From Sliema/Bugibba: Best of Gozo & Comino Catamaran Tour VT

A 7-Hour Journey to Malta’s Lesser-Known Islands: A Review of the Best of Gozo & Comino Catamaran Tour

This cruise-based adventure offers a relaxed yet comprehensive way to see Malta’s smaller islands—Gozo and Comino—without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. The tour starts from either Sliema or Bugibba, taking you on a modern, eco-friendly catamaran across the sea, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, sightseeing, and a taste of local charm. It’s a flexible, largely self-guided day that tailors to your pace, featuring both scenic cruising and free time on land.

What I really like about this experience is how it combines the comfort of a smooth, air-conditioned boat with the freedom to explore each destination on your own terms. The ferry’s large glass windows and outdoor decks make it easy to enjoy the views, especially during the scenic cruise to Gozo and the Blue Lagoon. The chauffeur-driven transfers in Gozo are a nice touch, allowing you to relax rather than navigate unfamiliar roads. Plus, the free WiFi onboard means you can share your photos or catch up on messages as you go.

A small caution: since the tour is unguided, you’ll need to do some independent exploring and planning, particularly in Gozo’s Citadel and at the Blue Lagoon—so a bit of good preparation and comfortable shoes can make a big difference. Also, remember to reserve your Blue Lagoon Access in advance if you want to swim in its famous waters, as this is a mandatory step to protect the environment and avoid overcrowding.

This tour offers excellent value for those looking to combine scenic cruising with some land-based exploration. It’s perfect for independent-minded travelers who want to see Malta’s highlights with minimal fuss, but it might not be ideal if you prefer guided commentary or structured activities throughout.

Key points / Takeaways

• Eco-friendly catamaran: The use of a modern, environmentally conscious vessel makes for a comfortable and responsible way to travel.
• Flexible free time: Ample hours at the Citadel in Gozo and Blue Lagoon in Comino let you personalize your experience.
• Independent exploration: The tour is unguided, encouraging you to discover each site at your own pace.
• Pre-book Blue Lagoon Access: Mandatory and designed to protect the environment; you’ll need to reserve before booking.
• Comfort and convenience: Air-conditioned indoor seating, outdoor decks, restrooms, and free WiFi enhance the onboard experience.
• Beautiful scenery: Expect stunning views of Malta’s coast, turquoise waters, and historic landmarks.

Entering the Beauty of The Islands: A Detailed Look

Starting Point and Departure Logistics

The tour begins from two convenient locations—Sliema and Bugibba—giving you flexibility depending on where you’re staying. The meeting points are in easily accessible spots, with the choice of starting either from the more central Sliema or the lively Bugibba. The departure times vary, so checking availability in advance is a good idea. The trip lasts about 7 hours, which makes for a full but manageable day.

The boat itself is impressive—a 33-meter, eco-friendly catamaran that balances style with practicality. You can sit indoors in cool comfort or head to the outdoor decks for the best panoramic views. The vessel has restrooms and free WiFi, making the trip quite comfortable and connected.

The Scenic Cruise to Gozo

The first leg is a 40-minute ferry crossing along Malta’s north-east coast. The views along this stretch are a highlight in themselves—waves lapping against the hull, the coastlines receding, and the chance to spot local fishing boats or distant villages. Many reviews mention how smoothly the modern catamaran glides through the waters, making this part of the trip especially enjoyable.

Gozo’s Citadel: A Fortress with a View

Once in Mgarr Harbour, you’ll transfer in a chauffeur-driven, air-conditioned vehicle to Victoria. The 20-minute scenic drive offers glimpses of Gozo’s lush landscape and rural charm. The highlight here is the Citadel in Victoria—a fortress city perched atop a hill, offering sweeping views over the island. You’ll have about 1.5 hours to explore independently, which is ample time to wander the cobblestone streets, soak in the views, or simply relax at a local café.

Visitors often praise the imposing walls and historic charm of the Citadel, which played a key role in local defense for centuries. One reviewer, Silviya, gave a perfect 5-star rating, illustrating how much she appreciated the mix of scenic beauty and historic sites.

Back to Mgarr and the Cruise to Blue Lagoon

After reboarding the ferry, you’ll cruise for about 20 minutes to the Blue Lagoon in Comino. The boat’s design makes it easy to hop on and off, and the free time of around 105 minutes allows for swimming, sunbathing, or simply relaxing in a setting many describe as “paradise.” The turquoise waters are often praised for their clarity and beauty—perfect for a swim, with plenty of opportunities to snorkel or just float around.

Many reviews note that the Blue Lagoon is a must-see, with Silviya calling the waters “stunning,” and others mentioning how fun it is to just unwind on the boat deck with a drink and watch the world go by.

Returning and Relaxed End to a Full Day

The final cruise back to Malta takes about 50 minutes, providing a scenic and restful end to the day. The organized transport after the cruise ensures you get back to your hotel smoothly, whether in Sliema, St. Julian’s, Bugibba, Qawra, or Mellieha.

What You Can Expect at Each Stop

In Gozo: The highlight is the Citadel in Victoria, a compact but fascinating historic fortress with panoramic views. Since this is an unguided visit, you can explore at your leisure—or just relax at a café overlooking the scenery. The chauffeur-driven transfer makes the trip smooth and hassle-free, and there’s the bonus of experiencing Gozo’s countryside during the short drive.

At Blue Lagoon: With 105 minutes of free time, you can swim in the crystal-clear waters, sunbathe on the rocky beaches, or just take in the scenery. To access the lagoon, you need to reserve Blue Lagoon Access in advance, which allows you to enjoy the environment responsibly and avoid overcrowding. Many travelers enjoy the peaceful, almost untouched feel of the lagoon.

The Practical Aspects of the Tour

The pricing includes the catamaran cruise, all transfers, and the land visits, making it quite a good deal given the length of the trip. Since food and drinks are available for purchase on board and at the stops, bringing some snacks or a water bottle is wise—especially if you plan to swim or explore. The unguided nature of the tour means you should be comfortable with self-navigation and planning, but the flexible schedule can be a plus for independent travelers.

The Blue Lagoon Access reservation is a key step—it’s mandatory, and you’ll receive a QR code that must be shown before boarding and at the lagoon. This process helps keep the environment pristine and prevents overcrowding.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This tour suits travelers who like a mix of relaxation, scenic cruising, and independent exploration. It’s especially good for those who want to see the highlights of Gozo and Comino without the pressure of guided tours or rigid schedules. If you prefer a guided commentary throughout, this may not be the best fit. It’s ideal for couples, small groups, or solo travelers comfortable with a bit of planning and self-led sightseeing.

It’s also perfect for travelers who want to experience the stunning Blue Lagoon and the historic Citadel, while enjoying the comfort of a modern catamaran with onboard amenities.

The Sum Up

This Best of Gozo & Comino Catamaran Tour offers a well-rounded day on the water that combines scenic cruising, land exploration, and free time at two of Malta’s most famous spots. The modern vessel, flexible schedule, and environmental focus make it a smart choice for independent travelers who value comfort and authenticity.

While the unguided format means you’ll need to do a bit of planning, the experience pays off with stunning views, a peaceful swim in crystal waters, and a glimpse into Malta’s smaller islands. It’s a good value for the price, especially considering the all-included transfers, free WiFi, and scenic land stops.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic, and flexible way to enjoy Malta’s islands, this tour hits the sweet spot. Just remember to reserve your Blue Lagoon Access early and bring your sense of adventure—and maybe a towel and some beach shoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book the Blue Lagoon Access separately?
Yes, you must reserve the Blue Lagoon Access for the afternoon slot before booking your ferry. You can do this via the Malta Tourism Authority website, and you’ll receive a QR code to present on the day.

Is the tour guided?
No, this is an unguided experience. You’ll have free time at the Citadel and Blue Lagoon to explore on your own.

How long is the transfer in Gozo?
The chauffeur-driven transfer from Mgarr Harbour to Victoria in Gozo lasts about 20 minutes, providing a comfortable way to reach the Citadel without walking.

What are the meal options?
Food and drinks are available for purchase onboard the catamaran and at the stops, so bringing some snacks is recommended.

Can I swim at the Blue Lagoon?
Yes, during your 105-minute break, you can swim and snorkel in the lagoon’s clear waters. Remember to reserve Blue Lagoon Access ahead of time.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, beachwear, a towel, and perhaps a hat or sunglasses for sun protection.

How long does the entire tour last?
Approximately 7 hours, including transfers, land visits, and free time.

Is this suitable for children?
Yes, but keep in mind the unguided nature of the tour and the need for independent exploration.

What’s the best time of year for this trip?
It runs year-round, but June to September offers the best weather for swimming and outdoor activities.

Is there WiFi onboard?
Yes, free WiFi is available on the catamaran for sharing your trip photos or staying connected.

This comprehensive yet relaxed tour lets you enjoy Malta’s beautiful small islands at your own pace, making it a memorable addition to your Maltese adventure.