From Sliema: Best of Gozo & Comino (CMO)

Exploring Malta’s Sister Islands: A Complete Look at the Best of Gozo & Comino Tour

This full-day tour from Sliema promises a jam-packed adventure through Malta’s most captivating spots—Gozo’s charming streets and the turquoise waters of Comino’s Blue Lagoon. While it’s not a private or ultra-exclusive experience, it offers a straightforward way to tick off some major highlights with minimal fuss, especially if you’re keen on a mix of history, natural beauty, and fun boat rides.

One thing we love about this tour is how it combines seamless transportation with varied activities—from sightseeing in Gozo’s Cittadella to swimming in Comino’s famed lagoon. It’s a great way to cover a lot in just one day without the hassle of organizing multiple transfers or tickets. On the flip side, a possible snag is that, based on reviews, the guiding experience can feel somewhat inconsistent—with some guests mentioning language barriers or less engaging guides.

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a “best of” overview with a good dose of natural beauty and cultural sights. If you prefer a relaxed, all-in-one day trip that doesn’t require planning or extra logistics, this tour is worth considering—just go in with realistic expectations about the guided element and timing.

Key Points

• All-in-One Day Trip: Combines ferry rides, boat trips, and sightseeing in a single package.
• Highlights: Includes Blue Lagoon’s crystal waters, historic Gozo, and Comino’s caves.
• Hassle-Free: Includes return shuttle services and boat trips, minimizing logistical planning.
• Duration & Timing: Approximately one day, with flexible start times—check availability for specifics.
• Guides & Languages: English and Italian options available, but some reviews mention inconsistent guiding quality.
• Suitability: Best for travelers seeking a broad overview rather than deep dives into each location.

Starting from Sliema: Easy Access to the Islands

The tour begins with departures from Sliema Ferries, a convenient hub for many travelers staying in Malta’s northern coast. This central starting point makes it straightforward to join, whether you’re staying locally or taking a short transfer. The organized ferry transfer sets a relaxed tone for the day, free from the worries of navigating Malta’s transport system.

Once aboard, you’ll enjoy a scenic cruise that sets the tone for the day ahead. The boat itself is typically comfortable, providing good vantage points for photographs and viewing Malta’s coastlines as you head towards Gozo.

The Blue Lagoon: Swimming and Snorkeling Paradise

The first major stop on this adventure is the Blue Lagoon in Comino. With approximately 100 minutes allocated, it offers ample time for swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the boat deck.

Travelers often comment on the crystal-clear waters, which are perfect for cooling off and snapping photos of that famously enchanting shade of blue. The lagoon’s shallow waters also make it accessible for swimmers of all levels, including families with children.

One reviewer mentioned, “The trip was beautiful,” highlighting how stunning the scenery is. However, some noted that the boat trip to the caves was optional and involved an extra purchase, which can be confusing if you’re expecting all activities to be included.

Exploring Gozo: A Taste of the Island’s Charm

After the Blue Lagoon, the tour makes its way to Gozo, Malta’s smaller, more laid-back neighbor. You’ll have around three hours for self-guided exploration, which is enough time to stroll through the main town, visit the historic Cittadella, or simply soak in the island’s relaxed vibe.

The shuttle from Mgarr port to Cittadella gets you closer to Gozitan life, with plenty of time allocated for wandering independently. The Cittadella itself offers panoramic views, narrow streets, and a chance to glimpse Malta’s past. One guest expressed disappointment that the guide didn’t offer more commentary—something to keep in mind if guided tours are your preference.

Comino’s Free Time and Scenic Swims

Following Gozitan exploration, the group heads to Comino for around an hour of free time. Many travelers use this opportunity for more swimming, relaxing, or taking photos of the rugged coastline and sea caves.

Some reviewers noted how the crystal waters make Comino an ideal spot for swimming, and it’s a welcome break in the day. Be aware that, according to the new regulations effective from May 2025, visiting Comino now requires pre-booking a specific access ticket, so plan accordingly if you’re purchasing this tour.

The Practicalities: Transportation, Timing, and Cost

This tour operates on a full-day schedule with flexible start times—be sure to check availability when booking. The return shuttle service simplifies logistics, and the boat cruises are well-timed to maximize your experience without feeling rushed.

Cost-wise, the value lies in the inclusions: ferry rides, boat trips, shuttle transfers, and time in two beautiful locations. For a day packed with diverse activities and scenic views, it tends to be reasonably priced—especially considering the convenience. However, some reviews hint at a less engaging guiding experience, which could impact perceived value if you prefer more commentary or insight during your stops.

The Review from Past Guests

One reviewer, Rosalba, mentioned, “The trip was beautiful, it’s a shame that we booked with an Italian guide who then didn’t take place.” This highlights that while the scenery is undoubtedly stunning, the guided aspect might not meet everyone’s expectations—especially if you enjoy detailed narration or cultural insights.

Another note from a guest points out that the guides may sometimes not speak in the expected language, which could affect the overall experience if you’re counting on guided commentary. Still, the self-guided segments offer freedom for independent exploring, which many travelers appreciate.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits travelers looking for a straightforward, scenic day trip that balances boat rides, swimming, and brief sightseeing. It’s ideal if you want to see the highlights without the hassle of organizing multiple trips or tickets.

However, if you prefer deep dives into local history or detailed guided commentary, you might find this tour somewhat lacking. Also, those with specific accessibility needs should confirm the shuttle and boat arrangements, but the tour does mention wheelchair accessibility.

The Sum Up

This all-in-one tour provides an accessible way to experience some of Malta’s most iconic spots—particularly the stunning Blue Lagoon and the charming streets of Gozo. The combination of ferry rides, free time, and scenic boat trips makes it a practical choice for travelers wanting a broad overview.

While some guests have noted that the guiding isn’t always as engaging or informative as they’d hope, the natural beauty more than makes up for it. The crystal waters, panoramic views, and relaxed pace make it a worthwhile day for those with a sense of adventure and a camera in hand.

If you’re after a convenient, scenic, and affordable way to explore Malta’s twin islands, this tour offers a balanced experience suited for most casual travelers. Just remember to double-check access regulations for Comino and go in with flexible expectations about the guided commentary.

FAQ

Is transportation included?

Yes, the tour includes a return shuttle from selected locations and ferry transfers between Malta, Gozo, and Comino, making it very convenient.

How long is the time spent at the Blue Lagoon?

You’ll have around 100 minutes to swim, snorkel, or relax in the Blue Lagoon — plenty of time for a refreshing break.

Can I explore Gozo independently?

Absolutely. The tour provides about three hours of free time in Gozo, allowing you to wander at your own pace or visit the Cittadella if you’d like a peek at the island’s history.

Do I need to pre-book tickets for Comino?

Yes, due to new regulations starting in May 2025, all visitors must pre-book a Comino access ticket through the official website. The tour operator states that failure to do so may result in being denied entry.

Is the tour suitable for children or families?

Yes, with plenty of swimming opportunities and scenic stops, it can be a family-friendly outing. Just be prepared for some waiting times and ensure children are comfortable with boat trips.

What languages are guides available in?

Guides are offered in English and Italian; however, some reviews mention that guides may not always be as engaging or informative as expected, especially when the guide’s language skills are limited or inconsistent.

In summary, this tour offers a practical way to see Malta’s highlights, especially if you’re after a day of scenic beauty and light sightseeing. It’s best suited for those who value convenience and natural scenery over in-depth guided commentary. If you’re okay with the occasional less engaging guide and love the idea of swimming in crystal-clear waters, this is a solid choice for your Malta trip.