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

This is a good one-day plan when you want island scenery fast, without committing to an overnight trip. You start in Sliema, cruise to Gozo and Comino, then finish back in the same place after a swim in the famous Blue Lagoon.

I love the mix of boat time for views and land time in Gozo for real stops like the Citadel area in Victoria. I also like how the schedule gives you a dedicated Blue Lagoon window instead of just a quick stop. One thing to keep in mind is that the Victoria and Gozo portions are time-boxed, so you will want to choose your priorities ahead of time.

Key highlights you should care about

• Two islands in one day (Gozo plus Comino) so you can hit the main Malta island-hopping hits even with limited time.
• Gozo photo stops and Victoria time with time near the Citadel area, plus a chance to shop or grab a bite on your own.
• Blue Lagoon swim slot that depends on the season (90 minutes in April to October, 60 minutes in November to March).
• Comino Caves viewing and a Santa Marija Caves photo stop for that classic sea-grotto look.
• Boat comforts for the anchoring swim like a sun deck, toilets, swimming ladders, and even a waterslide while the boat is anchored.

Why This Gozo and Comino Day Cruise Makes Sense From Sliema

This tour works because it is built around a simple goal: give you the island scenery without the stress of coordinating multiple connections. You get a full day that combines time on the water, a guided bus segment in Gozo, and a proper swim break at Comino’s Blue Lagoon.

If you like your day trips to feel like a best-of package, this hits the mark. The “from Sliema to Gozo by boat, back out to Comino, then return” flow means you spend your travel time looking at Malta and not stuck in transit tunnels or waiting rooms.

The main tradeoff is also straightforward. You will not get a slow, deep exploration of Gozo. You will get a smart snapshot, plus a swim-focused Comino stop. If your top priority is lingering in Victoria for hours, you may feel a little rushed.

Sliema Departure and the Scenic Boat Route to Gozo

You meet at Luzzu Cruises, Ferries 4, Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema (right where boat life starts). The day runs about 7.5 hours, with departure at 10:00 am, and you should arrive about 30 minutes early so the boarding process does not eat into your day.

Once you are on board, the route is part of the point. The cruise passes scenic stretches like St Julian’s Bay, St George’s Bay, Bugibba, and Mellieha as you head toward Gozo. Even if you have seen postcards of Malta already, this is where you understand the geography: harbors, cliffs, and small bays line up in a way you just do not get from a bus window.

On-board, you get the essentials for a comfortable day at sea. There are bathroom facilities, a sundeck for sun and shade, and swimming ladders for the anchored swim moments. There is also an onboard bar where food and drinks are sold, so you can keep moving without needing to plan meals around shore stops.

One practical note: the day is weather-dependent. If the sea gets rough, you may feel it, so bring realistic expectations about rocking and plan for a calm-to-moderate pace rather than a perfectly smooth ride.

Gozo by Bus: Xlendi Bay Photos and Victoria Citadel Time

After arriving in Gozo, you moor in the main harbor and then switch to the included land transport. This is not a long, detailed day-guide tour with a tight script. It is a bus-based sightseeing segment with stops that help you see what most people come for.

The first photo-style stop is Xlendi Bay, where you get a chance to take in the water and cliffs before heading onward. Then the schedule includes a longer time in Victoria, Gozo’s capital. The key moment here is time near the Citadel area, sometimes listed as Cittadella, with time to visit the Citadel or check out the market. The admission ticket for this stop is free.

How to use your time well:

• If you want photos with depth, head toward the Citadel viewpoints first. That is the spot that pays off most quickly.
• If you want food or browsing, do that after you get your best views. That way you are not chasing the clock during the most scenic part.

A subtle consideration from how this tour is structured: Gozo time is efficient, but it is not designed for a long sit-down lunch plus museum hopping plus a slow stroll. If you like to wander without looking at a watch, you might feel you are working through a checklist.

Comino Caves and the Blue Lagoon Reality Check (Season Matters)

Comino is where the day becomes about water. You cruise over, stop for cave viewing, and then you get your Blue Lagoon time. There is viewing of the Comino Caves along the way, plus a photo stop at the Santa Marija Caves.

The Blue Lagoon stop is the main event, and the schedule is clearly seasonal:

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

That difference matters more than it sounds. In winter, you can still enjoy the water, but it becomes more of a focused visit: photos, quick swim, maybe snorkeling, then back onboard. In summer, the extra time gives you more breathing room to alternate between sunbathing, photos, and getting into the water more than once.

Snorkeling setup:

• Snorkeling equipment is not included.
• You can hire snorkeling gear onboard for €5.00 per set.

Because the boat uses anchored swim time, the “where you swim” plan is set by the boat. There can also be crowd intensity at Blue Lagoon, so go in knowing it is popular. I suggest you bring what you need to make your time efficient: a towel, water-friendly footwear if you are sensitive to rocks, and a dry bag for phones or electronics.

Also, think about walking time. If you are prone to taking photos everywhere, you can run down the clock fast. This is where having a simple plan helps: decide what you want most (swim, snorkel, photos, or a quick walk) and aim for that first.

One more thing that helps your comfort: dressing for the season. In cooler months, the wind off the water can make the boat feel colder than you expect, even if the shore looks mild.

On-Board Comfort, the Waterslide, and What to Pack

This is the kind of cruise where the boat actually adds value, not just transportation. The waterslide is available when the boat is at anchor, and there are swimming ladders plus a sun deck. You also have toilet facilities on board, which sounds basic until you are already out on the water for hours.

Crew style is another big factor in whether this feels like a smooth day. The operation is set up to keep things moving, including helpful staff for getting you settled and getting you back on track for departures. Still, the day can feel a little chaotic at times around boarding and ticket-related wrist bands, so arrive early and follow any instructions you receive close to departure.

What to pack, based on how the day plays out:

• A light jacket or layer for the return ride and time on deck, especially in shoulder season or winter.
• Water-friendly footwear. There can be sharp coral or rocky areas where you get in, and shoes help a lot.
• A small towel and a change of dry clothes if you want to feel human after the swim.
• A plan for shade and sun, since there is deck space but you might not want to bake the whole time.
• If you get seasick, take precautions ahead of time. The sea can be fine, and then it can be rough, depending on conditions.

Food and drinks are available for purchase onboard, but you should budget for them since they are not included. If you want a simple day, eat a light meal before you go, then use the onboard bar as a backup.

Price and Value: What You Get for About $48

At around $48.06 per person, this is priced like a smart value move: you are paying for a long, multi-stop day rather than multiple separate tickets. For that price, you get:

• A boat cruise from Sliema to Gozo and Comino with English commentary onboard
• A Blue Lagoon stop (90 minutes in warmer months, 60 minutes in colder months)
• Viewing of the Comino Caves plus a cave photo stop
• Included Gozo land transport with stops for photos and time in Victoria

That is a lot of pieces for one day, and that is why it works for short stays. You can see the look of the coastline from the water, then switch to Gozo’s more village-and-city feel in Victoria.

What is not included, so you should budget:

• Food and drinks
• Snorkeling equipment (hire onboard for €5.00 per set)
• Any optional costs you add in Gozo (shopping, extra drinks, snacks)

One added planning point: the Blue Lagoon landing pass can be obtained and you choose an afternoon slot. If you wait until the last minute, the process can get stressful. I strongly recommend you handle that step early so your Blue Lagoon window is not a scramble.

Should You Book This Sliema Cruise to Gozo, Comino, and the Blue Lagoon?

If your goal is a one-day Malta island-hopping highlight tour, I think this is a solid choice. You get the water views, you get time in Gozo’s Victoria area near the Citadel, and you get a real Blue Lagoon swim window with boat amenities like the waterslide and ladders.

Book it if:

• You want a big “best-of” day with minimal planning
• You enjoy boats and want scenic time that does not require driving
• You are okay with time-boxed stops and want to see more places, not just one place slowly

Skip it or choose a more focused option if:

• You want long, unhurried time in Victoria or a deeper Gozo experience
• You prefer a less crowded Blue Lagoon plan and more freedom to explore without clock pressure
• You expect a highly detailed, step-by-step guided tour of every moment on Gozo

FAQ

How long is the Sliema cruise to Gozo, Comino, and the Blue Lagoon?

It runs about 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

What time does it depart from Sliema?

The start time is 10:00 am, and you should arrive about 30 minutes early at the departure point.

Where is the meeting point?

The tour starts at Luzzu Cruises, Ferries 4, Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema SLM 1023, Malta, and it returns to the same meeting point.

How long do you get at the Blue Lagoon?

The boat stop at the Blue Lagoon is about 90 minutes from April to October, and about 60 minutes from November to March.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is available to hire onboard from the bar for €5.00 per set.

Do you get a guided part in Gozo?

Yes. The tour includes land transport in Gozo with stops for photos and time in Victoria, where you can see the Citadel.

Do I need a Blue Lagoon landing pass?

The information provided says you can obtain a Blue Lagoon landing pass and choose an afternoon slot, so plan for that step before you go.