several costly or awkward pieces: a boat route, island access, a Gozo transfer, a viewpoint, Victoria, and the Blue Lagoon. You also avoid spending your day figuring out ferry connections and local transport.

Food and drinks are not included. You can buy them on the boat, but you should budget separately. Bring a packed snack if you want to protect your time in Victoria, since a long restaurant wait can reduce the Citadel visit.

The bus add-on is the easy value choice for a first visit. It costs more than simply staying around Mgarr Harbour, but it gives you a viewpoint and Victoria without the stress of arranging transport. If you are mainly interested in swimming and boat scenery, you may prefer to skip it and spend more time near the port.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful if your Malta plans depend on weather, but they do not remove the risk that bad conditions can change the route on the day.

Who should book this day trip

I would choose this cruise if you have limited time in Malta and want to see several major sights in one outing. It suits couples, families, and first-time visitors who prefer a planned day with English commentary and included boat transport.

The trip is also a good fit if you want a mix of experiences: coastal views, a Gozo town, a historic fort, swimming, and caves. The crew’s friendly approach is a real plus, especially when the sea turns rough or passengers need help.

I would not choose it if you want a slow visit to Gozo. You should also think twice if you dislike crowded swimming spots, fixed departure times, or open-water crossings. People with mobility impairments may find the boat, bus, shore access, and short stops difficult, and the activity is specifically not recommended for them.

Wear comfortable shoes, bring a towel, and pack for both sun and wind. The tour takes place in changing weather, and the captain has the final say on the route.

Final verdict: a strong sampler, not a slow island escape

Book this tour if you want the most efficient way to combine Gozo, Comino, Victoria, and the Blue Lagoon in one day. Choose the minibus option unless you have a clear reason to stay around Mgarr Harbour, and register for the Blue Lagoon QR code before departure.

Skip it in favor of separate Gozo and Comino outings if you want long walks, unhurried meals, or more time at the Citadel and beach. For everyone else, the price, scenery, friendly crew, and packed route make this a strong first-day introduction to Malta’s sister islands.

FAQ

How long is the cruise and island excursion?

The activity lasts about 7.5 hours, including the cruise from Sliema, the Gozo visit, the Blue Lagoon stop, the Santa Maria Caves viewing, and the return to Sliema.

Is transport around Gozo included?

Gozo transport is optional. You can explore from Mgarr Harbour on your own or select the minibus option, which takes you to Qala Belvedere and Victoria.

How much time do I get at the Blue Lagoon?

The planned stop is about 75 to 90 minutes. Weather and sea conditions can shorten it, and one affected departure had about 45 minutes.

Do I need a QR code for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. From May 1, 2025, anyone leaving the boat at Comino’s Blue Lagoon must register for a free QR code. The link is provided after booking.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the price, although food and drink service is available on the boat.

Is the tour suitable for people with seasickness or mobility impairments?

The tour is not suitable for people prone to seasickness or people with mobility impairments. Rough water can occur, and the captain may change the route or stops according to weather conditions.