Gozo and Comino in one smooth day sounds like a dream. This $52.14 per person outing pairs a scenic catamaran cruise with air-conditioned transport on Gozo and big chunks of free time in Victoria and the Blue Lagoon.

I like that the day is flexible: you get to walk and wander on your own time, instead of rushing to follow a script. I also like the comfort touches—restrooms and Wi‑Fi on board make it feel more like a proper excursion than a last-minute ferry scramble.

One consideration: it is unguided on land, so you need to manage timing and meeting points yourself. And if you go in hot weather, the limited “what now?” moments in Victoria can feel a bit stressful when you are not expecting it.

Key things to know before you go

• The red iSeeMalta catamaran (33 meters, Captain Morgan) makes the day feel like a real mini-cruise, not just a hop-on ferry.
• Gozo transfers are air-conditioned and chauffeur driven, with free time in Victoria/Citadel on your own.
• Blue Lagoon gets 2 hours 40 minutes, enough time to swim, sunbathe, and still walk around if you want.
• Max group size is 30, which usually keeps the vibe relaxed even when the Blue Lagoon is busy.
• Food isn’t included, so you’ll want a plan for drinks and a snack (or to buy onboard).
• Post-cruise hotel transport is included—but only within the specific Sliema/St. Julian’s or Bugibba/Qawra/Mellieha zones.

A 7-hour sampler of Gozo and Comino, by iSeeMalta catamaran

This is a day tour that moves in a smart loop: boat from Malta to Gozo, land to Victoria/Citadel, boat to the Blue Lagoon in Comino, then back again. The timing is designed so you can actually experience both islands without burning a whole day on logistics.

Your departure is from either Sliema or Bugibba (based on the start point you book). For Sliema, the mooring is opposite the Sliema Hotel by ST Hotels at 59 The Strand. For Bugibba, it is the Bugibba Jetty at Bognor Beach.

When you arrive, give yourself at least 25 minutes before departure. You’ll board the red iSeeMalta catamaran—eco-friendly, 33 meters—and cruise along the North‑East coast of Malta, through the north Comino channel toward Gozo (passing the island area labeled as Calypso/Gozo in the route description). That boat segment is part of the fun, because you can either sit outside or go inside with air-conditioning.

On board, you get restrooms and free Wi‑Fi. And because there is space inside and outside, you can choose what suits you—cool cabin time if the sun is strong, or deck time if you want photos and sea air.

Getting to Gozo: fast transfer, then free time in Victoria and the Citadel

Once you reach Mgarr Harbour in Gozo, a representative meets you and directs you to the waiting minibus. From there, it is a chauffeur-driven, air-conditioned transfer by minibus to Victoria—also known as Rabat—and the fortress Citadel area.

This is where the tour becomes refreshingly low-pressure. There is no tour guide herding you through stops. Instead, you get about 1 hour 30 minutes of free time in the Citadel/Victoria area to explore on your own.

Why this is good: Victoria is the island’s main hub, so your time is well spent. You can aim for whatever you care about—views, viewpoints, small streets, or just getting your bearings. Even if you only manage a walk and a few photos, you still get the “wow, I’m in Gozo” feeling.

Potential drawback: since it is unguided, you need to make your own choices fast. One traveler experience described a confusing moment at drop-off in Victoria when there wasn’t clear direction on what to do next, especially in intense heat. The fix is simple: decide ahead of time what you want from Victoria (a viewpoint, a snack, a quick stroll), and plan to return to the meeting spot a few minutes early.

Also, you’ll want to be confident with the meeting time. The tour asks you to return to the agreed meeting point a few minutes before the set time. If you are unsure, ask the minibus driver for confirmation before you leave the vehicle.

Blue Lagoon time: swimming, sunbathing, and crowd math

Comino is short on land, long on water views—and the Blue Lagoon is the star. After your Gozo time, you head back to Mgarr Harbour and then board the catamaran for the cruise over to Comino’s Blue Lagoon.

You get 2 hours 40 minutes at the Blue Lagoon. That is a generous window. It is long enough to get in the water, relax onshore, and still have time to walk around the immediate area near the embarkation point if you want a change of scenery.

The water is described as turquoise and crystal clear, which matches what most people come for: that bright, easy-to-photograph color. You’ll have free time to swim, sunbathe, relax, or explore Comino on foot.

Here is the reality check: the Blue Lagoon can be crowded. One review called it spectacular but noted it was quite busy. So if you are the type who likes space to stretch out, aim for a calmer rhythm: get in first when people are still filing in, then switch to shade and relaxing once you have your bearings.

Timing matters on this stop. You need to return to the Blue Lagoon embarkation point in Comino at least 15 minutes before the catamaran departure back to Malta. If you get distracted, you could cut it too close—so keep an eye on the clock.

Also note the practical piece: food and drinks are not included. You can purchase drinks and meals onboard, but at the lagoon itself you’ll likely be buying whatever you can access there. Bring what you can—at minimum water and swim gear—so you’re not spending your vacation time hunting for basics.

The unguided format: what you gain and what you manage

The tour markets itself around free time and independent exploration. That’s not a problem if you like structure-light travel. In fact, it is one of the best values in this kind of itinerary: you get to choose your own pace in both Victoria/Citadel and the Blue Lagoon.

When the day works well, it feels like this:

• You ride in comfort on the water.
• You get an easy transfer on Gozo.
• Then you do your own thing for a set block of time.
• Then you meet up again and move on.

When it feels rough, it is usually about expectations—especially for people who want someone to explain what to see once you arrive. Since you are unguided, you need to make quick decisions on the ground: where to go in Victoria, what to do in the Citadel area, and how to use your time wisely before you head back.

One review also mentioned an issue with departure information and having to travel further than expected. That is not typical, but it is a reminder to double-check your pickup details the day before.

On the plus side, organization seems strong when communication lands right. Another traveler said they were impressed by the setup and that the driver gave high-level explanation of places during the transfer—helpful, even without a full guided walkthrough.

So my advice is straightforward: treat this as a “transport + free-time” tour, not as a guided sightseeing day.

Price and logistics: is $52.14 worth it?

At $52.14 per person, you are paying for four main things:

• catamaran rides between Malta, Gozo, and Comino,
• air-conditioned land transfer on Gozo,
• generous free time in Victoria/Citadel and the Blue Lagoon,
• and organized transport back to major hotel areas.

On top of that, the tour includes restrooms and Wi‑Fi on board, plus organized post-cruise land transport in two geographic zones. That matters because Malta’s hotel areas can be spread out, and a lot of day trips make you figure out the last mile yourself. Here, the last mile is partly handled.

What you should not expect at this price:

• A guided tour while you are walking around.
• Food and drinks included. Those are explicitly available for purchase on board, but you will still be spending out of pocket.

The value is strongest if you want maximum scenery and minimum stress. If you prefer a full guide who plans your route inside each stop, you might feel the unguided structure doesn’t scratch that itch.

Also, the group size is capped at 30 travelers, which usually keeps it from turning into a cattle stampede during transfers. You can still end up shoulder-to-shoulder at the Blue Lagoon, though—that is just the island’s popularity at work.

Where you start in Malta matters: Sliema vs Bugibba

This tour has two starting points, and it changes how your day ends with hotel transport.

If you depart from Sliema, the organized land transport after the cruise is for main hotels in Sliema and St. Julian’s from the Sliema side. If you depart from Bugibba, you get transport for main hotels in Bugibba, Qawra, and Mellieha.

This isn’t a small detail. The “included transport” zones are different, so I suggest picking the start point that matches your hotel area. That reduces waiting time and helps you avoid taxis as the day wraps up.

One practical note from a service change: the Bugibba pickup point moved due to construction work (to Sirens Jetty). The provider confirmed the change by email about a day before the excursion. So if you booked Bugibba, double-check the exact pickup point in your ticket details and any pre-trip message.

Seasonal add-on: Comino caves tickets in summer

If you travel in June to September, there may be an option to buy Comino caves boat trip tickets on board. This is not included in the base tour, but it can be a way to add a bit more variety if you want to go beyond the main Blue Lagoon stop.

If you want caves, think about your time. The Blue Lagoon portion is set as free time, so any add-on would likely require you to make decisions quickly and follow the onboard instructions when available.

Who this tour suits best (and who might want a different option)

This day trip is a great fit if you:

• want a one-day sweep of Gozo + Comino without complicated planning,
• like boat travel and scenic cruising,
• enjoy free time to explore at your own pace,
• and prefer a “transport and time blocks” format over a narrated guide.

It may be less ideal if you:

• expect a full guided tour on the land stops,
• want strict, detailed commentary at every moment,
• or you need step-by-step direction once you arrive in Victoria/Citadel.

If you are going during peak season, you should also assume the Blue Lagoon will be busy. You can still have a great time, just plan your priorities and timing.

Should you book Best of Gozo and Comino from Malta?

I think this is a solid booking if you want a classic Malta-to-Gozo-to-Comino day and you are okay with being your own guide once you arrive. The mix of catamaran comfort, air-conditioned Gozo transfers, and real free-time chunks in both Victoria/Citadel and the Blue Lagoon is strong for the price.

Book it if:

• you value flexible sightseeing,
• you want less stress with organized hotel transport at the end,
• and you care more about seeing the places than collecting a checklist of facts.

Consider another option if you need a guided walkthrough or you know you get anxious without clear directions on what to do when you’re dropped off.

For the best experience, go in with a plan for Victoria (even a simple one: viewpoint first, then wander), and treat the Blue Lagoon like a popular stop—arrive, get your water time early, then slow down.

FAQ

Where do I catch the ferry in Malta?

You can start from either the Sliema mooring opposite the Sliema Hotel by ST Hotels at 59 The Strand, Sliema, or from Bugibba Jetty at Bognor Beach in Bugibba. Your booked start point determines which one you use.

How long is the tour?

It lasts about 7 hours.

Is there a guide during the Gozo and Comino parts?

The Gozo land transfer and the time in Victoria/Citadel are unguided, and the Blue Lagoon stop is also free time to explore independently. The tour is described as relaxed with independent time built in.

How much time will I have in Victoria (Rabat) and the Citadel?

You get about 1 hour 30 minutes of free time in Victoria (also known as Rabat) and the fortress Citadel area.

How much time will I have at the Blue Lagoon?

You get about 2 hours 40 minutes at the Blue Lagoon for swimming, sunbathing, relaxing, or walking around on foot.

What is included in the price besides transport?

Included features are the catamaran cruises, air-conditioned Gozo land transfers, free time at the key stops, restrooms on board, free Wi‑Fi on board, and organized post-cruise land transport back to main hotel areas (based on whether you started from Sliema or Bugibba).

Are meals and drinks included?

Food and drinks are not included. You can purchase food and drinks on board the catamaran.

Does the tour offer Wi‑Fi and restrooms?

Yes. There are restrooms on board and free Wi‑Fi.

Is there any time-sensitive weather rule?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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