Sliema Cruise to Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon in Beautiful Malta

Malta’s best island sampler starts at sea. This 7-hour-30-minute cruise packs Gozo, Comino, the Blue Lagoon, coastal views, and the Comino caves into one well-priced day. I like the two-island format, especially if you have only a few days in Malta, and I like that the boat has a sundeck, bar, toilets, swimming ladders, and a waterslide. The main drawback is time: Gozo’s Victoria and Citadel get a short visit, while the Blue Lagoon can feel crowded and commercial.

This is a big, organized outing rather than a quiet sailing trip. The maximum group size is 200, and the boat ride is the strongest part of the day. I would book it for the scenery, easy transport, and chance to swim, but not if you want a slow, detailed tour of Gozo.

Key points before you book

• Two islands in one day: You visit Gozo and Comino without arranging separate ferries or buses.
• A full day for about $48.06: The price covers the cruise and Gozo land transport, making it good value for a short Malta visit.
• Blue Lagoon time changes by season: You get about 90 minutes from April through October, and about 60 minutes from November through March.
• Gozo is a quick taste, not a full island tour: You have time in Victoria and a scenic photo stop, but the schedule does not allow a relaxed exploration of Gozo.
• The boat has useful extras: Toilets, a bar, sun deck, swimming ladders, and a waterslide make the vessel part of the attraction.
• Arrive early and prepare for the water: The meeting point is Luzzu Cruises at Sliema Ferries 4. Arriving 45 minutes early is wiser than arriving only 30 minutes early.

Starting at Sliema Ferries 4

The day begins at 10:00 am from Luzzu Cruises, Ferries 4, Triq Ix-Xatt, in Sliema. The official arrival advice is 30 minutes before departure, but I would give yourself 45 minutes. Wristbands may need to be issued, and the boarding area can feel hurried when people arrive at once.

Keep your booking confirmation handy on your phone. The ticket is mobile, and confirmation is received at booking. Hotel transfers are not included, so you need to reach Sliema on your own. The meeting point is also the return point at the end of the cruise.

Once aboard, find out where the return meeting instructions are posted. That small step saves stress later, particularly after free time on Gozo. The boat carries up to 200 people, so personal organization matters more than it would on a small boat trip.

The cruise past Malta’s northern coast

The first part is a scenic coastal ride toward Gozo. The boat passes St Julian’s Bay, St George’s Bay, Bugibba, and Mellieha. Onboard English commentary explains the main coastal sights, and commentary may also be given in several languages during the cruise.

This is a good time to stay outside. From the water, Malta’s shoreline makes more sense than it does from a road. Bays, resort towns, harbors, and rocky coast pass in a steady sequence, and you get broad views of the islands before reaching Gozo.

The boat is designed for a long day at sea. You can sit on the sundeck, buy food and drinks at the bar, or use the indoor areas if the weather turns cool. It also has toilets, which are easy to appreciate on a full-day outing.

Bring a light layer even in warm weather. Wind can make the ride feel cool, and one chilly day at sea can change your opinion of an otherwise pleasant cruise. The vessel can also move sharply in rough conditions, so anyone prone to seasickness should choose a stable seat and watch the weather forecast.

Gozo by bus, with Victoria at the center

After reaching Gozo, you board land transport for a short island visit. The route includes a scenic photo stop, described in the tour details as Xlendi Bay and also listed as Qala Belvedere. Since the exact road sequence can vary, listen carefully for the day’s instructions.

A photo stop gives you a quick look at Gozo’s open views without asking you to organize a taxi or local bus. It is useful, but it is not a full sightseeing visit. You will have enough time for pictures, not a long walk or a detailed look around.

The main stop is Victoria, Gozo’s capital. You have about an hour to see the town, visit the hilltop Citadel, browse the market, or find a quick meal. The Citadel is the best use of limited time. It gives you the historic core of Victoria and views across much of Gozo.

The challenge is finding it quickly. The drop-off point may not put you directly at the Citadel, and some people lose valuable minutes getting their bearings. If the driver gives only a return time, head toward the Citadel first rather than sitting down for a long meal.

This part of the trip divides opinion for a simple reason: Gozo deserves more time. The island has a quieter feel than Malta, but this outing only gives you a sample. Some departures use a small tour van, and the quality of the driver’s explanation can vary. At its best, the road transfer is efficient and friendly. At its weakest, it feels like a ride to Victoria with little guidance.

The bus portion may also include a scenic stop that is shortened or changed by road conditions and timing. Treat it as a bonus, not the main reason to book. If your priority is Gozo’s villages, churches, food, or countryside, choose a dedicated Gozo tour instead.

The Blue Lagoon and Comino

After Gozo, the boat continues to Comino and the famous Blue Lagoon. This is the day’s visual highlight. The water is strikingly clear and blue, and the contrast between pale rock and bright sea makes it an easy place to photograph.

From April through October, the stop lasts about 90 minutes. From November through March, it lasts about 60 minutes. That sounds generous until you factor in getting organized, walking toward the water, taking pictures, and returning to the boat on time.

You can use the boat as your base or go ashore. Swimming ladders and the onboard waterslide are available when the boat is anchored, and snorkeling equipment can be hired from the bar for €5 per set. Food and drinks cost extra.

The boat’s swimming area can be practical for a quick dip, but it is not a private cove. It may be a narrow section between other anchored boats, and you should not expect secure storage for your belongings if you go swimming. If you are alone, this matters. Keep valuables with you or avoid bringing anything you cannot carry.

The shore around the lagoon can be rocky. Water shoes are a smart addition because the rocks may be sharp. If you want to swim, change before the stop or use the boat’s facilities efficiently. The clock moves quickly here.

There is also an important administrative detail. A Blue Lagoon landing pass is not included in the cruise price. The tour information advises arranging access and choosing an afternoon slot before departure. Read the final booking message carefully and deal with this before you reach Sliema. Confusion at the harbor can delay boarding and eat into your morning.

Why the Blue Lagoon may not feel peaceful

The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but beauty has made it one of Malta’s busiest stops. In peak months, you may find a dense mix of boats, swimmers, sunbathers, and day-trippers. The water can still be lovely, but the setting is not an untouched beach.

That does not make the stop worthless. It means you should set the right expectation. This is a quick swim and photo stop in a famous place, not a quiet afternoon beside an empty lagoon.

If you dislike crowds, use the time for a short swim from the boat, then enjoy the deck and the views. If swimming is your main goal, go straight to the water and save photographs for the walk back. The summer schedule gives you a better chance to do both than the winter schedule.

Comino’s Santa Marija Caves on the return

On the way back to Sliema, the boat passes the Comino caves, including the Santa Marija area. The boat remains your viewing platform, so this is a sightseeing pass rather than a cave walk.

The caves add variety after the open-water stop. You get a closer look at Comino’s pale rock formations and small coastal openings before the final cruise. Keep your camera ready, but do not expect a long pause at every cave.

The return journey also gives you a quieter chance to sit down after a busy day. The boat facilities are included, but snacks and drinks are not, so budget for purchases at the bar or bring only what the operator permits. The experience ends back at Sliema Ferries 4.

What the $48.06 price really buys

At about $48.06 per person, this is strong value if you want transport, scenery, and several headline sights in one day. You are paying for the boat between Malta, Gozo, and Comino, onboard commentary, the Gozo transfer, the photo stop, Victoria, the Blue Lagoon, and the cave viewing.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want a detailed Gozo tour. Much of the day is spent commuting by boat, and the Victoria stop is brief. You also pay extra for meals, drinks, snorkeling equipment, hotel transport, and the Blue Lagoon landing pass.

Still, booking separate transport for both islands can take more planning and may cost more once fares and local transport are added. For a first visit or a short stay, the convenience has real value.

Think of this as a well-organized island sampler. It covers a lot of territory, but it cannot give each place the time it deserves.

Weather, comfort, and practical preparation

This experience depends on good weather. If poor conditions cancel the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

Rough water can affect the ride even when the trip continues. The crew has been praised for staying professional and keeping the schedule on track, but a calm itinerary on paper does not guarantee a smooth crossing.

I would bring:

• A light jacket or warm layer for the boat
• Sun protection
• Swimwear and a towel
• Water shoes for rocky shore areas
• A small bag you can keep with you
• A phone or camera with enough battery
• Motion-sickness medication if you normally need it

Service animals are allowed, the meeting point is near public transportation, and most people can take part. The tour is not designed as a deeply guided walking experience, so you should be comfortable managing short periods of free time and following return instructions.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this trip if you have only a few days in Malta and want to see Gozo and Comino without handling several separate bookings. Families can appreciate the mix of boat travel, swimming, photos, and the waterslide. Couples and groups may also enjoy the relaxed structure, since you get organized transport but free time at the main stops.

It also suits people who value scenery more than detailed guiding. The boat commentary and coastal views are a major part of the day, while Gozo is more of a short introduction.

I would choose another option if your main goal is historic Gozo. A dedicated Gozo excursion would give you more time for the Citadel and other sites. I would also look elsewhere if you want a small, quiet boat or a private swim in a secluded place.

Solo visitors should think about the storage issue at Blue Lagoon. If you want to swim away from the boat, there may be nowhere to leave your belongings. The easiest plan is to travel light and keep valuables secured on you.

My verdict: book it for breadth, not depth

I like this Luzzu Cruises outing because it makes a complicated day simple. You see Gozo, Comino, the Blue Lagoon, coastal Malta, and the caves, all for a reasonable price. The boat is comfortable enough for a full day, and the crew is generally described as friendly, professional, and punctual.

The limits are just as clear. Gozo gets too little time for anyone who wants a serious visit, and the Blue Lagoon can be crowded. The bus experience may also feel basic, with limited commentary and uneven guidance.

Book it if you want a broad first look at Malta’s islands, especially during a short stay. Skip it if you would rather spend one full day on Gozo or find a quieter, smaller-scale cruise. Arrive early, arrange the landing pass before departure, bring a warm layer and water shoes, and use your Victoria time wisely. Those small choices can turn a merely busy day into a very good one.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart?

It departs from Luzzu Cruises at Ferries 4, Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema SLM 1023, Malta.

What time does the experience start?

The scheduled start time is 10:00 am.

How early should I arrive?

The official instruction is to arrive 30 minutes before departure. Arriving around 45 minutes early is a useful precaution because wristbands may need to be issued and boarding can become busy.

How long is the experience?

The cruise and island visit last approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes.

How much time is provided at the Blue Lagoon?

The stop lasts about 90 minutes from April through October and about 60 minutes from November through March.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is available to hire from the onboard bar for €5 per set.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are available for purchase onboard but are not included in the tour price.

Is hotel pickup provided?

No. Hotel transfers are not included. You need to make your own way to the Sliema meeting point.