From Sliema: Gozo & Blue Lagoon in 1-day (CMO_TWO ISLANDS)

Exploring Malta’s Twin Islands in a Day: A Practical Look at the Sliema to Gozo & Blue Lagoon Tour

Taking a day trip from Sliema to explore Malta’s neighboring islands of Gozo and Comino sounds like a dream, but how does this particular tour measure up? We’ve looked into the details, reviews, and what you can realistically expect to get out of this 7-hour adventure. It’s a package that promises scenic cruising, free time, and that iconic Blue Lagoon swim, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind.

What we love about this tour is the opportunity to see two islands in one day without the hassle of planning multiple transport connections. The highlight undoubtedly is the chance to relax at Blue Lagoon, with its crystal-clear waters and picture-perfect shores. However, a key drawback revealed by some travelers is that weather can heavily influence the experience, and unexpected cancellations or delays have been reported. This tour suits travelers who are flexible, want a straightforward overview of these islands, and are okay with the possibility of weather-related interruptions.

Key Points

• Scenic Coastal Views: Enjoy a cruise along Malta’s rugged north coast, taking in breathtaking scenery.
• Flexible Itinerary: Free time on Gozo allows you to explore at your own pace, which is ideal for spontaneous discoveries.
• Blue Lagoon Experience: A highlight for many, with opportunities to swim and unwind in famously clear waters.
• Possible Weather Impact: Heavy rain or choppy seas can affect your plans; some reviews mention delays or weather-related cancellations.
• New Regulations for Comino: From May 2025, visitors need to book an access ticket to disembark on Comino—an extra step to consider.
• Limited Communication During the Trip: Some travelers felt the guides didn’t speak Spanish, and onboard info was limited, affecting overall clarity.

What to Expect from the Tour

This 7-hour journey kicks off at Sliema Ferries, where you’ll hop aboard a vessel that cruises along Malta’s scenic north coast. The boat itself is described as comfortable, suitable for a group-sized tour, and offers good vantage points for snapping photos of the coastline’s dramatic cliffs and charming bays.

The Voyage and Arrival in Gozo

The cruise offers plenty of opportunities to soak in breathtaking views of Malta’s northern shoreline, with some reviews praising the experience of gliding along the coast and enjoying the sea breeze. The boat then arrives at Mgarr, Gozo, where you’ll be granted free time to explore. This is a significant part of the tour—many travelers appreciate having some independence to wander through Gozitan streets, visit local cafes, or simply soak in the island’s more relaxed vibe.

However, the amount of free time varies depending on weather and the vessel’s schedule. The flexible timing aims to optimize your experience, but some reviews mention the need to adhere to strict onboard schedules, which can feel rushed.

Visiting Comino and the Blue Lagoon

After exploring Gozo, the boat moves on to Comino. Here, the main attraction is the Blue Lagoon, famous for its crystal-clear waters and pristine sandy shores. This part of the trip is often what makes the tour memorable; the chance to swim in turquoise waters and relax in a natural setting is a major draw.

Some travelers, however, have experienced heavy rain and choppy seas during their visit, which can limit the time spent in the lagoon. One reviewer noted that “we were kept on the boat for two hours in Comino because it was raining heavily and everything was closed,” highlighting how weather can turn this part of the trip less enjoyable. Another mentioned that the crossing to and from Comino lasted about an hour and a half, which can be uncomfortable if seas are rough or if you’re prone to seasickness.

Additional Details and Practical Tips

• Booking and Regulations: From May 2025, visitors must secure a ticket to disembark on Comino, which adds an extra step to your planning. The tour provider advises booking through the official website for Comino access, with some packages requiring specific time slots.
• Duration and Timing: The entire trip is about 7 hours, with start times depending on availability. Make sure to check the schedule to align expectations.
• Language and Communication: The guides are usually Maltese or English speakers, but some reviews report a language barrier, especially with Spanish-speaking travelers who didn’t feel the guides spoke their language.
• Accessibility: The vessel is wheelchair accessible, which is helpful for travelers with mobility needs.

The Realities and Value of This Tour

While the promise of seeing two islands in one day sounds attractive, reality sometimes falls short due to weather, scheduling, or operational issues. The scenic cruise along Malta’s coast is undoubtedly a highlight, offering fantastic photo opportunities and a relaxing start to your day. The free exploration time in Gozo is a plus, giving you a taste of local life, but it’s not a guided tour—so if you prefer curated experiences, this might feel a bit unstructured.

The Blue Lagoon often steals the show, with its iconic beauty, but some reviews point out that bad weather can significantly impact the experience—limiting swim time and creating a less idyllic atmosphere. The fact that some travelers have faced cancellations or delays due to weather, or found themselves kept onboard in foul conditions, suggests this trip is somewhat weather-dependent.

In terms of value, the tour price includes transportation, the cruise, and free time, but not the extra Comino access ticket required from May 2025. It’s worth considering whether you want a relaxed, sightseeing-focused day or if you prefer more guided and structured activities.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re a traveler who adores scenic boat rides and nature, this tour offers stunning views and a chance to relax in unspoiled settings. It’s perfect for those who appreciate flexibility—able to adapt to weather changes and enjoy a laid-back day with minimal guide intervention. It’s also suitable if your main goal is to experience the Blue Lagoon without the hassle of planning transport or boat tickets yourself.

However, if you rely on detailed guided commentary or are sensitive to seasickness, consider that the guides might not speak Spanish, and weather can impact the overall enjoyment. This tour works best for travelers who are flexible with timing and weather and don’t mind a bit of unpredictability.

Final Thoughts

This Sliema to Gozo & Blue Lagoon day trip offers a straightforward way to tick off some of Malta’s most iconic sights. The highlight will almost certainly be the swimmers’ paradise that is Blue Lagoon, with its crystal waters beckoning to be enjoyed. The scenic cruise along Malta’s coast adds a peaceful, picturesque start, and the free time in Gozo offers a taste of island life.

However, it’s essential to manage expectations—weather can significantly influence the experience, and some travelers have faced cancellations or delays. The extra steps needed for Comino’s access tickets from 2025 also require planning. Still, for those seeking a relaxed, low-effort day with stunning views and a swim, this tour provides good value, especially if you prioritize flexibility and natural beauty.

For the budget-conscious traveler wanting a snapshot of Malta’s twin islands, this trip is worth considering. But if you’re after a more curated experience or detailed commentary, it might be worth exploring other options or private tours.

FAQ

Do I need to book the access ticket for Comino separately?
Yes, from May 2025, you need to secure a ticket via www.blcomino.com to disembark on Comino, which can be done in advance or on arrival, depending on the package you choose.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Heavy rain or choppy seas can lead to delays, cancellations, or extended time onboard. Some reviews mention being kept on the boat because of weather, which can alter your planned swim at Blue Lagoon.

Is there a guided commentary during the cruise?
The tour’s description suggests guides speak Maltese and English, but some travelers felt the onboard communication was limited, especially for non-English speakers.

How much free time do I get in Gozo?
The free exploration time varies, but you’ll likely have enough to wander, take photos, or grab a quick snack. It’s not a guided tour of the island, so plan accordingly.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the vessel is wheelchair accessible, but consider the length of the cruise and the free time, which may involve some walking.

What’s the main highlight of this trip?
Most travelers agree that the Blue Lagoon’s waters and scenery are the star attraction, offering that classic postcard shot and a wonderful place to cool off.

In summary, this day trip from Sliema to Gozo and Comino delivers on scenic views, a relaxing boat ride, and a swim in one of the Mediterranean’s most famous spots. It’s an ideal choice for travelers seeking a straightforward, scenic, and flexible day, provided they’re comfortable with potential weather hiccups and the need for some self-guided exploration.