From Sliema: Gozo, Comino & The Blue Lagoon Boat & Bus Tour

Two islands and one lagoon, in a day. This boat-and-bus route from Sliema strings together Gozo by minibus and Comino by sea, with English commentary on the water and plenty of time to wander on your own. It is a simple format, but it hits the big visual hits without you needing to plan ferries, buses, or parking.

I especially like the Gozo portion, because Victoria gives you hilltop views from the Citadel and the bus drive includes a quick photo stop at a bay or the Qala Belvedere area. I also like the way the day is built around water time, with about 90 minutes at the Blue Lagoon plus a water slide onboard, which is a fun way to cool off even when the water feels a bit chilly.

One drawback to plan around: the Blue Lagoon can be crowded, and since Malta started requiring an access pass for shore time, you need to secure yours in advance or you may not be able to disembark there.

Key points to know before you go

• Gozo by bus, not by car: you get driven into Victoria plus a short bay or Qala Belvedere photo stop.
• Citadel is the payoff in Victoria: you get time to explore the fortress area and take in the views.
• 90 minutes at the Blue Lagoon: enough time to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or just take photos.
• Comino is more than one beach: you can also do Comino’s countryside walks when it is not prime swimming season.
• Onboard comfort helps on a long day: toilets, lots of seating, and a cash bar plus a water slide.
• An access pass is required for shore time: plan for it early, especially if you want the afternoon slot.

Why this boat and bus day feels like three trips in one

Malta has a lot of small-island drama for such a compact place. This day trip uses that advantage well: you start on the water from Sliema, then switch to a bus ride on Gozo, then go back to the sea for Comino and the Blue Lagoon.

The best part is the pacing. You are not trying to cram every village and viewpoint. Instead, you get clear time blocks: Victoria for about 75 minutes, then Comino for about 90 minutes, with the rest of the day spent cruising and repositioning. That setup is ideal if you want iconic sights without feeling like you are sprinting all day.

I also like that it is not overly complicated once you are there. The boat portion handles the scenic travel, and the Gozo minibus handles the land legs, so you are mostly focused on seeing.

Sliema departure and the sea-coast views to Gozo

Your morning starts at Sliema Ferries and heads north toward Gozo. On the boat, you get English commentary, so you get context for what you are passing. In practice, that means you can look out at the coastline and still understand what you are seeing.

This part of the day is also where the trip’s rhythm becomes clear. You are on the boat long enough to settle in, then you get a proper handoff when you arrive at Mgarr Harbour. A lot of people underestimate how tiring it is to coordinate crossings plus local transport, so having the boat do the long jump matters more than it looks on paper.

If you care about photos, think like this: the water legs tend to offer the easiest wide-angle views. The land legs still give good viewpoints, but the boat gives you that constant motion and horizon line.

Mgarr Harbour to Victoria: the minibus ride and photo stop

Once you reach Mgarr Harbour on Gozo, you board a bus to Victoria, the island’s capital. This is not a sightseeing walking tour with a guide trailing you through every corner. It is more like a well-timed transport and viewpoint route, so you can take in the countryside while the driver focuses on getting you there.

The day includes a photo stop of about 15 minutes at one of Gozo’s bays or the Qala Belvedere area. That short stop is easy to miss if you assume it is just a quick roadside pull-over. It can be a real view moment, and it is one of those times you will be glad you had a few minutes to step out and breathe.

Then you cruise toward Victoria, passing churches and other landmarks, with windows open and time to orient yourself. You are basically being set up for the main Victoria stop that follows.

Here is the practical thing to know: during busy travel days, the handoffs can feel a little chaotic. The common theme is simple, get back to the agreed meeting point on time so you do not end up holding up the group or scrambling for the return.

Victoria, Gozo’s Citadel and what you can realistically do in 75 minutes

Victoria is the heart of Gozo for visitors, mostly because of the Citadel fortress on top of the hill. You get about 75 minutes of free time here, which means you have just enough time to do the essentials well: walk the lanes, take photos, and reach the Citadel area.

You can also choose how you spend the time. If you care most about views and the fortress walls, you can head straight there. If you prefer food and strolling, you can slow down for coffee or a snack in the city and then still make the Citadel viewpoint.

In my eyes, this is the right kind of stop for a day trip. The Citadel area rewards you even if you are only there briefly, because the views are immediate and the medieval fort structure gives you something solid to see and photograph. Some people wish they had more time to explore the Citadel details, but for a 7.5 hour day with Comino and the Blue Lagoon included, 75 minutes is a workable compromise.

Tip: wear comfortable shoes. The city is walkable, but you still want footing for uneven streets and steps as you move uphill.

Comino Island: the countryside walks and the Blue Lagoon swim reality

After Gozo, the boat portion shifts again, now toward Comino. Comino’s reputation is about water, and the centerpiece is the Blue Lagoon. You stop there for about 90 minutes, so this is your main swim window.

What you can do with that time:

• Swim and float, with plenty of photo spots
• Sunbathe and snorkel if you brought what you need
• If you do not want to swim, you can still enjoy the island-side countryside areas

Comino has hiking options too, especially in off-season months when swimming may be too cold. Trails can lead toward St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery. Even if you are visiting in warmer months, the option to walk gives you a break from the beach crowd.

On this stop, the biggest decision is whether you want maximum water time or more island walking. If you hate crowds, the boat’s water slide can be a welcome alternative on return.

Blue Lagoon access pass and the crowd plan

Here is the big 2025 change to understand clearly: Malta requires a government-issued access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. You are expected to get the pass in advance from the official site blcomino.com. Pass allocation is limited, and you should plan to choose the afternoon slot when applying, since this cruise is tied to that timing.

Why this matters: the tour provider is not treating this as optional or flexible. If you do not have the pass and the rules apply to shore access when your slot arrives, you could lose your ability to get off the boat at the lagoon. So do not assume you can solve it last minute.

Also plan for crowds. Even with the 90 minutes, the Blue Lagoon is famous, so the beach scene can feel intense. You can still have a good time by using your time smartly, for example, swim early in your window and save slow photo walking for later.

One more practical thought: if you are seasick-prone, the Blue Lagoon stop does not make you immune to motion. You might want medication planning for the boat legs, and keep your focus on staying comfortable before you commit to the water.

Onboard comfort on the water, toilets, bar, and the water slide

For many people, this trip is not just about land sights, it is also about having a decent boat day. Reviews and the trip setup point to a boat that is clean and comfortable, with open seating options both outside and inside.

The comfort wins that matter most:

• Toilets onboard, which is a lifesaver on a long stretch
• A cash bar for drinks and snacks
• A water slide, which gives you an easy fun moment without needing to swim to enjoy Comino

I like that the boat offers a fallback. If the lagoon is too crowded, you can still enjoy the slide and the sea views while you wait out your time. It is not the same as standing on the beach, but it can salvage the mood of the stop.

There is also a crew element that people consistently notice. Captain commentary on the coastline and helpful staff support make the day feel safer, especially when you are transferring between boat and bus. One captain name that came up is Jean-Paul, known for keeping passengers informed and friendly on the water.

Timing, seasickness, and the not-so-guided part of the day

This is where expectations need to match reality. This is not a guided walking tour with a guide describing every stop in depth. The cruise has English commentary, but on Gozo and at the Blue Lagoon, you have free time and you explore at your own pace.

For some people, that is perfect. You get to move how you want, grab coffee, walk the lanes, and decide how long to linger at the Citadel viewpoints. For others, it can feel a bit too self-directed, especially if you like more structure and story behind each landmark.

Also, the day can be tight if you drift. The boat is your base, and you need to be back at the meeting point by the time the driver indicates. A good mental strategy is to treat each stop like a schedule box: enjoy it, but do not try to squeeze in one last detour too late.

If you deal with seasickness or motion issues, take it seriously. This trip is not suitable for people prone to seasickness or motion sickness. If you are on the fence, plan conservative options. Also, having crew help can make a difference, but it is still better to prevent discomfort before it ruins your main swim window.

Finally, keep an eye on logistics details like which boat you are assigned to. One recurring theme is that figuring out the right boat can feel confusing at first if you arrive late. If you can, get there a bit early and confirm the boat name or number so you are not running around when boarding starts.

Price and value: is $51 worth a 7.5 hour island day?

$51 per person for a 7.5 hour Gozo and Comino day is a strong value if you want two islands plus the Blue Lagoon without extra ticket juggling.

Here is what you are paying for, practically:

• Round-trip sea travel from Sliema
• English commentary during the cruise
• Bus transport in Gozo, including the Victoria transfer
• Photo stop time and free time in Victoria
• Comino stop time with Blue Lagoon access by boat
• Onboard amenities like toilets, plus a water slide

What you do not get automatically is food, drinks, and site admissions. That is normal for day trips like this. The boat does have a cash bar, so you can buy refreshments if you want. For a smoother budget day, I suggest deciding in advance what you will eat: snack on the boat or plan a meal in Victoria during your free time.

The value also depends on what you want from Malta. If you want full immersion into one town, you might feel rushed. If you want a highlight-packed snapshot with famous views and an easy swim stop, this is exactly the type of deal that makes sense.

In reviews, the strongest praise tends to land on organization and punctual transport, clean boat comfort, and the sights hitting the right marks for the time you spend.

Should you book this Gozo and Comino day trip?

Book it if you want an easy, efficient island day, with a clear plan and water time as the main event. You will likely love the mix of Gozo’s Citadel views, the laid-back Victoria wandering window, and Comino’s Blue Lagoon stop with swimming time plus a water slide option.

I would skip it if you hate crowds, because the Blue Lagoon can get hectic. I would also think twice if you are very sensitive to motion, since this is boat-heavy and not designed around seasickness support beyond helpful crew response.

If you do book, do these two things to protect your day: secure your Blue Lagoon access pass ahead of time, and arrive at the start point early enough to confirm your correct boat and grab the better seating. Those tiny choices can turn a good day into a smooth one.

FAQ

How long is the Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon tour from Sliema?

The duration is about 7.5 hours.

Where does the tour depart from?

It departs from Sliema Ferries in the morning.

What do you do in Gozo during the tour?

You take a bus to Victoria, the capital of Gozo, with free time there (including the Citadel area), plus a photo stop at a bay or Qala Belvedere.

How much time do you have at the Blue Lagoon?

You stop at Comino and the Blue Lagoon for about 90 minutes.

Do you need an access pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Malta requires a government access pass in advance for visitors wishing to disembark at the Blue Lagoon, and there are limited daily allocations. You are responsible for getting it from blcomino.com and selecting the appropriate slot.

Is there a guided tour at the stops on land?

No. The tour includes cruise commentary, but it is not a fully guided walking tour. Stops in Gozo and at the Blue Lagoon are at leisure/free time.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, though a cash bar is available on the boat.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is the tour suitable if I get seasick or have mobility issues?

No. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, people prone to seasickness, or those with motion sickness.

What amenities are on the boat?

There are toilet facilities onboard, and the trip includes a water slide. A bar serving snacks and beverages is available for purchase.