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

Sun, sea, and two Maltese islands make a tidy day out. I like the mix of coastal cruising and island time, especially the chance to see St. Paul’s Island, Mellieha, Gozo, and Comino without arranging several separate trips. I also like that the Gozo stop includes transport to Victoria, plus time for the Cittadella and Qala Belvedere.

The catch is time. You get about 75 minutes in Victoria and roughly two hours at the Blue Lagoon, so this is a broad introduction rather than a slow, detailed tour. The boat can also feel crowded, and the Blue Lagoon gets very busy in high season.

Key points before you book

• 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 short stop: You have 75 minutes to reach the Cittadella, look around Rabat, and find something quick to eat.
• The Blue Lagoon is the main event: You can swim, snorkel, or stay on the beach during the Comino stop.
• Comino now requires a free ticket: For visits from May 1, 2025, choose the 13:30 to 17:30 time slot at blcomino.com and keep the QR code ready.
• Boat extras may cost more: Top-deck seating and snorkeling equipment may involve an additional charge. Food and drinks are not included.
• The price is reasonable for transport: At $41, you get the cruise, Gozo bus transport, commentary, and onboard facilities, but not a guided walking tour of Victoria.

Starting from Sliema at 10:30

Your day starts at the Sliema Ferries meeting point, opposite McDonald’s. Look for the yellow Malta Sightseeing Booth and arrive by 10:00. That half-hour gives you time to find the right staff member and board without a last-minute scramble.

The instructions are simple, but meeting-point communication has not always been perfect. I would save the meeting details before leaving your hotel and confirm the exact booth location if your arrival information seems vague. Do not assume that a hotel pickup is included. The published meeting point is Sliema Ferries.

Once underway, the cruise follows Malta’s northern coast. You get views of St. Paul’s Island and Mellieha while the boat heads toward Gozo. Commentary is provided in English, with an English audio guide listed as part of the experience.

The sea crossing is part of the appeal, but it is also where comfort matters. Wind can make the open areas chilly, even in spring, so bring a light layer. The boat has onboard facilities, though one practical account described the toilet as very small and noted that there was only one. If you need regular facilities, use the restroom before boarding.

Cruising past St. Paul’s Island and Mellieha

The opening cruise gives you a useful view of Malta from the water. St. Paul’s Island and Mellieha provide points of reference as you leave the main island behind. You are not simply being rushed from one stop to another, though the cruise is still transport first and sightseeing second.

Seating choice can shape the experience. The upper deck offers sun and open views, while lower seating gives more shelter from wind. A top-deck sunbed or seating area may require an extra payment, reported in one account as €10. Check the current onboard price before assuming every seating area is included.

The boat may carry a large group. That helps keep the $41 price down, but it means you should not expect a quiet private cruise. Some seats near the engine can be less pleasant because of noise and smell. If you want a better view, board promptly and look around before settling in.

Older information about complimentary drinks has also been inconsistent. Some earlier arrangements included drinks during a limited time window, while another experience found that the promised drinks were no longer available. Since food and drinks are currently listed as not included, bring water and a snack rather than counting on anything free.

Gozo by bus: Victoria and the Cittadella in 75 minutes

After reaching Gozo, you board a bus for Victoria, Gozo’s capital. The city is also commonly called Rabat, which explains the two names used for this stop. The bus transfer saves you from arranging separate island transport, but it also means your time begins only after loading and unloading are finished.

You get 75 minutes of free time in Victoria. That sounds generous until you account for the walk to the Cittadella, photographs, a quick look around Rabat, and the need to return to the bus on time.

The Cittadella is the obvious target. Its high position gives you wide views across Gozo, and reaching the top is possible during the stop if you keep moving. You might manage a quick snack as well, but this is not enough time for a relaxed meal and a careful visit to every corner.

I would make the Cittadella your first priority. Go there before browsing shops or stopping for food. Once you have seen the main fortified area and taken in the views, use any remaining minutes for a snack or a short walk through central Victoria.

This stop is best understood as an introduction. You get a taste of Gozo’s capital, but not a full tour of the island. The bus ride is included, yet the time in town is self-guided. If you want museums, a long meal, or several Gozo villages, you need a separate Gozo day.

Some people expect to see the former Azure Window during a Gozo trip. This route does not include a visit to that site. Do not book this excursion expecting a full scenic tour of Gozo or a stop at every famous landmark.

Qala Belvedere and the return to the boat

Transportation to Qala Belvedere is included in the stated program. The viewpoint adds another look at Gozo and the surrounding islands, though the available details do not give a separate length of stay there.

The schedule is controlled by the boat’s departure time, so keep your watch handy. A few minutes spent wandering away from the meeting area can create a stressful return. This is a group excursion, and the bus cannot wait indefinitely for one late arrival.

The return transfer can also feel crowded. Getting several groups back to the boat at once may mean standing in line or sharing packed buses. This is one of the tradeoffs for a low-cost day that covers both Gozo and Comino.

The Blue Lagoon on Comino

The afternoon heads to Comino and its Blue Lagoon. This is the part most people picture when they see the tour advertised: clear turquoise water, pale rock, and a chance to swim or snorkel from the boat or near the shore.

You have time to swim, relax on the beach, or rent snorkeling equipment. Bring your own mask if you already have one, but remember that snorkeling gear is not included. Sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, and comfortable shoes belong in your day bag.

The water is the attraction, but the setting is not quiet. The Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s most popular stops, and it can become crowded. You may need patience when moving between the boat, beach, and water. Families with babies or anyone who needs a calm, easy shore visit should think carefully about the setting before booking.

A key rule applies from May 1, 2025: you need a free Comino landing ticket to walk on the island. Order it at www.blcomino.com and select the 13:30 to 17:30 slot. Officials scan the QR code on arrival. If you do not have it, you cannot walk onto Comino, although you can still swim beside the boat.

This detail matters. A person who forgets the ticket may still enjoy the water, but cannot step ashore. Save the QR code on your phone and, if possible, keep a screenshot available in case your signal is weak.

The Blue Lagoon stop is usually the strongest reason to choose this trip. The Gozo visit is brief, but the lagoon gives you enough time to swim and enjoy the water without arranging a separate boat excursion. The tradeoff is that this popular place can feel more like a busy public attraction than a quiet island escape.

What the $41 price really covers

At $41 per person, the cost is fair if you want transport and a quick sample of two islands. You receive the cruise to Gozo and Comino, commentary, the bus transfer to Victoria and Qala Belvedere, and onboard facilities.

The value is less convincing if you want a guided cultural tour. In Victoria, you are given free time rather than a detailed walking tour. The boat also operates on a group schedule, so you pay for convenience and coverage rather than flexibility.

Budget for extras:

• Food and drinks are not included.
• Snorkeling equipment can be rented.
• Upper-deck seating or sunbeds may cost extra.
• The price does not remove the need to obtain the free Comino landing ticket.

Bring water and a packed snack if you prefer not to buy food during the day. That also gives you more freedom during the short Victoria stop.

Timing, comfort, and the large-group tradeoff

The advertised duration is eight hours, but exact sailing times can shift. Previous departures have run late, and the return has not always followed the expected schedule. Build a little flexibility into your evening rather than booking an important dinner or airport transfer immediately afterward.

The boat is a practical way to cover a lot of water, but it is not a luxury yacht. You may find a busy deck, limited toilet facilities, wind on the outward crossing, and a rush for the best seats. On the positive side, the boat gives you sunbeds and open-air views, and you may spot sea life from the water. Dolphins, jellyfish, and fish have been seen during the cruise, though no wildlife sighting is guaranteed.

The experience is listed as wheelchair accessible. Still, the practical ease of moving around a busy boat, boarding buses, and accessing the Blue Lagoon may vary. If you use a wheelchair or have limited mobility, confirm the exact boarding and shore arrangements before paying.

Who will enjoy this Malta day trip?

I would recommend this excursion to you if you want a simple way to combine:

• A coastal cruise from Malta
• A short first look at Gozo
• Time in Victoria and near the Cittadella
• A swim at the Blue Lagoon
• One reasonably priced day away from planning transport

It suits first-time visitors who want coverage rather than depth. It also works well for couples or friends who are happy to follow a fixed timetable and spend most of the day outdoors.

I would hesitate if your priority is a peaceful boat ride, a detailed Gozo tour, or long, unhurried time in Victoria. Families with very young children should also consider the crowded lagoon, limited onboard toilet facilities, and the need to manage bus transfers.

Should you book this cruise?

Book it if the Blue Lagoon is your main goal and you like the idea of adding a quick Gozo visit at the same price. The cruise gives you plenty of scenery, covers the basic transport, and removes much of the planning required to reach both islands.

Skip it if you want a slow cultural day on Gozo. You will have only 75 minutes in Victoria, and the Blue Lagoon may be crowded. For the best experience, arrive early at Sliema, bring water and a light jacket, pack swim gear, obtain your free Comino ticket, and treat Victoria as a short introduction rather than the main tour.

FAQ

Where does the cruise meet in Malta?

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 leaves at 10:30.

How long does the experience last?

The listed duration is eight hours. Actual sailing times can change, so leave flexibility in your evening plans.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so bring water and a snack or plan to buy them separately.

How much free time is provided in Victoria?

You get 75 minutes of free time in Victoria, also called Rabat. This allows for a quick visit to the Cittadella and a snack, but not an in-depth city tour.

Is transportation to Victoria included?

Yes. Transportation to Victoria and Qala Belvedere is included.

Can I swim at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. You can swim or snorkel in the Blue Lagoon area, or relax on the beach.

Do I need a ticket to visit Comino?

From May 1, 2025, you need a free ticket to walk on Comino. Order it at www.blcomino.com, choose the 13:30 to 17:30 slot, and keep the QR code for scanning on arrival.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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