Gozo & Comino Islands, Blue Lagoon & Seacaves Tour

Blue water, cliffs, and a little island history make this Malta boat trip an appealing way to see Gozo and Comino in one day. You cruise from Bugibba along the coast, stop at the Blue Lagoon, visit Gozo’s capital, Victoria, and pass sea caves and rock formations along the way.

I like the low listed price of $36.04 and the way the tour combines swimming with sightseeing. I also like the included shuttle from Gozo’s harbor to Victoria, which saves you the trouble of arranging local transport.

The main drawback is time. You get a taste of several places, not a leisurely day at any one of them. The boat can carry up to 250 people, and crowding, rough water, unclear departure arrangements, and changes to the boat can affect the experience.

Key things to know before you book

• The Blue Lagoon is your main swim stop: You have about one hour, with access to the water from the boat or from Comino’s shore.
• Crystal Lagoon is generally a photo stop: The scheduled visit lasts about 10 minutes, and swimming is not normally included there.
• Victoria is unguided: A shuttle takes you from the harbor to Gozo’s capital, but you explore the Citadel, basilica, and streets on your own.
• Arrive early for the best seats: Check in at least 45 minutes before departure if you want an outdoor place on the upper deck.
• Boat features can change by season: From December through April, a large sailing catamaran may replace the usual boat, without slides or underwater windows.
• The day depends on the sea: Wind can make the return journey rough, and the captain may change or cancel the route for safety.

Starting at Bugibba Jetty

The boat leaves from Bugibba Jetty on Dawret Il-Gzejjer in St. Paul’s Bay. This is not Valletta, so allow time to reach it. From Valletta, take a bus toward St. Paul’s Bay and get off at the Moll stop. From Mellieha, take a bus toward St. Paul’s Bay, get off at Parades, then walk about five minutes from the Bandieri stop to the departure point.

The meeting area can be confusing. The boat departs from the jetty itself, not necessarily from the large ticket office or crowd by the road. Look for the check-in point near the boats and follow the crew’s directions.

I would arrive 45 minutes early. That gives you time to find the correct dock, check in, collect your wristband, and compete for one of the limited padded sun lounges. Early arrival also matters if you want an outside seat, since the upper deck fills before departure.

The boat is described as the Sea Adventure, a modern catamaran with swim ladders, underwater viewing windows, a bar and kitchen, and waterslides. Those features are useful, but they are not guaranteed on every departure. In winter, the replacement catamaran may have no underwater windows or slides. Visibility through the windows can also be poor in rough or cloudy conditions.

Cruising past St. Paul’s Island and the sea caves

Once the boat leaves Bugibba, the first part of the trip is a coastal cruise. You pass Malta’s rocky shoreline, high cliffs, small inlets, and naturally formed caves. This is one of the better parts of the day for photography, especially if you find a seat with a clear view.

The tiny island of St. Paul’s is another early landmark. Look for the tall statue of Saint Paul, which is easy to spot from the water. Onboard commentary may explain the places along the route, but engine noise and wind can make it hard to hear. If the information matters to you, stand near the speaker or ask a crew member where the clearest audio is.

The boat also visits sea caves for photographs. The exact route depends on the weather and the captain, so the cave portion can be brief or may be changed. In winter, some departures have skipped the sea caves and Crystal Lagoon because of conditions or seasonal changes.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful, busy, and carefully timed

The Blue Lagoon is the visual centerpiece of the tour. The water is famously clear and intensely blue, and the boat moors in a position intended to give you a good view. You have about one hour here.

You can use the boat as your base, swim from its ladders, and try the waterslides when they are available. You can also go ashore on Comino, walk around, visit the small shops, or swim from the beach. The choice matters because the shore can be crowded, while the boat offers easier access to the water and a place to leave your belongings.

There is a practical restriction: you cannot simply swim anywhere around the lagoon. In practice, you use the water next to the boat or the small beach area. If you stay on the boat, you may find the slide more convenient and less tiring than swimming from shore.

You need a free Blue Lagoon entry pass before departure. It may be checked even if you plan to remain on the boat, so arrange it ahead of time rather than trying to handle it at the dock.

The lagoon is usually more manageable earlier in the day. This tour reaches it at roughly 10 a.m., though departure times and conditions can vary. By midday, the area can become very crowded. You should expect noise, limited space, and a strong sun rather than a quiet beach experience.

Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. Equipment may be available to buy or hire, and one account paid about €5 for a mask. Towels, swimwear, food, and drinks are not included. The boat sells food and drinks, but outside food and drinks are not allowed.

Crystal Lagoon and the cave coast

Crystal Lagoon is a short stop, normally around 10 minutes. The purpose is to photograph the water, caves, and rock formations from the boat. The stated arrangement is a photo stop only, not a second swimming stop.

Some departures have offered swimming in another lagoon or allowed passengers to swim at a later point, but you should not book this trip expecting two guaranteed swims. The most reliable expectation is one Blue Lagoon swim and a brief Crystal Lagoon visit.

The cave coast is especially attractive from the water. You may see narrow openings, carved rock walls, and unusual formations. One of the most memorable sights on the return route is the Elephants Head, a rock formation near the Santa Maria Caves.

This part of the trip depends heavily on wind and sea conditions. A calm day can make the boat ride pleasant and the cave viewing easy. A windy day can bring spray, rolling motion, and seasickness. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring suitable medication and sit where the motion feels least severe.

Gozo by shuttle and Victoria on foot

After the Blue Lagoon, the boat continues to Gozo. The included land transport takes you from the harbor to Victoria, Gozo’s capital. This is a shuttle, not a guided sightseeing tour.

The drop-off point is a short walk from the town center, with some uphill sections. You normally have about three hours in Victoria, though the exact time can change with the day’s schedule and boat movements.

Victoria’s main attraction is the Citadel, a fortified old town on high ground. Walk up for broad views across Gozo, then explore the narrow streets and remains inside the walls. The Citadel is the strongest reason to choose the Victoria option instead of staying at the lagoon.

St. George’s Basilica is in the town square. Its marble interior, gilded bronze and gold canopy, painted dome, and statue of Saint George give you plenty to see even during a short stop. You can also use your free time for lunch, a drink, or a quick walk through the town.

Three hours sounds generous, but it passes quickly. Allow time for the walk from the shuttle, the Citadel, food, and getting back to the pickup point. Do not treat this as a full Gozo tour. You will see Victoria’s central sights, but you will not have time to explore the island’s beaches, villages, and more distant sites.

The lack of a guide is important. You receive transport and free time, not a structured walking tour. If you want context, download a map or short guide before leaving Malta. The Citadel is easy to find once you reach central Victoria, but you will need to manage your own route and return time.

The return through Comino and Santa Maria Caves

The boat returns toward Bugibba after the Gozo stop. The published schedule includes time around Comino, but the exact order can vary. The Blue Lagoon is already on Comino, so a separate Comino stop may be combined with that visit, shortened, or changed according to the day’s operation.

This is worth clarifying before you board. Some passengers have expected a distinct one-hour stop at Comino after Gozo, only to find that the Comino experience was handled through the Blue Lagoon visit. Listen carefully to the onboard announcements and ask the crew when you need to be back on the boat.

Near the end of the cruise, the route passes into the Santa Maria pirate caves and by the Elephants Head formation. This short section adds a final scenic touch, though it may be altered by weather or daylight.

The return can be more exposed and windy than the outward journey. The boat may feel quite rocky, and some people have become seasick. The deck can also be covered or rearranged after the Gozo stop, so do not assume your favorite outside seat will remain available all day.

What the $36.04 price really buys you

At the listed price, this is strong value if you want transport, sea views, a Blue Lagoon stop, and a short visit to Victoria without arranging several separate trips. The included Gozo shuttle is especially useful because getting from the harbor to Victoria independently would take planning.

You are paying for breadth, not depth. The boat takes you to several well-known places, but the time at each is limited. You do not get a full guided tour of Gozo, a long beach break, or guaranteed swimming at Crystal Lagoon.

The value drops if you dislike crowds or want a quiet day on the water. A boat holding up to 250 people can feel busy, and sun lounges are limited. The boat is comfortable enough for many passengers, but not every departure matches the photos or offers the same facilities.

Food is another cost to consider. The onboard kitchen and bar sell food and drinks, but the selection is limited. If you have dietary restrictions, check what is available before departure, since outside food and drinks are not permitted.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would choose this tour if you have limited time in Malta and want a broad first look at Gozo and Comino. It suits active people who are happy swimming from ladders, walking uphill to the Citadel, and keeping track of shuttle times.

Families and younger passengers may enjoy the slide, the open-water swimming, and the simple structure of the day. The crew has been described as friendly and helpful, and the boat gives you the option to sit and rest when you are not in the water.

I would think twice if you want a quiet, uncrowded lagoon or a proper guided tour. You should also be cautious if you suffer from seasickness, have difficulty with ladders or uphill walks, or need a highly predictable schedule.

The tour is offered in English, and service animals are allowed. Most people can take part, but you should be comfortable with a boat trip, swimming access by ladder, and walking around Victoria.

Should you book the Gozo and Comino tour?

Book it if you want an affordable sampler of Malta’s most famous nearby waters, with a useful stop in Victoria and plenty of coastal scenery. Arrive early, secure the Blue Lagoon pass, bring swimwear and your own snorkeling gear, and keep your expectations focused on a fast-moving day.

Skip it if your ideal holiday means lingering at one beach, hearing every word of a guide, or exploring Gozo at a relaxed pace. For the right person, this is a fun and efficient day out. For someone expecting a private boat, two guaranteed swims, or a full island tour, it can feel rushed.

The provider offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. Weather can also lead to a changed date or full refund, and the captain may alter the route for safety.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

It departs from Bugibba Jetty on Dawret Il-Gzejjer in St. Paul’s Bay, Malta.

How long does the tour last?

The trip lasts about six to seven hours.

Is the Blue Lagoon swim included?

Yes. The tour includes a swimming stop at the Blue Lagoon, normally lasting about one hour.

Can I swim at Crystal Lagoon?

Crystal Lagoon is described as a photo stop lasting about 10 minutes, with no swimming included. Conditions and the exact route can affect the stop.

Is transport to Victoria included?

Yes. Return shuttle transport from Gozo’s harbor to Victoria is included.

Is Victoria a guided tour?

No. You receive transport to Victoria and explore the city on your own.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks can be purchased onboard. Outside food and drinks are not allowed.

Can I use snorkeling equipment?

You can bring your own equipment or buy or hire equipment from the boat when available. Towels and swimwear are not provided.

Will the boat always have slides and underwater windows?

No. From December through April, a large sailing catamaran may be used instead. That boat does not have slides or underwater windows.