Sliema: Gozo Full Day with Opentop Bus and Comino Caves

Discover Malta’s Hidden Gems on the Sliema: Gozo Full Day with Opentop Bus and Comino Caves Tour

This comprehensive day trip offers a fantastic opportunity to explore Malta’s neighboring islands—Gozo and Comino—without the hassle of planning multiple excursions. For around $82, you’ll enjoy a well-rounded experience that combines scenic boat rides, a double-decker bus tour, and visits to some of the most iconic sights and caves in the area.

What we particularly love is the seamless combination of transportation modes—speedboat, bus, and boat again—allowing you to see a wide range of attractions in just over six hours. The comfort of the double-decker bus along with the crystal-clear Santa Maria Caves offers a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation.

One thing worth considering is that the tour involves a fair amount of walking and moderate activity, so it’s best suited for travelers who are comfortable with some physical movement and don’t mind getting a bit sun-kissed on the open boat. This tour is perfect for those who want a full, authentic taste of Malta’s nearby islands in a day—ideal if you’re short on time but craving diverse experiences.

Key Points

• Ideal for travelers seeking a full-day island adventure from Malta with diverse highlights.
• Includes a scenic boat trip with stunning views of the coastlines and St. Paul’s Islands.
• Visit iconic sites such as Victoria’s Citadel, Ta’ Pinu Basilica, and Ggantija Temples.
• Santa Maria Caves on Comino offer crystal-clear waters and dramatic rock formations.
• Comfortable transport with round-trip speedboat and double-decker bus tours.
• Suitable for active guests comfortable with walking, moderate activity, and outdoor sun exposure.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and First Legs: Sliema to Gozo

The tour kicks off at a convenient meeting point opposite Chequers Bar in Sliema. From there, you board a speedboat to Gozo—a journey of roughly 40 minutes. This part of the trip is a highlight for many: the view of Malta’s rugged coastlines and St. Paul’s Islands as you leave the mainland behind.

Travelers often comment that the boat ride feels smooth and offers excellent photo opportunities. One review mentioned, “The boat ride was comfortable and gave us a chance to admire Malta from a different perspective.” The boat’s speed and stability make it accessible even to those mildly prone to seasickness, though it’s worth noting that the experience isn’t suitable for everyone, especially those with significant mobility issues or a strong susceptibility to motion sickness.

Exploring Gozo by Double-Decker Bus

Once on Gozitan soil, the bus awaits to take you on a scenic tour of the island. The double-decker design makes it enjoyable, offering panoramic views from the upper deck. You’ll visit several notable spots, including the medieval capital, Victoria, with its imposing Citadel offering stunning views across the island. The Ggantija Temples, predating the Egyptian pyramids, are a must-see for history enthusiasts—impressively ancient and evocative of Malta’s early civilizations.

A recurring comment among visitors is how the bus allows for flexible stops and provides insightful commentary from the guide (in English). One reviewer said, “The bus tour was a comfortable way to see a lot without tiring, and the guide’s local knowledge made it even better.” The Ta’ Pinu Basilica is another highlight, with its striking architecture and spiritual ambiance.

Rustic Charm at Fontana Cottage

One of the quieter stops is Fontana Cottage, where travelers can soak in the rustic beauty of Gozitan countryside. It’s a lovely spot to take photos, breathe in the fresh air, and experience authentic rural Malta. Though brief, this stop adds a peaceful, almost meditative touch to the busy day, giving you a taste of local life.

Transition to Comino and Santa Maria Caves

After completing the bus tour, you’ll head back to the port and reboard the speedboat for the next leg—about 15 minutes to Comino. This tiny island is famous for its crystal-clear waters and dramatic rock formations. The main attraction here is the Santa Maria Caves, which you explore by boat.

Many guests find the caves to be a highlight of the trip. The water’s transparency makes the caves perfect for photos and even swimming if you’re feeling adventurous. A previous review states, “The caves were breathtaking, and the boat ride through them was like being in a natural aquarium.” This part of the tour offers a genuine sense of discovery, with each cave revealing new formations and sunlight piercing through the water.

Final Return and Reflection

The tour concludes back at Sun & Fun Water Sports in Sliema, with plenty of time to reflect on your day. In total, the experience is about 6.5 hours, making it an efficient way to see some of Malta’s most cherished sights and natural wonders without feeling rushed.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

At $82 per person, this experience provides a rundown of Malta’s nearby islands, combining transportation, sightseeing, and iconic landmarks. The inclusion of a scenic boat ride, bus tour, and access to natural caves means you get a lot for your money—especially considering the logistics are all taken care of.

While it doesn’t include meals, drinks, or entrance fees to the sights, these are small extras compared to the convenience of the organized tour. The guided commentary enhances the experience, providing context to the sites that might otherwise be missed.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven surfaces and exploring sites.
• Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water to stay comfortable during outdoor activities.
• Carry your camera to capture the stunning scenery.
• Be prepared for a moderate amount of walking and some exposure to the sun.
• Those prone to seasickness may want to take precautions, though many reviews note the boat ride is smooth.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This full-day trip is perfect for history buffs, nature lovers, and those seeking a taste of island life in Malta’s surroundings. It suits travelers who prefer a structured experience that covers its highlights efficiently.

However, it’s less suitable for very young children (under 5), pregnant women, and people with mobility issues or significant health concerns, as the tour involves some walking and boat rides. Also, if you’re prone to seasickness, you may want to consider your tolerance before booking.

Final Thoughts

This tour balances scenic beauty, cultural highlights, and natural wonders—delivered in a comfortable, well-organized package. For those with limited time but a desire to see Malta’s neighboring islands, it’s a smart choice. The combination of boat rides, scenic bus touring, and access to iconic sites makes it a well-rounded day out that’s both fun and educational.

While the itinerary covers many key attractions, the real value lies in the stunning views from the boat and bus, and the chance to see Gozitan and Comino landscapes close-up. The guided commentary and smooth logistics mean you can relax and enjoy rather than worry about navigating.

Overall, whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning traveler, this experience offers a taste of Malta’s best with minimal hassle and maximum reward.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, round-trip transportation via speedboat from Sliema to Gozo and back, as well as a double-decker bus tour around Gozo, are included.

How long is the boat ride from Sliema to Gozo?
The boat ride takes approximately 40 minutes, offering great opportunities to enjoy the scenery along the coast.

Can I see the Santa Maria Caves by boat?
Yes, the Santa Maria Caves are explored by boat, giving you a unique perspective of the caves and surrounding waters.

Are meals included in the tour?
No, meals and drinks are not included, so plan to bring water and perhaps a snack.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour isn’t recommended for children under 5 or for travelers with mobility impairments or health issues, as it involves walking and boat rides.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes, light clothing, a hat, and sunscreen are recommended. Bring water to stay hydrated.

How long does the entire tour last?
The total duration is about 6.5 hours, including boat rides, bus touring, and time at each site.

Will I get free time during the tour?
The schedule includes stops at key sites with some free time for photos and exploration, but the overall itinerary is quite structured.

Are entrance fees to sights included?
No, entrance fees are not included. The tour covers transportation and guided visits, but you may choose to pay separately at specific sites.

Is this tour suitable for people prone to seasickness?
While the boat ride is generally smooth, those prone to seasickness should consider taking precautions or opting for a different activity.

In essence, this tour offers an excellent way to see Malta’s scenic, historic, and natural highlights in a single day—perfect for curious travelers eager to experience more without the fuss of planning.