Gozo Full-Day Quad Tour with Private Boat to Gozo & return

Gozo is made for a moving tour. This six-hour outing combines quad biking across Gozo’s coast and countryside with a private boat ride, so you see the island from both land and sea. I like the mix of scenery and activity, especially the stops at Dwejra, Ramla Bay, Xwejni Salt Pans, Xlendi, and the Inland Sea. I also like that you can drive your own quad or ride as a passenger.

The main thing to consider is the tour’s focus. You will cover a lot of ground, but this is more of an active sightseeing day than a slow cultural tour. It does not include a visit to the Citadel, and some stops for shopping or tasting may feel less useful if you would rather spend more time at major sights.

Five things to know before you book

• The private boat is part of the appeal: The crossing to Gozo and the return trip by powerboat can be much more memorable than a standard ferry ride, with a route past Comino’s sea caves and the Blue Lagoon.
• You need the right driving credentials: Drivers must be at least 21, hold a full driving licence, and bring the licence plus another official photo ID.
• The route covers much of Gozo: Expect Dwejra, the salt pans, Ramla Bay, Ghasri Valley, Xlendi, the Inland Sea, Ta’ Pinu, Victoria, Marsalforn, and other scenic stops.
• Lunch comes early: The three-course meal is served at the Xewkija stop, and some departures reach lunch around 11:30 a.m.
• Passengers must share with a booked driver: A passenger ticket only works if a driver ticket is booked for the same outing.
• Come prepared for changing weather: Wear trainers or other flat shoes, bring swimwear and a towel in summer, and pack a rain jacket in winter.

Is the Gozo quad tour good value at $117.91?

At $117.91 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Gozo. It is priced as a full package, though, and includes quad-bike use, a helmet and hairnet, a local guide, hotel pickup and drop-off or a nearby collection point, food tasting, lunch, insurance, and boat transport.

The value comes from combining several experiences in one day. You are not simply paying for a quad rental. You are also covering the boat journey to Gozo, a guided route around the island, a three-course meal, and the return powerboat trip. If you would otherwise book transport, a Gozo sightseeing tour, and a boat outing separately, the price becomes easier to justify.

I would not choose it if your priority is a low-cost beach day or a detailed visit to museums and churches. I would choose it if you want to see a broad slice of Gozo without arranging buses, taxis, ferry times, and separate attractions yourself.

The experience is rated 4.7 from 649 ratings, with 93 percent recommending it. The strongest praise focuses on the guides, the amount of ground covered, the scenery, and the fun of riding rather than on formal cultural interpretation.

Getting to Gozo by private boat

Pickup is offered from hotels in Gozo or north Malta. If you are staying in south Malta, pickup is generally not provided unless your party has at least three people, so you may need to make your own way to the Gozo ferry departure point or an assigned collection point.

The private boat is a useful part of the day. It avoids the feel of a routine public crossing and adds a first burst of excitement before the quad ride begins. The return powerboat ride takes about 20 minutes when your hotel is in Malta and travels via Comino’s sea caves and the Blue Lagoon.

Do not confuse this with a long stop at the Blue Lagoon. The boat route is the attraction here. One account describes only a brief look at Comino on the way back, which is enough for a fine view but not enough for a beach visit or swim.

Pickup instructions depend on your accommodation, so give the operator your hotel details when booking. Locations outside the regular route may be assigned a nearby pickup point.

Safety briefing, helmets, and choosing your quad

At the Gozo base in Ix-Xewkija, you receive a safety briefing and protective equipment before setting off. Helmets and hairnets are included, and all participants have third-party liability insurance.

You can select a driver or passenger option. Drivers must be 21 or older and fully qualified to drive. A provisional licence is not accepted, and you must carry a valid driving licence plus one other official photo ID.

Passenger tickets are designed for people sharing a quad with someone who has booked as a driver. Children and young people over six can ride as passengers under adult supervision, but they cannot be booked as drivers.

The quads are described as easy to use and in good condition. The guides named in the feedback include Mark, Michael, Benny, Dave, Andrew, Kiko, Cedric, Victor, Jason, and David. Mark receives especially frequent praise for his friendly manner and explanations, while Benny, Michael, Kiko, Dave, and Andrew are also singled out for keeping the day safe and enjoyable.

This is a guided group ride, not a private off-road expedition. The route includes roads, dusty tracks, villages, and coastal paths. One person wanted more off-road riding, so you should not book expecting hours of technical trail driving.

Dwejra Bay and the Inland Sea

Dwejra is one of Gozo’s most dramatic coastal areas. The sea pushes into pale rock, and the setting has a wild, open feel that makes a good first major stop.

You have around 30 minutes here. That is enough for photographs and a look around, but not enough for a long swim plus a full visit to every nearby feature. In warm weather, you may swim in the bay, the Inland Sea, or around the Blue Hole area, although swimming time depends on the pace of the day.

Fungus Rock, also called Il-Ġebla tal-Ġeneral, sits offshore. Its name connects with an old story about a plant once believed to have healing powers and guarded during the time of the Knights of Malta. The story gives the rock more meaning than a quick photo stop, so listen when your guide explains it.

The Inland Sea is a seawater lagoon linked to the Mediterranean through a narrow opening in the rock. Its shape comes from a collapsed sea cave and a geological fault. A separate boat ride at the Inland Sea and Dwejra may cost extra, so treat that as optional rather than part of the main price.

Xwejni Salt Pans and the north coast

The Xwejni Salt Pans stretch along the coast near Qbajjar Bay and Marsalforn. Their grid-like pattern is one of the most distinctive sights on the island.

The pans have been used for sea-salt production for about 350 years. In summer, local families still scrape salt crystals from the rock and store them in caves cut into the shore.

Your stop is about 10 minutes, so this is mainly a photo and explanation break. You will not have time for a long walk along the full three-kilometre stretch. Still, the brief visit adds a useful glimpse of working Gozo, not just postcard scenery.

Marsalforn and the surrounding north coast also help show how varied the island is. You move from open rocky shore to small bays, salt pans, villages, and cultivated valleys without needing to navigate the roads yourself.

Ramla Bay and the red sand

Ramla Bay is Gozo’s best-known beach, with a broad sweep of reddish sand and a fertile valley behind it. The beach is less built up than many resort areas, and its colour makes it easy to remember.

You have about 30 minutes here. That gives you time for photos, a quick swim, or a short rest, but it is not a full beach afternoon. Bring swimwear and a towel in summer if you want to use the water.

The valley is shaped by terraced fields and stone walls. Roman remains are said to lie beneath the sand, while local stories connect the bay with the hills around Xagħra and Nadur. You get only a taste of this setting, but it is a worthwhile contrast to the bare rock at Dwejra.

Ghasri Valley, Xlendi, and the coastal stops

Ghasri Valley is a narrow creek cut between high cliffs. Reaching the inlet involves roughly 100 steps, so wear proper trainers and be ready for a short climb back up. The waterway is only about 300 metres long, but its narrow shape makes it feel secluded and dramatic.

Xlendi Bay offers a different mood. It is a former fishing village with restaurants, bars, hotels, a small sandy beach, and rocky edges used for swimming and snorkelling. The bay is also a popular spot for beginner underwater activities because of its reef formations.

The route also includes photo stops at Ta’ Pinu, Kercem Heights, and other viewpoints. The precise order can vary, and stops may be short. That is the tradeoff for seeing so much of Gozo in one day: you get breadth and variety, but not long, quiet visits at every location.

Xewkija lunch and the tasting stops

Lunch is served at Xewkija and is included in the price. The meal has three courses, generally soup or pasta, followed by fish, chicken, or pork, then dessert. Soda, water, juice, tea, or coffee are included.

The timing may feel early, with some groups eating around 11:30 a.m. That is worth knowing if you prefer a later lunch. The meal is intended as a practical break in the middle of an active day, not a long restaurant experience.

Portion size can vary in how it feels to you. One account found the food a little light, while other feedback praised the meal. If you tend to need snacks between meals, carry something small in your bag.

Food tasting is also included, along with a stop at a local craft shop selling Gozitan products. You may taste prickly pear liqueur or similar local produce. I see this as a pleasant extra if you like regional food, but it may feel like filler if your main goal is archaeology, churches, or more riding time.

How much riding and sightseeing should you expect?

The route is designed to show you a great deal of Gozo in about six hours. You ride through countryside, valleys, villages, and coastal areas, with regular breaks for photos, food, and short visits.

The quads let you cover more ground than a walking tour and feel more involved than sitting in a bus. You also get a better sense of the island’s changing scenery because you move through it at a slower pace than a car.

The group can reach up to 40 people. That is a fairly large maximum, though the actual riding groups may be smaller. With a group this size, you should expect a planned pace and set stops rather than the freedom to linger whenever you wish.

Several accounts praise the guides for answering questions, keeping the group together, and making people feel safe. The guides appear to be a major part of the experience. Mark is repeatedly praised, but staff members can vary by departure.

The return boat through Comino

After the Gozo portion, Malta-based guests return by powerboat rather than the public ferry. The ride takes about 20 minutes and passes the sea caves at Comino and the Blue Lagoon.

This is one of the tour’s best touches. You have already seen Gozo from dusty tracks and coastal roads, then finish with bright water, cliffs, and sea caves from a low boat.

The ride is weather-dependent, like the rest of the outing. In rough conditions, the operator may need to change the plan or cancel the day. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund.

Gozo-based guests receive a 4×4 transfer back to their hotel instead. The experience therefore differs slightly depending on where you stay.

What to pack and what can go wrong

Wear trainers or another pair of flat, secure shoes. Sandals are a poor choice for quad riding, especially if you walk down toward Ghasri Valley or move around rocky viewpoints.

Pack a small backpack with water, sun protection, swimwear, a towel, and a rain jacket if the forecast looks uncertain. Winter visitors should bring rain protection, while summer visitors should be ready for a swim stop.

Transport can be the least polished part of the day. Some feedback describes waiting for the boat or confusion during transfers, while one account praised the collection and return service. Most of the positive attention goes to the Gozo guides rather than to every part of the transport operation.

The tour includes insurance, but it also states that you may need to pay an excess after a vehicle accident. Read the booking conditions carefully before you ride.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Who should book this Gozo quad tour?

I would recommend it to couples, friends, solo adults, and families with older children who want an active way to see many parts of Gozo. It works especially well if you have only one day for the island and do not want to coordinate ferry travel, local buses, lunch, and separate sightseeing stops.

It is also a good pick if you like friendly guides and a social group atmosphere. Solo participants can join, but passenger tickets require a driver to share with, so check that arrangement before paying.

I would choose another type of tour if you want a slow cultural day, long time at Ramla Bay, a proper visit to the Citadel, or extensive off-road riding. This outing is broad, active, and scenic. It is not built around long museum visits or detailed time in one town.

Should you book it?

Book this Gozo quad tour if you want a lively day that combines riding, coastal scenery, lunch, and a memorable boat return. At $117.91, the price is fair for the number of inclusions, especially if you value convenience and want to see much of the island in one outing.

Skip it if you dislike group schedules, need a late lunch, or want a quiet cultural tour. For the right person, the quad is the point: you get moving, cover a lot of ground, and finish with Comino’s sea caves. Just arrive with the correct licence, sensible shoes, and realistic expectations about short stops.

FAQ

How long does the Gozo quad tour last?

The tour lasts approximately six hours.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the quad bike, helmet and hairnet, local guide, food tasting, lunch, insurance, hotel pickup and drop-off or a nearby collection point, and transport by boat or 4×4 depending on your accommodation.

Can I ride as a passenger instead of driving?

Yes. You can book a passenger place, but you must be accompanied by someone who has booked a driver ticket. Passenger tickets are based on sharing a quad.

What are the age and licence rules for drivers?

Drivers must be at least 21 and fully qualified to drive. You must bring a valid driving licence and one other official photo ID. Provisional licences are not accepted.

Can children join the tour?

Children and young people over six can ride as passengers under adult supervision. Young participants cannot be booked as drivers.

Where does the tour begin?

The listed meeting point is Gozo Pride Tours on Triq Tal-Horob in Ix-Xewkija, Malta. Pickup is also offered from hotels in Gozo or north Malta, with nearby collection points used for locations outside the route.

Is the boat ride to Malta included?

For guests staying in Malta, the return powerboat ride is included and takes about 20 minutes via Comino’s sea caves and the Blue Lagoon. Guests staying in Gozo return to their hotel by 4×4.

Are the Dwejra and Inland Sea boat rides included?

No. Entrance fees and optional boat rides at the Inland Sea and Dwejra are not included.

What should I wear?

Wear trainers or other flat shoes. In summer, bring swimwear and a towel. In winter, bring a rain jacket. A small backpack is recommended.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.