Malta: Blue Lagoon & Sea Caves Boat Trip & Gozo Buggy Tour

If you’re looking for a day packed with diverse sights, authentic experiences, and a good dose of adventure in Malta, this combined tour is worth considering. It offers a unique mix of exploring the island of Gozo via jeep, followed by a scenic boat trip around Comino’s famous lagoons and caves. While the experience has many highlights, it’s not without a few practical considerations, especially if you’re after a perfectly smooth day.

One thing we love about this tour is how it balances off-road exploration with crystal-clear waters. The guides have earned praise for their local knowledge and friendliness, making the journey both informative and enjoyable. On the flip side, some reviewers mention that the schedule can feel a bit rushed, especially during the jeep part, which might leave you wishing for more time at certain stops.

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a full, active day that showcases Malta’s natural beauty, historic sites, and scenic coastlines. If you’re someone who loves adventure, picturesque views, and good food with wine, this tour will check all those boxes. However, it might not be suitable if you prefer a very relaxed, slow-paced day or have mobility restrictions.

Key Points

• Diverse Experience: Combines land exploration of Gozo by jeep with a boat trip around Comino and its lagoons.
• Authentic Guides: Knowledgeable, multilingual drivers and guides enhance the journey with local insights.
• Stunning Scenery: Expect beautiful beaches, caves, salt pans, and the iconic Blue Lagoon.
• Good Value: Includes lunch, water, wine, roundtrip ferry tickets, and boat transfers—offering a comprehensive day out.
• Weather-Dependent: The boat cruise’s success hinges on good weather conditions, especially for swimming.
• Rushed Schedule: Some stops might feel brief due to tight timing, so don’t expect to linger long at each site.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

This tour, offered by Barbarossa Excursions and Boat Charters, runs roughly 6.5 hours and packs in plenty of highlights. From the moment you’re picked up at your hotel (with over 50 pickup points including major hotels and locations), it’s clear this is a well-organized way to see Malta’s lesser-known treasures without the hassle of planning each detail yourself.

The Land Adventure: Gozo Buggy & Jeep Tour

Your journey begins with a transfer to the ferry, crossing from Malta to the nearby island of Gozo. The first part of the adventure involves exploring Gozo’s scenery with a jeep or buggy, guided by friendly drivers who double as local storytellers. Multiple reviews praise guides like Mario and Johnny for their informative, fun, and accommodating approach.

One reviewer mentions, “George did a great job of taking us around the island in his Jeep while sharing the history and stories of Gozo,” which highlights how personal and engaging the drivers tend to be. Another reviewer noted that their guide, Sam, went above and beyond when they didn’t have a jeep initially; she delivered a backstreet tour that made the day truly memorable.

The jeep tour covers scenic sights, charming villages, and hidden spots that would be difficult to access alone, all while giving you a taste of Gozo’s rural charm. Stops include Qala, the Salt Pans, and the Calypso Cave, each offering photo opportunities and insights into local life.

While some guests felt the jeep stops were somewhat “quick” or “whistle-stop,” the guides’ flexibility and personalized approach meant many could request extra photo stops or short visits. This part of the tour is particularly valuable for those craving an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience, away from crowded tourist spots.

The Scenic Boat Cruise

After the land portion, you’ll board a twin-masted schooner, setting out on a scenic cruise to the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Comino Caves. This part of the trip is often the highlight for many travelers, offering breathtaking views and a chance to swim in turquoise waters.

Reviewers mention the peaceful early morning visit to the lagoons, which means fewer crowds and more space to enjoy the scenery. One guest notes, “The boat trip was beautiful, and the water was perfect for swimming,” highlighting how the boat ride allows for a relaxing yet active experience. Masks and snorkels are available for free, so bring your gear if you want to explore underwater.

The boat trip also includes a visit through a cliff tunnel (a small extra fee applies) and a stop at the topless cave, a striking geological feature where part of the cave has fallen, creating a natural open roof. The journey back to Malta offers views of the rugged coastlines and salt pans, and some lucky guests have likened it to “a postcard come to life.”

The Optional Inland Sea & Additional Sights

If weather permits, you can opt for additional activities like a boat trip into the inland sea in Dwejra Bay, which wasn’t included in the main itinerary but is available as an optional extra. Many reviews mention the salt pans and Dwejra Bay, with some describing it as “a must-see” for its unique landscape.

Food & Drink

Lunch is a major part of the experience, and the tour provides a buffet featuring local dishes, either on the boat or at the Mariblu Restaurant on Gozo. Reviewers rave about the quality of the food, describing it as “delicious” and “better than expected,” with many enjoying unlimited local wine and water. It’s a generous offering that adds substantial value, especially considering it’s included in the trip price.

Practical Details & Tips

• The tour’s duration is about 6.5 hours, with a carefully timed schedule covering all stops.
• Weather plays a crucial role, especially for the boat trip. If waters are rough or weather unfavorable, some activities like swimming may be limited or canceled.
• The pick-up process is well-organized with over 50 options, but travelers should be ready to wait outside the hotel or designated pickup points.
• Comfortable shoes, sun protection, swimwear, and towels are recommended, especially for the swimming stops.
• The cave trip costs around €10 per person if you wish to go into the caves, and the Ggantija Temples aren’t included but can be visited separately.
• The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those with mobility issues due to some uneven terrain and boat activities.

Authentic Experiences from Reviewer Insights

Many reviews highlight the knowledge, friendliness, and humor of guides like Joe Vella, Johnny, and Mario. Guests appreciated the personalized attention: “Johnny was absolutely wonderful—sweet and funny,” and “Sandro did his best to ensure we saw as many sights as possible.”

The lunch experience also stood out, with guests noting it was “much better than expected,” with a generous buffet and unlimited wine. Several reviewers commented on how the cruise and jeep tour combined provided a great balance of scenic beauty and cultural insight.

Some minor issues, like schedule adjustments due to weather or short stops, were noted but generally didn’t detract from the overall enjoyment. One reviewer summed it up well: “The trip was well organized, beautiful scenery, and good value for money.”

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This full-day experience is perfect for adventurous travelers eager to see both the inland and coastal highlights of Malta and Gozo. It’s ideal if you enjoy off-road exploring, scenic boat rides, and local cuisine. Families with children over 12, groups of friends, or couples looking for a diverse yet manageable day will find it a great fit.

However, people with mobility issues or those seeking a very relaxed, slow-paced day might want to consider other options. The schedule can be busy, and some stops are brief, so it’s best for guests who don’t mind a full day with a bit of rushing.

The Sum Up

This combined boat and land tour offers a well-rounded snapshot of Malta’s natural beauty, history, and local charm. From the stunning lagoons and caves to the quaint villages of Gozo, it packs a lot into one day, with friendly guides and good food making it even more enjoyable.

For those who value authentic experiences, scenic vistas, and a bit of adventure, this tour provides excellent value, especially considering the included meals and transfers. While the schedule can be tight at times, the personalized guidance and varied highlights make it a memorable choice for many travelers.

If you’re after a dynamic, scenic, and culturally enriching day, this Malta tour will meet your expectations — just pack your camera, swimwear, and a sense of curiosity.

FAQ

Is the boat trip weather-dependent?
Yes, the boat trip relies on good weather conditions. If the weather is rough or unfavorable, some activities like swimming or the boat cruise might be canceled or altered.

Are lunch and drinks included?
Yes, the tour features a buffet lunch with local wine and mineral water, which many reviews describe as tasty and plentiful.

What is the size of the tour group?
While the exact group size isn’t specified, the schedule includes over 50 pickup points and mentions that the tour is organized into groups, with some reviews noting it’s well-managed and not overly crowded.

Can I visit the Ggantija Temples during this tour?
No, Ggantija Temples are not part of the half-day jeep trip. You might visit them separately if you want to explore this UNESCO site.

Are snorkels and masks provided?
Yes, free snorkels and masks are available onboard for those wanting to explore underwater.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children under 12 need to prove age with a passport, and the tour is generally suited for older children due to the physical activities involved.

How long is the transfer from the hotel?
The transfer to the ferry takes about an hour, depending on your pickup location.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunhat, swimwear, towel, camera, and sunscreen are recommended for this full-day adventure.

Are there any optional extras?
Yes, cave trips cost around €10 per person, and additional activities like inland sea trips are available separately.

Will I have enough time at each stop?
Most stops are brief, around 20 minutes to an hour, so you should expect a fast-paced day with limited time at each site. Reviewers mention that some stops feel rushed, so plan accordingly.

This Malta tour offers a practical and lively way to see some of the best natural and cultural sights — a true sampler of what this stunning island has to offer.