Malta: Full-Day Gozo and Blue Lagoon Cruise

Malta looks best from the water. This eight-hour cruise links Gozo’s Cittadella with a swim at the Blue Lagoon, giving you two of Malta’s most popular sights in one day. I like the easy boat-and-bus arrangement, and I like the broad views of St. Paul’s Island and Mellieha from the northern coast. The main tradeoff is time: 75 minutes in Victoria can feel rushed, while the boat may be crowded and some extras cost more.

The $45 price is fair if you want transport, a coastal cruise, Gozo, and Comino without arranging several separate trips. I would not book it expecting a detailed guided tour of Gozo. You get free time in Victoria, not a walking tour, and the Blue Lagoon is beautiful but rarely quiet.

Key points at a glance

• Gozo is a short, focused stop: You get about 75 minutes in Victoria, enough for the Cittadella and a quick snack, but not a full island tour.
• The Blue Lagoon is the main event: Swimming and snorkeling in clear turquoise water make this the strongest part of the day.
• The boat offers open-air seating: Top-deck sunbeds may be available for an extra EUR 10, so check what is included before boarding.
• The meeting point is easy to find: Be at 10:00 at the Yellow Malta Sightseeing Booth opposite McDonald’s at Sliema Ferries. The boat leaves at 10:30.
• Comino now requires a free ticket: For visits from May 1, 2025, reserve the 13:30 to 17:30 slot at www.blcomino.com and keep the QR code ready.
• Pack for sun and wind: Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. The ride can feel cold when the wind picks up.

Starting at Sliema Ferries at 10:00

Your day begins at Sliema Ferries, opposite McDonald’s. Look for the Yellow Malta Sightseeing Booth and arrive by 10:00, giving yourself time to find the check-in point before the boat leaves at 10:30.

That small time gap matters. The boat is not waiting for a late arrival, and the waterfront can be busy with other departures. I would arrive with your swimsuit already accessible, rather than buried under a day’s clothing. You may not swim until the afternoon, but changing space can be limited.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, and transportation to Victoria and Qala Belvedere is included. English is the operating language, with an English audio guide available. There is also a host or greeter, though this should not be confused with a personal guide who walks around Gozo with you.

Cruising past St. Paul’s Island and Mellieha

The first part of the day is spent on the water along Malta’s northern coast. This is a pleasant way to reach Gozo, since you get a different view of Malta than you would from a road transfer.

Keep an eye out for St. Paul’s Island and the coast around Mellieha. The cruise gives you time to settle in, take photographs, and enjoy the sea before the more structured parts of the day begin. On a clear day, the views are likely to be the best reason to spend some of the trip outside rather than staying in an indoor seating area.

The boat is described as large, with sunbeds on the top level available for an additional EUR 10 according to the supplied experience details. That charge is worth checking at check-in if sunbathing is important to you. Do not assume the top deck is part of the standard $45 fare.

Wind is another practical point. One April departure felt cold on the outward trip because of the wind, even though Malta is known for warm weather. Bring a light layer. Sunscreen is still needed, but so is protection from the breeze.

Facilities are provided onboard, though the boat has only one very small toilet according to the supplied comments. If you need to use it, do so before the busiest periods. You may also find sales pitches for speedboat rides, snorkeling equipment, or other add-ons during the day. The trip is more relaxed if you decide in advance what you are willing to pay for.

Victoria and the Cittadella in 75 minutes

On arrival at Gozo, you transfer by bus to Victoria, the island’s capital. Victoria is also known as Rabat, so do not be confused if both names appear during the day.

The stop lasts about 75 minutes. This is enough time to walk up to the Cittadella, enjoy the views from its high position, and grab something quick to eat. It is not enough time for a leisurely city visit, a long meal, and several side streets.

The Cittadella is the obvious target. Its elevated position gives you a broad view over Gozo, and the walk up is the most worthwhile use of your limited time. Wear comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to reach the top before returning to the bus.

I would make a simple plan before leaving the bus. Go directly toward the Cittadella, look around, take your photographs, and leave enough time to return. A snack is possible, but a sit-down meal could make the schedule uncomfortable.

This part of the trip is sometimes described as a Gozo tour, but the practical reality is closer to a transfer and free-time visit. You are dropped in central Victoria and told when to return. There is no detailed sightseeing circuit around Gozo, and the itinerary does not include the Azure Window. If you want to see more of the island, this day will feel too short.

The return transfer can also be crowded. At busy times, passengers may be packed onto buses waiting to return to the boat. More buses would make this part easier, but you should expect some queueing and limited personal space.

What the Gozo stop is really worth

Gozo is the cultural and sightseeing part of the day, but it is handled at speed. You get a useful first look at Victoria and the Cittadella without needing to organize your own ferry, bus, and city visit.

That convenience has a clear cost. You give up flexibility. You cannot spend the afternoon exploring another Gozo village, visiting a museum, or stopping at a coastal viewpoint. The included transportation to Victoria and Qala Belvedere helps with logistics, but it does not turn the stop into a full island tour.

I would see this as an introduction to Gozo. If you have never been, the Cittadella gives you a strong snapshot. If Gozo is a main reason for visiting Malta, choose a longer island tour instead.

Returning to the boat for Comino

After Victoria, you board the boat again and continue toward Comino Island. The schedule allows roughly two hours at the Blue Lagoon, though departure times can run late. One departure left later than planned and returned around 17:00 rather than 16:00, so keep your evening flexible.

From May 1, 2025, you need a free ticket to walk onto Comino. Reserve it at www.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 onto Comino, although you can still swim next to the boat.

This is an important change, not a minor booking detail. Save the QR code on your phone before leaving Malta, and make sure the selected time matches the required afternoon slot. The ticket itself costs nothing, but forgetting it can change the experience from an island stop to a swim beside the boat.

Swimming at the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is the strongest reason to choose this cruise. Its clear turquoise water is ideal for swimming, and you can snorkel or simply float near the boat. You can also relax on the beach if space is available.

The water is the star, but do not expect solitude. The lagoon is a popular stop, and the area can be busy even when the water itself feels calm. If you dislike crowds, the deck or a swim beside the boat may be more comfortable than trying to claim a small patch of beach.

Snorkeling equipment is not included, but it can be rented. Bring your own mask if you already have one, or budget for the rental. You will need swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Comfortable shoes are useful for walking on Comino, especially if you leave the beach area.

The stop may last about two hours, which gives you enough time for a proper swim without turning the whole afternoon into a beach day. Some people will want longer, especially if they plan to snorkel. Others will find two hours just right after a morning boat trip and a fast visit to Victoria.

A useful bonus is the chance to see marine life from the boat. Dolphins, jellyfish, and plenty of fish have been spotted during the day. These sightings are not guaranteed, but they add interest to the cruise between stops.

Food, drinks, and extra charges

Food and drinks are not included in the standard price. Bring water and a snack, particularly if you do not want to spend your limited Victoria time searching for food.

There has also been confusion about complimentary drinks. Some departures offered free drinks during a limited period from 11:30 to 13:00, while other passengers were told that five free drinks were no longer available. Do not rely on promised drinks unless the operator confirms the current arrangement when you check in.

This is one reason to carry your own water. You may also hear offers for speedboat rides or snorkeling gear. Those extras can be useful, but they are not part of the advertised $45 package. Ask the price before agreeing, especially if you are traveling with family or a group.

The $10 top-deck sunbed charge is another cost to note. The basic fare remains reasonable, but the final price can creep up if you add seats, equipment, drinks, and boat activities.

Crowds, seating, and comfort onboard

A large boat gives you more space than a small ferry, but it does not guarantee a quiet ride. Some seating may be near the engine, where noise and smell can be unpleasant. If you care about your seat, board early and look around before settling in.

The second level may offer a useful middle ground, with fresh air but less direct sun than the top deck. Seating arrangements can change, and the boat may fill up, so comfortable clothing and realistic expectations help.

The cruise is more enjoyable when you treat the boat as transportation with views, not a luxury yacht. You may get a good sunbed or an open-air seat, but you should not count on it. Wind, engine noise, and a small restroom are part of the practical picture.

The organization receives mixed impressions. The pick-up and drop-off service has been praised as efficient, and the overall route is easy to follow. At the same time, delayed email information and a late pickup have caused stress for some passengers. Keep an eye on your confirmation details and allow extra time at the meeting point.

Is $45 good value for eight hours?

At $45 per person, this is good value for a first-time Malta visitor who wants the major sea stops handled in one day. The fare includes the cruise, onboard facilities, the bus transfer to Victoria, transportation connected with Qala Belvedere, and the return to Sliema.

You are paying for convenience more than depth. The boat removes the need to plan separate transport to Gozo and Comino, but the time on Gozo is short and the city visit is self-guided. If you want a detailed account of local history or a slower look at village life, this is not the right format.

The value is strongest for people who want variety: coast views in the morning, a hilltop citadel around midday, and swimming in clear water in the afternoon. It is weaker for anyone who dislikes fixed schedules, busy boats, or optional sales offers.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now-pay-later booking add flexibility. Wheelchair accessibility is listed, but you should still confirm the practical arrangements for the bus transfer and getting around Victoria if you need specific assistance.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it for first-time visitors, families who want a simple full-day outing, and anyone who wants a swim at the Blue Lagoon without arranging the route alone. It also suits people who prefer a mix of sightseeing and beach time rather than a full day devoted to either one.

You should think twice if Gozo is your main priority. Seventy-five minutes in Victoria is enough for the Cittadella and a quick bite, but not enough to see the wider island. The same applies if you want a quiet Comino experience. The Blue Lagoon is attractive, but its popularity means you may be sharing the water and beach with many others.

Pack your own drinks, wear shoes you can walk in, bring a light layer for the boat, and reserve the free Comino ticket before departure. Those simple steps make the day easier.

FAQ

Where does the cruise begin?

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

How long does the activity last?

The full activity lasts about eight hours and ends back at the meeting point in Sliema. Departure and return times can vary, so check the available schedule and keep your evening flexible.

How much free time do I get in Victoria?

You get about 75 minutes in Victoria, also called Rabat. This allows time to visit the Cittadella and have a quick snack, but not a full tour of Gozo.

Is the Blue Lagoon stop included?

Yes. The cruise includes a stop at the Blue Lagoon on Comino, where you can swim, snorkel, or relax on the beach.

Do I need a ticket for Comino?

From May 1, 2025, you need a free ticket to walk onto Comino. Reserve the 13:30 to 17:30 slot at www.blcomino.com and keep the QR code available for scanning. Without it, you can still swim next to the boat.

Are food, drinks, and snorkeling equipment included?

No. Food, drinks, and snorkeling equipment are not included. Snorkeling equipment is available to rent, and optional onboard extras may cost more.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. English is the operating language, and an English audio guide is included.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want an affordable, well-packed day with coastal views, a short taste of Gozo, and time in the Blue Lagoon. The strongest parts are the easy transport, the clear water, and the range of stops for $45.

Skip it if you want an in-depth Gozo tour, a small boat, or a peaceful beach stop. The schedule is tight, the boat can be crowded, and extra charges and drink arrangements need checking. For a first look at Malta’s northern islands, though, it is a practical choice, as long as you treat Victoria as a brief visit and Comino as the main attraction.