Sliema Cruise to Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon in Beautiful Malta

Malta’s best-known island sights fit into one busy day here: Gozo’s hilltop Citadel, Comino’s Blue Lagoon, and the coast seen from the water. You cruise from Sliema on a large boat, ride a bus across Gozo, then return by sea with time for a swim or snorkel.

I like the strong value at $48.06, especially for a first Malta visit, and I like the boat itself, with a sundeck, bar, toilets, swimming ladders, and a waterslide. The tradeoff is time: Victoria gets roughly an hour, while the Blue Lagoon can be crowded and the Gozo transport may feel more like a transfer than a guided tour.

• Three major sights in one day: Gozo, Comino, and the Blue Lagoon are covered in about 7.5 hours.
• Gozo by bus: Reach Victoria, visit the Citadel independently, and stop for photos at Xlendi Bay and Qala Belvedere.
• Seasonal Blue Lagoon time: You get 90 minutes from April through October, or 60 minutes from November through March.
• A boat built for a full day: Use the toilets, sundeck, onboard bar, swimming ladders, and slide when the vessel is anchored.
• Large-group format: The boat can carry up to 200 people, so expect an efficient outing rather than a quiet sailing trip.
• Prepare for the landing pass: Arrange the Blue Lagoon access details before departure if required, rather than sorting them out at the port.

What this Sliema cruise does well

This is a sightseeing sampler, not a slow island holiday. You leave Sliema at 10:00 a.m., cruise along Malta’s northern coast, spend time on Gozo, stop at Comino, and return to the same Sliema meeting point.

I would choose it if you have only a few days in Malta and want to see the famous blue water without arranging several separate boats, buses, and ferries. You get a useful first look at the islands, along with enough free time to choose your own priorities.

The experience earns its good reputation from three things: the scenery from the boat, friendly and well-organized staff, and the amount covered for the price. The crew generally keeps the day moving, and the cruise commentary explains the coastal sights as you pass them.

But keep your expectations in check. Gozo is not explored in depth. Victoria is mainly independent free time, and the bus portion may offer little commentary. The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but in the warmer months it can be highly crowded and commercial.

Starting at Sliema’s Ferry 4 terminal

The meeting point is Luzzu Cruises, Ferries 4, Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema SLM 1023. Arrive at least 30 minutes before the 10:00 a.m. departure. I would arrive 45 minutes early, since wristbands and boarding arrangements can create a slow start.

Sliema is a practical departure point, but the waterfront can feel confusing when several boats are loading at once. Have your booking confirmation ready and look for the Luzzu Cruises team at Ferry 4.

The boat includes indoor and outdoor areas, though your choice of seat may depend on how early you arrive. Bring a light layer. Even in warm weather, the wind on the open water can make the ride feel cool, and conditions can change during the day.

Food and drinks are sold onboard but are not included. The bar also hires snorkeling equipment for €5 per set. You may prefer to bring your own towel, swimsuit, sun protection, and sturdy footwear for rocky swimming areas.

Cruising past Malta’s northern bays

The outward cruise is part sightseeing trip and part transport. As you head toward Gozo, you pass St Julian’s Bay, St George’s Bay, Bugibba, and Mellieha. The boat commentary provides information about the coast and the main points you pass.

This is one of the most pleasant parts of the day because you see Malta from a different angle. Historic towns, rocky shores, small bays, and bright water unfold without the need to navigate roads or parking.

The ride does take time, so you should enjoy the boat itself rather than treat the crossings as wasted minutes. Walk to the sundeck, take photos, or settle in with a drink. If the sea becomes rough, stay cautious on deck and hold onto railings.

Weather matters more than it might seem. A calm day makes the cruise relaxing and the swimming stops easier. Poor weather can lead to changes, and the trip requires suitable conditions to operate.

Gozo’s harbor, Qala Belvedere, and Xlendi Bay

The boat moors at Gozo’s main harbor. From there, land transport takes you around the island, including a photo stop at Qala Belvedere and a stop at Xlendi Bay.

These stops are useful for quick photos rather than long visits. Xlendi Bay is particularly attractive from the road and gives you a brief taste of Gozo’s coastal character. Still, the stop can feel unnecessary if you would rather spend every available minute in Victoria.

The quality of the Gozo bus portion can vary. Some rides use a small tour vehicle, and commentary may be limited or absent. Instructions about where to find the bus at the port or where to walk after arriving in Victoria may also be brief.

That means you should listen carefully when the pickup time and location are announced. Keep an eye on the time instead of assuming the driver will guide you around the town.

One hour in Victoria and the Citadel

Victoria, Gozo’s capital, is the most historically interesting stop. You have about an hour to explore independently, shop at the market, find something to eat, or walk toward the Citadel.

I would make the Citadel your first goal. The fortified hilltop area gives you the strongest sense of Gozo’s past and provides fine views over the island. If you stop for food first, the walk and the clock can leave you with a rushed visit.

This is also where the tour’s limits show. An hour is enough to see part of Victoria, but not enough for a relaxed meal, market browsing, and a full Citadel visit. You need to pick one main aim.

Some people may prefer to skip the organized bus ride and remain near the harbor, depending on the options available that day. That can offer more independence, but you would miss the planned stops and the easy connection to Victoria.

Do not expect a detailed guided visit of Gozo. The day gives you access and transport, not a long historical explanation or a local walking tour. If Gozo is your main reason for visiting Malta, a separate island tour would give you more time.

Blue Lagoon time: 60 or 90 minutes

After Gozo, the boat heads to Comino and the famous Blue Lagoon. From April through October, the scheduled stop is 90 minutes. From November through March, it is 60 minutes.

The water is the visual highlight of the trip. On a good day, the lagoon is clear and bright, and a swim makes the long cruise worthwhile. You can use the boat as your base or go ashore, depending on the arrangements and access rules in effect.

The boat has swimming ladders and a waterslide, which adds fun without requiring you to leave your belongings on land. The designated swimming area beside a large boat is not especially spacious, though, and solo swimmers should think carefully about valuables.

You will not have a secure personal locker described as part of the experience. If you swim, keep your belongings with someone you trust or use the boat as your base. Snorkeling equipment costs €5 per set, and food and drinks are extra.

The landing rules deserve attention. A Blue Lagoon landing pass may be required, with an afternoon slot available to select. Check the information sent after booking and arrange this before leaving Sliema if instructed. Several people have lost useful time trying to sort it out at the harbor.

The reality of a crowded Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is lovely, but it is not a quiet corner of Comino in the busy season. Boats gather around the area, the swimming space can feel tight, and the shore may be crowded.

That does not make the stop pointless. It simply changes the experience. You are coming for the color of the water, a quick swim, and the chance to see one of Malta’s most famous sites, not for solitude.

The 90-minute summer stop sounds generous, but walking between the boat, the lagoon, and higher viewpoints can consume part of it. In winter, one hour is enough for photos and a short walk, but a full swim and wider exploration may feel rushed.

If swimming is your main purpose, go directly to the water and keep track of the departure time. If you prefer photos, remain alert to the clock while walking toward the tower or caves.

The rocky shore can be uncomfortable underfoot. Water shoes or coral shoes are a sensible addition, especially if you plan to enter from the rocks.

Comino Caves on the return journey

Before heading back to Sliema, the boat passes the Comino Caves, including a photo stop at the Santa Marija Caves. This is a short viewing opportunity rather than a cave walk.

The boat gives you a good position for pictures, but the exact view depends on the route and sea conditions. Keep your camera ready, and do not assume the boat will wait for a long photo session.

The caves provide a fitting final sight after the lagoon. You get one last look at Comino’s rocky coast before the return crossing to Malta.

What the $48.06 price really buys

At $48.06 per person, this is a strong value if you want transport, boat sightseeing, Gozo access, and a Blue Lagoon stop in one package. Buying each part separately could take more planning, and the cruise gives you toilets, a bar, a sundeck, and swimming facilities during the day.

The price does not cover food, drinks, snorkeling equipment, hotel transfers, or any required Blue Lagoon landing pass. Add those costs when comparing it with other options.

You are also paying for convenience rather than personal attention. With a maximum group size of 200, this is a large excursion. The crew can be friendly and professional, but the experience cannot offer the flexible pace or quiet atmosphere of a small boat.

For families and first-time visitors, that tradeoff often works well. You can see a great deal without worrying about local transport. For solo visitors, the lack of storage near the swimming area and the loose Gozo exploration may be less appealing.

Who should book this day trip

I would recommend it to you if:

• You have limited time in Malta.
• You want to see Gozo and Comino in one day.
• You enjoy boat scenery as much as time ashore.
• You are comfortable exploring Victoria independently.
• You want a swim option without booking a separate water excursion.
• You prefer a clear schedule and a moderate price.

I would think twice if you want a quiet boat, a detailed Gozo tour, or several hours at the Citadel. You may also prefer a different plan if the Blue Lagoon crowd is likely to spoil the experience for you.

The tour suits active families, couples, first-time visitors, and people who want a broad taste of Malta’s islands. It is less suited to anyone who dislikes fixed schedules, crowded swimming spots, or short stops.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Arrive 45 minutes early, even though 30 minutes is the stated minimum. The extra time helps with wristbands, finding the correct boat, and dealing with Blue Lagoon access arrangements.

Wear a swimsuit beneath your clothes if you plan to swim. Pack a towel, sun protection, a light jacket, water shoes, and a dry bag for small valuables.

At Victoria, head straight to the Citadel if that is your priority. Do not spend the whole stop shopping and then expect time for the historic area.

Listen for the exact bus meeting instructions in Gozo. Keep your return time visible on your phone, and do not rely on finding the bus by chance.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and poor weather or low numbers can lead to a rescheduled trip or refund.

Should you book the Sliema to Gozo and Blue Lagoon cruise?

Book it if you want a good-value overview of Malta’s two smaller islands and are happy with a large, scheduled outing. The cruise gives you memorable coastal views, a glimpse of Victoria, a famous swimming stop, and the Comino Caves without complicated planning.

Skip it if your ideal day means slow exploration, a quiet sea, or a properly guided visit to Gozo. The best way to enjoy this trip is to treat it as a highlights day: choose one goal in Victoria, use the Blue Lagoon time wisely, and enjoy the boat ride between stops.

FAQ

Where does the cruise leave from?

It leaves from Luzzu Cruises at Ferries 4, Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema SLM 1023, Malta.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled departure time is 10:00 a.m. You should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure, and arriving 45 minutes early is a sensible choice.

How long does the experience last?

The full experience lasts approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes. It ends back at the Sliema meeting point.

How much time is provided at the Blue Lagoon?

From April through October, the stop lasts 90 minutes. From November through March, it lasts 60 minutes.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are available for purchase at the onboard bar but are not included in the tour price.

Can I hire snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available from the onboard bar for €5 per set.

Is the boat suitable for swimming?

Yes. When the boat is anchored, you can use the swimming ladders and waterslide. The boat also has a sundeck and toilet facilities.