From Sliema: Gozo, Comino & The Blue Lagoon Boat & Bus Tour

Gozo and Comino feel like a different pace from mainland Malta. This day trip strings together a scenic boat ride, a Gozo bus hop, and then a Comino stop built around the famous Blue Lagoon.

I love how the day is set up so you get two islands without changing plans or rentals. Victoria (Gozo’s capital) makes a strong first impression with the Citadel fortress, and the boat adds comfort perks like toilets and a water slide.

One thing to weigh: this is not a slow, guided “see everything” day. You’ll have limited time in Victoria and Comino, plus the Blue Lagoon now requires an access pass for shore time, so you need to plan ahead.

Key things that make this trip worth your time

• Gozo by bus, Victoria by foot: see the capital and the Citadel within a tight schedule
• Blue Lagoon swim window: about 90 minutes to swim, snorkel, or just soak up the views
• Comino Caves pass-by: you sail close enough to appreciate the coastline shapes
• On-board comforts: toilets onboard and a cash bar plus a water slide
• Blue Lagoon access pass needed (May 2025+): limited daily allocations, no pass means no shore time

A Fast Way to See Gozo and Comino From Sliema

If your Malta trip is short, this is a practical way to taste two smaller islands in one day. You start in Sliema, cruise over, switch to a bus for Gozo’s highlight area, then sail to Comino for the Blue Lagoon.

The rhythm matters here. The schedule is built for views and movement rather than long museum-style wandering, so it works best when you’re happy making quick stops and spending your time where the scenery payoff is highest.

Price and What You’re Really Paying For

At about $51 per person for a 7.5-hour outing, you’re paying mainly for transport + time on the two islands’ top targets. You’re not buying admissions or guided site explanations. Instead, you’re buying a setup that moves you from island to island efficiently, with some free time built in.

That’s good value if you want the big hits: Citadel views in Victoria and a Blue Lagoon swim stop. It can feel like a lot if you expected a fully guided tour with lots of context at every stop, because the experience leans more toward self-paced leisure once you reach each island.

Morning Cruise: From Sliema to Gozo With English Commentary

The day starts with departure from Sliema Ferries in the morning. You travel north along Malta’s shoreline before crossing to Gozo, and the cruise includes English commentary.

This part of the day is about resetting your eyes. Even if you’ve seen photos of the Maltese coast, being out on the water makes the coastline shapes and cliffs feel more real. One practical win: the boat setup includes toilet facilities, so you’re not stuck hunting for facilities during transitions.

Group flow can make or break a trip like this. Some people note that boarding can be a little confusing if you don’t arrive early and watch for your exact boat, so plan to be at the meeting point ahead of the stated time.

Arrival in Gozo: Mgarr Harbour and the Bus to Victoria

When you reach Mgarr Harbour, you switch to bus transport for Gozo. From there, the tour focuses on Victoria, Gozo’s capital, and the fortress area called the Citadel.

Before you get there, you’ll have a short photo stop (about 15 minutes) at a bay area or at Qala Belvedere. Fifteen minutes is brief, but it’s enough time to get a few photos and feel the island’s “smaller, slower” vibe before heading into Victoria.

The Victoria Stop: Citadel Views and How to Use 75 Minutes

You get about 75 minutes in Victoria, and it’s free time rather than a guided walk-through. You can roam the streets, grab a coffee or snack, browse shops, and then decide how much time to spend in the Citadel area.

The Citadel is a medieval fortress with major viewpoints over Gozo. In plain terms: it’s the best way to understand the island’s layout fast, because you can look out over the countryside and coastline from higher ground. If you like panoramic stops, use part of your time for this even if you don’t plan a full, slow climb.

A common trade-off shows up in feedback: people often say they would like more time in Victoria. So if you’re deciding between photos, the fortress, and simply wandering, I’d prioritize the Citadel viewpoints and then leave a bit of time for a casual wander through the city.

Back to the Boat: Sailing Toward Comino

After Gozo, the tour cruises toward Comino. This is where the day starts feeling like the reason most people signed up.

You’re heading to turquoise, clear water and the Blue Lagoon area. The onboard experience continues during this transition, with commentary during the cruise and the kind of open seating that helps you spot dolphins if you’re lucky (not guaranteed, but the viewing setup is the point).

Comino and the Blue Lagoon: Swim Time, Snorkel Time, and a Big Practical Catch

Comino is about one thing for most visitors: the Blue Lagoon. You’ll have about 90 minutes at the Blue Lagoon area, which is enough time to swim, sunbathe, snorkel, or simply walk around and take photos.

Here’s the big catch that affects everything: Malta introduced a directive effective May 2025. To disembark at the Blue Lagoon, you must obtain a government access pass in advance through blcomino.com, and you should select an afternoon slot for this cruise. Pass numbers are limited, and if you can’t get access without a pass, refunds won’t apply. It’s your responsibility to plan this ahead.

If you’re going in peak season, expect the Blue Lagoon to be crowded. Some passengers suggest a smart approach: if the shore queue feels intense, consider enjoying your water time from the boat while you wait or if you’re not on shore immediately.

Also think about water comfort. In cooler months, the water can feel cold, so plan swim sessions accordingly. A towel and swimwear matter, obviously, but so does a realistic attitude toward how quickly you’ll want to warm up afterward.

Beyond the Lagoon: What Comino Offers If You’re Not Just Jumping in

This tour’s Comino time centers on the Blue Lagoon stop, and that’s the main draw. Still, Comino is also worth a look even if you’re not swimming in the busiest spot.

Comino has no cars or urban areas, which makes it a good option for hikers and photo lovers, especially in off-season months when swimming might not be comfortable. There are hiking routes linked to St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery. Your shore time may not be long enough for a full hike, but if the weather is nice and you have energy left, you’ll likely find short, rewarding wandering options nearby.

Comino Caves on the Return and the On-Board Water Slide

On the way back, the boat passes by Comino Caves. From the water, this kind of coastline view helps you understand why Comino looks the way it does: carved edges, cave mouths, and dramatic sea-level shapes that you usually can’t appreciate from shore.

One onboard feature that gets a lot of love is the water slide. It’s included in the tour, and if you’re traveling with kids, it’s a big part of the fun. Even as an adult, it can be a morale boost when you’ve been in the sun all day and want a quick splash without planning a separate swim spot.

The boat also has a cash bar for snacks and beverages. Prices vary day to day, but the key point is simple: you can refuel without having to leave the boat again.

Logistics That Can Make or Break Your Day

This tour is mostly about transport, which means timing discipline really matters. You’ll want to arrive early at the departure area so you’re not scrambling for the right boarding spot or hunting for your exact boat.

Once you’re in the islands, follow the meeting point rules carefully. Because the stops are at leisure, you must be back by the time your driver indicates so you don’t lose your return transport.

Two more practical notes that show up repeatedly in experience:

• Wear comfortable shoes. Victoria involves walking on uneven streets, and you’ll want a stable grip if you explore the Citadel area.
• Travel light. Oversize luggage and large bags aren’t allowed, and this keeps boarding smoother.

If you’re prone to seasickness, the tour may not be the best fit. That said, the crew can be helpful during choppy conditions, so if you do go, consider bringing your preferred motion-sickness remedy before the water gets rough.

Who Should Book This Trip (And Who Might Want Something Else)

This tour is a strong fit for you if you want a day trip that checks boxes quickly: Gozo’s capital + Comino’s Blue Lagoon. It also works well when you don’t want to rent a car or worry about connecting ferries and local transport.

It may not be ideal if you want a long, in-depth guided experience. Since it’s not a traditional guided tour with a dedicated guide at every stop, you should expect free time rather than structured explanations once you reach Victoria and Comino.

If you care most about beaches, this hits the target—especially with that Blue Lagoon swim window. If you care most about museums and deep context, you’ll likely feel the time crunch.

Also, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments, and it’s not designed for people who are prone to seasickness.

Should You Book This Gozo, Comino & The Blue Lagoon Boat & Bus Tour?

I’d book it if you want an efficient, high-payoff day: Victoria’s Citadel views plus a real chance to swim in the Blue Lagoon, all with transport handled. At this price point, the value is in the way it moves you across islands without added planning stress.

I’d pause before booking if the Blue Lagoon access pass requirement sounds like a headache. It’s not optional for shore time after May 2025, so mark a reminder and handle the pass early via blcomino.com. If you do that, you’ll turn a potentially stressful queue issue into just another planned step.

If you do book, pack smart: towel, sunscreen, swimwear, and comfortable shoes. And show up early at the start so boarding is smooth.