Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay: Best of Gozo and Comino Day Trip

Blue Lagoon meets medieval Gozo in one day. This is a full-day combo that mixes catamaran cruising with free time in Gozo’s capital, then swaps over to Comino for the famous swim bay.

I especially like how the day is built around time on the water and time on shore. The cruise gives you nonstop views from the northeast Maltese coast, and you get free time in Victoria to wander at your own pace.

One thing to plan for is that Comino and the Blue Lagoon can feel packed, and your swim window is limited to about two hours.

Quick hit notes

• Catamaran comfort: air-conditioned boat, WiFi, and toilets onboard
• Simple Gozo base: Mġarr Harbour to Victoria by bus, then back again
• Victoria at leisure: about 1.5 hours to explore, including the Citadel area if you want it
• Comino Blue Lagoon swim slot: around 2 hours, with a government access pass required
• Free time means navigation: you are responsible for meeting the boat on time

How the Gozo and Comino Day Trip Actually Works

This tour is a classic Malta formula: you get out on the water early enough for good light, then you spend the rest of the day bouncing between islands without having to organize ferries and schedules yourself. It is not a slow, guided crawl. It is a “see the highlights, then enjoy your own free time” day.

The day is built on two fixed anchors. First, you reach Victoria in Gozo by bus after arriving at Mġarr Harbour. Second, you disembark on Comino for a Blue Lagoon swim stop that is strictly time-managed because the boat will not wait around.

If you like structure with breathing room, this works. If you want a deep, history-heavy tour led by an expert guide at every stop, you might feel under-supported since the Victoria and Comino portions are leisure time, not a guided tour.

Starting Point Choice: Sliema Ferries vs Buġibba Jetty

You can start from either Sliema Ferries in Sliema or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. That choice matters more than it sounds, because it affects how painless your morning is and how you’ll feel about the day once you are already on the water.

Because starting times vary by date, you should check what departure is available and pick the one that best matches your goals. A later start can make Comino feel like it comes too quickly and leaves you wanting more of Gozo or more calm time on the beach.

Also note what the operation does not include. There is no hotel pick-up or drop-off transfer, so you will want to be comfortable getting yourself to the ferry or jetty on time.

The Catamaran Cruise Along Malta’s Coast

The morning begins with a scenic cruise along the northeast coast toward Gozo. This is your big “views first” segment. You get English commentary over a P.A. system during the cruise, which helps you understand what you are seeing without turning your day into a lecture.

The boat itself is a modern catamaran with fully air-conditioned comfort, WiFi, and toilet facilities. That combination matters on a long day, especially when you end up spending time changing between seating areas, decks, and the onboard restrooms.

If you are sensitive to water, take the condition seriously. The tour is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, and in real life you can feel wind and chop even when you are expecting calm. One review described the return sailing in strong winds as extremely intense, so if you get queasy, bring your motion sickness prevention and consider whether you should do this day trip at all.

Gozo Arrival: Mġarr Harbour to Victoria by Bus

Once you dock at Mġarr Harbour, you switch to a sightseeing bus for the trip to Victoria. The drive passes churches and other landmarks, with scenery that is part island-road, part slow panorama, part “wow, this place is tiny” feeling.

This is also where the tour’s format becomes very clear: you are not going to get a guided lecture throughout. You get the cruise commentary by P.A., but the bus portion does not include a tour guide or audio commentary. That means you should rely on your own eyes during the ride and save your curiosity for Victoria itself.

You end up with a key planning responsibility here. The day involves multiple buses and meeting points. One review called out that the pick-up back in Gozo could feel chaotic at the bus station, even though the waterfront driver explained clearly what to do for the return bus. In practice, that means you should keep your eyes open, double-check the return instructions the crew gives you, and make it a point to be early at meeting places.

Victoria, Gozo: 1.5 Hours to Explore the Capital

In Victoria, you get about 1.5 hours of free time to explore. This is long enough to get a feel for the city, but short enough that you need to decide what you want your priority to be.

Victoria is the island’s charming center, and you can wander old-town streets without worrying about timed museum entry. If you are the type who enjoys grabbing a coffee, taking photos, and just soaking up atmosphere, this window works well.

And if you want one major landmark, this is the time for it. The Cittadella (also called the Citadel) is in Victoria and is Gozo’s standout fortress feature. It dominates the skyline and looks like a military stronghold perched above town. The good move is to spend your limited time choosing either scenic walking in and around the area or focusing more on town streets if you want an easy pace.

Cittadella and the Viewpoint Payoff

The Citadel area is impressive because it is visually dramatic from all over the island. Even if you only walk a portion of it, you get that “high ground, thick walls, big views” feeling that makes Victoria memorable.

Because your free time is limited, you should plan your route before you go. If you want photos that show the sweep of Gozo, head toward vantage points first. If you mainly care about strolling and street scenes, don’t burn the whole hour climbing and then realize you barely wandered the town.

Also, admission to sites is not included. So if you decide you want to pay to go deeper inside specific areas, that is on you. Still, even a partial Citadel visit can be a strong use of your Victoria time because it gives shape and perspective to the island.

Comino in Two Hours: From Dock to Blue Lagoon

After Gozo, you head back to Mġarr Harbour, then board the boat again for Comino. You disembark for approximately 2 hours, which is enough time to get in the water, take photos, and decide whether you want to snorkel or just enjoy sun and swim.

The headline stop is the Blue Lagoon, described as having crystal-clear turquoise water and a sandy base. You should expect strong visual payoff here, but you should also expect crowds. One review said Comino itself was busy and even spoiled their experience, and another said the Blue Lagoon crowd level was overwhelming.

Here is the practical twist that matters a lot more than beach towels: you need a government-issued access pass for the Blue Lagoon. The requirement took effect in May 2025, and the daily pass allocation is limited. You obtain passes via blcomino.com, and for this trip you must book the afternoon timeslot when applying. If you do not have that pass, you will not be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon.

The Blue Lagoon Experience: Swim Window Reality Check

Two hours sounds fine until you factor in docking, getting from the boat to the water, and finding your own small pocket of comfort. The boat will not remain at the destination, so your timing is on you. Arrive back at the agreed meeting point exactly when the driver indicates.

Plan your swim like this:

• Put on swimwear before you arrive if you can, because changing areas can get busy.
• Bring a towel and sunscreen, and assume you will reapply if you are out in the sun.
• If you want the clearest water for photos, go early in your time and settle in fast.

Also remember what you are and are not getting. Food and drinks are not included, and there is no tour guide controlling pace or flow. The upside is freedom. The downside is less crowd management and fewer helpful pointers when things feel hectic.

If you are not feeling a swim, Comino still has value. It has no cars or urban areas, and it is described as a place with hiking trails to spots like St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery. With only two hours, you might just do a short walk, but at least you have an alternative if the water crowd energy isn’t for you.

Crowds, Timing, and Sea Conditions That Can Change Your Day

This itinerary runs in peak season energy, so crowd levels at Blue Lagoon are a real factor, not an edge case. Several reviews point out how busy it can get, and one person said it was not controlled at all.

Your best defense is to manage your expectations. Think of Blue Lagoon as a highlight you visit, not a private beach you take over. If you want more quiet time, focus your attention on Comino’s other areas you can explore within the two hours, or prioritize an earlier departure when that option exists.

Sea conditions are the other wildcard. The boat is a catamaran and should be comfortable, but strong winds can make the ride feel rough. That is not a crew mistake. It is weather. If you are the type who feels it quickly, bring prevention and consider skipping this trip.

What You Pay Around $52, and What Adds Cost

At about $52 per person, you are paying for a full-day transportation bundle: cruise time, Gozo land transport between Mġarr Harbour and Victoria, and the Comino boat segment. You also get onboard basics like air-conditioning, WiFi, and toilets.

What you do not get is part of the equation. No food and drinks are included, and you must cover any admissions to sites in Gozo if you decide to visit attractions beyond the free-wander portion. Then there is the Blue Lagoon access pass, which is required by government directive. The optional speedboat trip to the Comino caves and Crystal Lagoon is about €15 per person, paid on location.

Value wise, this is attractive if you want the “together package” and you are not excited about organizing ferries and schedules yourself. It can feel less like a bargain if you end up spending extra on passes, admissions, and add-ons, but the core transport and sightseeing time are built-in.

Included Comfort Details That Actually Matter

This is one of those tours where the small onboard features can make a difference. You get:

• Air-conditioned boat for comfort
• WiFi on the boat (useful if you want to coordinate plans or message home)
• Toilet facilities onboard
• English commentary over the P.A. during the cruise
• Crew and driver assistance when it comes to how to connect the legs of the day

Those details are not glamorous, but they reduce stress. And on a day with multiple transfers and fixed return timing, lower stress is the real luxury.

Who This Trip Is Best For (And Who Should Skip It)

This is a good fit if you want a one-day island tour that covers three places: Malta coast from the boat, Gozo’s Victoria, and Comino’s Blue Lagoon. It is also a nice fit for travelers who like free time, because both Victoria and Comino are not guided stops. You can move at your own pace and choose how you spend your time.

It is not a good fit if you:

• Need wheelchair access or mobility support, since it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users
• Get seasick easily, since it is not suitable for people prone to seasickness
• Are traveling with pets, because pets are not allowed
• Have lots of luggage, since oversize luggage and large bags are not allowed

If you are planning a day trip with kids, or if everyone in your group handles crowds well, this could work. Just be ready for the busy feel at Blue Lagoon.

Should You Book This Gozo and Comino Day Trip?

If your main goal is to see Gozo’s capital highlights and spend a couple hours at the Blue Lagoon, I think it is a strong value for your time. The cruise and onboard comfort help, and Victoria gives you enough room to explore without feeling rushed in one specific place.

I would book it if you are willing to do two things. First, get your Blue Lagoon access pass in advance for the correct afternoon timeslot. Second, treat Blue Lagoon as a popular highlight, not a quiet escape.

Skip it if your travel style needs a guided, curated experience the whole way, or if you are very sensitive to waves and crowds. With the weather and crowd levels you might run into, this trip rewards people who can handle a bit of lively energy and keep track of meeting points.

FAQ

Where do I depart for this trip?

You can depart from either Sliema Ferries in Sliema or from Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. The meeting point may vary depending on the option you book.

How long is the day trip?

The duration is about 7 to 7.5 hours. Starting times vary, so you should check availability for the specific departure you want.

How much free time do I get in Victoria?

You get approximately 1.5 hours of free time in Victoria, Gozo.

How much time do I get on Comino?

You get approximately 2 hours on Comino, including time at the Blue Lagoon swim stop.

Is there a guided tour in Victoria and Comino?

No. This is not a guided tour. The stops in Victoria and at the Blue Lagoon are at leisure, with free time.

Do I need a pass to access the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. As of a government directive effective May 2025, you must obtain a government access pass in advance for disembarking at the Blue Lagoon. Passes are available through blcomino.com, and you need the afternoon timeslot for this trip.

What is included in the price?

Included items are the scenic cruise, English commentary over the boat’s P.A. system, land transportation in Gozo between Mġarr Harbour and Victoria, free time in Victoria and Comino, a fully air-conditioned boat, WiFi on the boat, toilet facilities, and assistance from crew and staff.

What is not included?

Food and drinks are not included, and you also need to arrange the government access pass for the Blue Lagoon. Hotel transfers, tour guidance, audio commentary during the bus portion, and admissions to sites in Gozo are also not included. Optional motorboat trips are not included.

Is an optional speedboat to Comino Caves available?

Yes. An optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and the Crystal Lagoon is available for about €15 per person, paid on location.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?

No. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.