Sliema is a great start point for Malta island-hopping. This day trip mixes big ferry views with real time on Gozo and the Blue Lagoon, so you get more than one postcard in a single stretch. The main trade-off is simple: when you spend a lot of time at the Blue Lagoon, the Gozo parts can feel a bit time-crunched.

I like the format here because it’s built for short vacations. You get English commentary on the cruise, a bus-based look at Gozo’s key spots, and a smooth flow back to Sliema. One note to plan around: the Blue Lagoon area gets busy, so you’ll want to be ready for crowds and limited flexibility once you’re on the water schedule.

If you’re the type who wants maximum Malta, not maximum planning, this works well. It’s also easy to fit into most trips since it starts in Sliema (no hotel transfer needed). Dress for sea weather, and you’ll have a much better day.

Key Things I’d Focus On

• Waterslide and swimming ladders: fun for kids and adults once the boat drops anchor
• Gozo by bus + photo stops: you see Victoria and the Citadel without navigating on your own
• Blue Lagoon time depends on season: 90 minutes (Apr–Oct) or 60 minutes (Nov–Mar)
• Onboard bar (food and drink sold): useful since meals aren’t included
• Comino caves viewing/photo moments: quick hits if you’re short on time
• Up to 200 travelers: a lively day, not a quiet private boat

Leaving Sliema: The Cruise Is Part of the Attraction

This tour is built around a simple idea: let the water do the traveling. You start in Sliema at Luzzu Cruises (Ferries 4, Triq Ix – Xatt). The boat runs with English commentary onboard, plus the big onboard extras that make the trip feel like more than just transportation—think a sun deck, bathroom facilities, and a bar where food and drinks are sold.

One practical tip: arrive early. The schedule asks you to be at the departure point about 30 minutes before sailing. In real life, there can be some extra waiting around ticket checks and wristbands (people report it can feel a bit chaotic), so getting there on the early side keeps stress out of your day.

Once you’re under way, you’ll cruise along Malta’s north coast and pass familiar bays and towns—St Julian’s Bay, St George’s Bay, Bugibba, and Mellieħa—before crossing to Gozo. It’s a good stretch of time to settle in, take photos from the sea, and just watch the coastline change.

Gozo By Bus: Victoria and the Citadel Without the Guesswork

When you reach Gozo, you don’t just “arrive and hope.” You moor in the main harbor and then get a land transport segment that works like a guided orientation plus free time.

Your Gozo stops are spaced so you can get both views and a real historic center. There’s a photo stop at Xlendi Bay, which gives you that classic Gozo coastline angle—use it for a quick photo and a short walk if you want. Then the tour focuses on Victoria, Gozo’s capital.

The highlight stop is at the Citadel (Cittadella). You get about an hour, with free time either to visit the Citadel area or to shop at the market. This is one of those “do it if you care about views and old walls” moments. The Citadel is perched, so even if you only spend part of the hour climbing around, you’ll come away with solid photo angles over rooftops and sea.

Here’s the main consideration: the Gozo portion is designed to fit inside a busy day. Some people feel the Victoria time can be rushed, especially if you add eating or lingering. If your priority is deep exploration—long café breaks or slower wandering—this may feel like a quick taste rather than a full Gozo day. But if you’re mixing islands and want to tick off the essentials, it’s a smart use of time.

Timing the Blue Lagoon: When the Water Takes Over

After Gozo, you head for Comino and the Blue Lagoon. This is where the tour earns its reputation. The boat includes access to onboard facilities while you cruise, and when you reach Comino you’ll have a defined window to swim, sunbathe, or snorkel.

This stop is timed by season:

• 90 minutes in the Blue Lagoon from April to October
• 60 minutes in November to March

That difference matters. If you’re traveling in cooler months, you’ll likely spend more time thinking about towels and less time floating around. If you’re visiting in summer, the extra 30 minutes can be the difference between a quick dip and a proper snorkel loop.

Also, snorkeling gear isn’t included. You can rent equipment from the onboard bar for €5 per set. If you want to snorkel, don’t wait until the last few minutes—get your kit early so you’re not scrambling.

One more reality check from the experience on the water: the Blue Lagoon can be hard to treat like a calm beach day. It’s beautiful, but it’s also popular. If you’re picky about elbow room, you’ll want a game plan—move early in your window, and don’t count on changing plans once you’re anchored.

If you expect rocky edges or sharp spots around where you enter the water, consider coral shoes. Some visitors specifically call out that the footing can be sharp, and shoes are an easy way to avoid a ruined vacation moment.

Comino Caves and the Santa Marija Stops

Comino doesn’t just mean the Blue Lagoon. Between sailing segments and short stops, you also get a look at the Comino caves and a photo stop at Santa Marija Caves.

In practical terms, don’t expect this to be a long, structured tour with lots of walking. It’s more like: see the views, get your photos, and keep the day moving. The payoff is that you get variety. The Blue Lagoon is all about water color and swimming. The caves moments add something more dramatic and photogenic to balance the beach time.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes snapping photos from different angles, the cave stops are a good use of a limited day. If you’re hoping for a long cave exploration, you may find yourself wanting more—but that’s not what this itinerary is built for.

Onboard Comfort: Waterslide Fun and Weather Reality

One thing I really like about this tour style is how much you can do while the boat is moving. At anchor, you can use facilities that turn “waiting time” into actual fun:

• swimming ladders for getting in and out
• a waterslide (when the boat is anchored)
• a sun deck for relaxing
• onboard toilets for avoiding awkward timing

The waterslide is a big crowd-pleaser. Even if you’re not into slides, it keeps the mood upbeat—especially when you’ve got families or mixed-age groups.

Weather is the other practical factor. In winter, people note it can get cold on board. So bring a layer even if you’re not a “cold person.” Also, sea conditions can make the boat experience feel rougher than you expect. The good news: the crew is typically helpful, and the boat has the setup to make short discomfort easier to manage (bathrooms, places to sit, and the option to keep your time focused on the stops when you arrive).

Food, Drinks, and What’s Really Included

Here’s the value math. Your $48-ish ticket covers the big ticket items that add up fast on your own: the ferry-style cruise, English commentary, the Gozo land transport with stops, and timed access to the Blue Lagoon and Comino.

What’s not included:

• food and drinks
• snorkeling equipment (rentable onboard for €5 per set)
• hotel transfers

So you’ll want a simple plan. Eat before you go, then rely on the bar for snacks or drinks while you’re at sea. If you’re going to swim and snorkel, plan to buy or bring water and basics so you don’t lose precious time during your stop.

One more booking tip that can affect your day: Blue Lagoon access can require a landing pass. The provided information states you can obtain and choose an afternoon slot for the pass, so don’t assume it’s automatic. Some visitors recommend sorting this out ahead of time so you’re not trying to fix it on your phone while everyone else is trying to do the same.

Price and Value: What You Get for the Money

At around $48 per person for roughly 7.5 hours, this tour is good value if you want a “see a lot in one day” experience. You’re not just riding a boat—you’re getting:

• scenic cruising along Malta’s coast to Gozo
• a Gozo bus segment with Victoria and Citadel time
• Comino cruising plus Blue Lagoon swimming time
• Comino caves viewing and Santa Marija photo moments
• onboard amenities like toilets and use of the slide and ladders

The best value is for people who have limited time in Malta. If you’re only there for a short stay and want the headline stops—Gozo capital, Blue Lagoon, and cave scenery—this format saves the hassle of coordinating ferries and local transport.

The main drawback is that it’s not built for deep, slow travel. If your ideal day involves lingering for hours in one place, you’ll likely feel the schedule squeeze. Some people also find the Gozo bus segment less than expected (for example, issues with assistance or how the time is distributed). But the boat and overall flow tend to earn strong marks, especially for the views and the crew’s friendliness.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want Something Else)

I’d steer you toward this tour if you’re:

• doing Malta on a tight schedule
• traveling with kids or people who want onboard fun like the slide
• excited by sea views and want to swim in one of the most famous waters in Malta
• okay with a structured day and time blocks

I’d consider a different style of outing if you’re:

• obsessed with quiet and low crowds at the Blue Lagoon
• looking for long, independent time in Gozo beyond Victoria
• expecting a detailed, guided walking tour (this is more of a highlights + free time approach)

If you’re a solo traveler, the schedule can still work. Just plan for storage and comfort while you swim—your main “base” is the boat, and on-the-water entry areas can be limited. If that stress would ruin your day, you might prefer a smaller-group or more flexible option.

When to Go: Season Changes the Whole Experience

Season changes your Blue Lagoon experience in a real way because the time is shorter in winter (60 minutes). That means you’ll need to move fast if you want photos, swimming, and snorkeling.

In warmer months, you get 90 minutes, which feels more forgiving—especially if you want to snorkel, change positions, and still have time to relax. Summer also means more people, which is the trade-off. In other words: more time, more crowds.

Whatever the month, dress for sea weather. The boat ride plus open deck time means you may feel temperature swings. A light layer helps more than you’d think.

FAQ

FAQ

Where does this tour start?

It starts at Luzzu Cruises at Ferries 4 in Sliema (Triq Ix – Xatt, Sliema SLM 1023, Malta).

What time does the tour begin?

The start time is listed as 10:00 am.

How long is the tour?

The duration is approximately 7 hours 30 minutes.

Is the Blue Lagoon stop included, and how long do you stay?

Yes. The boat stops at the Blue Lagoon for about 90 minutes from April to October, and about 60 minutes from November to March.

Is food included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are not included. There is an onboard bar where items are sold.

Can I rent snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available for hire from the onboard bar for €5.00 per set.

Is there a waterslide and onboard facilities?

Yes. The boat has bathroom facilities and a sundeck, plus swimming ladders and a waterslide when the boat is at anchor.

Do I need a Blue Lagoon landing pass?

You can obtain a Blue Lagoon landing pass and choose an afternoon slot, based on the provided tour information. It’s smart to handle this ahead of time.

Can I cancel for free?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Should You Book This Sliema Cruise to Gozo, Comino and the Blue Lagoon?

If you want Gozo, Comino, and the Blue Lagoon in one day, this is one of the easiest ways to pull it off. The value is strong for a day trip: boat comfort, scenic cruising, a Gozo orientation with Victoria/Citadel time, and enough Blue Lagoon time to actually enjoy the water.

Book it if your top priorities are views, swimming, and seeing the major highlights without fiddling with schedules. Skip it (or plan a backup) if you hate crowds, want slow travel, or expect a long guided tour inside Gozo—this day moves, and that’s the point.

If you do book, my biggest advice is to treat the Blue Lagoon timing seriously and plan your landing pass access early, so the day stays fun instead of frantic.