Malta: Full-Day Gozo and Blue Lagoon Cruise

This day trip is interesting because you get a full “Malta plus islands” mix in one go: a north-coast boat ride, a Gozo walkable highlight, and then the famous Blue Lagoon for swimming. I especially like the pairing of the Gozo visit with real sights like Cittadella, not just a quick drive-by. The one drawback to plan around is that Gozo time is short, so you need to be selective about what you want to see and how high you want to climb.

You meet at 10:00 at Sliema Ferries opposite McDonald’s, look for the Yellow Malta Sightseeing Booth, and the boat leaves at 10:30. From there it is a tight, well-paced day: bus to Victoria for about 75 minutes, then back to the water for Comino.

Key things I’d prioritize on this Gozo and Blue Lagoon cruise

• A real Gozo stop in Rabat with Cittadella on your own time (about 75 minutes)
• Comino Blue Lagoon swim time where you can snorkel or just float, weather permitting
• The Comino walking QR ticket requirement for landing on Comino island trails
• Boat comfort is “big day trip, shared boat” with one small toilet and some crowding
• Extra costs can pop up like sunbed options and optional activities sold during the day

From Sliema to Gozo, you’re buying time on the water

This cruise feels like the easiest way to string together Malta’s north coast, Gozo’s capital, and Comino in one day without renting a car. The boat route matters, because you are not just shuttled. You get a proper sea ride with views of the coast, including St. Paul’s Island and Mellieha when conditions are clear.

I also like the way the day is structured for different travel styles. If you want photos and viewpoints, Gozo gives you Cittadella. If you want water time, Comino delivers with swim and snorkeling options. And if you just want to chill, you can keep your schedule flexible during your free time because Rabat and the Cittadella area are easy to explore at your own pace.

One practical note: it is not a slow, leisurely exploration day. You are moving from point to point, with sightseeing time measured in chunks. That can feel perfect if you want highlights, and frustrating if you hoped for an unhurried tour of Gozo.

The meeting point and schedule that actually matter

Plan your morning like a pro, because this kind of day trip runs on timing. You’re asked to be at Sliema Ferries opposite McDonald’s at 10:00, then the boat leaves at 10:30. The instruction is to look for the Yellow Malta Sightseeing Booth, so arrive early enough to find it without stress.

The total duration is listed as 8 hours, and the exact starting time can vary by availability, so confirm your departure time when you book. The day ends back at the same meeting point in Sliema.

Also, the host is English, and you’ll have an English audio guide. That’s useful on days when the boat ride and transitions keep you moving, because you can fill in context while you’re not staring at a map.

Gozo’s Rabat and Cittadella: what 75 minutes really buys you

On Gozo, you take a bus to the capital area, Victoria, also known as Rabat. You then get about 75 minutes of free time to explore the city and the Cittadella. That’s enough to get oriented, enjoy a viewpoint or two, and decide whether you want to climb up for the best views.

Here is what I’d plan in that time:

• If you want the big view: go straight for the Cittadella top first, then come back down for a quick wander.
• If you want calmer streets: spend a little more time on the walkways and photo stops near the central area, and skip the highest climbs.

Cittadella is the reason many people come. But the key is expectation management. You do not get hours and hours up there, so pick your “must sees” and move. The people most likely to be happy are the ones who want a highlight-driven visit, not a deep, slow deep-dive tour.

Two small comfort tips for this stop:

• Wear comfortable shoes. You will be walking and climbing.
• If you want snacks, plan to grab something quickly once you’re there, because your time window is firm.

Qala Belvedere and the logic of the transport

The included transportation list mentions Victoria the capital city of Gozo and Qala Belvedere. What this means in real life is that your Gozo movement is planned with scenic stops in mind, not just a straight transfer.

I like this approach because it gives you a better chance at viewpoints even if you do not know the island well. That said, it is still a group schedule. You should be ready for a bus ride where timing is the priority, and you might share seats with more people than you’d like, especially during peak season.

The Comino Blue Lagoon part: swimming time and the QR ticket rule

In the afternoon, you board the boat again and head to Comino Island for the Blue Lagoon. This is the heart of the trip for most people. Your time here is built around getting in the water, either by swimming or snorkeling, or just relaxing on the beach.

Bring what you need:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable shoes (because you may walk around the boat area before and after water time)

Now the big, new rule you cannot ignore: starting May 1, 2025, you need a ticket to walk on the island of Comino. The ticket is free of charge, but it must be booked online at www.blcomino.com. You also need to choose the slot 13:30 to 17:30. You’ll receive a QR code, and Comino officials scan it on arrival. If you do not have the QR code, you won’t be allowed to walk on Comino island, but you can still swim next to the boat.

So what should you do?

• If you want shore time away from the boat, book that free QR ticket before you go.
• If you only care about the water, you can still enjoy the swim even without the QR code, but your land options will be limited.

One more reality check from the overall experience: the boat can be busy here, and there can be extra sales pressure for add-ons. I’d treat any upgrades as optional and decide quickly if they fit your budget.

Boat comfort, crowding, and those onboard practicalities

This is a large-day-trip setup, not a private yacht. That shows up in a few ways you should plan for.

Some departures feel roomy, while others are tight. You might find yourself seated in less ideal spots depending on crowding. On one hand, you can enjoy views from the boat and spot marine life like fish, and sometimes even dolphins, jellyfish, and lots of fish from the water. On the other hand, some people report being placed near the engine area, including smell and noise, and that the boat can feel packed.

A few other practical details matter:

• There is at least one toilet onboard, but it is described as small, so expect lines or limited space at busy moments.
• In cooler months, the boat ride can feel chilly, especially if it is windy. Bring a light layer if you’re going outside summer.
• Sunbathing options are part of the appeal, and you may be able to use sunbeds on the top level for an additional EUR 10 option. Ask or check at the start rather than assuming everything is included.

Food, drinks, and what you should budget for

Food and drinks are listed as not included, so you should assume you’ll pay while you’re on your own time in Gozo and while you’re at Comino.

About drinks: some departures offer drink promotions. You may even get something like free beer. But the timing can be tricky, and sometimes “free drink” offers can be limited to certain hours. A safe plan is this: treat any free drink as a bonus, not a guarantee, and keep a bit of cash or card handy for a drink if you need it.

Also watch for upsells. During the day, you may be asked about snorkeling add-ons or faster boat rides. If you want the simplest version, stick to the core swim time and skip extra purchases unless it fits what you want.

Price and value: is $45 a bargain or a trade-off?

At around $45 per person, this feels like good value for what you receive: transport to Gozo, time in Rabat/Cittadella, a real cruise, and Comino Blue Lagoon swim time. The big trade-off is time and control.

You’re not paying for a personalized tour. You’re paying for logistics that work: a scheduled departure, coached transfers, and a guaranteed route that gets you to the two island stops that most visitors want.

What can reduce value is if you hoped for more Gozo time or a longer stay on Comino. The 75 minutes in Victoria is enough for a highlight circuit, but it does not give you a slow island day. If that sounds like your style, you might prefer a different format with more flexible time.

Still, if you want a one-day sampler with iconic stops, this pricing structure makes sense.

Who should book this Malta Gozo and Blue Lagoon cruise

This is a great match if you:

• Want maximum highlights in one day without driving
• Like the idea of water time where you can swim and snorkel
• Enjoy short, focused stops like Cittadella rather than hour-after-hour museum-style touring

I’d be a bit cautious if you:

• Hate tight schedules and firm return times
• Need long explanations and slow pacing
• Want a relaxed, unhurried Gozo experience

It also works well for visitors who are traveling with mixed ages or interests, as long as everyone is comfortable with bus and boat transitions.

Practical checklist before you go

If you want this day to feel smooth, pack and plan like this:

• Swimwear + towel for the Blue Lagoon
• Comfortable shoes for Cittadella and any walking on Gozo
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• A light layer if you’re going in shoulder season or expect wind
• If you want to walk on Comino island, get the free QR ticket online and choose slot 13:30 to 17:30

Also, when you’re at the meeting point, give yourself extra buffer time to find the Yellow Malta Sightseeing Booth and get checked in before the 10:30 departure.

Should you book this Gozo and Blue Lagoon cruise?

Yes, if you want a strong one-day overview and you are happy with highlight timing. The cruise-and-swim combo is exactly what most people come to Malta for, and the Gozo stop gives you Cittadella without requiring you to manage island logistics on your own.

Consider skipping or looking for another option if you want hours of deep exploration in Gozo or if the Comino QR ticket rule would make you feel uneasy. In that case, you might choose a different tour format with more land time, or plan your own Gozo and Comino day separately.

If you do book, treat the day like a highlight sprint: prioritize comfortable shoes, the QR ticket if you want Comino walking, and a realistic plan for what you can see in 75 minutes.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the cruise?

You meet at 10:00 hrs at Sliema Ferries, opposite McDonald’s. Look for the Yellow Malta Sightseeing Booth.

What time does the boat leave?

The boat leaves at 10:30 hrs.

How long is the trip?

The duration is 8 hours. Starting times can vary, so check availability when you book.

What is included in the price?

Transportation to Victoria the capital city of Gozo and Qala Belvedere, the cruise, and onboard facilities are included.

What is not included?

Food and drinks are not included. Snorkeling equipment is also not included, but it is available to rent.

Do I get an audio guide?

Yes. An English audio guide is included.

Do I need a ticket to walk on Comino?

As of May 1, 2025, yes. You need a FREE ticket from www.blcomino.com and you must select the 13:30 hrs to 17:30 hrs slot. Your QR code will be scanned on arrival.

What should I bring?

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