From Malta: Full-Day Gozo Buggy Tour with Lunch & Boat Ride

Exploring Malta’s sister island of Gozo with a full-day buggy tour offers a lively, hands-on way to see some of the island’s most scenic spots. This experience combines off-road driving, cultural stops, a delicious three-course lunch, and a scenic boat ride back to Malta. I’ve looked into what makes this tour stand out—and also what travelers should consider before booking.

What I really like about this experience is how accessible and family-friendly it is, thanks to the guided format and safety measures. The fact that guides like Mark, Kiko, and Benny are praised for their professionalism, helpfulness, and sense of humor adds a personal touch. Plus, the chance to drive your own buggy through Gozo’s landscape means you’re not just a passenger—you’re actively exploring the island’s rugged terrain and picturesque villages.

A potential consideration is the driver’s license requirement—drivers must be over 21 with a full, current license. This excludes some younger or less experienced drivers, but it’s a sensible safety precaution. Also, the tour’s duration of about six hours means you should be prepared for a fairly full day, including travel time, stops, and activities.

The tour delivers great value for the price of around $131 per group, especially considering the included boat ride, lunch, and guided exploration. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a balanced mix of adventure, culture, and scenic beauty—just keep in mind the physical requirements if you’re not comfortable on bumpy off-road routes.

Key points / Takeaways

• Guides make the experience: Knowledgeable, friendly guides like Mark and Benny are often highlighted for their professionalism and humor.
• Active exploration: Driving your own buggy offers a sense of freedom and adventure, with safe, well-instructed routes.
• Authentic scenery: Expect breathtaking views of cliffs, valleys, and charming villages—perfect for memorable photos.
• Inclusive activities: Stops include swimming in clear waters, enjoying a traditional lunch, and sightseeing, giving a well-rounded day.
• Well-organized logistics: Seamless pickup, boat transfer, and itinerary make for a hassle-free experience.
• Value-packed day: At $131, the tour includes boat rides, lunch, insurance, and guided commentary—many reviews call it excellent value.

Discovering Gozo: The Full-Day Buggy Tour Experience

Driving through scenic landscapes in a buggy might sound like a thrill for adrenaline junkies, but it’s also a fantastic way to see the real Gozo—away from the crowds and tourist hotspots. This tour, offered by Gozo Pride Tours, manages to blend adventure and comfort, offering a memorable day for active travelers who love to explore.

The journey begins with hotel pickup from Malta, with 25 convenient pickup points listed, which helps make the experience accessible no matter where you stay. After a short boat transfer from Malta to Gozo, you’re greeted with a safety briefing from your guides—key to feeling confident on the off-road routes. The guides, such as “Mark,” “Kiko,” and “Benny,” receive high praise for their professionalism, humor, and detailed knowledge of the island.

One of the biggest draws is the chance to drive your own buggy, which adds a layer of excitement and engagement. While the rules are strict—drivers must be over 21 and hold a full, current license—this ensures safety and peace of mind for all participants. During the day, you’ll stop often for photos, a swim in the Mediterranean, and sightseeing, making the experience both active and relaxing.

What Makes the Itinerary Special

The route takes you through Gozo’s stunning terrain—cliffs, valleys, and traditional villages. The reviews describe the landscapes as breathtaking, with some reviewers noting “the scenery was stunning.” The guides do a good job of sharing local insights, and many mention how helpful and friendly they are, making the day feel personalized.

One highlight is the lunch—a three-course meal with free-flowing water, which offers a genuine taste of local cuisine. Reviewers praise the quality and value of the meal, describing it as “delicious” and “more than acceptable.”

After lunch, the group heads toward the Blue Lagoon and Comino Caves via a scenic boat ride. This short private ride (weather permitting) offers a relaxing end to the adrenaline-filled morning, with many users commenting on how scenic and refreshing it is. The return trip passes by the iconic Blue Lagoon, perfect for photos or a quick dip.

The Experience in Practice

From reviews, it’s clear that guides like Mark are a real asset. Several travelers mention him by name, noting his helpfulness and the interesting facts he shares. One reviewer, Louisa, said, “Ronny made the experience from start to finish with good vibes.” This kind of personable guidance makes the day more engaging.

Participants seem to appreciate how well-organized the tour is, with seamless transfers and clear instructions. The small group size (limited to six participants) means everyone gets attention, and there’s plenty of opportunity to ask questions and get personalized tips.

The timing is straightforward: the tour runs roughly from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with hotel drop-offs around 5:30 PM. The experience is designed to give enough time on the buggies, with frequent stops for photos, snacks, and swimming, making the long day feel balanced.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re an adventurous soul, love driving, or want a hands-on experience of Gozo’s landscape, this tour suits you perfectly. It’s also great for families or groups who want to share an active day, thanks to its family-friendly reputation and safety measures. However, if you’re not comfortable on bumpy terrain or don’t have a valid driver’s license, this might not be the best choice.

It’s also ideal for travelers who appreciate guides who share local insights and want a mix of scenic beauty, cultural stops, and a bit of adrenaline. The lunch and boat ride add value, making it a comprehensive day out—especially if you like your adventures with a splash of relaxation and delicious food.

Price and Logistics: Good Value for an Active Day

At $131 per group, the tour offers a solid package that includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ferry tickets, a guided buggy tour, lunch, and a private boat ride—quite a lot for the price. The reviews consistently mention the good value, especially considering the included activities and scenic stops.

The small group size (up to six participants) means more personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere. The tour’s duration of six hours is enough to explore without feeling rushed, though you’ll want to be prepared for a full day.

A key aspect of the value is the professional guidance and well-organized itinerary, which many reviews highlight as making the experience worth every penny. The boat trip, often praised as scenic and refreshing, adds a special touch that you might not get on similar land-only tours.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Day

• Bring your driver’s license and comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to drive yourself.
• Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat—summer days can get hot, and the swim stops are highly recommended.
• The tour does not allow baby strollers, so plan accordingly if traveling with very young children.
• Be punctual for pickup times—your guide will send you details via email, and late arrivals can disrupt the schedule.
• Be prepared for some off-road driving—if you’re prone to back problems or dislike bumpy rides, consider this before booking.

Who Should Book This Experience?

This tour is perfect for adventure lovers who want to actively explore Gozo’s landscapes. It suits families, couples, and friends looking for a fun, group activity with plenty of scenic stops and opportunities for photos. If you’re looking for a relaxed, informative tour without the driving aspect, this might not be your best fit.

Travelers who enjoy local cuisine will appreciate the included three-course lunch, and those who love scenic boat rides will find the trip to the Blue Lagoon a highlight. The knowledgeable guides, especially those like Mark, bring a lot of character and insight, making the day more engaging.

FAQs

Do I need a driver’s license to participate?
Yes, drivers must be over 21 and hold a full, current driving license to operate the buggy. This ensures everyone’s safety and adherence to tour rules.

How long does the entire tour last?
The main activities last about 6 hours, beginning around 10:30 AM and ending around 4:30 PM, with hotel drop-offs roughly at 5:30 PM. This includes transfers, stops, and activities.

Is the boat ride included?
Yes, a 20-minute private boat ride to the Comino Caves and Blue Lagoon is included, weather permitting. It’s a scenic and relaxing way to finish the day.

What should I bring?
Pack your driver’s license, comfortable shoes, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing. It’s also recommended to bring a camera and water.

Can I participate if I don’t want to drive?
The tour is primarily designed for drivers, as they operate the buggies. Non-drivers might want to check if there’s a passenger option, but based on provided info, driving is a requirement.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s family-friendly, but children under 21 and those who cannot drive are generally not eligible to operate the buggy. Check with the provider for age restrictions for passengers.

In essence, this Gozo buggy tour offers a vibrant way to experience the island’s landscapes, culture, and scenery in a single day. From knowledgeable guides to scenic stops and a delicious lunch, it’s a well-rounded active adventure—perfect for those craving a more authentic, hands-on day in Malta’s beautiful surroundings.