From Sliema: Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon Cruise

The best thing about this trip is how much of Malta’s island world you can see in one day. You cruise from Sliema past St. Julian’s, St. Paul’s Bay, Mellieha, and St. Paul’s Island, then get time in Gozo’s Victoria and Citadel before a swim at Comino’s Blue Lagoon.

I like the optional Gozo minibus, which saves precious time, and the crew’s steady commentary, especially when the captain points out coastal sights. The main catch is the sea: rough water can cause sickness, delay the schedule, shorten the Blue Lagoon stop, or cancel swimming altogether.

Key points at a glance

• Three-island day: See Malta’s northern coast, Gozo, and Comino without booking separate transport.
• Gozo made easier: Add the minibus for Qala Belvedere and Victoria, or explore from Mgarr Harbour on your own.
• Victoria’s Citadel: The stop gives you time to walk around the old fortified city, shop, and grab a drink.
• Blue Lagoon stop: Plan for about 75 to 90 minutes for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, or using the boat slide.
• Comino caves: The return route includes a close pass by the Santa Maria Caves when sea conditions allow.
• Sea conditions matter: This is not a good pick if you get severe seasickness or need step-free access.

What this Sliema to Gozo and Comino cruise actually delivers

At $41 per person, this is a strong-value introduction to Malta’s northern islands. You get about 7.5 hours of cruising, time in Gozo, a Comino stop, coastal commentary, the boat’s water slide, and a look at the caves.

It is not a slow, private island tour. You are fitting several major sights into one day, so each stop has a firm limit. That tradeoff works well if you want a broad first look at Gozo and Comino. If you want long walks, a relaxed lunch, or several hours at the Blue Lagoon, separate day trips will suit you better.

The boat departs from the Sliema ferry area. Look for the Luzzu Cruises vessel named MV Kataleya or MV Lady Shelley. Hotel pickup is not included, so leave time to reach the ferry point on your own.

The boat has seating, toilets, food and drink service, and a bar. Several parts of the trip are best enjoyed outside, but the upper deck can be cold in winter and exposed when the wind picks up. Bring a comfortable pair of shoes and a towel. You will want both even if you decide not to swim.

The coastal cruise from Sliema

The first part of the day is a scenic ride north. The boat passes St. Julian’s Bay, Qawra and St. Paul’s Bay, St. Paul’s Island, and Mellieha. These are passing views rather than shore visits, so keep your camera ready and listen to the commentary while you are on deck.

The cruise gives you a useful sense of Malta’s shape. Instead of jumping straight from one attraction to another by road, you see the coastline from the water and approach Gozo through its main harbour. That makes the journey part of the experience, not just a transfer.

The sea can be rough on the outward trip, particularly when the wind is up. Some passengers have needed sick bags, and the crew has warned people in advance and helped those feeling unwell. If you are prone to seasickness, sit low and near the middle of the boat, keep your eyes on the horizon, and consider choosing another activity altogether if rough water is a serious concern.

The captain sometimes provides a running explanation of the islands and landmarks. The tone is informal and friendly, with some captains adding humor as well as useful facts. Carmen, one of the Gozo minibus drivers, has also been singled out for being especially kind and helpful when passengers were feeling unwell.

Gozo’s Mgarr Harbour and the optional minibus

The boat arrives at Mgarr Harbour, Gozo’s main port. Here you have two choices: explore independently or join the optional minibus trip.

I strongly favor the minibus if this is your first time in Gozo. It takes you to Qala Belvedere for a photo stop, then continues to Victoria, the island’s capital. You avoid figuring out local transport during a short stop and see more than you would by staying around the harbour.

The minibus is not a private guided tour, so keep your expectations sensible. It is a practical way to connect the main stops, with the driver pointing out sights along the route. You still have free time in Victoria rather than a constant guided walk.

Pay close attention to the meeting time. The boat will not wait for late passengers, and the minibuses return on a fixed schedule. One passenger was nearly caught out when a minibus left before the expected time, though another vehicle provided space. That is a reminder to confirm the return instructions before walking off to explore.

If you choose to go independently, you get more control but less sightseeing. Mgarr Harbour is a pleasant arrival point, but the cruise schedule does not give you unlimited time to roam across Gozo. The minibus is worth considering mainly because it removes that transport problem.

Qala Belvedere, Gozo’s easy photo stop

Qala Belvedere is a short but worthwhile stop. Its appeal is the view, not a long list of monuments. From this high point, you can look across the surrounding islands and coast, making it one of the best quick photo opportunities on the day.

Because the stop is brief, do not wander far or wait until the last minute for pictures. Take in the view, photograph the coastline, and be ready when the driver calls the group back.

This is also where the minibus earns its keep. Reaching a viewpoint like this on your own would require extra planning, and the tour gives you the stop without asking you to spend your limited Victoria time arranging a taxi or bus.

Victoria and the Citadel in roughly 80 minutes

The main Gozo stop is Victoria, also called Rabat. The scheduled visit is about 80 minutes, though exact time can shift with sea and road conditions. Some departures have allowed closer to two hours, but you should plan around the shorter published time.

The Citadel is the obvious target. This old fortified city rises above Victoria and gives you a compact look at Gozo’s historic center. You can walk up, explore the old fortifications, and take in the views, but do not assume you have time for every museum and side street.

A practical plan is to head toward the Citadel first, then return through the central streets for a coffee, quick meal, or short browse. Food service can be slow, so sit-down dining may eat into your sightseeing time. If seeing the Citadel matters, do not begin with a long lunch.

The stop also includes time for shopping and independent wandering. You will get a taste of Victoria rather than a complete tour of Gozo. That is enough for a first visit, but it can feel rushed if you want to study the fortifications or explore the city at a slow pace.

The bus option is particularly useful here. It gives you a clear route, a known return time, and a better chance of seeing both Qala and Victoria. Several passengers have considered the minibus one of the best parts of the value.

Returning to Comino and the Blue Lagoon

After Gozo, you rejoin the boat and continue to Comino. The Blue Lagoon stop is scheduled for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, with the detailed timing sometimes shown as 75 minutes. Use that range when planning your expectations.

This is the day’s main water stop. You can swim, sunbathe, snorkel, walk along the shore, or use the water slide attached to the boat. The clearest water is the obvious draw, but the setting can also be crowded, especially in the warmer months.

The boat itself may offer better views than the shore in the busiest periods. One useful tactic is to swim early, then spend part of the stop on deck or walking along the coast rather than trying to claim a perfect patch of beach.

The Blue Lagoon is also weather-dependent. Strong wind can make swimming unsafe or force the captain to use another bay. On some rough-weather departures, the stop has been shortened to around 45 minutes or replaced by St. Mary’s Bay. That is disappointing if swimming is your main goal, but it is outside the crew’s control.

From May 1, 2025, anyone who wants to get off the boat at the Blue Lagoon must register for a free QR code. The booking information provides the link after purchase. Do this before the day of the trip, since the code is checked before you go ashore and delays can reduce your swimming time.

Bring your towel, swimsuit, sun protection, and shoes that can handle a rocky shore. Food and drinks are not included, though the boat has food and drink service. Cocktails sold at the Blue Lagoon can be expensive for the amount of alcohol, so bring sensible expectations and perhaps your own budget for refreshments.

Santa Maria Caves and the ride back to Sliema

The final scenic feature is the Santa Maria Caves, also called the Crystal Caves of Comino. The boat makes a short photo stop and may approach quite close when conditions are calm.

This is not a cave walk. You stay on the boat and view the formations from the water. The short stop works well after the Blue Lagoon because it adds one last visual highlight without requiring another transfer or hike.

The return to Sliema is often smoother than the outward ride, but the captain can change the route or landing point if weather conditions shift. The excursion runs in rain or sunshine, and the captain can alter or cancel parts of the plan for safety.

Keep a little patience for the final cruise. After a full day, some people simply sit on deck and watch the coast. Others use the time for one more set of pictures. On clear evenings, the ride back can be especially pleasant, with the changing light over the water.

How the timing affects the experience

The schedule is carefully packed. You have a boat ride, a Gozo transfer, a viewpoint, Victoria, another boat ride, Blue Lagoon time, and the caves all inside one day.

That is why the trip feels efficient but not leisurely. You can see a lot, yet delays have consequences. Rough seas can slow the boat, and a longer crossing may cut into time at Comino. A late return from Victoria can create stress for everyone.

I would treat the minibus as part of the core plan rather than an optional luxury. It reduces the chance of wasting time at Mgarr Harbour and gives you two Gozo highlights in one visit. If you prefer to set your own pace, skip it, but have a clear plan before arriving.

The boat is locally operated by Water Taxi Limited, and the crew generally keeps instructions clear. Still, listen carefully when the return times are announced. Take a photo of the boat and remember its name so you can find it again at the harbour.

Who should book this trip?

This cruise suits you if you want a broad view of Malta’s islands at a reasonable price. It works especially well for a first visit, families who enjoy a boat day, and anyone who wants swimming, scenery, a little history, and free time without arranging several separate excursions.

It is also a good choice for children who enjoy a water slide and short changes of scene. The day has enough variety to keep the pace moving, though young children may find the boat time tiring if the water is rough.

I would be cautious if you have limited mobility. The experience includes boat boarding, minibus transfers, walking in Victoria, and access to a swimming area. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments according to the activity information.

You should also think twice if you are severely prone to seasickness. The crew is helpful, but no friendly captain can make a rough crossing feel calm. Winter and windy-weather departures can be particularly challenging, even when the tour still operates.

Value, comfort, and what to bring

The $41 price is good for a 7.5-hour day that combines transport and several major sights. You are paying for access to the islands, not an in-depth guided tour of every stop. The value improves if you use the boat facilities, join the Gozo minibus, and treat the cruising time as part of the day.

Food and drinks are extra, and hotel transfers are not included. Budget for those separately. Comfortable shoes matter more than smart clothes, and a towel is essential if the weather allows a swim.

The boat has toilets and a small bar or food service, which makes the long day easier. In cooler weather, take an extra layer for the upper deck. In warm weather, carry sun protection and water, even if you plan to buy refreshments onboard.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available start times when booking, since the exact departure schedule is not fixed in the information provided.

Should you book the Gozo, Comino, and Blue Lagoon cruise?

Book it if you want the best-value overview of Malta’s northern islands and are happy to trade long stays for variety. Add the Gozo minibus, protect your Victoria time, register for the Blue Lagoon QR code, and keep your plans flexible around the weather.

Skip it if you want a calm beach day, a long independent visit to Gozo, or a guaranteed swim. For most first-time visitors who can handle a full day on the water, this is a practical and enjoyable way to see Gozo, Comino, the Blue Lagoon, and Malta’s northern coast in one outing.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from the Sliema ferry area. Look for the Luzzu Cruises boat MV Kataleya or MV Lady Shelley.

How long does the activity last?

The full experience lasts about 7.5 hours, though weather and sea conditions can affect the timing.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel transfers are not included, so you must make your own way to the Sliema meeting point.

What can I do in Gozo?

You can explore independently from Mgarr Harbour or choose the optional minibus. The minibus visits Qala Belvedere for a photo stop and Victoria, where you can see the Citadel and explore on foot.

How long is the Victoria stop?

The detailed schedule lists about 80 minutes in Victoria. Exact timing can vary, so follow the instructions given by the crew and driver.

How long do I get at the Blue Lagoon?

The stop is advertised at about 1 hour and 30 minutes, while the detailed schedule lists 75 minutes. Rough seas or delays can shorten the stop.

Do I need a QR code for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. From May 1, 2025, you need to register for a free QR code if you want to get off the boat at the Blue Lagoon. The registration link is provided after booking.

Is swimming guaranteed?

No. Swimming depends on sea and weather conditions. Strong wind may prevent swimming or cause the captain to use another bay.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, though food and drink service is available on the boat.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes and a towel. A swimsuit and sun protection are also useful if you plan to swim or sunbathe.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

What happens if the weather changes?

The tour operates in rain or sunshine, but the captain can alter or cancel the excursion and change the pickup or drop-off location according to the weather and sea conditions.