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

One of the most interesting Malta day trips is the land and sea mix, a catamaran cruise paired with island time on Gozo and Comino in a single stretch.

I especially like the smooth, timed flow of this trip, including English commentary over the boat’s PA system and modern comfort on the water. I also like the way the Victoria stop gives you real freedom to explore, with the Cittadella Citadel right there for views over Gozo.

One big consideration is that the Blue Lagoon stop now requires a government access pass booked in advance, and the water can feel extremely crowded once you arrive.

Key things that make this day trip work

• Pick your departure point, Sliema Ferries or Buġibba Jetty, and choose your start time when booking
• Cruise up the northeast coast to Gozo, then switch to a bus at Mġarr Harbour
• Victoria gets about 1.5 hours, enough time for a walk and the main landmark: Cittadella (Citadel)
• Comino is focused on the Blue Lagoon, with about 2 hours on the island for swimming and photos
• Boat comfort is real, fully air-conditioned, with WiFi and toilets, plus an English PA commentary during the cruise
• Optional speedboat add-on exists for the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon for around €15

From Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay to Gozo, the catamaran sets the tone

This day trip starts with a boat departure from either Sliema Ferries in Sliema or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. I like this choice because it lets you match your day to where you’re staying, instead of forcing a cross-island transfer.

Once you’re onboard, you’ll cruise along Malta’s northeast coast toward Gozo. This is not just transportation, it’s part of the experience, with English commentary played through the boat’s PA system while you watch the coastline slide by. The boat itself is modern and fully air-conditioned, and it has WiFi and toilet facilities, which matters when you’re dealing with a full schedule.

Practical note: motion sickness can be an issue on open water. The trip isn’t suitable for people prone to seasickness, and the packing list even nudges you toward prevention. If you’re sensitive, take that seriously and come prepared.

Mġarr Harbour to Victoria: how to use your 1.5 hours well

Arriving in Gozo is done in two steps: boat to Mġarr Harbour, then bus to Victoria, the island’s capital. This matters because Gozo’s roads and sights are easier with a timed transfer, and it keeps the day from turning into “where is the bus?” stress.

On the bus ride, you’ll drive past churches and other landmarks, with the scenery and the island’s character filling the window. When you reach Victoria, you get about 1.5 hours of free time to explore on your own.

That free time is short enough that you need a simple plan. I’d aim for one main wandering loop in the old-town area, then head to the fortress area. If you try to do everything, you’ll end up sprinting between buses and viewpoints.

Cittadella, the Citadel you can’t miss

The standout landmark here is Cittadella (the Citadel), an imposing medieval fortress that sits above Victoria. It’s Gozo’s major landmark, visible from lots of places around the island, so even if you only catch part of the views, it still feels iconic.

You do not get a guided tour inside during this stop. That’s not a bad thing, it just means you should treat this as free-time exploration. Give yourself time for the uphill walk, and bring comfortable shoes, because Victoria’s streets are not designed for flip-flops and instant gratification.

Returning to the water: timing, meeting points, and the chaos factor

After Victoria, the bus brings you back to Mġarr Harbour so you can board again for Comino. This is a straight-through day, so the biggest risk is not missing the boat, it’s missing the exact moment you’re supposed to be at the right place.

The trip is set up as leisure stops, not a fully guided day. That means you need to know where you’re going to meet your driver again. One practical tip I picked up from real-world experience on this route: the driver at the waterfront can give clear instructions for how to catch the correct bus on your return, and it’s worth listening closely because the return location is not where you usually assume it is.

If English is not your strongest language, or you struggle with fast local delivery, have your printed or saved plan ready. A simple time and meeting reference can save you from wandering between buses.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon: why the swim is the headline

You’ll disembark on Comino Island for about 2 hours, with the focus on the Blue Lagoon. This is the famous turquoise-water setting people picture when they think of Malta, with crystal-clear water and a sandy bottom.

If you’re going for a swim, this is the point where you switch from sightseeing mode to beach mode. You’ll want swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses, and the earlier you are ready, the better your experience tends to be when lots of people want the same things at the same time.

The access pass rule you must follow for Blue Lagoon

Here’s the essential catch: as of the government directive effective May 2025, you cannot disembark at the Blue Lagoon without an official access pass. The pass is obtained in advance through blcomino.com, and you are required to book the afternoon timeslot for this trip.

This is a “do it before you go” rule, not something you can solve at the dock. If you forget, you may be denied entry to the Blue Lagoon area.

Crowd reality on a short stop

Even with a great view, the Blue Lagoon can feel extremely busy. In a 2-hour window, that means your time can be split between swimming and waiting for space, especially if you’re chasing the best photo angle.

Also, expect practical bottlenecks. A busy toilet line is a real thing on day trips like this, especially when everyone is changing for water time. If you want things to feel calmer, plan your routine so you’re not stuck waiting at the worst moment.

If the water is not your thing, Comino still has options

Comino isn’t built for cars or urban bustle, and it can be a good place for photos and walking, including trails to St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery. That hiking angle matters more in cooler seasons, but even in warmer months, knowing there’s more than just the beach can help you adapt if the lagoon feels too crowded for your taste.

Optional Comino caves and Crystal Lagoon speedboat add-on

The basic version of the day trip gives you Comino time centered on the Blue Lagoon. There is also an optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and the Crystal Lagoon for around €15 per person, payable on location.

If you love dramatic scenery and want motion plus caves views, this is the logical add-on. If you prefer to spend every minute in the water or you’re worried about crowds, you might skip it and focus on relaxing on your set 2-hour window.

What you get for $52, and what you have to pay yourself

At around $52 per person for a 7 to 7.5 hour day, the value is mainly the combined transportation package. You’re paying for a scenic cruise, an air-conditioned catamaran, toilet facilities, WiFi, and English commentary during the cruise, plus the land transfers between Mġarr Harbour and Victoria and back again.

You are not paying for everything though. Food and drinks are not included, and you’ll want cash for extras. You also pay separately for the Blue Lagoon access pass, which is required by government rules.

If you’re comparing this to cobbling together separate ferries and buses, this packaged approach typically feels easier. But if you’d rather linger in one place longer, or if you’re hoping for a full guided narrative, this format is more “see the highlights, then move on.”

Practical prep that makes the day smoother

A day like this is short on time and long on water and walking. The packing list is spot-on, but I’d treat it like a checklist, not suggestions.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes for Victoria and Cittadella walks
• Swimwear, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat
• Cash for anything extra you choose to buy
• Motion sickness prevention if you need it

Leave at home:

• Pets
• Oversize luggage, and large bags

And one more smart habit: arrive early at your meeting point so you can find seating before the group fills in. One review experience noted the start time can feel late if you want a full day in summer. If your schedule allows, choose an earlier departure when you book.

Who should book this Gozo and Comino day trip

I think this is a strong fit if you want a straightforward highlights day with minimal planning. You’ll likely enjoy it most if you:

• Want Gozo’s capital Victoria plus the big landmark Cittadella in one hit
• Are mainly there for a swim at the Blue Lagoon
• Prefer clear timing and staff support instead of independent ferry juggling
• Are comfortable navigating free-time stops without a guide walking you around

It’s not the best choice if you need mobility support, use a wheelchair, or get queasy on boats. And if Blue Lagoon crowds would ruin your day, the short 2-hour stop might still work, but it’s worth mentally preparing for people everywhere.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want the best Malta “sister island sampler” in one day, with boat comfort, English PA commentary, and enough time in Victoria and Cittadella to feel like you actually touched Gozo. It also works well if you plan ahead for the Blue Lagoon access pass, pack for swimming, and keep your meeting point plan simple.

Skip it if your dream day is slow, quiet, and uncrowded, or if the Blue Lagoon pass rule feels like extra hassle you’d rather avoid. In that case, you might prefer a less time-pressured plan.

FAQ

Where do the boats depart for this trip?

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

How long is the day trip?

The duration is listed as 7 to 7.5 hours.

What happens on the Gozo side?

After cruising to Gozo, you board a bus at Mġarr Harbour to visit Victoria. You then have free time in Victoria (about 1.5 hours), including the option to visit Cittadella, and then you return to Mġarr Harbour by bus.

How much time do you get on Comino?

You disembark on Comino for about 2 hours, focused on time at the Blue Lagoon.

Do I need a pass to enter the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. A government access pass is required to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. Passes are obtained through blcomino.com, and for this trip you must book the afternoon timeslot.

Is this a guided tour?

No. The stops in Victoria and at the Blue Lagoon are leisure time. The cruise has English commentary over the boat’s PA system, but there is no tour guide for the island time.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are the scenic cruise, English PA commentary during the cruise, land transportation in Gozo between Mġarr Harbour and Victoria and back, free time in Victoria, free time at Comino and the Blue Lagoon, an air-conditioned boat, WiFi, toilet facilities, and help from crew and staff.

What’s not included?

Not included are the Blue Lagoon government access pass, hotel transfers, food and drinks, admission to sites in Gozo, and optional extras like the motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon (around €15).

Is WiFi available on the boat?

Yes, WiFi is available on the boat.

Is the trip suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments?

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