Malta: Blue Lagoon & Sea Caves Boat Trip & Gozo Buggy Tour

Exploring Malta can feel a bit overwhelming—so many beautiful spots, so little time. This tour offers a well-rounded taste of the islands, blending a relaxing boat trip with an adventurous jeep tour around the charming island of Gozo. It’s ideal if you’re after a mix of stunning scenery, authentic local sights, and a chance to beat the crowds while enjoying some great food and drinks along the way.

Two things I really appreciate about this experience are the attention to authentic local scenery—like the salt pans and tiny villages—and the skill of the guides, such as Johnny on the jeep tour, who keeps the atmosphere lively and informative. The buffet lunch, which includes local wine and water, adds a nice touch, especially since it’s included and served in a lovely setting. One thing to keep in mind is that the boat trip is weather dependent, so if the sea is rough, it might affect your plans.

A possible drawback is the busy schedule, which can feel a bit rushed if you want to linger at certain stops. Multiple reviews mention that some stops are “whistle stop,” and timing can sometimes be tight, especially if weather causes delays. But overall, the mix of activities provides excellent value—covering a lot of ground and allowing you to see Malta’s highlights without the hassle of planning each detail yourself.

Key points / Takeaways

Diverse Itinerary: Combines boat, jeep, and walking tours to give a comprehensive taste of Malta, Gozo, and Comino.
Authentic Local Sights: Visiting salt pans, villages, and caves offers genuine glimpses into local life and natural beauty.
Expert Guides: Knowledgeable drivers like Johnny and George make the experience engaging and informative.
Great Value: Included lunch, unlimited drinks, and ferry tickets make this a cost-effective way to explore multiple islands.
Weather Sensitivity: The boat trip depends on sea conditions, which can cause schedule shifts.
Crowd Avoidance: Visiting the Blue Lagoon early in the morning helps escape the crowds—a tip from seasoned travelers.

Entering Malta’s Most Beautiful Spots

This tour kicks off with a pickup from over 50 convenient locations, making it flexible for travelers staying across popular resorts like Sliema, St. Julian’s, or Valletta. Once onboard, the relaxed transfer to Gozo introduces you to the day’s pace—leisurely but efficient, with a one-hour ferry crossing that’s included in the price. You’ll board a twin-masted schooner, which feels more intimate than a big cruise, and offers a scenic passage past Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon.

The boat ride is a highlight, especially if you get lucky with the weather. The reviews rave about the beautiful scenery, the clear waters perfect for swimming, and the chance to snorkel with masks and snorkels provided free onboard. One reviewer, Rebecca, notes how the boat ride was “unforgettable,” and many mention that the early morning trip helps beat the crowds, making the experience extra special.

Exploring Gozo by Jeep

Once on the island of Gozo, the adventure really begins. The jeep tour, led by guides like Johnny or George, takes you through charming towns like Qala and Xagra, showing narrow streets and scenic views that are hard to access on foot. Guides are praised for their knowledge, humor, and ability to tailor stops to guests’ interests—something that makes the experience feel personalized.

You’ll visit highlights like the Salt Pans, a centuries-old industry, and the Calypso Cave, known for its mythic ties, along with several picturesque bays and villages. One guest, Lewis, shared how a guide named Sam went “above and beyond,” giving a back street tour, stopping at every point asked for, and making the trip unforgettable. That kind of personal touch transforms the jeep ride from just a sightseeing tour into a memorable experience.

A Taste of Authentic Food and Drink

Lunch is a highlight, with a buffet spread that might be served either on the boat or at the Mariblu Restaurant on Gozitan soil. It’s described as delicious and plentiful, with local wine helping to loosen up the atmosphere. The inclusion of unlimited water and wine makes this trip feel very generous, especially considering the full-day itinerary. Some reviews mention that the lunch exceeded expectations, with guests appreciating the quality and the relaxed pace.

Visiting Iconic Sights and Hidden Gems

The tour includes stops at several notable landmarks. The Mgarr Harbour offers a quick guided tour, while the Qala and Xwejni Salt Pans provide a glimpse into traditional salt harvesting. The Dwejra Bay stop is often highlighted for its dramatic cliffs and the Inland Sea, which, though optional and at an extra cost, is a unique feature you might want to add.

The Count of Monte Cristo filming location at the long cave near Comino is a fun surprise for movie buffs. The boat cruise around Comino provides a chance to see the Sea Caves and the famous Blue Lagoon, making it an ideal spot for swimming, taking photos, or just relaxing in the turquoise waters.

The Logistics and Value

This tour lasts around 6.5 hours, with a well-structured itinerary that balances activity and downtime. The pickup and drop-off services are highly praised for their punctuality and convenience. The inclusion of ferry tickets, boat, and jeep transportation means you get a lot for your money, especially as many reviews mention how the guides and staff go out of their way to make the day enjoyable.

One key consideration is that some stops can feel rushed, a common trade-off with full-day excursions trying to cover multiple locations. Also, weather conditions affect the boat trip, so flexibility is necessary. If you’re interested in a more relaxed experience, some reviewers suggest doing the trip in the summer when water temperatures are warmer, and the sea is calmer.

Who It’s Best For

This experience suits travelers who love a lively, well-organized day of sightseeing that mixes natural beauty with local culture. It’s ideal if you’re okay with a busy schedule and want to see highlights of Malta and Gozo without the hassle of separate bookings. Families, small groups, and solo travelers will find the guides’ friendly approach makes the day flow smoothly.

However, it’s not suitable for those with mobility issues or pregnant women, as some stops involve walking or uneven terrain. Also, if you really value long, leisurely visits to each site, this tour might feel a bit rushed.

Price and Overall Value

Considering the inclusion of ferry tickets, boat rides, lunch, and multiple guided stops, this tour offers good value. It’s a reasonably priced way to pack in a lot of diverse experiences—beaches, caves, villages, and scenic boat passages—in one day. The reviews highlight the professionalism of guides and the quality of food, both adding to the overall value proposition.

The Sum Up

This combined boat, jeep, and sightseeing tour offers a lively, engaging way to see Malta’s best bits in one day. The mix of stunning natural sites, charming villages, and authentic local experiences makes it a great choice for travelers who want to maximize their time. You’ll love the knowledgeable guides, the chance to swim in crystal-clear waters, and the tasty, unlimited buffet lunch.

The main downside is the schedule’s brisk pace, but if you’re okay with a packed itinerary, you’ll find it well worth the cost. Perfect for active travelers or those new to Malta who want to get a broad yet authentic snapshot of these beautiful islands.

FAQ

Is the boat trip weather-dependent?
Yes, the boat trip depends on sea conditions. If the weather is rough, the schedule may change or the boat ride could be canceled, but guides will do their best to adjust.

Are vegetarian or special diets accommodated?
The reviews mention that pescatarian needs were accommodated at lunch, and the buffet is plentiful, so dietary preferences are likely considered.

How long is the jeep tour?
The jeep tour covers several scenic stops on Gozo, with guides stopping at points of interest like Calypso Cave and salt pans. It’s part of the full-day schedule, which lasts about 6.5 hours.

Can I swim in the lagoons?
Yes, swimming is a key part of the boat trip, with stops at Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon. Masks and snorkels are free onboard, and many guests enjoy the waters despite variable weather.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun hat, swimwear, towel, camera, and sunscreen are recommended. Remember, the boat trip is weather and sea conditions permitting.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 12 need to prove their age, and the tour involves some walking and boat activities, so it’s best suited for active, mobile children and their families.

How does the lunch work?
Lunch, which includes local wine and unlimited water, is served either on the boat or at the Mariblu Restaurant on Gozo, depending on the day’s schedule. The buffet is generally well-reviewed for its quality.

This tour represents a well-rounded, value-packed way to enjoy Malta’s highlights, blending adventure, natural beauty, and local flavor into one memorable day.