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

The big draw here is simple: two Maltese islands in one day, with a boat ride, a short Gozo sightseeing run, and time at Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon. You get the easy reach of an organized outing without being tied to a guide at every stop.

I like the combination of Victoria and the Citadel in Gozo, plus the useful boat facilities and friendly crew. I also like the choice of departure from Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay. The catch is that the day can feel rushed, and Comino’s Blue Lagoon may be crowded enough to spoil the setting.

Key points at a glance

• Gozo by road: Ride from Mġarr Harbour to Victoria, Gozo’s capital, with about 1.5 hours to explore.
• The Citadel: Walk up to Gozo’s old fortified center for wide views and striking stone architecture.
• Comino stop: Spend approximately two hours at the Blue Lagoon for swimming, sunbathing, or a short walk.
• Boat comfort: The catamaran has air-conditioning, WiFi, toilets, and English commentary over the public-address system.
• Extra cave trip: A motorboat outing to Comino’s caves and Crystal Lagoon costs about €15 on site.
• Important pass: From May 2025, you need a government access pass from blcomino.com to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon.

One day, two islands, and a lot of sea

This trip works because Malta’s sister islands are close together, yet each feels different. Gozo gives you old stone towns, church towers, quiet bays, and the Citadel. Comino gives you sea, sun, and the famous turquoise water around the Blue Lagoon.

The day begins on a modern catamaran from Sliema Ferries or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. You select your departure point and time when booking. From there, the boat follows Malta’s northeast coast toward Gozo, offering a pleasant start before the land portion begins.

This is not a fully guided sightseeing tour. The boat has English commentary, but your time in Victoria and Comino is free time. That suits you if you prefer to set your own pace, but you must pay attention to the return instructions. The boat does not wait at the destination.

The total outing lasts about 7 to 7.5 hours. That sounds generous, but the day includes sailing, transfers, and two major stops. You are sampling Gozo and Comino rather than exploring either island in depth.

The catamaran from Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay

The boat ride is more than simple transport. You cruise along Malta’s northeast coast and approach Gozo from the water, which gives you a useful sense of the islands’ shape and distance. The catamaran is fully air-conditioned, and there are toilets and WiFi on board.

I would arrive early if you care about your seat. One practical suggestion from the day’s experience is to get on board with enough time to choose a comfortable place before the boat fills. The boat can carry a large crowd, and busy departures may feel crowded even when the crew is doing its best.

The crew and drivers are a strong part of the operation. They are described as friendly, helpful, and professional, and the boat itself has been praised for being clean and well kept. Still, the trip is not immune to delays or confusion. At Gozo, the bus arrangements can be hectic, so listen carefully when the driver explains which bus to take back to the waterfront.

If you are prone to seasickness, take that seriously. The water may be calm, but conditions can change on the return journey. Strong winds have made the ride uncomfortable for some passengers, with heavy motion on the boat. Bring motion sickness medication if you normally need it, and choose your seat with care.

Arriving at Mġarr Harbour and riding to Victoria

Mġarr Harbour is Gozo’s main port, and this is where you switch from boat to road transport. A sightseeing bus takes you to Victoria, passing churches, local landmarks, and Gozo’s rural scenery along the way.

The bus transfer is valuable because it removes the need to arrange local transport on your own. You can step off the boat and continue straight into the island visit. The tradeoff is that this is transportation with some sights along the way, not a detailed guided tour. There is no audio commentary on the bus portion, and no admission fees are included for Gozo sites.

The transfer system requires a little attention. At the bus station in Victoria, you may see several buses and groups moving in different directions. Make sure you know the exact return point and bus. A driver from the waterfront has been especially clear about using the correct bus back to Mġarr, but you should still confirm the meeting place and return time before setting off.

Victoria and the Citadel in about 1.5 hours

Victoria is the heart of Gozo, and the Citadel is the main reason to spend your free time here. The fortress rises above the city with thick stone walls, military features, and a distinctive outline visible from much of the island.

You can use the time for a quick walk through the old fortified area, views over Gozo, and a look at the city streets below. The Citadel is not a separate guided visit on this outing, and admission to sites is not included. You decide how much time to give it.

The challenge is the clock. About 1.5 hours is enough to get a taste of Victoria and visit the Citadel, but it is not enough for a slow exploration of every corner. If you want photographs, allow time for the uphill walk and for finding your way back to the bus. Do not leave the return until the last few minutes.

I would make the Citadel your first priority. It is Gozo’s key sight and the part of Victoria that gives this stop its strongest sense of place. After that, use any remaining minutes for the surrounding streets or a short break.

Some departures may run shorter than the advertised free-time period because of delays, traffic, or changing sea conditions. That makes it wise to treat Victoria as a focused visit, not a full Gozo tour.

Comino and the crowded Blue Lagoon

After returning to Mġarr Harbour, you board the catamaran again and continue to Comino. The planned stop is about two hours, giving you time for the Blue Lagoon, a swim, sunbathing, snorkeling, or a walk around part of the island.

The water is the star here. The Blue Lagoon has transparent turquoise water and a pale sandy bottom, making it one of Malta’s most photogenic spots. If you want to swim, wear your swimsuit under your clothes. The boat toilet can become very busy when many people try to change at once.

Now for the important reality check: the Blue Lagoon can be extremely crowded. The view may be beautiful, but the shore can feel packed, noisy, and poorly controlled during busy periods. Some people enjoy the swim and the color of the water, while others find the crowds overwhelm the setting.

Your experience will also depend on the season and the day’s conditions. In warm weather, bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a towel, and cash. In cooler months, Comino can still suit hikers and photographers because it has no cars or urban areas. Walking routes lead toward St. Mary’s Chapel, St. Mary’s Watch Tower, and St. Mary’s Battery.

The boat does not remain at Comino. You must return to the agreed meeting point at the stated time. It is easy to lose track of time by the water, so set your own reminder and leave a margin for walking back.

The new Blue Lagoon access pass

This detail matters more than it may first appear. Since May 2025, anyone stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon needs an official government access pass, obtained in advance through blcomino.com.

The daily number of passes is limited. For this particular trip, you need to select the afternoon timeslot when applying. Without the pass, you will not be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon, so do not treat it as a minor detail to handle at the last minute.

The pass is not included in the tour price. It is a government requirement, not an extra service created by the boat operator. Check the official website before your departure date and keep the pass available when you arrive.

The optional cave trip for about €15

At Comino, you may be offered an optional motorboat ride to the sea caves and Crystal Lagoon. It costs approximately €15 per person, payable locally.

This can be a good addition if you want more time on the water and a closer look at the rock formations. One passenger particularly recommended the cave trip for its views inside the caves. Still, it uses part of your Comino time, so you need to choose between extra boat sightseeing and more time at the Blue Lagoon or on the island.

The cave outing is optional, and you do not need to book it to enjoy the main trip. Bring cash if you are considering it, since the cost is paid on location.

What the $52 price really gets you

At $52 per person, the trip offers fair value if you want transport and a broad first look at Gozo and Comino. The price includes the scenic cruise, English commentary on the boat, the Gozo bus transfer, free time in Victoria, and free time at Comino. Air-conditioning, toilets, WiFi, and crew assistance add comfort on a long day.

The value is strongest for first-time visitors who want the basic route without arranging ferries, buses, and island transport separately. You also avoid spending time working out how to reach Mġarr Harbour and Victoria on your own.

The price is less attractive if you want a quiet Blue Lagoon experience or a detailed Gozo tour. Food, drinks, site admission, the government access pass, and the optional cave trip are extra. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you must reach Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay independently.

You are also paying for convenience, not a private experience. The boat may be busy, the bus transfer may feel hurried, and the main attractions can be crowded. That is the normal tradeoff for covering both islands in one day at this price.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend it to you if you have limited time in Malta and want to see Gozo and Comino without planning a complicated day. It is also a good fit if you enjoy a mix of boat scenery, short road trips, old stone architecture, swimming, and free time.

Families and couples can make it work, but everyone should be comfortable with a full day of movement. Bring only a small bag because oversized luggage and large bags are not allowed.

The trip is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. The boat, buses, port transfers, and walking around Victoria and Comino make this a poor choice if you need step-free access.

You should also think twice if you strongly dislike crowds or rough water. The Blue Lagoon may be packed, and the boat can move sharply in windy conditions. A calmer day can make the sea portion pleasant, but weather is not fully under the operator’s control.

Practical ways to make the day better

• Arrive early at your departure point if you want a better seat.
• Wear comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to walk around the Citadel or Comino.
• Wear swimwear under your clothes to avoid the busy changing area.
• Bring sunscreen, a towel, sunglasses, a sun hat, water, and some cash.
• Get the Blue Lagoon access pass before the day of the trip.
• Confirm the bus return point at Victoria before leaving the waterfront.
• Keep an eye on the time at both stops. The boat will not wait.
• Bring motion sickness prevention if you are sensitive to boat movement.
• If you book the cave ride, remember that it reduces your free time on Comino.
• Do not expect a personal guide. The boat has English commentary, but the stops are self-directed.

The departure time can also affect your enjoyment. Some departures leave around late morning, which may feel too late if you want a long summer day. Since the outing already includes two islands, every delay takes time from Victoria or Comino.

Should you book this Gozo and Comino trip?

Book it if you want a practical introduction to both islands for $52 and you are happy with a busy, structured day. The boat facilities, friendly staff, Gozo bus transfer, and combination of Citadel plus Blue Lagoon make it a sensible choice for a first visit.

Skip it if your ideal day means lingering in one place, avoiding crowds, or exploring Gozo in detail. You will get the most from this trip by treating it as a sampler: enjoy the cruise, focus on the Citadel, prepare properly for Comino, and keep your expectations realistic about the Blue Lagoon.

FAQ

Where does the trip depart from?

You can depart from Sliema Ferries in Sliema or Buġibba Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. The available meeting point depends on the option you choose when booking.

How long does the day trip last?

The trip lasts approximately 7 to 7.5 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for the departure you want.

Is the trip guided?

It is not a fully guided tour. English commentary is provided over the boat’s public-address system, while your time in Victoria and Comino is free time. The bus tour does not include audio commentary.

How much free time do you get in Victoria?

You get approximately 1.5 hours in Victoria. This gives you time to visit the Citadel and explore part of the city, but the visit may feel short if you want to see more of Gozo.

How long do you stay at Comino?

The planned stop at Comino and the Blue Lagoon is approximately two hours. Schedules can change, so follow the return time given by the driver or crew.

Do you need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. From May 2025, you need an official government access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. Apply through blcomino.com in advance, select the afternoon timeslot, and note that daily passes are limited.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Bring what you need for the day, along with cash for personal purchases or the optional motorboat trip.

Is the cave trip included?

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