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

Two islands, one long Mediterranean day. This trip packs Malta’s most popular island stops into a scenic catamaran cruise, a bus ride across Gozo, free time in Victoria, and an afternoon at Comino’s Blue Lagoon. I like the easy transport between islands and the chance to see the Citadel in Victoria without arranging ferries and buses yourself.

The main drawback is the Blue Lagoon. Its water can look astonishing, but the shoreline may feel crowded and poorly controlled, especially in summer. You also have limited time at each stop, and rough seas can make the return crossing uncomfortable for anyone prone to motion sickness.

Key points to know before booking

• The day begins on a modern catamaran: Choose departure from Sliema Ferries or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay, depending on the option you book.
• Gozo is seen at a quick pace: A bus connects Mġarr Harbour with Victoria, with about 1.5 hours for the city and Citadel.
• The Blue Lagoon requires a government pass: Since May 2025, you must obtain an access pass in advance to step ashore.
• Comino allows about two hours: You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or walk toward sights such as St. Mary’s Chapel and St. Mary’s Watch Tower.
• This is independent sightseeing: There is no dedicated tour guide, no guided bus commentary, and no admission to Gozo attractions.
• Crowds and sea conditions shape the day: Arrive early for a better boat seat, and bring motion sickness protection if you need it.

What the $52 price really gets you

At about $52 per person, this is a practical transport package rather than a fully guided cultural tour. Your fare covers the boat between Malta, Gozo, and Comino, the Gozo bus transfer, crew assistance, onboard WiFi, toilets, air conditioning, and free time at both main stops.

That can be good value if you want to see both islands in one day without working out separate ferry connections. You are also paying for convenience. The boat takes you from Malta to Gozo, a bus carries you inland to Victoria, and the same general route brings you back to Mġarr Harbour before continuing to Comino.

The price does not cover food, drinks, entry to sites in Gozo, or hotel transfers. You also need to pay about €15 locally if you choose the optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon.

I would think of the fare as fair for a broad first look at the islands. It is less appealing if you want a quiet beach day, a long visit to Gozo, or a proper history tour. You get access and transport, not a deeply explained visit.

Boarding at Sliema or Buġibba

You can select a departure point in Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay. The exact meeting point depends on the option booked, so check your confirmation carefully rather than assuming every departure uses the same dock.

The catamaran is fully air-conditioned and has toilets and WiFi. Outdoor seating gives you the best chance of enjoying the coast, but indoor space may be more comfortable during strong sun or rough weather. Arriving early is sensible if seat choice matters to you. One useful tip is to wear your swimsuit under your clothes, since onboard toilets can become busy when many people change before swimming.

The boat cruise along Malta’s northeast coast is part of the appeal. You get a broad view of the shore as the boat heads toward Gozo, with the sea making the transfer feel more like an outing than a simple ferry ride. English commentary is provided over the public address system, although the sound and speed may be difficult to follow if you are not comfortable with spoken English.

This is also where you should be realistic about the group setting. The boat can carry many people, and the operation may feel busy at departure. Still, the crew and drivers have generally been praised for being friendly, helpful, and professional.

Arriving at Gozo through Mġarr Harbour

Mġarr Harbour is Gozo’s main port and your entry point to the island. From here, you transfer to a sightseeing bus for the drive to Victoria, Gozo’s capital.

The bus route lets you see churches, villages, and open countryside without arranging a taxi or hiring a car. That is useful if you want a quick introduction to Gozo but do not want to spend the day driving on unfamiliar roads.

There is a catch: the bus transfer is functional rather than luxurious sightseeing. The bus tour does not include audio commentary, and the included service is not led by a dedicated guide. Pay close attention to the driver’s instructions about where to return and which bus to take. A crowded bus station can be confusing, particularly when several vehicles are loading at once.

One driver made a point of explaining that the correct return bus was the same one serving the waterfront. That kind of practical instruction matters more than a long speech when you have limited time. Still, you should keep your own watch and return early. The boat will not wait at the destination.

Victoria and the Citadel in 90 minutes

Victoria gives you the most worthwhile cultural stop of the day. The city is home to the Citadel, a fortified medieval complex with a strong profile that can be seen from much of Gozo.

You have approximately 1.5 hours here. That is enough to walk toward the Citadel, enjoy views from the fortress area, and get a feel for Victoria’s old center. It is not enough for a slow visit to every corner, a relaxed meal, and a detailed look at several museums.

Admission to Gozo sites is not included. If you want to enter paid attractions, allow for both the ticket cost and the time involved. The Citadel itself can still give you a rewarding sense of place from its exterior areas and elevated viewpoints, but the schedule means you should decide your priorities before leaving the bus.

I would head toward the Citadel first, then use any remaining time for a short walk through Victoria. This avoids spending most of your stop on cafés or shops and then rushing the island’s main landmark.

The limited stop is the biggest weakness of the Gozo section. Some schedules may give you less free time than expected, with roughly 1.5 hours available at each island stop. If Gozo is your main reason for visiting Malta, a separate full-day Gozo tour would give you a better experience.

Returning to Mġarr and continuing to Comino

After Victoria, the bus takes you back to Mġarr Harbour. You then rejoin the catamaran for the trip toward Comino.

The day’s structure is efficient, but it leaves little room for delays. A late departure, a slow bus loading process, or rough water can reduce your time ashore. Keep your belongings together and listen for instructions from the crew. Oversize luggage and large bags are not allowed, which is helpful on a crowded boat but means you should pack lightly.

If you are considering the optional motorboat trip to the caves and Crystal Lagoon, the extra cost is about €15 per person, paid locally. One particularly enthusiastic assessment described the cave views as worth the extra charge. I would treat this as an add-on for people who want more time on the water, not as part of the basic value calculation.

The Blue Lagoon, beautiful but crowded

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the visual prize of the trip. The water can be remarkably clear, with turquoise color, a pale sandy bottom, and marine life below the surface. You have about two hours for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, or a short walk.

In practice, the experience depends heavily on the season and the number of boats arriving. During busy periods, the beach and access points can feel packed. The setting is attractive, but you may find little peace and limited room to settle comfortably.

The new shore access rule makes planning essential. From May 2025 onward, you must get an official government access pass in advance through blcomino.com if you want to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. Daily numbers are limited, and you need to select the afternoon time slot when applying for a pass. The boat ticket does not replace this pass.

Do not leave this task until the morning of the trip. Without the official pass, you will not be allowed ashore at the Blue Lagoon. This is especially important because the tour’s Comino stop is scheduled for the afternoon.

Once ashore, make sure you know the meeting place and return time. The boat does not remain at the destination, so missing the departure creates a serious problem. I would use the first few minutes to identify the return point before changing clothes or walking away from the landing area.

Walking Comino beyond the swimming stop

Comino is not only a swimming location. With no cars or urban areas, it can also work well for a walk, particularly outside the warmest summer months.

The island has paths leading toward St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery. You will not have time for a long, relaxed island hike during the standard two-hour stop, but you can choose a short route if swimming is not your priority.

This makes the trip more useful in cooler weather. You may not want to enter the sea, yet Comino can still offer open views and photo opportunities. Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, and water purchased before departure if needed, since food and drinks are not included.

For a summer visit, I would choose one main activity. Swimming, snorkeling, the cave boat, and a serious walk will not all fit comfortably into two hours. The stop is best treated as a choice between water time and a quick look around.

Crowds, weather, and comfort on the water

The biggest practical issue is not the boat itself but the sea. Calm weather should make the cruise enjoyable, but wind can change conditions quickly. One crossing became very rough, with large movements that frightened passengers and caused serious discomfort.

If you get seasick, take prevention seriously. Bring whatever motion sickness remedy you normally use, avoid boarding on an empty stomach, and consider sitting where movement feels less intense. The activity is specifically unsuitable for people prone to seasickness, and that warning deserves attention.

The same applies to mobility. The trip is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. You must manage boat boarding, bus transfers, uneven ground, and independent movement at the stops.

Sun protection is equally important. Pack sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, comfortable shoes, and some cash. Food and drinks are not included, so you should plan for those separately.

Who this Malta day trip suits best

I would recommend this trip if you want a broad first look at Gozo and Comino and value simple transport over a slow schedule. It suits independent-minded people who are happy to explore Victoria and the Blue Lagoon without a guide standing beside them.

It can work well for couples, friends, and families who want a mix of sightseeing and swimming. The air-conditioned boat, toilets, WiFi, and crew support make the day easier than arranging every leg yourself.

I would be more cautious if you dislike crowds, need a quiet beach, or want detailed explanations about Gozo’s history. The lack of a guide and bus commentary means you need to read up beforehand or be content with exploring on your own.

The trip is also a poor match for anyone with serious mobility limits or a weak stomach on boats. Rough weather is beyond the crew’s control, but it can change the mood of the whole return journey.

Small details that make the day run better

A few choices can make this tight schedule much more comfortable:

• Arrive early if you want a better seat on the catamaran.
• Wear your swimsuit beneath your clothes.
• Keep your day bag small, since large bags and oversize luggage are not allowed.
• Apply for the Blue Lagoon afternoon access pass before departure.
• Use your time in Victoria for the Citadel first.
• Write down the bus and boat return instructions.
• Bring cash for food, drinks, and the optional €15 cave trip.
• Pack motion sickness protection if open water is difficult for you.
• Treat the two-hour Comino stop as either swimming time or walking time, not both in full.
• Check the forecast before you go, especially if you are sensitive to wind.

Should you book the Gozo and Comino trip?

Book it if you want convenience, a reasonable price, and two famous island stops in one day. The crew, modern boat, Gozo bus transfer, and simple schedule make this a sound introduction to Malta’s sister islands.

Skip it if you want a quiet Blue Lagoon, a long visit in Gozo, or a guided cultural tour. For the best result, travel outside the busiest summer periods, secure the Blue Lagoon pass early, and accept that this is a fast sampler rather than a relaxed island escape.

FAQ

Where does the trip depart from?

You can choose a departure from Sliema Ferries in Sliema or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. The exact meeting point depends on the option booked.

How long does the day trip last?

The stated duration is approximately 7 to 7.5 hours. Check the available starting times when booking.

How much free time do I get in Victoria?

You have approximately 1.5 hours of free time in Victoria. This gives you time to visit the Citadel area and walk through part of the city, but not to explore every attraction at a slow pace.

Is a tour guide included?

No dedicated tour guide is included. The cruise has English commentary over the public address system, but the Gozo bus tour does not include audio commentary. Victoria and Comino are independent free-time stops.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, you need an official government access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. You must obtain it in advance through blcomino.com, and the afternoon time slot is required for this trip.

Is swimming at the Blue Lagoon included?

The stop at Comino and the Blue Lagoon is included, along with approximately two hours of free time. Food, drinks, and any optional activities are not included.

Is the cave boat trip included?

No. The optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon costs approximately €15 per person and is payable locally.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, cash, and motion sickness prevention if needed. Pets, oversize luggage, and large bags are not allowed.