From Sliema: Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon Cruise

Gozo and Comino in one smooth day. This cruise packs boat time, optional Gozo mini-bus sightseeing, and a Comino stop at the Blue Lagoon where you get about 1.5 hours to swim and snorkel. It is a great way to see Malta’s island variety without planning your own ferry connections.

I especially like the way the day mixes viewpoint moments with real time on the ground, like the photo stop at Qala Belvedere and the chance to explore Victoria and its Citadel area. The main drawback is that the sea crossing can be rough, so if you are prone to seasickness, this may not be your best fit.

Key points I’d bet on

• Sliema to Gozo by cruise, with scenic passes along Malta’s northern coast
• Optional mini-bus in Gozo, which saves time and gets you to viewpoints and Victoria
• Victoria and the Citadel area in about 80 minutes, enough for key sights and a snack break
• Blue Lagoon time is about 75 minutes, plus you can snorkel, sunbathe, and use the water slide when conditions allow
• From 01/05/25 you need a free QR code to get off at Blue Lagoon, so register after booking
• Captain and crew focus on getting you to stops on schedule, but weather can change timing

From Sliema to Gozo by cruise, with real Malta coastline views

Your day starts at the Luzzu Cruises dock, with two boat options listed as the Mv Kataleya or Mv Lady Shelley. Once everyone is aboard, you cruise north and pass along parts of Malta’s coastline before reaching Gozo. Even if your main goal is the Blue Lagoon, I think this cruise portion matters, because it gives you that first big “islands are different” moment without any extra effort.

The boat ride is also a good time to get your bearings. Many people naturally gravitate to the outside decks for sea views and photos, and that is where you can watch the shoreline slide by. One review even mentioned the return crossing feeling much smoother than the outbound trip, so your best bet is to plan for conditions rather than expecting calm seas every time.

Here is the practical thing: this tour is not marketed for people who want to stay on land all day. You are on water for multiple stretches, and the operator explicitly notes it is not suitable for people prone to seasickness. If you are even slightly unsure, pack what you need for sea comfort.

Mgarr Harbour and the Gozo bus choice that changes everything

When you reach Gozo, the key logistics point is Mgarr Harbour, the island’s main port area. From there, the tour gives you two ways to spend time: you can either go self-guided or join the optional mini-bus. If you want the day to feel light and organized, I strongly prefer the bus option, because it turns a short stop into more sights.

With the bus route, you get a photo stop at Qala Belvedere, one of Gozo’s most scenic viewpoints, and then you continue to Victoria. Victoria is where the island’s “main town” energy lives, and it is the best place in the limited time you have to feel how local life flows. You also get sightline access to the Citadel area from this portion of the day, which is a big reason the Victoria stop is so popular.

If you skip the bus, you can explore around Mgarr Harbour and nearby areas on your own. That can work if you are the type who likes wandering and finding small streets without a fixed plan. The tradeoff is that the day will feel more like you are picking spots rather than “seeing the highlights,” especially since your time is limited.

Qala Belvedere and Victoria: the sweet spot for views and the Citadel area

The day’s Gozo sightseeing is built around viewpoints and the capital. Qala Belvedere gives you that quick payoff moment, the kind where you stop, take photos, and immediately understand why people talk about Gozo’s rugged beauty. It is a short stop by design, but short can still be excellent when the payoff is high and the route is efficient.

Then you move to Victoria for about 80 minutes. In that window, you can shop, sightsee, and do a self-guided walk around the Citadel area. I like this timing because it is long enough to get a few good priorities done, but not so long that you feel stuck in a schedule all day. One practical tip from experience with island towns: plan for walking comfort. Victoria is made for strolling, and comfortable shoes matter more than you expect.

If you are traveling on a Sunday, note that some shops in Gozo may be closed. That is not a problem if your goal is views and walking, but it can change the shopping vibe.

The Citadel area is a big part of the appeal. Even if you do not go deep into every walkway, getting a look at the fortified old city perspective helps the whole day feel connected, not random.

Comino’s Blue Lagoon stop, the QR code rule, and why wind matters

After Gozo, you head to Comino and the day’s main water moment: the Blue Lagoon. You get about 75 minutes (roughly 1.5 hours) there, with time for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. This is the stop people plan their whole day around, so it helps to set expectations: it can be crowded, and conditions can change.

There is also a specific 2025 requirement that affects your ability to get on shore. As of 01/05/25, if you want to get off the boat at the Comino Blue Lagoon, you must register to obtain a free QR code, and the operator states it is mandatory to go ashore in 2025. The link is provided after booking. If you forget this, you can lose one of the key experiences of the day, so do it as soon as you have your confirmation.

Now the real-world factor: wind. The tour runs rain or shine, but the sea and dock conditions can still influence how smooth the experience is. One review described a situation where rougher conditions led to less time in the Blue Lagoon, around 45 minutes instead of the expected window. Another review mentioned they could not swim at all due to wind. So while the schedule is set, weather is the final boss on this stop.

Good news: even if the swim time is shorter, the boat ride and the photo possibilities around Comino tend to still feel like a highlight. Also, the tour includes use of a water slide when available, and a few reviews called it out as fun for kids and adults alike. Just keep in mind that if conditions are rough, the slide might not be used.

Crystal Caves of Comino and the return cruise to Sliema

After the Blue Lagoon, you visit the Crystal Caves of Comino. The tour description frames this as a Comino caves stop, which typically means you get a look and some photo time while cruising. The time here is not presented as a long on-land walk in the details you have, so I treat this as a “see it from the water” moment rather than a full exploration.

The return to Sliema is where the day can feel surprisingly different from the outbound crossing. At least a few reviews noted a smoother ride back, which matters because you are already tired and ready to sit down. If you can, keep your patience for rough weather on the way out, because the captain’s job is to manage the boat safely and get you to each scheduled area.

Along the way back, there is also a brief Santa Maria Caves photo stop. In the itinerary it is listed as a quick stop, around 10 minutes, which is exactly what it sounds like: a chance to snap a few photos, not a full activity. If you are chasing a perfect shot, this is when you want to be ready, because short stops move fast.

Price and value for a $41 day trip that packs a lot

At about $41 per person for a roughly 7.5-hour outing, I think the value comes from three things working together: transportation, island time, and the included water activity.

First, you are paying for a structured cruise from Sliema to Gozo and then to Comino, including the stops that connect the islands. You are not just buying entry to one attraction. Second, you get a real on-island component in Gozo with Victoria and Citadel area time. Even with the optional bus, the setup is designed to prevent you from “wasting” time figuring out what to do next.

Third, the Blue Lagoon stop is the expensive-feeling part of the day, even though it is included here. The time on the water plus snorkeling and sunbathing are what make many people feel they got their money’s worth. Reviews also highlighted that the tour feels well organized and good for a first introduction to Gozo and Comino.

The biggest value caveat is that food and drinks are not included, so you should budget extra if you want meals on board or snacks during stops. Reviews also mention you can buy drinks, including cocktails at the Blue Lagoon stop, so there are purchasing options, just not in the base price.

Timing, seasickness risk, and the small choices that save your day

This is where you can turn a good day trip into a great one.

1) Choose the Gozo bus option if you want maximum sightseeing.

Multiple reviews recommended including the mini-bus on Gozo because it reduces stress and increases the number of places you see, especially with Qala Belvedere and Victoria. If you choose self-guided time instead, you may enjoy it more, but you will be trading away some of the highlights that the bus route is built around.

2) Plan for movement on water.

The tour is explicitly not suitable for people prone to seasickness. One review described that the crew handed out sick bags when conditions were rough, and the captain was described as skilled and calm. Still, help on board is not the same as a comfortable ride, so if you are sensitive to motion, bring the right prevention and consider whether a land-based day trip would suit you better.

3) Pack towel and comfortable shoes.

The tour instructions say to bring a towel and comfortable shoes. That sounds basic, but it matters because you will walk in Victoria and you may be going in and out of the water at Comino.

4) Be ready for timing changes if weather forces adjustments.

The operator notes the captain can alter or cancel the excursion and pick-up or drop-off locations due to prevailing weather. That is not a failure; it is reality at sea. One review also mentioned a mini-bus driver leaving earlier than expected, and the group managing by switching to other buses. That tells me the system is flexible when things get imperfect, but you should still stay alert and keep an eye on meeting times.

Who this Sliema to Gozo and Comino cruise is best for

This tour is a strong match if you want variety in one day: a Gozo town feel, viewpoint stops, and Comino’s famous swimming area.

It is especially good for:

• First-time Malta visitors who want a guided route to Gozo and Comino without planning ferries and schedules
• People who like structured time with some freedom to explore Victoria at their own pace
• Families who want a water-based highlight, including use of a water slide when conditions allow

It is not the right match if:

• You get seasick easily, since the tour is not suitable for people prone to it
• You need accessibility accommodations for mobility impairments, since the tour is not suitable for that group

If you are the type who wants to linger longer in one place, you might feel the pressure of short stops. A few comments suggested wishing for more time in Gozo, which makes sense when you are packing in multiple islands and a swim stop.

Should you book this Gozo and Comino day trip?

I would book this if you want an organized, efficient way to see two islands that are hard to do well on your own in a single day. The value is real for the money, and the day is built around the experiences most people come for: Gozo’s viewpoints and Victoria, plus Comino’s Blue Lagoon swim time.

I would hesitate if seasickness is a serious issue for you or if you are traveling with strict expectations about staying long at one spot. Weather can shorten the Blue Lagoon window or affect whether swimming is possible, and the QR code requirement from 01/05/25 is a must-do task before you go ashore.

If you book, do these three things for the best shot at a smooth day:

• Register for the free Blue Lagoon QR code as soon as you receive the link
• Choose the Gozo bus option if you want the most sightseeing for your limited time
• Pack a towel and be ready for a boat day, not just a sightseeing day

FAQ

How long is the cruise from Sliema to Gozo and Comino?

The duration is listed as 7.5 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Luzzu Cruises, and you should look for the Mv Kataleya or Mv Lady Shelley.

Does the tour include transportation in Gozo?

Transportation on Gozo is optional. You can choose a mini-bus option or explore more self-guided after arriving at Mgarr Harbour.

How much time do I get at the Blue Lagoon?

The stop at Blue Lagoon is about 75 minutes, roughly 1.5 hours.

Can I get off the boat at the Blue Lagoon in 2025?

Yes, but from 01/05/25 you must register to obtain a free QR code to get off at Blue Lagoon. The QR code is mandatory in 2025.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Is the tour active even if it rains?

Yes, the tour takes place rain or shine.

Is a water slide included?

Yes. The tour includes use of the water slide.

Is the tour suitable for people prone to seasickness?

No. It is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.