Two islands, one swim stop, one long day. This Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay day trip turns Malta’s waters into your highway, with Gozo viewpoints and Blue Lagoon beach time on the same schedule.

I especially like the mix of guided-style structure and real freedom: you get a scenic sea ride plus a bus hop in Gozo, then you’re left to wander on your own in Victoria and at the Citadel/Cittadella area. The boat itself also helps a lot—air-conditioned comfort, onboard WiFi, and toilet access keep the day feeling manageable even when it’s crowded.

One thing to plan around: the Blue Lagoon can feel packed, and the experience shifts from calm swim to crowd choreography once everyone’s there at the same time.

Key Things I’d Put at the Top of Your List

• A catamaran cruise that gets you scenic coastline time before you even step onto Gozo
• Victoria with 1.5 hours free time so you can choose your pace and sights around the Citadel area
• Cittadella/Citadel fortress views that dominate the skyline and make photos easy
• Comino’s Blue Lagoon stop for about 2 hours—built for swimming, snorkeling, and sun time
• A required Blue Lagoon access pass (book an afternoon timeslot) starting May 2025

Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay: Choosing Your Start Point Without Regrets

You’ll pick between two departures: Sliema Ferries in Sliema or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. I like having the option because it can save you time getting to the harbor, especially if your hotel is already on that side of the island.

Also think about your morning energy. This trip runs about 7 to 7.5 hours, and the pacing is tight—cruise, ferry jump to Gozo, bus to Victoria, then back out to Comino. If you start closer to the action, you spend less time rushing and more time actually being outside.

The Catamaran Cruise to Gozo: Views Plus Real Comfort

The trip starts aboard a modern catamaran with English commentary over a PA system during the cruise. Even if you’ve read about Malta’s islands before, the water route adds context fast. You see the coastline from a different angle, and it’s a good mental warm-up before you’re dropped into Gozo’s streets.

This boat also has comfort you’ll notice later: it’s fully air-conditioned, has WiFi, and includes toilet facilities. When you’re doing a day that includes swimming and island walking, that small stuff matters more than you’d expect.

One practical note: this is a seas-and-schedule kind of day. If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring your prevention method. The tour isn’t a good fit for people who get queasy on the water.

Gozo Arrival at Mġarr Harbour: Bus to Victoria, No Car Needed

Once you reach Mġarr Harbour (Gozo’s main port), you board a bus to Victoria, the island’s capital. The bus ride isn’t a long guided history lecture. Instead, it’s about passing major spots—churches and local landmarks—so you can get oriented to what makes Gozo feel different from Malta.

Then comes the part I like most: you’re not locked into a pace. You get about 1.5 hours of free time in Victoria, which is enough to see the main areas without feeling like you need to sprint.

Victoria’s Citadel Area (Cittadella): The Fortress Stop That Really Works

Victoria can be confusing on a map, but it’s easy in real life because the Citadel (Cittadella) is visually dominant. It’s a medieval fortress inside Victoria, and it gives you a strong sense of place the moment you see it in the skyline.

With your free time, you can build your visit around what you want:

• If you like viewpoints, you can aim your walk toward the fortress views first.
• If you like wandering streets, you can spend time in the older areas around Victoria, then circle back toward the Citadel zone.

Time-wise, 1.5 hours sounds short. It is short. But the upside is you’re not stuck with a long, slow museum-style block. You’re there for the feeling of Gozo’s main town and for fortress scenery that’s instantly recognizable.

Timing, Meet-Ups, and the Trip Back to the Boat

After Victoria, the bus returns you to Mġarr Harbour, where you board the boat again for Comino. This is where I’d be most alert, because the tour is not a guided, head-counting experience at every step.

You have free time in Victoria and free time in Comino, so you’re responsible for timing. The boat will not stay, and you need to be at the agreed meeting point when your driver indicates.

My advice: when you arrive back in the harbor area, don’t wander “just to see something.” Step into the flow, check where your group is gathering, and stay close to your transport until you’re called back aboard.

Comino Island and the Blue Lagoon: Swim Time Meets Reality

You’ll disembark on Comino for about 2 hours, with the highlight being the Blue Lagoon. The description is spot-on: you’re looking at clear turquoise water over a white sandy base, with marine life visible when conditions are good.

This is the kind of stop that works for multiple travel styles. If you want a proper swim, you can do it. If you want to snorkel, you can try. If you just want a relaxing break, you can sunbathe and reset.

But here’s the realism: Comino is popular, and the Blue Lagoon can feel crowded. So treat it like a beach-with-a-system experience. Bring your setup early, and don’t plan on having quiet space.

Also, the tour doesn’t include your food. Plan for you what you’ll eat and drink. If you snack, choose simple, mess-free options you can handle while you’re in swim mode.

Don’t Forget the New Blue Lagoon Access Pass Rule (May 2025)

Starting May 2025, you must have an official Blue Lagoon access pass to disembark ashore at the Blue Lagoon. The pass is obtained through blcomino.com, and there’s a limited daily allocation.

For this trip, you’re required to book the afternoon timeslot when applying for your pass. Without that pass, you won’t be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon.

This is not something to leave to chance. I’d handle it as soon as you book your tour, since that’s the one step that could actually stop your highlight from happening.

Comino Beyond the Blue Lagoon: Hiking and Photo Opportunities

Even if your main reason for coming is swimming, Comino is also worth a bit of exploring during your time there. There are hiking trails that can lead you toward St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery.

Comino has no cars or urban areas, so it feels simpler and more open than a typical resort-style island. That matters for photos too. You get a clearer sense of the island’s shapes and coastlines when you’re walking rather than just standing in one crowded bay.

If it’s cooler or you’re visiting outside peak heat, this walking side can be especially enjoyable. The island can be a good winter option for hikers and people who like picture-taking without the beach-party vibe.

Optional Speedboat Upgrade to Caves and Crystal Lagoon (€15)

There’s an optional add-on if you want more water action: a motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and the Crystal Lagoon, usually around €15 per person (paid on location).

This is one of those upgrades that can be worth it if:

• you like short, scenic excursions,
• you want a second water highlight beyond the Blue Lagoon,
• you’re comfortable with an extra expense for a distinct change of scenery.

Keep your time buffer in mind, though. Your main plan is the set swim stop, and upgrades depend on how your day is running when you’re on Comino.

Price and Value: What You’re Really Paying For

At $52 per person for a 7 to 7.5 hour day, this trip’s value comes from what’s bundled.

You’re paying for:

• scenic cruise along Malta’s northeast coast,
• English PA commentary during the cruise,
• land transport in Gozo between Mġarr Harbour and Victoria (round trip),
• free time in Victoria (about 1.5 hours),
• free time on Comino (about 2 hours) including the Blue Lagoon stop area,
• air-conditioned boat, WiFi, and toilet facilities.

Not included, but important:

• the Blue Lagoon access pass required for disembarkation,
• food and drinks,
• admission fees (if any come up at sites in Gozo),
• an optional caves speedboat (the €15 add-on),
• hotel transfers.

For a day that covers two islands, this is a practical deal—especially if you don’t want to arrange ferries and bus connections yourself. The big “value stress test” is whether you’re okay with crowds and time limits on Comino.

Who This Day Trip Fits Best (and Who Should Rethink It)

This tour suits you best if you want:

• a structured day that still includes freedom time in Victoria and Comino,
• a “great sights per hour” approach,
• an affordable way to see Gozo’s capital and the Blue Lagoon without planning logistics.

It’s not a fit if you:

• have mobility impairments or use a wheelchair,
• are prone to seasickness (the water legs can be rough when the wind picks up),
• want a slow, fully guided experience. This is not a guided tour; key stops are at leisure.

If you’re sensitive to waves, plan your comfort gear carefully. And if you’re traveling in a group, set expectations early: you can’t rely on the boat waiting for anyone who misses the meeting point timing.

Practical Tips That Make the Day Easier

Bring comfortable shoes, because Victoria is a walking town and you’ll want to move at your own speed. Pack swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, and sunscreen since the Blue Lagoon is the main payoff. Bring cash too, since the optional speedboat upgrade is paid on location.

If you get motion sick easily, also bring your prevention method. And for the rest of it, keep expectations simple: this is an efficient itinerary with fixed connection points, so being organized beats being spontaneous.

Final Decision: Should You Book This Gozo and Comino Day Trip?

I’d book it if you want one Malta day that delivers two major island moments: Gozo’s capital with its Citadel/Cittadella views, then Comino’s Blue Lagoon swim time. The bundled transport and onboard comfort make it a strong value, especially if you’re short on days.

I’d think twice if your ideal beach day is quiet and slow. The Blue Lagoon can get crowded, and your Comino time is limited to about 2 hours, so you’ll want to treat it like a swim stop you optimize, not a long hangout.

One more reason to decide early: the Blue Lagoon access pass rule is mandatory starting May 2025. If you’re comfortable planning that afternoon timeslot ahead, you’re set up for a smooth, high-reward day.

FAQ

Where do I depart for this Gozo and Comino day trip?

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

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 7 to 7.5 hours.

Is food or drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Do I need an access pass to go ashore at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Starting May 2025, you need an official Blue Lagoon access pass obtained via blcomino.com. Without it, you will not be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon, and this tour requires booking the afternoon timeslot.

Is this a guided tour?

It’s not a guided tour. The cruise has English commentary over a PA system, but the stops in Victoria and at Comino/Blue Lagoon are leisure/free time.

Is WiFi and air conditioning provided?

Yes. The boat is fully air-conditioned and has WiFi, along with toilet facilities.

What’s the optional extra in Comino?

There’s an optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon for about €15 per person, paid on location.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.