Full Day Cruise to Gozo & Blue Lagoon with visit to Rabat

The best part of this eight-hour island day is the contrast: Malta’s open northern coast gives way to Gozo’s hilltop Cittadella, then to Comino’s clear turquoise water. For $41, you get transport between three islands and a simple way to see places that are awkward to connect on your own.

I like the coastal cruise past St. Paul’s Island and Mellieha, and I like having a bus transfer ready when you reach Gozo. The Blue Lagoon is the big prize, with time to swim or snorkel beside the boat. The main drawback is limited time in Victoria, plus the possibility of a crowded boat and a very busy lagoon.

Key points to know before booking

• Victoria time is short: You get about 75 minutes in Gozo’s capital, enough for the Cittadella and a quick snack, but not a full city visit.
• The Blue Lagoon is the main event: You can swim, snorkel, or relax near the water, though Comino may be crowded.
• A free Comino ticket is required: For visits from May 1, 2025, choose the 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm slot at blcomino.com and keep the QR code ready.
• The boat ride is part of the experience: Expect sea views, onboard commentary, and facilities, but bring a layer because the wind can make the trip cold.
• Optional extras cost more: Upper-deck sunbeds and snorkel equipment are not included, and some past drink offers may not apply.
• Meet early at Sliema Ferries: Find the Yellow Malta Sightseeing Booth opposite McDonald’s by 10:00 am for the 10:30 am departure.

What this Malta island day actually offers

This is a transport-and-free-time excursion, not a guided walking tour of Gozo. That distinction matters. You cruise from Sliema, transfer by bus into Gozo, receive free time in Victoria, return to the boat, and then stop at Comino.

The English host provides commentary during the cruise, but you should not expect a guide walking with you through every street or explaining each room of the Cittadella. If you enjoy setting your own pace, this is a plus. If you want a detailed historical tour, it may feel too loose.

The arrangement is efficient for a first look at the islands. You avoid arranging separate ferries, buses, and beach transfers. The tradeoff is that the schedule gives you a broad taste rather than much time in any one place.

Leaving Sliema and cruising Malta’s northern coast

Your day starts at 10:00 am at Sliema Ferries, opposite McDonald’s. Look for the Yellow Malta Sightseeing Booth. The boat leaves at 10:30 am, so do not treat the meeting time as the departure time.

The first stretch gives you views from the water toward St. Paul’s Island and Mellieha. This is a useful way to see Malta’s northern edge without spending the morning on roads. The boat also gives you a different sense of scale: the coast, headlands, and island crossings make more sense when viewed from offshore.

The ride can be breezy, especially in spring or on the way out. I would bring a light jacket even if Malta feels warm at the harbor. Comfortable shoes are also sensible, since you will walk around Victoria and may move between the boat, bus, and shore.

The boat has onboard facilities, but capacity matters. The vessel can feel crowded, and one practical detail deserves attention: the toilet has been described as very small, with only one available onboard. Plan around that before departure.

Some passengers have paid extra for the top level or upper-deck sunbeds. These seats can give you better sun and views, but they are not part of the $41 fare. Ask about the current arrangement before paying, and do not assume every deck or seat carries the same price.

Gozo by bus, then 75 minutes in Victoria

When you reach Gozo, you board a bus toward Victoria, the island’s capital. The city is also known as Rabat, which explains the different names used for this stop.

The bus transfer makes the visit practical, but this is not a narrated island tour. You are dropped near the center and given roughly 75 minutes of free time. That is enough to walk toward the Cittadella, climb to a viewpoint, take photographs, and grab a quick snack. It is not enough for a relaxed city visit, long lunch, and several museums.

The Cittadella is the obvious target. Its elevated position gives you broad views across Gozo, and its compact setting works well for a short stop. Go directly there if you want the best use of your time. Wandering without checking the return point can leave you rushing back to the bus.

This stop is where the schedule feels tightest. If you have a baby, use a wheelchair, or need frequent breaks, allow extra time for movement and keep your plans simple. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the short stop and transfer process still make careful pacing important.

The return buses may feel crowded. If the group arrives back at the same time, boarding can be less comfortable than the outward journey. Keep your belongings close and listen carefully for the meeting instructions, since the boat cannot wait indefinitely for late arrivals.

Gozo deserves more than this brief introduction. You will not have time to explore the island’s smaller villages or make a separate trip to every famous site. You should also not expect to see the former Azure Window, which no longer exists. This cruise gives you a quick look at Victoria and the Cittadella, not a complete tour of Gozo.

The Blue Lagoon on Comino

After Gozo, the boat heads to Comino for the afternoon. The Blue Lagoon is the strongest reason to book this outing. Its clear turquoise water is the kind of sight that makes the boat trip worthwhile, even when the shore is busy.

You can swim from the boat or use the beach area if access is available. Snorkeling equipment is not included, but it can be rented. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you already have them, or budget for the rental rather than assuming it comes with the fare.

You receive a time window for Comino, with the free ticket slot set at 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm. From May 1, 2025, you need a free ticket from blcomino.com to walk on Comino. Officials scan the QR code on arrival, and anyone without it cannot walk onto the island. You can still swim beside the boat, but that is a poor substitute if you want to sit on shore.

Make the ticket before departure and save the QR code where you can show it without an internet connection. Choose the required time slot carefully. This is one of the most important practical details in the whole day.

The lagoon can be crowded, and the experience is not a quiet beach retreat. You may find limited space, busy water, and plenty of activity around the boat. Families with babies should think about this carefully. The swimming area may be beautiful, but the combination of crowds, sun, boat transfers, and limited shade is not ideal for every young child.

Still, the stop has real value. You get time to swim in unusually clear water without having to arrange your own trip to Comino. Fish and jellyfish may be visible from the boat, and dolphins have occasionally been spotted from the water. These sightings are possible extras, not promises, but they add interest to the crossing.

Food, drinks, and optional costs

Food and drinks are not included in the standard price. Bring water and something to eat, especially if you prefer not to buy refreshments onboard or at Comino.

Drink arrangements can change, so read the current booking details rather than relying on an older promise of free drinks. Some past passengers were offered drinks only during a limited late-morning window, while others found the advertised offer was no longer available. If you are counting on refreshments, ask at check-in and carry your own backup.

The $41 price is fair if you want a full day of transport, a coastal cruise, a Gozo transfer, and access to the Blue Lagoon. It is less attractive if you expect a small group, a guided Gozo tour, included meals, or plenty of time on land.

Optional charges can include upper-deck sunbeds and snorkel equipment. These are not unreasonable extras, but they should be part of your budget. The basic fare is best viewed as a practical island connection with sightseeing, not an all-inclusive boat holiday.

Timing, comfort, and the group experience

The advertised duration is eight hours, but boat schedules can slip. A late departure or later return is possible, so avoid booking a tight evening plan afterward. The day may run at a relaxed Mediterranean pace rather than a precise minute-by-minute schedule.

The boat can hold a large group. That helps keep the fare down, but it also means the best seats go early and shared spaces can feel crowded. Arrive at the meeting point on time, then board promptly if you want a choice of seating.

You may find the upper deck exposed to full sun, while lower or engine-adjacent seats can feel less pleasant because of noise or smell. A practical compromise is to claim a shaded outside seat when possible and keep your towel, sunscreen, and jacket within reach.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, which is useful, but the experience still includes a boat, bus transfer, walking in Victoria, and a beach or swimming stop. Anyone requiring extra assistance should confirm the exact boarding and transfer arrangements before booking.

Who will get the most from this cruise

I would recommend this day to you if you want:

• A straightforward first look at Gozo and Comino
• A low-cost alternative to arranging several separate transfers
• Plenty of time on the water
• A short visit to Victoria rather than a full Gozo itinerary
• A chance to swim at the Blue Lagoon
• The freedom to explore independently once dropped off

It suits couples, families with older children, and anyone who prefers a simple plan. The English commentary helps you follow the route, while the free time lets you choose between the Cittadella, a snack, or a quick walk through town.

I would hesitate if you want a peaceful beach day, a small boat, a long guided visit in Gozo, or a polished food-and-drink package. It is also not the best match if you dislike crowds, have a strict return schedule, or need a lot of spare time between activities.

What to bring for the eight-hour day

Pack light, but pack for both sightseeing and swimming.

• Comfortable walking shoes for Victoria and the Cittadella
• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen
• Water and food if you do not want to buy them
• A light layer for the windy boat ride
• Snorkel gear if you already own it
• The Comino QR code, saved before departure
• A phone or watch so you can track the return time

Keep your booking information and meeting details handy. Instructions about pickup or meeting points have not always been as clear as they should be, so confirm the exact location before the morning of departure. If a pickup service applies to your booking, do not assume its arrival will be perfectly on time.

The $41 decision

At $41 per person, this is a useful value for a full day that combines Malta’s coast, Gozo, and Comino. You pay for convenience more than depth. The cruise and transfers remove much of the planning, while the low price keeps the experience accessible.

The strongest value comes from the Blue Lagoon and the coastal views. The weakest value is the short Victoria stop, especially if Gozo is your main reason for booking. You should think of the Cittadella visit as a preview, not a proper Gozo tour.

I like this setup for a first Malta visit when you want to cover ground and see the islands from the water. I would choose a different plan for a slower day, a longer Gozo visit, or a quiet swim away from the crowds.

Should you book this Malta cruise?

Book it if you want an affordable, well-organized introduction to Gozo and Comino, and you are happy with free time rather than a detailed guided tour. Arrive early, bring your own water and sun protection, prepare for wind, and secure the free Comino ticket before you go.

Skip it if you need generous time in Victoria, guaranteed quiet at the Blue Lagoon, or a small-group feel. For the right expectations, this is a practical full-day outing with two memorable stops and a lot of time spent enjoying Malta from the sea.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart?

Meet at 10:00 am at Sliema Ferries, opposite McDonald’s. Look for the Yellow Malta Sightseeing Booth. The boat leaves at 10:30 am.

How long does the activity last?

The planned duration is eight hours, with a return to Malta in the evening.

Is Victoria the same place as Rabat on this tour?

Yes. The tour describes a visit to Rabat, which is also identified as Victoria, the capital city of Gozo.

How much free time do I get in Victoria?

You get approximately 75 minutes of free time to explore the city and the Cittadella.

Do I need a ticket for Comino?

From May 1, 2025, you need a free Comino ticket to walk onto the island. Order it at blcomino.com, select the 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm slot, and keep the QR code ready for scanning.

Are food, drinks, and snorkeling equipment included?

No. Food, drinks, and snorkeling equipment are not included. Snorkel equipment is available to rent.

Is the activity wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. It includes a boat, a bus transfer to Victoria, and time at Comino, so confirm any specific assistance needs before booking.