All inclusive Gullet Cruise to Gozo & the Blue Lagoon (CMO)

A long, salty day for a big slice of Malta’s coast. I like the easy, scenic ride to Gozo and Comino, and I really like the all-inclusive setup onboard with buffet lunch and unlimited drinks. The main thing to plan for is crowds at the Blue Lagoon, plus the fact that your Gozo time is short.

This is one of those tours where the value is in the package: you get ferry time, multiple swim moments, and food included, without needing to arrange anything. You’ll want to bring a towel, and if you’re stepping onto Comino you also have to handle a Comino access ticket in advance.

Key things I’d watch for before you go

• All-inclusive food and drinks for one fixed price, so your budget stays simple.
• Two swim windows on the day, including the famous Blue Lagoon.
• Comino access rules mean you need a free ticket booked online by time slot.
• Short stays on each island, so it’s more about moments than deep island exploring.
• Pickup varies by location, with many options and a return shuttle from selected points.
• Crowds on Blue Lagoon days can affect how pleasant the water time feels.

Price and what you actually get for it

At around $88 per person for a full day, this gullet cruise is usually a good deal if you’re the type who hates nickel-and-diming your day. The big reason is the mix of services you get together: a hot and cold buffet lunch, morning and afternoon snacks, and unlimited drinks onboard. Add in the ferry and sightseeing cruise elements, and you’re paying for an organized route to Gozo and Comino plus time on the water.

There’s also something practical here: you are not trying to coordinate boats, transfers, and meals on your own. The day runs on a set rhythm with a coach pickup, then ferry travel, then island water time, then the ride back. That makes it easier for first-timers in Malta who want the highlights with minimal stress.

That said, value comes with trade-offs. You’re not getting a full, slow day in Gozo. And because the Blue Lagoon is the headline, it can feel busy, especially if you’re hoping for that postcard, empty-water moment. If you’re flexible about crowds and you enjoy swimming and scenery more than strolling, the price starts to make sense.

Getting from your hotel area to the boat: many pickup points, one main plan

This tour is built around a coach pickup from a long list of places in Malta, then a ferry-based cruise day. You’ll see pickup options across towns like Cospicua, Birgu, Msida, San Gwann, Paola, Żabbar, Senglea, and more, including major hotels such as InterContinental Malta, DoubleTree by Hilton Malta, Radisson Blu properties, and Malta Marriott Hotel & Spa.

What matters for you is not the exact town list, but the pattern it creates. A long list of pickup points usually means you’ll start your day close to where you’re staying, but you also might share the bus with a wide range of guests. If you book late, you may need to confirm your exact pickup time. One tip that comes up in real-world experience: if your departure timing is tight, it helps to call the day before so you know when the bus should arrive.

The return is also handled with a free shuttle from selected drop-off locations. That can save you from late-day taxi costs. Still, since return shuttles only work from certain points, double-check that your end location is included.

Blue Lagoon on Comino: the swim is the star, and crowds are the reality

The Blue Lagoon stop is the moment most people buy for. You get swimming time and onboard service during the Blue Lagoon portion, with about a 2 hour window at the Blue Lagoon area. This is the water where people go to swim, float, and soak up that classic turquoise look.

Here’s the part to plan for: the Blue Lagoon is popular. One review experience described it as very crowded and not pleasant when they arrived. That matches what you should expect from a tour built around a widely marketed icon. If you want calmer water, try to swim earlier in your window rather than waiting until the middle of the stop.

Also, bring a towel because the only clear requirement listed is exactly that. Beyond towels, I’d pack basics like sunscreen and water shoes if you’re sensitive to hot rocks or rough entries. The tour doesn’t list those items, but the setting is a coastal swim, and it’s worth being comfortable.

Food and unlimited drinks: how the all-inclusive part plays out

This is one of the best-value areas of the day, because it’s not just snacks. You get a hot and cold buffet lunch plus morning and afternoon snacks, and the drinks are unlimited. The drinks list is practical: beer, spirits, soft drinks, and water.

In practice, this turns the cruise into less of a “buy everything separately” day and more of an “eat when you need to” day. That matters if you’re swimming, because hunger and thirst both sneak up on you in the sun. You’re also less likely to lose time hunting for a meal, which is a real issue on short stops.

One fair note: a few experiences also mentioned the lunch and onboard setup being good enough that they didn’t feel rushed to eat. That’s the goal here. You want a buffet that keeps moving, not one where you queue forever while the boat bounces at sea.

The cruise itself: scenic cliffs and water time without planning

Even when the islands are the goal, the cruise journey is part of the product. You’ll spend time on ferry and boat legs, and you’ll get scenic views on the way. The day is structured so you’re not staring at a screen on land for hours. You’re on the water, seeing Malta’s coastline from another angle, passing cliffs, coves, and inlets.

There’s also a sense of “one day, many pictures” here. You’ll see the approach to Gozo, then the Comino/Blue Lagoon area, then you’ll shift toward Gozo again for the island stop. It’s not a deep, multi-day exploration. It’s a highlights rotation, and for a lot of visitors, that’s exactly what they want.

One thing to consider is how you like boat time. If you love to move around and grab fresh air, focus on where you can stand and view during transit. If you prefer a seat for most of the ride, be prepared that seating can feel tight on boats that carry a lot of people.

Gozo stop: a quick taste, not a full island day

After the Blue Lagoon portion, you’ll head to Gozo for sightseeing and swimming. The Gozo portion is about 1.5 hours, which is enough for a short swim and a bit of island viewing, but it won’t satisfy someone who wants to explore markets, churches, and long coastal walks.

So ask yourself what you want from Gozo. If your goal is to say you swam there, see a different coast, and get a couple of photos, this stop is likely a good fit. If you want the kind of day where you move at your own pace through villages and viewpoints, you’ll probably wish you had more time on land.

There’s a helpful clue from real experiences: some people felt the Gozo time was limited, especially if they didn’t plan to swim. If you’re not planning to use the water time, you may feel like you’re waiting. The solution is simple: decide ahead of time that you’re there to swim and soak in what’s around the stop.

Onboard comfort: crowds and seating can shape your mood

Gullet cruises can be relaxed, but this one carries enough passengers that you may feel the “everyone is on the same schedule” effect. Some experiences mention that seating arrangements were not ideal and that it could be hard to move around comfortably. Others also mention the boat being lively, and the food and drinks keeping the atmosphere good.

So my advice is practical: go early in your thinking. If you hate crowding, choose the posture of a “short-window, do-it-now” traveler. Take your swim when you’re supposed to, eat during meal times, and use transit to rest rather than expecting a quiet personal bubble.

Also, the tour is described as having an English and Italian host or greeter. If you requested Italian, you should still expect that language support may be situation-dependent, especially when the group is mixed. The official info says languages are English and Italian, so don’t assume your entire day will be handled in only one language.

Comino access ticket: the one admin step you must not skip

This is the one logistics item that can truly affect your experience. Malta introduced new regulations for visitors setting foot on Comino. It is your responsibility to secure a Comino access ticket through www.blcomino.com.

The good news is that the policy states you can book up to 4 tickets per time slot for free. The important timing detail is for this specific tour: for the Fernandes Gozo and Comino Tour client must book the morning (08:00 to 13:00 hrs) slot.

What this means for you: don’t assume the cruise operator has already handled it for you. Do the online ticket booking yourself in advance, matching the required time slot. If you arrive without the ticket when you need it, your day could get complicated fast.

Who this tour fits best

I’d point this one toward three types of travelers:

1) First-time Malta visitors who want a classic day trip highlight with transport and meals handled.

2) Swim-first travelers who care most about water time at the Blue Lagoon and a quick chance in Gozo.

3) Value-focused groups and couples who want unlimited drinks and buffet lunch included in one package.

It might be a weaker fit if you want long land time in Gozo, or if you strongly prefer uncrowded beach conditions. If you want a quiet, slow exploration day, you’ll likely feel the pressure of fixed time blocks.

Should you book the CMO gullet cruise?

Book it if your priority is an organized, all-inclusive day that gets you to the Blue Lagoon for swimming and still includes a satisfying meal and snacks without extra planning. The price makes sense when you would otherwise pay separately for transport, food, and drinks.

Think twice if you know you dislike crowded swim areas, or if you’re expecting a deep Gozo experience on land. The day is built for moments, not for lingering.

If you do book, your best move is simple: handle the Comino access ticket in the required morning slot, bring a towel, and plan to swim early during the Blue Lagoon stop for a better shot at calmer water. That mix of prep and flexibility is what turns this cruise from just a tour into a day you’ll actually remember.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The cruise is listed as a duration of 1 day.

Is lunch included?

Yes. You get a hot and cold buffet lunch.

What drinks are included?

The tour includes unlimited beer, spirits, soft drinks, and water.

How much time is spent at the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon stop includes swimming for about 2 hours.

How much time is spent in Gozo?

The Gozo stop includes sightseeing and swimming for about 1.5 hours.

Do I need a ticket to access Comino?

Yes. As of 19th May 2025, Malta has new regulations, and you must secure a Comino access ticket by booking through www.blcomino.com.

What Comino time slot do I need for this tour?

For the Fernandes Gozo and Comino Tour client must book the morning slot from 08:00 to 13:00 hrs.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.