Sliema Cruise to Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon in Beautiful Malta

Gozo and Comino in one day is a time-saver. This Sliema cruise mixes coastal views and English commentary with a Gozo bus tour and a set stop at the Blue Lagoon. It is built for people who want big island scenery without spending days on transport.

What I like most is the combo: you get a boat day with onboard facilities plus land time in Gozo. On the water, you can use the waterslide at anchor, climb the swimming ladders, and cool off in the same day you’re sightseeing.

One thing to consider is pacing. The Blue Lagoon is timed (about 90 minutes in warmer months, 60 in winter), and the Gozo portion is mostly guided transport plus free time, not a deep, step-by-step tour of every street.

Key things to know before you go

• Two islands, one ticket: Gozo first, then Comino and the Blue Lagoon.
• Boat comfort matters: bathrooms, a sundeck, swimming ladders, and a waterslide when anchored.
• Seasonal Blue Lagoon timing: 90 minutes April to October, 60 minutes November to March.
• Snorkeling is simple but extra: gear can be rented on board for €5 per set.
• You need a Blue Lagoon landing pass: it is not included, and you choose an afternoon slot.

Sliema Cruise to Gozo, Comino, and Blue Lagoon: the Big-Picture Experience

This is one of those Malta days that feels like you cheated time. You start in Sliema, spend hours moving by boat between islands, then you still get land time in Gozo before Comino and the Blue Lagoon. If your Malta trip is short, it’s a strong way to hit the highlights without stacking ferries and buses on your own.

The day runs like a sequence of “right now” moments. First you’re cruising the coast of Malta, then you’re stepping onto Gozo’s main harbor, then you’re on a bus for views and time in Victoria. After that, it’s back to the boat and over to Comino, with a set stop at the Blue Lagoon.

You’ll also get the kind of sightseeing that only the water can give you. Malta and Gozo are close, but from the sea, the coves and historic towns look bigger and more dramatic than they do from land roads. The onboard commentary (in English) helps you connect what you see to where you are.

Getting on board at Luzzu Cruises: why arriving early pays off

The meeting point is Luzzu Cruises, at the Ferries 4 area in Sliema (Triq Ix – Xatt, Sliema SLM 1023). The tour starts at 10:00 am, and the instruction is to arrive about 30 minutes before departure.

This matters more than it sounds. The boat stop is a busy port. Even with clear schedules, you want a buffer so you can handle check-in, get your wrist band if they issue one, and sort out anything you need for the Blue Lagoon landing pass. If you show up late, you risk losing time before the boat even leaves.

On board, you’re not stuck in a plastic chair for hours. The boat includes bathrooms, a sundeck, and a bar where food and drinks are sold. There are swimming ladders, and you can use the waterslide when the vessel is at anchor. That combination is a big part of the trip’s value, because it turns the sea time into real downtime, not just transit.

Also, the cruise is planned for good weather. If conditions are poor, the operator can cancel and offer a different date or a full refund.

The Malta coast cruise to Gozo: where the views do the work

Once you depart Sliema, you’ll cruise along Malta’s coast toward Gozo. The route includes sailing past St Julian’s Bay, then St George’s Bay. You’ll also bypass Bugibba while underway to Gozo, and cruise by Mellieha.

That list of names might sound like trivia, but it’s actually a good sign. It tells you the journey is not “straight across, no scenery.” You’re moving along the shoreline with viewpoints, and the commentary fills in what you’re seeing as you go.

For most people, this stretch is about switching modes. You’re leaving the city behind, trading streets for sea views, and you’re still within a few hours of the most famous water stop in Malta. If you’re sensitive to motion, keep that in mind and dress for breezes. In winter, it can get cool on deck.

Gozo by bus: Victoria and the Citadel time (and how to spend it)

You moor in Gozo’s main harbor, then you board a bus. The plan includes a photo stop at Xlendi Bay, then a longer stop in Victoria, where you can see the hilltop Citadel or browse the market.

Here’s what you need to know about how this part feels in real life. The bus is there to get you oriented fast. The stops give you “I’m here” moments and photo angles. Then you’re on your own in Victoria for a block of time, which is your chance to decide how you want to spend it.

If you like viewpoints, aim for the Citadel area. It sits up high, and it’s the kind of place where your brain goes quiet for a minute because the view does the talking. If you’d rather eat, people-watch, and browse, the market and streets around Victoria are a good fit.

One drawback that can pop up: the first stop. Some people feel the Xlendi Bay photo stop is too quick for the amount of time the day asks from you. Even if you enjoy it, treat it as a photo break, not a mini-adventure.

Also, be ready for the fact that the Gozo portion isn’t designed as a tight, guided walking tour of every lane. It’s transport plus free time, which is great if you like flexibility and less great if you want a full commentary-led experience while walking.

Comino and the Santa Marija Caves: the quick stop that sets the tone

After Gozo, you return to the harbor and cruise onward to Comino. The itinerary includes viewing the Comino Caves, plus a photo stop at the Santa Marija Caves.

This is the “bridge” between island sightseeing and water time. You’re not spending an hour on land here. It’s more about getting the right views from the boat before you lock into the Blue Lagoon stop.

If the weather is choppy, this portion can also feel like part of the adventure. The boat crew manages the day by using the vessel safely and anchoring when possible, but you should still expect the sea to have moods.

The cave viewpoint is especially nice if you’re the type who likes photos with depth, not just flat postcard scenes. The rock formations and angles out over the water are exactly what you want to catch with a camera.

Blue Lagoon: landing pass, timing, crowds, and what to do with your 60 to 90 minutes

The Blue Lagoon is the headline stop, and it lives up to the hype. This is where the water turns that strong turquoise color you came for, and where you can swim, sunbathe, or snorkel.

The time you get depends on the season:

• April to October: about 90 minutes
• November to March: about 60 minutes

You’ll also notice a practical reality here. The Blue Lagoon is very popular, and it can feel busy and commercial. That doesn’t mean it’s not worth it. It just means you should plan your expectations. Go in ready for other boats, other swimmers, and a shared space.

There is another key practical point: the Blue Lagoon landing pass is not included. You have to obtain it and choose an afternoon slot. The tour still stops at the lagoon for set time, but if you want to land efficiently and avoid last-minute stress, arrange that pass before you get to the harbor.

Once the boat anchors, your “base” is the deck and the entry points. The boat includes swimming ladders, and the waterslide can be part of the fun during the stop. Snorkeling gear rental is available from the onboard bar for €5 per set, so you can do this even if you did not pack equipment.

What to do when the boat is anchored

You’ll have a limited window, so do not waste the first five minutes hunting for the ideal spot. Here’s a simple way to make the most of it:

• Pick your plan quickly: swim, snorkel, or photos first.
• If you snorkel, rent gear early and get into the water fast.
• If you want photos, grab them near the start of the stop so you do not miss the best light later.

Also, pay attention to your footing. The water is the star, but some areas can have sharp rocky edges. If you’re not used to rocky shorelines, bring coral shoes or water shoes if you have them.

How weather can change your experience

The tour requires good weather. If the sea is rough, your comfort on the return cruise and any time on deck can change. In winter, it can also be cooler, which means you may want layers even if Malta is sunny.

If the boat cannot land exactly how it normally does, your walking time can increase. That affects the time you actually spend in the water, so keep some urgency in your schedule.

Onboard services, snorkeling gear, and what to pack for comfort

This day is split between boat time and short land periods. That means your packing list should cover both: sun protection and comfort for deck time, plus water-ready shoes for the lagoon.

Here’s what I’d pack based on how the cruise operates:

• A light layer for wind on the deck (especially in colder months)
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• A swim-ready outfit you are happy to wear for a while
• Water shoes or coral shoes for rocky areas
• A small towel or quick-dry item if you have one
• A phone that you can access fast for anything tied to the landing pass

Onboard, you can buy food and drinks, but you should assume you’re paying extra because meals are not included. Snorkeling gear can be rented for €5 per set, which is a nice option if you packed nothing.

Price and value: why $48-ish can work, and when it might not

At around $48 per person, this tour is priced as a value day trip that covers a lot of ground. You are paying for:

• A full boat cruise from Sliema through Malta coastline to Gozo and onward
• English commentary during the cruise
• Land transport in Gozo with multiple stops and photo moments
• A Blue Lagoon stop with time to swim and snorkel
• Boat amenities like bathrooms and waterslide access when anchored

If you compare this to the cost of assembling separate ferries, booking guides, and arranging island transportation on your own, the price starts to make sense. The big reason is that the operator handles routing and timing, so your day stays simple.

Where value can slip is expectations. If you want a slow, detailed guided tour of Gozo by walking every historic corner with long stops to learn the story, this may feel rushed. If you want a relaxed highlights day with sea views and a real water stop, it fits well.

Also, think about how you like crowds. The Blue Lagoon is popular, and the time is fixed. If you are the type who hates busy water areas, you may spend more time managing the logistics of where to go than enjoying the swim.

Who should book this Sliema to Gozo and Blue Lagoon cruise?

This is a great fit if you:

• Are short on time in Malta and want multiple must-sees in one day
• Like boat days and want more than just a quick ferry crossing
• Want flexibility in Victoria, with time to choose between the Citadel viewpoint and browsing the market
• Are traveling in a group or family and enjoy shared activities like the waterslide

It might be less ideal if you:

• Want a super detailed guided tour in Gozo, not just transport and free time
• Need lots of space to store gear at the Blue Lagoon (you can access the boat, but the lagoon stop is tight)
• Dislike crowds and packed anchor points

If you’re going in colder months, build extra comfort planning into your outfit choices. The lagoon stop is shorter, and deck conditions can be cooler.

Should you book? My practical take

Book this if you want a classic Malta combo day: Gozo views, a real shot at Blue Lagoon swimming, and the fun of a boat day with waterslide access. The value is solid for the amount of ground it covers, especially when you factor in onboard facilities and the included land transport in Gozo.

Think twice if you crave deep guided immersion in Gozo, or if your ideal day includes long, quiet time in water. In that case, you might prefer a slower plan focused on fewer stops.

If you do book, the smartest move is to plan for the landing pass and arrive early. Then you can spend the day doing the parts that actually matter: water first, viewpoints second, and photos along the way.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as about 7 hours 30 minutes.

What time does the cruise depart from Sliema?

The start time is 10:00 am.

Where do I meet the tour?

The meeting point is Luzzu Cruises, Ferries 4, Triq Ix – Xatt, Sliema SLM 1023, Malta.

What is included in the price?

It includes the boat cruise from Sliema to Gozo and Comino Blue Lagoon, English commentary onboard, the Blue Lagoon stop time, viewing Comino caves, use of onboard facilities (including toilets, sundeck, swimming ladders, and waterslide when anchored), and land transport in Gozo with stops for photos in Qala Belvedere and Victoria.

Do I need snorkeling equipment?

Snorkeling equipment is not included, but it can be rented onboard for €5.00 per set.

What is the Blue Lagoon landing pass situation, and is the tour canceled in bad weather?

The Blue lagoon landing pass is not included, and you can obtain it by choosing the afternoon slot. The tour requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather you will be offered a different date or a full refund.