Gozo & Comino Islands, Blue Lagoon & Seacaves Tour

The turquoise water is the star here. From Bugibba, you cruise past Malta’s cliffs, rocky inlets, St. Paul’s Island, and several sea caves before reaching Comino’s Blue Lagoon, where you can swim from the boat or go ashore. I like the mix of sea time and independent sightseeing, especially the shuttle to Victoria and its hilltop Citadel.

I also like the practical price of about $36.04 per person, which covers the boat, the Gozo transfer, swimming access, and the main coastal views. The main catch is that this is not a fully guided Gozo tour, and the boat, swimming stops, and exact route can change with the season, weather, or operating conditions.

Key things to know before booking

• Blue Lagoon is the main swimming stop: You get about an hour, with access to the water beside the boat or the crowded shore area on Comino.
• Victoria is independent time: A shuttle takes you from Gozo’s harbor to the capital, but you explore the Citadel, basilica, shops, and cafés on your own.
• Crystal Lagoon is mainly a photo stop: The boat usually pauses for about 10 minutes to view caves and rock formations, with swimming dependent on conditions and season.
• Arrive early for the best seats: Sun loungers are limited and free, but they are first come, first served. Arriving about 45 minutes early gives you a better chance at an outdoor place.
• Winter boats can be different: From December through April, a large sailing catamaran may replace the usual boat. It may not have slides or underwater windows.
• Bring your own snorkel gear or rent it: Snorkeling equipment is not included, though equipment may be available onboard for about €5.

Starting at Bugibba Jetty

The boat leaves from Bugibba Jetty on Dawret Il-Gzejjer in St. Paul’s Bay. Bugibba is a busy resort town, and the departure point can be confusing because several boats and ticket offices use the same waterfront area.

When you arrive, walk toward the actual boats and check in there. Do not simply wait by the larger ticket office near the road. There have been reports of people missing the boat because the departure area was not clearly marked, so arrive early and ask staff where to collect your wristband.

If you are coming from Valletta, take a bus toward St. Paul’s Bay and get off at the Moll stop. From Mellieha, take a bus in the same direction and get off near Parades or Bandieri, followed by a short walk. Check your email and WhatsApp before leaving, since the operator uses email as its main contact method and departure details can matter.

The boat holds up to 250 people, so this is a sizeable group outing rather than a quiet sailing trip. Arriving roughly 45 minutes before departure is smart, particularly if you want one of the limited padded sun loungers or a seat on the upper deck.

Malta’s coast, St. Paul’s Island, and the sea caves

Once underway, the boat follows Malta’s northern coast. This is a fine way to see the shore from a different angle, especially the tall cliffs, small inlets, and holes worn into the limestone.

The boat passes tiny St. Paul’s Island, marked by a tall statue of the apostle. The crew may provide commentary about the sights, though engine noise and wind can make it difficult to hear from every seat. If the history talk matters to you, sit near the speakers or ask the crew where the clearest audio is available.

The early cruise also includes views of sea caves. You will have chances to take photographs, but this part is dependent on the route and sea conditions. Rough water can lead the captain to shorten or change the cave visits. The boat is stable and modern, but it still moves with the sea, and windy days can make the ride uncomfortable for anyone prone to motion sickness.

Take seasickness medication if you normally need it. The trip can feel calm in sheltered water and much rougher on the return across open water.

One hour at Comino’s Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is the day’s big visual payoff. The water is clear and intensely blue, and the boat docks in a position that gives you a good view of the surrounding coast.

You generally have about an hour here. You can stay onboard and use the boat’s facilities, climb down swim ladders, use the waterslides when available, or walk ashore on Comino. The boat may also have underwater viewing windows, although visibility depends on weather and water clarity.

Swimming from the boat is often more enjoyable than trying to find space on the small beach, but it requires some confidence in the water. There is no easy shoreline rest area when you swim away from the boat, and you may need to wait at the ladders to climb back onboard. A mask helps, and flippers can make the swim easier.

The Blue Lagoon can become extremely crowded later in the day. This tour’s arrival is often around 10 a.m., which may give you a more manageable visit than arriving at midday, but you should not expect an empty cove. Comino is one of Malta’s most popular stops, and the water is shared by many boats.

You may need a free Blue Lagoon entry pass before departure. Download it in advance if required, even if you plan to remain on the boat. The exact boarding and access procedures can be enforced at the lagoon.

Food and drinks are available from the onboard kitchen and bar, but outside food and drinks are not allowed. That is worth knowing if you have dietary restrictions. The boat may offer burgers, salads, ice cream, and drinks, but the choices are limited.

The Gozo shuttle and three hours in Victoria

After the Blue Lagoon, the boat heads toward Gozo. Land transport from the harbor to Victoria, also called Rabat, is included. This saves you the trouble of arranging a taxi, but it also means your Gozo visit follows a fixed timetable.

The shuttle drops you near the center of Victoria. From there, you walk uphill toward the Citadel, the fortified old town above the modern streets. The route is manageable, but it includes inclines, so wear shoes with a good grip and do not expect a step-free sightseeing stop.

You have about three hours in Victoria according to the planned schedule. That sounds generous, but it goes quickly if you want to see the Citadel, visit St. George’s Basilica, eat, and browse the town.

The Citadel is the clear priority. Its walls offer wide views over Gozo, while the interior includes old streets, ruins, and religious buildings. St. George’s Basilica sits in the town square and is known for its marble interior, gilded bronze and gold canopy, and painted dome and ceiling.

This is self-guided time. The shuttle driver gets you to the city, but you do not receive a formal walking tour. Download a map or mark the Citadel before you arrive. It is easy enough to find, but a little preparation saves time.

The choice of Victoria also involves a tradeoff. You gain history, views, and a taste of Gozo’s capital, but you lose additional beach time. Some schedules and wristband arrangements may send other passengers to a beach instead. Confirm your assigned route with the crew so you know where to return and when.

Crystal Lagoon and the return cruise

Crystal Lagoon is normally a short stop of about 10 minutes for photographs and views of the caves. The rock walls and clear water make it one of the prettiest sections of the cruise, but this is not planned as a full swimming break.

The operator has noted that the Crystal Lagoon stop is seasonal, generally from June 1 through October 30, and still subject to fair weather. In winter, or when the sea is rough, you may pass the area without the expected cave visit.

Some descriptions of the tour can make it sound as if you receive two full swimming stops. Read the details carefully: the Blue Lagoon is the principal swimming stop, while Crystal Lagoon is primarily for photographs. If swimming at both places is essential to you, ask the crew before departure.

The return route includes Comino’s Santa Maria Caves and the rock formation known as the Elephant’s Head. These short cave visits are good opportunities for photographs, but they are not long shore excursions. The boat then returns to Bugibba Jetty, often after a full day of sun, wind, and water.

What the boat includes, and what it does not

The boat’s strongest practical features are the swim ladders, sun loungers, waterslides, and underwater viewing windows. The slides can be great fun for children and adults, while the ladders make getting back onboard easier than hauling yourself over a high side.

The loungers are free, but there are not enough for everyone. They go to early arrivals, so do not count on one. Bring a towel, swimwear, sun protection, and a dry bag for valuables.

Snorkeling equipment is not included. You can bring your own or buy or rent equipment onboard, with masks reported at about €5. Lockers may be available on some boats, but do not assume every vessel has them.

Season matters. The usual boat may have slides and underwater windows, while the replacement sailing catamaran used from December through April may have neither. It can also feel colder and windier in winter, even when Malta’s land temperatures are mild.

Smoking is not allowed onboard, and vaping is restricted to designated areas. Service animals are permitted, and the activity is close to public transportation. Most people can participate, but swimming, ladders, inclines, and a moving boat make this a poor fit if you need a fully accessible or very low-effort day.

Is $36.04 good value?

At about $36.04, the tour offers a lot for the money: a coastal cruise, the Blue Lagoon, sea cave views, transport to Victoria, and several hours to explore Gozo. If you have limited time in Malta and want to combine the two islands in one outing, the price is attractive.

You are paying for transport and access to major sights rather than personal guiding. The Gozo shuttle is useful, but it does not replace a local guide. You need to plan your own Citadel visit and keep track of the return bus.

The value drops if you expect a small boat, quiet water, a guaranteed slide, extensive swimming time, or a guided tour of Victoria. The group can be busy, seating is not guaranteed, and the schedule gives you a quick taste of each place rather than a relaxed stay.

The tour has a 4.2 rating from 902 reviews, which fits the experience: strong scenery and friendly crew, with mixed feelings about crowding, boat substitutions, unclear meeting details, and limited time at each stop.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would choose this tour if you want to see the Blue Lagoon and Gozo in one day without arranging several connections. It suits active visitors who are happy to swim, climb ladders, walk uphill to a fortress, and explore without a guide.

Families may enjoy the slides and underwater windows when those features are available. Couples and solo visitors should arrive early if they want outdoor seating. You will also appreciate the boat more if you treat it as a flexible day on the water rather than a tightly scripted sightseeing tour.

I would look elsewhere if your main goal is a quiet cruise, a long visit to Gozo, or a guided history experience. A dedicated Gozo day would give you more time, while a smaller boat might offer a calmer ride. For a first visit with only one free day, though, this trip gives you a useful sampler at a fair price.

Book at least 24 hours ahead if you want the option of a full refund. The captain can change or cancel the route for safety or weather, in which case you should be offered another date or a refund. Check your messages before departure, arrive early, and confirm the day’s exact stops with the crew.

FAQ

Where does the tour leave from?

It leaves from Bugibba Jetty on Dawret Il-Gzejjer in St. Paul’s Bay, Malta.

How long does the tour last?

The activity lasts about 6 to 7 hours, though the exact timing can change with the route and weather.

How do I reach Bugibba Jetty from Valletta?

Take a bus toward St. Paul’s Bay and get off at the Moll bus stop.

Is transport to Victoria included?

Yes. A return shuttle between Gozo’s harbor and Victoria is included.

Is the Gozo visit guided?

No. The shuttle takes you to Victoria, but you explore the city and Citadel independently.

Can I swim at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. The tour includes a swimming stop of about one hour at the Blue Lagoon, subject to conditions.

Is Crystal Lagoon a swimming stop?

Crystal Lagoon is described mainly as a photo stop lasting about 10 minutes. Swimming there is not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. You can bring your own equipment or purchase or rent it onboard when available.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks can be purchased from the onboard kitchen and bar. Outside food and drinks are not allowed.

Does the boat always have slides and underwater windows?

No. From December through April, a large sailing catamaran may replace the usual boat. That vessel does not have slides or underwater windows.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Weather cancellations may result in another date or a full refund.