Full Day Cruise to Gozo & Blue Lagoon with visit to Rabat

Blue Lagoon in one 8-hour day sounds impossible.

Yet this cruise makes it doable, with great north-coast views from the water and a real chance to swim in Comino’s Blue Lagoon. I also like the way the day mixes a land stop (Victoria and Rabat) with pure water time. The trade-off is simple, Gozo is short and you’ll need to pick what matters most to you.

Logistics are pretty straightforward if you show up early. Be at Sliema Ferries by 1000, the boat leaves at 1030, and you’ll spend the day moving by ferry, bus, and boat again. One important new wrinkle for Comino walkways exists (more on that below).

Key Things That Make This Day Trip Worth It

Northern Malta cruise views: You get photo-worthy coastline angles with onboard commentary.

Gozo time in Victoria and Rabat: There’s scheduled free time to explore Rabat and the Cittadella area.

Comino Blue Lagoon swimming: This is the main event, calm turquoise water with a chance to snorkel.

Easy meet-up point: Sliema Ferries, yellow Malta Sightseeing Booth, boat departure at 1030.

Quick day, not a slow wander: You’re on a tight timeline, especially on Gozo.

Why This Gozo and Blue Lagoon Cruise Feels Like a Good Deal

For around $41 per person and a full 8 hours, you’re buying a bundle: ferry ride, guided narration, transport on Gozo, and a Comino swim stop. If you tried to DIY this with ferries plus buses, you’d spend extra time figuring things out. The value here is less about luxury, more about time saved.

The other big reason it works is variety. You start with a moving day on the sea, then you land on Gozo for a classic viewpoint neighborhood in Victoria (and nearby Rabat), then you switch back to beach mode on Comino. It’s one of the best ways to get a taste of Malta and Gozo without committing to a multi-day plan.

Still, it is not a slow, detailed tour. If your idea of fun is taking your time in villages and museums, you may feel rushed. Think of it as a well-paced highlights day.

Meeting Point, Departure Time, and the One Minute Rule

This is one of those trips where timing matters because you are hopping boats. You should be at Sliema Ferries by 1000 at the entrance area opposite McDonald’s, and look for the yellow Malta Sightseeing Booth. The boat leaves at 1030.

Here’s my practical tip: arrive early enough that you are waiting, not searching. One common headache on Malta day tours is vague or late updates, and the faster you lock onto the correct booth and group, the less stress you carry for the rest of the day.

Once you’re aboard, English commentary runs throughout, and there’s an English audio guide included. So even if you’re not glued to the guide, you’ll still pick up context as you cruise along the coast.

Northern Malta From the Water, St Paul’s Island and Mellieha Views

The cruise portion is not just transportation, it’s part of the experience. You’ll travel along Malta’s northern coast with views that help you orient fast. The route includes passing by St Paul’s Island and the Mellieha area, and those angles look different from the viewpoint side streets.

What I like about this segment is that it sets the mood. You get open sea air, you’re not stuck in a van, and you can actually see what locals mean when they say the coast here is dramatic. If you’re coming from a different island or coastline at home, the visual contrast is part of the fun.

Also, the onboard commentary helps you connect the dots. Even if you only remember a couple of facts later, it makes the day feel less like random driving and more like a guided circuit.

Gozo Arrival, Victoria, Rabat, and the Cittadella Window

Once you reach Gozo, the trip moves from sea legs to land legs. You board a bus bound for the capital area, Victoria, then you get free time to explore Rabat and the Cittadella area.

The important number is 75 minutes of free time. That’s enough for a quick circuit, good photos, and a snack, but it’s not enough to do everything like you would on a half-day walking tour. If you want the best results with limited time, do this: decide before you arrive whether your priority is viewpoints, streets to wander, or a specific stop like the top area of the Cittadella.

In practice, this is a “pick your highlights” moment. You can typically get to the top area, but you’ll need to move with purpose and avoid getting stuck browsing every doorway. When the clock starts pushing, you want to already know where you’ll head next.

One more thing to note: the Gozo portion is more of a structured drop-off and return schedule than a roaming guided walk. You’ll be out on your own for those free minutes, then back on the bus when the time window closes.

Qala Belvedere Transportation, and How It Affects Your Plans

Your included transport also references Qala Belvedere. That matters because it signals that your Gozo day is not only about town streets. A belvedere stop usually means viewpoint energy: short, scenic, and then back to moving.

What this means for you is simple. If you love views, that’s a bonus. If you want long time in one neighborhood, this itinerary may feel choppy because it’s designed to fit a lot into 8 hours total.

Also, because this is a timed circuit, you should treat your Gozo moments like you’re on a tight workout schedule, not a leisurely stroll. Wear comfortable shoes and keep water handy even though food and drinks are not included. In a short free-time window, you don’t want minor comfort issues to turn into wasted minutes.

Comino Blue Lagoon: Swimming, Snorkeling, and the New Walkway Ticket Rule

Comino is the heart of the day. In the afternoon, the boat heads to Comino Island for time at the Blue Lagoon. This is where you go for turquoise water, a swim, and often snorkeling if you have gear.

Here’s the key update, and it’s worth reading twice. As of 1 May 2025, you need a free online ticket to walk on Comino. The ticket is FREE OF CHARGE, and you must get it online at www.blcomino.com. You will receive a QR code, and Comino officials scan it on arrival. If you do not have the QR code, you will not be allowed to walk on Comino. You can still swim next to the boat.

When ordering the free ticket, you need to choose the slot 1330 hrs to 1730 hrs. That fits the typical afternoon lagoon timeframe. Even if you don’t plan to walk around, it’s safer to get the QR ticket so you are not stuck deciding at the dock.

For snorkeling, the big practical detail is that snorkeling equipment is not included, but it is available to rent. If you want to snorkel without extra hassle, either rent gear when you arrive or go without and focus on swimming. The water is the main attraction either way.

Boat Reality Check: Toilets, Top Deck Sunbeds, and Onboard Sales

The cruise is designed for comfort, but it’s still a boat day. Expect a simple setup, onboard facilities, and limited personal space at busy times.

A few practical notes based on real-world experience:

• There is one toilet on the boat, and it’s small, so use it early rather than waiting for a long line.
• If you want the sun, you may want the top deck area. Some boats offer sunbeds on the top level for an additional EUR 10. Treat that as optional, not guaranteed value.
• In cooler or windy shoulder seasons, the boat can feel chilly on the way out. Bringing a light layer can save your day.

Then there’s the part many people don’t expect: during the day, staff may try to sell extra options like speed boats or snorkeling extras. If you’re happy with the scheduled swim time, you can politely decline. If you’re thinking about renting or upgrading, do it with clear expectations so you don’t get surprised by extra costs.

What to Pack for an Easy Malta Day at Sea

This trip works best when your packing is boring and efficient. Bring:

• Comfortable shoes for Victoria and the Cittadella area
• Swimwear so you can jump in during the Blue Lagoon stop
• A towel for after swimming
• Sunscreen because you’ll be out in strong sun on the water

Also, I strongly recommend bringing a light layer for the boat ride, especially if you travel in months when winds can bite. You’re not just in the sun, you’re also exposed to sea air.

If you plan to snorkel, remember equipment is not included. Either rent once you’re there or pack whatever you already own. A basic mask you trust beats scrambling for rentals at the dock.

Food, Drinks, and the Smart Way to Budget

Food and drinks are not included on this cruise. That’s normal for many Malta tours, but it affects how you plan your energy.

Since you have only 75 minutes in Victoria and Rabat, I’d plan snacks that keep you comfortable without needing a long sit-down meal. If you have dietary needs, this is even more important. Don’t assume you’ll find the right options quickly.

If you’re tempted by onboard or on-arrival drink offers, keep your timing in mind. Some boats and departures have offered complimentary drink moments in the past, but those can be limited and depend on the exact schedule. Your safest approach is to carry enough money for simple purchases and treat any freebies as a bonus, not a guarantee.

Who This Cruise Is Best For (and Who Might Want Something Else)

This tour is a great fit if you want:

• A one-day Malta and Gozo highlights experience
• Big scenery without planning every ferry and bus segment
• Comino Blue Lagoon swimming without committing to staying overnight

It’s also wheelchair accessible, which is a big plus if mobility needs affect your options. Still, the day includes transfers by ferry and bus, so you’ll want to consider how comfortable you are with steps and getting on and off vehicles when crowds are present.

This might not be the best match if you:

• Want lots of deep time in Gozo town neighborhoods
• Prefer long guided walks over timed drop-offs
• Dislike boats, wind, and the reality of a small on-board restroom

If your goal is a relaxed beach day and you barely care about Gozo sightseeing, you could also consider focusing your time around Comino more directly. But if you want a balanced taste of both islands, this cruise hits a sweet spot.

Final Verdict: Should You Book This Gozo and Comino Day Trip?

I’d book it if you want maximum scenery and swimming in a single day, with an easy meeting point and a structured route. It’s good value for the package you get, ferry time, commentary, Gozo transport, and the Blue Lagoon swim stop.

I’d hesitate if you hate being rushed or if you expect a deep Gozo cultural tour. The Gozo block is short, so you need a plan for what you want to see in Victoria and Rabat and how you’ll use that 75-minute free time.

If you do book, one smart move can make the difference: get your Comino free QR ticket ahead of time for the correct afternoon slot. Then pack for both sun and wind, and arrive early enough that the meeting point feels effortless.

FAQ

Where do I meet, and when does the boat leave?

Meet at 1000 hrs at Sliema Ferries opposite McDonald’s. Look for a Yellow Malta Sightseeing Booth. The boat leaves at 1030 hrs.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 8 hours.

What is included in the price?

Included are commentary throughout the cruise, transportation to Victoria (the capital city of Gozo) and Qala Belvedere, the cruise to Gozo and Comino, and onboard facilities. Food and drinks are not included.

Do I get free time in Victoria, Rabat, and the Cittadella?

Yes. After arriving on Gozo, you board a bus to Victoria. You’ll have 75 minutes of free time to explore the city of Rabat and the Cittadella area.

Do I need a ticket to walk on Comino?

As of 1 May 2025, you need a free online ticket to walk on Comino. Get it at www.blcomino.com, choose the slot 1330 hrs to 1730 hrs, and use the QR code on arrival. Without the QR code, you can still swim next to the boat but cannot walk on Comino.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling equipment is not included, but it is available to rent.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Is there free cancellation or a pay-later option?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There is also a reserve now and pay later option, so you can book and pay nothing today.