Sliema Cruise to Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon in Beautiful Malta

The sea makes Malta feel twice as large. This full-day cruise packs Gozo, Comino, and the Blue Lagoon into one useful outing, with coastal views, a Gozo bus transfer, swimming time, and a look at the Comino caves. I especially like the chance to see several sides of Malta without arranging separate ferries, and the boat’s waterslide, ladders, sundeck, toilets, and bar make the long day easier. The main drawback is time: Victoria gets roughly an hour, and Blue Lagoon can feel crowded and rushed.

You leave Sliema at 10 a.m. and return to the same place after about seven and a half hours. The price of about $48.06 per person is strong value if you want transport, a boat ride, Gozo transfers, and Blue Lagoon time in one package. It is less appealing if you want a quiet Comino visit or a detailed guided tour of Gozo.

Key points before you book

• Three major stops in one day: You see Gozo, Comino, the Blue Lagoon, and the Comino caves without arranging separate transport.
• Gozo is more of a sampler than a tour: The bus takes you toward key sights, but your time in Victoria is mostly independent.
• The Blue Lagoon stop changes by season: You get 90 minutes from April through October, and 60 minutes from November through March.
• A landing pass matters: Arrange the Blue Lagoon landing pass before departure and choose the afternoon slot if required.
• The boat is set up for swimming: Bring swimwear, and remember that snorkel sets cost €5 each to hire.
• Arrive early: The official advice is 30 minutes before departure, but 45 minutes gives you more breathing room for wristbands and boarding.

Starting at Sliema’s Ferry 4

The trip begins at Luzzu Cruises, Ferries 4, on Triq Ix-Xatt in Sliema. The stated departure time is 10 a.m., and the boat returns to this same meeting point.

I would arrive at least 45 minutes early. Thirty minutes is the official minimum, but the boarding process can feel busy while staff issue wristbands and organize passengers. This is a large outing, with room for up to 200 people, so a calm start is worth a little extra time.

The boat has a sundeck, bar, toilets, and indoor and outdoor areas. Food and drinks are sold onboard, but they are not included. Bring a light layer too. The boat can feel cool when it is moving, especially outside, and the weather may change during a long day at sea.

Once underway, you pass St Julian’s Bay and St George’s Bay, then cruise by Bugibba and Mellieha. The onboard English commentary points out coastal sights and gives useful context as Malta slips past. It is not a specialist history tour, but it helps turn the crossing into part of the experience rather than dead time.

The cruise to Gozo and its coastal views

The outward sailing is one of the strongest parts of the day. From the water, Malta’s built-up shoreline takes on a different character. You see bays, harbor towns, and rocky coast from a broad viewpoint that a road trip cannot provide.

The cruise also gives you time to settle into the day. You can sit on the upper deck for views, use the bar, or stay inside if the wind rises. The vessel includes swimming ladders and a waterslide, but these are used only when the boat is safely anchored.

The trip is not designed as a luxury yacht outing. With a large passenger limit and several scheduled stops, it feels more like an efficient sightseeing ferry with extras. That is exactly why the price works for many people, though anyone seeking peace and personal service should consider a smaller boat trip.

Gozo: Xlendi Bay, Qala Belvedere, and Victoria

After reaching Gozo’s main harbor, you transfer to land transport for a short island visit. The planned route includes a scenic photo stop and time in Victoria, Gozo’s capital. Depending on the day’s operation, the scenic stop may be Xlendi Bay or Qala Belvedere, so do not treat the bus as a guaranteed full island circuit.

Xlendi Bay is a quick picture stop, not a long coastal visit. You get a chance to see the attractive inlet and take photographs before continuing. Qala Belvedere also offers a wide view, making it a useful pause even if you do not have time to explore on foot.

The longer stop is Victoria, where you have about an hour to look around independently. The main target is the Citadel, a fortified hilltop area with views across Gozo. You can also browse the market or find something to eat, but do not spend too long getting lunch if you want to reach the Citadel.

This part requires some planning. The bus may leave you at or near the city bus station rather than right beside the Citadel. The walk can take around 20 minutes, leaving limited time once you add food, photographs, and the return walk. I would head directly toward the Citadel first, then use any remaining minutes for shopping or a snack.

The Gozo transfer is practical, but it is not a detailed guided tour. Some departures have had little commentary from the driver, and the quality of the vehicle and instructions can vary. At times, a cafe stop or a late pickup has reduced the already short visit. Staff generally aim to keep the schedule moving, but you should listen carefully for meeting instructions and return times.

You may also have the option to remain at the Gozo port rather than take the bus, depending on the day’s arrangements. That choice could suit you if you prefer a slower harbor visit, but you would miss the Citadel and the inland scenery.

The Blue Lagoon: beauty, boats, and crowds

From Gozo, the boat continues to Comino and the Blue Lagoon. This is the most famous stop and the one that attracts the biggest expectations.

The water is remarkably clear and turquoise, making it ideal for swimming and photographs. From April through October, the boat remains for 90 minutes. From November through March, the stop is reduced to 60 minutes.

That sounds generous until you account for getting to the water, finding a place to sit, taking photographs, and returning to the vessel. Some departures anchor away from the most famous part of the lagoon, so part of your visit may involve walking to the shoreline and back. In winter, an hour can be enough for photographs and a brisk walk, but it is short if you want to explore and swim.

You can use the boat as a base or go ashore. The boat’s own swimming area is convenient, with ladders and a waterslide, but it may be cramped between other vessels. If you swim ashore, keep your belongings with you. The outing does not provide a storage service, which is an important issue for solo visitors or anyone carrying phones, wallets, and cameras.

The shoreline can also be rocky, so water shoes are a sensible addition. Snorkeling equipment is available from the onboard bar for €5 per set, though you should allow time to hire it and return it.

The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but it is not an untouched swimming cove. Boats, people, commercial activity, and limited space are part of the scene, especially in the warmer months. I would enjoy the color of the water, take a swim if conditions suit, and keep expectations realistic. You are visiting one of Malta’s most popular sights, not a private bay.

A Blue Lagoon landing pass is not included in the cruise price. Arrange it before departure and select the required afternoon slot. Several passengers have found this confusing at the harbor, so deal with it before the morning rush.

The Comino caves on the return

After the Blue Lagoon, the boat passes the Comino caves before heading back toward Sliema. The stop is for viewing rather than a long shore visit, so keep your camera ready and listen for the captain’s or crew’s instructions.

This final section adds variety to the day. You have had an inland stop on Gozo, a swimming break at Comino, and now a close look at the island’s rocky coastline. The caves are especially welcome if you prefer sightseeing to swimming, since you can enjoy them without leaving the boat.

The return cruise may feel long after a full day in the sun. That is when the toilets, bar, seating, and covered areas earn their keep. Staff are often praised for being friendly, professional, and good at keeping departures on time, though rough weather can make the crossing uncomfortable.

What the $48.06 price really covers

At about $48.06 per person, this is a strong package for a short Malta visit. You receive the main boat journey, English commentary, land transport on Gozo, scheduled stops, Blue Lagoon time, and the Comino cave viewing. Booking separate transport to Gozo and Comino would take more planning and might not save money.

The value comes from coverage, not depth. You see a lot in one day, but you do not get long visits at each location. Victoria is brief, the Blue Lagoon may feel rushed, and the Gozo transport is closer to a transfer with photo stops than a full island tour.

Extra costs include food, drinks, and the €5 snorkel rental. Hotel pickup is not provided, so you must reach Sliema independently. The tour also requires a minimum number of bookings and suitable weather. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made later are not refunded or accepted.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this trip if you have only a few days in Malta and want to cover the main island highlights quickly. It works well for families, couples, and first-time visitors who enjoy a mix of boat scenery, free time, swimming, and easy transport.

It also suits anyone who does not want to coordinate ferries, buses, and island connections alone. The boat gives you a fixed base, and the staff handle the broad schedule.

You may want another option if your main goal is a detailed Gozo visit. An hour in Victoria is not enough for a relaxed Citadel visit, a meal, and unhurried shopping. Likewise, this is not ideal if you want a quiet Blue Lagoon experience, private storage, or a small-group boat.

Solo visitors should think about belongings before swimming. Families should plan for heat, wind, and rocky shore access. Anyone prone to seasickness should watch the forecast closely because the ride can become rough when the weather turns.

Practical tips for a smoother day

• Arrive 45 minutes before the 10 a.m. departure, even though 30 minutes is the official minimum.
• Arrange the Blue Lagoon landing pass before reaching the terminal.
• Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and a light jacket.
• Pack water shoes for the rocky shoreline.
• If you want the Citadel, visit it before shopping or eating in Victoria.
• Keep your phone, wallet, and camera secure because no storage service is provided at the Blue Lagoon.
• Bring some cash or a payment method for food, drinks, and the €5 snorkel rental.
• Check the season’s Blue Lagoon timing: 90 minutes from April to October, 60 minutes from November to March.
• Listen carefully for the bus meeting point and return time in Gozo.
• If you dislike crowds, consider going in early October, when the weather can be pleasant and the main season is easing.

Should you book the Sliema to Gozo and Comino cruise?

Book it if you want an efficient, fairly priced day that combines Malta’s coast, Gozo, Comino, and the Blue Lagoon. The crew, boat facilities, scenic sailing, and broad schedule make it a practical choice, particularly for a first visit or a short stay.

Skip it if you want a slow Gozo tour, a quiet swim, or a small boat with plenty of personal space. The best way to approach this outing is as a well-priced sampler. You will collect memorable views and see several famous places, but you will need to manage your own time carefully and accept that the most popular stops are busy.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from Luzzu Cruises at Ferries 4, Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema SLM 1023, Malta.

What time does the cruise start?

The stated start time is 10 a.m. You should arrive at least 30 minutes early, though arriving 45 minutes early is more comfortable.

How long does the experience last?

The full experience lasts approximately seven hours and 30 minutes.

Does the cruise return to Sliema?

Yes. The activity ends back at the Sliema meeting point.

How long do you stay at the Blue Lagoon?

You stay for 90 minutes from April through October and 60 minutes from November through March.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are available for purchase at the onboard bar but are not included in the tour price.

Can I hire snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available from the onboard bar for €5 per set.

Are boat facilities included?

Yes. You can use the boat’s waterslide, swimming ladders, sundeck, and toilet facilities when conditions allow.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel transfers are not included, so you must make your own way to the Sliema departure point.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Late cancellations and changes are not accepted. If poor weather or insufficient bookings cause cancellation, you can receive a full refund or choose another option.