Full Day Cruise to Gozo & Blue Lagoon with visit to Rabat

Malta looks best from the water. This $41 full-day cruise gives you a simple way to see Malta’s northern coast, visit Gozo’s capital, and spend time at Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon without arranging several separate trips. I especially like the views of St. Paul’s Island and Mellieha, plus the chance to combine sightseeing with a proper swim.

I also like the straightforward plan: boat, bus to Victoria, free time at the Cittadella, then back to the water for Comino. The main drawback is time. Seventy-five minutes in Victoria is short, and the boat can feel crowded, with limited seating, one small toilet, and extra charges for some preferred areas.

Key points to know before booking

• The day begins at Sliema Ferries: Meet at 10:00 at the yellow Malta Sightseeing booth opposite McDonald’s. The boat leaves at 10:30.
• Victoria is a self-guided stop: You get about 75 minutes to explore Rabat, also called Victoria, and the Cittadella. This is not a guided walking tour.
• The Blue Lagoon is the main event: You can swim, snorkel, or rest near the turquoise water, but it is often busy.
• Comino now requires a free ticket: From May 1, 2025, you need a QR code for the 13:30 to 17:30 entry slot if you want to walk on the island.
• Bring your own basics: Food, drinks, towels, sunscreen, and snorkeling equipment are not included.
• The trip has had mixed logistics: The route itself is popular, but meeting instructions, departure times, seating, and drink offers have not always been clear.

Starting at Sliema Ferries at 10:00

Your day starts at the Sliema Ferries area, opposite McDonald’s. Look for the yellow Malta Sightseeing booth and arrive by 10:00. The boat is scheduled to leave at 10:30, so do not treat the meeting time as optional. A few people have had trouble finding the correct meeting point, and pickup messages have sometimes arrived late.

That half-hour gives you time to identify the booth, check in, and find a seat. If you are traveling with children, need extra time to board, or want a good place on deck, arriving early matters. The boat can fill up, and sitting beside the engine may mean more noise and an unpleasant smell.

The provider is Supreme Travel Limited. Commentary is given in English, and an English audio guide is included. The trip is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the bus transfer and boat seating may still require you to ask staff for practical help at the meeting point.

Cruising past St. Paul’s Island and Mellieha

The first part of the outing is a coastal cruise toward Gozo. You will see Malta from a different angle, with views toward St. Paul’s Island and Mellieha. This is not simply transport. The boat gives you a broad view of the coast and lets you settle into the day before the stops begin.

I would bring a light jacket even in warm weather. One April outing felt very cold on the way out because of the wind, and open water makes the temperature feel lower than it does on land. Comfortable shoes are also useful because you will later walk around Victoria and may need to move between the boat, bus, and shore.

Seating is an important part of the experience. Some people enjoy the sunbeds on the upper deck, but access has been sold separately for about €10. If you want shade without paying extra, check what seating is available when you board. The boat has onboard facilities, but expect a basic setup rather than a spacious cruise ship. There is only one small toilet, according to the practical experience of past passengers.

The cruise may also give you a few pleasant surprises. Dolphins, jellyfish, and fish have been spotted from the boat. These sightings are not promised, but keep your eyes on the water as you travel.

Gozo by bus, with 75 minutes in Victoria

On arrival in Gozo, you board a bus to Victoria, the island’s capital. You may also see Qala Belvedere as part of the included transport. The bus transfer makes the day easier because you do not have to work out your own route across Gozo, but it is a transfer, not a full island tour.

Victoria is also known as Rabat. Its main attraction here is the Cittadella, the fortified historic center above the city. With limited time, I would head there first rather than spend too long browsing the streets below. The climb to the top takes time, but the views make the effort worthwhile.

The timetable gives you about 75 minutes of free time. That is enough to reach the Cittadella, look around, take photographs, and grab a quick snack. It is not enough for a relaxed exploration of Victoria, a long meal, and several museums. One practical account described reaching the top of the citadel and eating a snack before it was time to return.

This is the clearest point to understand before you book: you are being dropped in central Victoria and told when to return, not led around by a personal guide. If you want a detailed Gozo tour with villages, churches, food, and countryside, this cruise will feel too limited. If you simply want a first look at Victoria and the Cittadella, the stop works well.

Do not plan on seeing the old Azure Window. That famous Gozo landmark collapsed in 2017, and it is not part of this route. The focus here is Victoria, the Cittadella, the boat journey, and Comino.

The return to the boat can be crowded. Buses have felt packed, so stay aware of the agreed meeting time and return point. Being late could cause real problems because the rest of the itinerary depends on the boat’s schedule.

Comino’s Blue Lagoon in the afternoon

After Gozo, the boat continues to Comino and the Blue Lagoon. This is the portion most people are paying for. The water is clear and turquoise, and you can swim, snorkel, or relax near the shore before the return to Malta.

The setting is beautiful, but do not expect solitude. The Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s best-known swimming spots, so it can be busy. The water may still look remarkable, but the experience is more public beach stop than quiet island escape.

You should bring your own swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. Snorkeling equipment is not included, though it can be rented. Food and drinks are also excluded, so pack something unless you are happy to buy refreshments along the way. This is especially important for families and anyone who prefers not to spend the swimming stop searching for supplies.

A major change applies from May 1, 2025. To walk on Comino, you need a free ticket from www.blcomino.com. Select the 13:30 to 17:30 time slot and keep the QR code ready on your phone. Comino officials scan it when you arrive. Without the code, you cannot walk on the island, although you can still swim beside the boat.

That rule makes preparation essential. Do not assume that booking the cruise automatically gives you the Comino entry ticket. Arrange the free ticket before the day of departure and check that the QR code is easy to open. If you are only planning to swim from the boat, the rule affects you less, but anyone wanting to step ashore needs to follow it.

The stop generally gives around 1.5 to 2 hours at the lagoon, though exact timing can shift. That is enough for a swim and some time in the sun, but not a full beach day. The water is the main attraction, so use your time wisely. Get changed, swim early, and leave a few minutes to return to the boat.

Timing, drinks, and extra charges

This is an eight-hour outing, but the schedule should be treated as a guide rather than a military timetable. Boats can leave late, and the return has sometimes been closer to 17:00 than 16:00. Malta’s relaxed approach to time can be charming when you are sitting by the sea, less so when you are trying to coordinate a bus and a boat.

Drink offers deserve special attention. Older information referred to free drinks, and some people received one during a limited service period. Other passengers were told about five free drinks but found that offer was no longer available at check-in. Do not book this trip because of complimentary drinks. Bring your own water or budget for purchases onboard.

The upper deck may also cost extra, around €10. That is not necessarily poor value if you want better sun exposure or a preferred view, but you should know about the charge before boarding. Ask staff what is included in your fare and what costs extra.

The basic $41 price is reasonable for a full day that combines a coastal cruise, transport across Gozo, Victoria, and Comino. You are paying for convenience as much as for sightseeing. The value is strongest if you want to see two islands in one day without arranging ferries, buses, and separate beach transport.

The value is weaker if you want a quiet boat, a long visit in Victoria, or a guided tour of Gozo. Optional deck seating, rented snorkeling equipment, food, and drinks can push the final cost higher.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend this trip to first-time visitors who want a broad taste of Malta’s islands. It gives you coast views, a historic hilltop center, and a famous swimming stop in one day. That variety is its greatest strength.

It also suits people who prefer a planned outing. The transport and transfers are arranged, and you do not need to compare several ferry routes or find your way around Gozo. The English commentary and audio guide add context during the cruise.

Families may appreciate the simple structure, but the day has some pressure points. Victoria involves walking and limited free time, while the Blue Lagoon can be awkward with babies or very young children. The boat’s small toilet, crowded buses, and open-water wind are worth considering before you commit.

I would not choose this as your only Gozo experience if you care most about local villages, long meals, or a slow pace. It is a sampler, not an in-depth island tour. You get the outline of Gozo and Comino, then decide which deserves a longer return visit.

What to bring for a smoother day

Pack light, but pack well. Comfortable shoes help at the Cittadella, while swimwear and a towel prepare you for the Blue Lagoon. Sunscreen is essential, even when the sea breeze makes the day feel mild.

I would also carry:

• A refillable water bottle
• A light layer for the boat
• A small snack or packed lunch
• A phone charger or power bank
• The Comino QR code, if visiting after May 1, 2025
• Some cash or a payment card for optional purchases

Keep your belongings compact. You will move between boat, bus, city, and beach, and a large bag becomes a nuisance quickly.

Is this $41 day trip worth booking?

Book it if you want an efficient first taste of Gozo and Comino, especially if the Blue Lagoon is high on your list. The coastal views, organized transport, Cittadella stop, and swimming time make $41 fair value for a full day.

Skip it if you want extensive time in Victoria, a proper guided tour of Gozo, or a peaceful lagoon visit. Also think twice if you dislike crowded boats, uncertain timing, or add-on charges.

My practical advice is to arrive early, ask clearly about deck seating and drinks, bring food and water, and secure the free Comino ticket before departure. With those details handled, this becomes a useful, good-value introduction to Malta’s northern islands rather than a rushed attempt to see everything.

FAQ

Where does the cruise meet?

Meet at 10:00 at Sliema Ferries, opposite McDonald’s. Look for the yellow Malta Sightseeing booth.

What time does the boat leave?

The boat is scheduled to leave at 10:30.

How long does the activity last?

The cruise and island visits take about eight hours.

Is Victoria the same place as Rabat?

Yes. Victoria is the capital city of Gozo and is also called Rabat.

How much free time do I get in Victoria?

You get about 75 minutes of free time to explore Victoria and the Cittadella.

Is the Gozo stop a guided walking tour?

No. You travel by bus to central Victoria and explore independently before returning at the agreed time.

Do I need a ticket for Comino?

From May 1, 2025, you need a free ticket and QR code to walk on Comino. Choose the 13:30 to 17:30 slot at www.blcomino.com.

Can I visit the Blue Lagoon without the Comino walking ticket?

You can still swim beside the boat without the QR code, but you cannot walk on Comino.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Do not rely on older free-drink offers, as availability has changed.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, but it is available to rent.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

What languages are available?

The host, commentary, and audio guide are in English.