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

See two islands in one well-packed day. This boat-and-bus outing gives you Gozo’s Citadel and Victoria plus time at Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon, all for $52 per person. I like the smooth combination of sea views and land transport, and I like that you can choose between departures from Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay. The main catch is simple: Comino can be extremely crowded, especially in summer, and the day leaves little room for a relaxed pace.

The boat is comfortable, air-conditioned, and fitted with toilets and WiFi. The crew has earned strong praise for being friendly and organized, but the experience is not a fully guided tour. You get English commentary over the boat’s public-address system, while Victoria and Comino are yours to explore on your own.

Key points to know before booking

• Gozo in a short burst: You get about 1.5 hours in Victoria, enough for the Citadel and a quick look around, but not enough for a deep visit to the island.
• A scenic sea crossing: The catamaran cruises along Malta’s northeast coast before reaching Mġarr Harbour in Gozo.
• Blue Lagoon time is limited: You have approximately two hours at Comino, with swimming, sunbathing, and walking as the main choices.
• A pass is now required: From May 2025, you must obtain a government-issued access pass in advance to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon.
• The optional boat ride costs extra: A motorboat trip to Comino’s caves and Crystal Lagoon costs about €15 per person on location.
• The crowd level matters: The Blue Lagoon can be beautiful and unpleasant at the same time, depending on the season and daily numbers.

What the day actually feels like

This is a sightseeing sampler, not a quiet island escape. You move by catamaran from Malta to Gozo, switch to a bus at Mġarr Harbour, return to the boat, then continue to Comino before sailing back.

That structure is useful if you have only one free day and want to see Malta’s two smaller sister islands. You avoid arranging separate ferries, buses, and tickets, and the $52 price is reasonable for transport, a scenic cruise, and two major stops.

The tradeoff is time. Gozo deserves several days, while Comino rewards either a short swim or a longer walk. Here, you get a taste of both. I would book this trip to cover the highlights, not to claim you have fully explored either island.

Departure times vary by booking option. One reported departure was around 11:30 a.m., which some people found too late for a full summer day. Check the exact time carefully, especially if you want long hours in the sun or hope to make the most of the daylight.

The catamaran ride from Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay

You can board at Sliema Ferries or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay, depending on the option you choose. The cruise heads along Malta’s northeast coast toward Gozo, giving you open-water views and a different angle on the Maltese shore.

I like this part because the boat ride is not just a transfer. It gives the day a proper sea-trip feel, with commentary in English over the public-address system. The catamaran is air-conditioned, has toilet facilities, and offers WiFi, which makes the crossing easier for anyone who prefers a comfortable ride over a small open boat.

Arrive early if you care about your seat. One practical tip is to get on ahead of the rush, since a good position can make a difference on a busy sailing. The boat may feel crowded during the high season, and the most popular views go quickly.

Bring motion-sickness medication if you are prone to seasickness. Conditions can change on the return crossing. One passenger described strong winds and heavy movement on the way back to Sliema, even though the crew handled the situation safely. That is not a reason to cancel if you normally manage boat rides well, but it is a real consideration for anyone with a weak stomach.

Mġarr Harbour and the bus across Gozo

Mġarr Harbour is Gozo’s main arrival point. Here, you leave the catamaran and board a sightseeing bus for Victoria, the island’s capital.

The bus route takes you past churches, villages, and Gozo’s rural scenery. You get a quick look at the island’s distinctive character, with its quieter roads and small communities. Since the bus transfer is included, you do not need to work out a taxi or public bus connection after arriving.

The system can feel confusing if you do not listen closely. At the harbour, several buses may be present, and it is important to remember which bus takes you back. One useful instruction given by a driver was to return to the exact same bus at the waterfront. Pay close attention to the meeting point and the return time.

There is no audio commentary during the bus tour, and there is no personal guide leading you around Gozo. The boat has English commentary, but once you are on the bus and in Victoria, you are largely on your own. That suits independent visitors who like choosing their own route, but it may disappoint you if you expect a detailed guided tour.

Victoria and the Citadel in 90 minutes

Victoria is Gozo’s central town, and the Citadel is its main attraction. The medieval fortress rises above the town with sturdy walls, military buildings, and a broad view over the island.

You have approximately 1.5 hours here. I would head to the Citadel first, since it is the reason most people make the stop. The fortress is inside Victoria and easy to identify by its high position and strong stone walls.

You can spend your time walking around the fortifications, taking photographs, or exploring nearby streets before returning to the bus. Admission to sites in Gozo is not included, so check any entry fees at the place you want to visit.

Ninety minutes is enough for a useful first look. It is not enough for a leisurely meal, several museums, and an unhurried town walk. People who wanted more time in Gozo found the stop short, and I agree with that assessment. If your main aim is Gozo’s villages, churches, and inland scenery, choose a longer island tour instead.

Still, the short visit works well for a first trip. You can see the island’s main fortress, get a feel for Victoria, and return to the harbour without the stress of arranging your own transport.

Back to the boat, then on to Comino

After Victoria, the bus returns you to Mġarr Harbour. You board the catamaran again and continue to Comino.

Listen carefully for the instructions about where and when to return. The boat will not wait at the destination, and missing the agreed meeting time could create a serious transport problem. Since the stop is self-guided, keep track of your watch rather than relying on a guide to gather everyone.

Comino has no cars or urban areas. That gives it a wilder feel than Malta or Gozo, though the Blue Lagoon itself can be packed with people. Away from the main swimming area, you can walk toward St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery. In winter, the island can be a good place for walking and photography, even when swimming is not appealing.

The tour allows approximately two hours at Comino, though actual free time can vary with the day’s schedule and sea conditions. Some people found the stop closer to 1.5 hours. Treat the published time as an estimate, not a guarantee down to the minute.

The Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, busy shore

The Blue Lagoon is the visual prize of the day. Its clear turquoise water and pale seabed make it an excellent place for a swim, snorkel, or short sun break.

It is also the part most likely to divide opinion. The water can look extraordinary while the shore feels crowded and disorganized. In July and August, you may find very little peace around the main landing area. Several people found the crowds so heavy that they were ready to leave before the boat departed.

If you want to swim, wear your swimsuit under your clothes. The boat toilet can become very busy when many people change at once. Bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and cash. Comfortable shoes matter too, especially if you walk beyond the lagoon.

From May 2025, you must obtain an official access pass before stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon. The pass is issued through blcomino.com, and daily numbers are limited. For this excursion, you need the afternoon timeslot when applying. Do not assume that booking the boat automatically gives you permission to land.

This new rule is easy to miss, so handle it before the morning of your trip. If you do not have the pass, you will not be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon.

The optional caves and Crystal Lagoon boat ride

You can pay about €15 locally for an optional motorboat trip to Comino’s caves and the Crystal Lagoon.

I would consider this if you enjoy fast boat rides and want to see more of Comino from the water. One person described the cave ride as a highlight, especially for the views inside the caves. It is an add-on, not part of the $52 price, so bring enough cash if you plan to take it.

The extra trip uses some of your free time at Comino. If swimming at the Blue Lagoon is your priority, stay put. If you have already seen the lagoon and want more scenery, the motorboat can make the stop feel more active.

Crowds, timing, and how well it is run

The operation has received strong praise for its professional crew, clean boat, and friendly assistance. That matters on a busy day with several transfers. Clear instructions from the driver can make the difference between a smooth return and a frantic search for the right bus.

The weak point is crowd management, especially around Comino and the Gozo bus connection. At peak times, the harbour can feel chaotic, and English announcements may be difficult to understand if they are delivered quickly.

I suggest writing down three things before leaving the boat:

• Your bus identification or exact return bus
• The meeting point at Victoria
• The time you must return to the boat at Comino

That small step will help you enjoy the free time instead of worrying about the schedule.

The advertised duration is seven to 7.5 hours. Delays can happen at the start, and the amount of time at each island may shift. The day is generally organized around fixed sailing and bus movements, so flexibility is part of the deal.

Is $52 good value?

At $52 per person, the trip offers solid value if you want transport handled for you. The price includes the scenic cruise, the boat’s facilities and commentary, the Gozo bus transfer, about 1.5 hours in Victoria, and time at Comino.

You still pay for food, drinks, site admissions in Gozo, and the optional caves trip. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must reach Sliema Ferries or Buġibba Jetty yourself.

The value is strongest for first-time visitors who want to see both islands without renting a car or planning several connections. It is weaker if you dislike crowds, want a quiet beach, or prefer spending a full day in one place.

Buying the same sort of outing locally may not save much. One person found the price similar when booking on the day, but booking ahead gives you a better chance of securing the departure point and timing you want.

What to pack for this particular day

Pack for sun, water, and a long day outside:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Cash for food, drinks, and the optional €15 boat trip
• Motion-sickness prevention if needed
• A small bag rather than oversized luggage

Large bags and oversized luggage are not allowed. Pets are also not allowed.

I would keep your belongings compact and easy to carry between boat, bus, and shore. You will change transport several times, and a heavy bag quickly becomes annoying.

Who should book this Gozo and Comino trip?

I think this suits you if you want a highlights tour with minimal planning. It works well for first-time visitors, short stays, families who can manage a full day, and anyone who values included transport over independent exploration.

It is also a good choice if you want a flexible stop at Comino. You can swim, sunbathe, snorkel, take the extra cave boat, or walk toward the island’s historic sights.

I would hesitate if you have limited mobility, use a wheelchair, or are strongly prone to seasickness. The tour is specifically not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments, and the sea can become rough.

I would also skip it if your dream of Comino involves an empty beach. The Blue Lagoon is famous for a reason, but fame brings crowds. Visit outside the busiest period if you can, and accept that the main lagoon may feel more like a popular attraction than a quiet island cove.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want an efficient first look at Gozo and Comino for $52, and you are comfortable with a fixed schedule, shared transport, and crowded conditions.

The best parts are the comfortable catamaran, the striking Citadel, and the chance to swim in the Blue Lagoon without arranging every connection yourself. The biggest drawbacks are limited time in Victoria, the lack of a full guide, possible confusion around the buses, and heavy crowds at Comino.

Before paying, secure your Blue Lagoon access pass, check the departure time, and plan to arrive early for a better seat. If you do those things, this is a practical way to see Malta’s sister islands in one day. If you want quiet beaches or a serious exploration of Gozo, spend more time and travel independently.

FAQ

How long does the Gozo and Comino trip last?

The stated duration is about seven to 7.5 hours. Exact starting times depend on the selected departure option and availability.

Where can I board the boat?

You can depart from Sliema Ferries in Sliema or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay, depending on the option chosen when booking.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to reach the specified meeting point yourself.

How much free time do I get in Victoria?

You get approximately 1.5 hours in Victoria. This allows time for the Citadel and a short walk around town, but not a full visit to every attraction.

Is the Citadel entrance included?

No. Admission to sites in Gozo is not included in the tour price.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. From May 2025, you must obtain an official access pass in advance to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. The pass is available through blcomino.com, and you must select the afternoon timeslot for this trip.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Bring cash if you want to buy refreshments or pay for the optional motorboat trip.

Is the cave boat trip included?

No. The optional motorboat trip to Comino’s caves and Crystal Lagoon costs approximately €15 per person and is paid locally.