St Julian’s: Gozo Full-Day Opentop Bus and Comino Caves

Exploring Malta’s Islands: A Full-Day Adventure to Gozo and Comino

This Malta tour offers a balanced mix of history, scenery, and leisure, all wrapped into a six-hour journey that takes you from the bustling St. Julian’s area to the tranquil isles of Gozo and Comino. The experience stands out for its seamless combination of boat rides, open-top bus sightseeing, and visits to iconic landmarks like the Ggantija Temples and Santa Maria Caves.

What we particularly appreciate about this trip is the thoughtful itinerary—it hits several key attractions without feeling rushed, and the open-top bus provides fantastic views and a relaxed way to explore the rugged Gozitan landscape. However, it’s worth noting that the trip is quite compact, and some travelers might wish for a longer time at certain stops, especially if they enjoy exploring at a leisurely pace.

This experience is well-suited for those who want a comprehensive snapshot of Malta’s neighboring islands in one day, especially if they enjoy scenic boat rides and historical sites. It’s ideal for travelers who prefer guided tours but still want some free time for swimming or photos. Keep in mind, it’s not recommended for pregnant women, those with back problems, or anyone prone to seasickness.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary combining boat rides, sightseeing, and free time.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with informative commentary.
• Stunning views from the open-top bus and boat trips make for memorable photos.
• Includes key sites like Victoria’s Citadel, Ta Pinu Basilica, and Ggantija Temples.
• Efficient transport via speedboat and double-decker bus maximizes sightseeing.
• Affordable value considering the variety of experiences packed into six hours.

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Initial Boat Ride

The tour begins at Sun & Fun Water Sports in St. Julian’s, a location easy to find thanks to its black gate and yellow line marking the jetty. From here, you board a speedboat for a 40-minute cruise across the Maltese coast, heading toward Gozo. The boat ride instantly feels special—sailing past rugged cliffs and spotting St. Paul’s Islands, which add a touch of wilderness to the journey.

Travelers frequently mention the comfortable speedboat and the stellar views offered during this leg. One reviewer noted, “The boat was quick, but the crew was friendly and made everyone comfortable,” highlighting how smooth and enjoyable the ride can be, provided seasickness isn’t an issue.

Exploring Gozo on a Double-Decker Bus

Once on Gozo, the rest of the day is spent on a hop-on-hop-off double-decker bus, which allows flexibility in the sightseeing pace. The bus’s top deck offers unbeatable panoramic views, perfect for snapping photos of the countryside, terraced fields, and historical sites.

The itinerary includes visits to Victoria, the charming medieval capital, where the Citadel offers a sweeping vista of the island. The guides here are praised for their knowledgeable commentary—some reviews mention guides with local insights that bring the history alive, making the visit more meaningful.

Next, there’s a stop at the Ta Pinu Basilica, an impressive religious site with striking architecture and a peaceful atmosphere—ideal for those seeking a moment of reflection or stunning photo ops. The bus then takes you to see the Ggantija Temples—some of the world’s oldest free-standing structures, pre-dating the Egyptian pyramids. The fact that these temples are less crowded than more famous sites makes the experience more authentic.

Scenic Stops and Rustic Charm

The tour includes a stop at Fontana Cottage, where travelers can enjoy the rustic beauty of Gozitan countryside, taking a breather from sightseeing while soaking in the rural charm. It’s noted that the guides often share interesting stories about local life, which adds a personal touch to the trip.

Santa Maria Caves on Comino

After exploring Gozo, the group heads back to the port and re-boards the boat for a 30-minute cruise to Comino, home to the famous Santa Maria Caves. Known for their crystal-clear waters and dramatic rock formations, these caves are best explored by boat, offering exceptional photo opportunities.

Many reviewers highlight the beauty of the caves, describing the waters as “absolutely stunning,” and some mention the opportunity for swimming—although this depends on weather conditions and timing. The guide’s commentary here is helpful in pointing out notable formations and explaining the geological history of the caves.

Returning and Overall Duration

The entire experience wraps up with a boat back to Malta and a short bus ride to the starting point. The 6-hour duration feels well-balanced, providing enough time to see the highlights without feeling overly rushed.

Practical Details and Tips

• Transportation: The combination of speedboat and open-top bus is both efficient and enjoyable, offering different perspectives of the islands.
• Price: At $86 per person, the tour offers good value considering the multiple locations visited, boat rides, and guided commentary.
• What to Bring: Comfortable shoes are essential for walking, and a hat, sunscreen, and water will keep you comfortable under the Maltese sun. Don’t forget your swimwear if you want to take advantage of the swimming opportunities.
• Restrictions: This tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, wheelchair users, or those prone to seasickness. Those sensitive to motion should consider taking precautions before boarding the boat.
• Booking and Cancellation: Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, making it flexible if plans change.

Who Will Love This Tour?

Travelers interested in history, scenery, and authentic island experiences will find this tour particularly rewarding. It’s perfect for those who want a guided overview of Gozo and Comino’s top sights without spending the entire day on separate excursions. The scenic boat rides and panoramic bus views** make it especially appealing for photography lovers.

If you’re traveling with family, most aspects of this tour are suitable—though the boat rides might be less comfortable for very young children or those prone to seasickness. Active travelers who enjoy a mix of exploration and relaxation will find this tour strikes a good balance.

Final Thoughts

This full-day tour from Malta to Gozo and Comino offers an excellent way to experience some of the most iconic spots without the hassle of planning multiple arrangements. The guides’ local insights and the stunning vistas are standout features that elevate the experience, making it an enriching day out.

While the schedule is quite full, it’s structured to give you a taste of Malta’s neighbor islands—perfect for travelers wanting a comprehensive snapshot in just one day. The inclusion of boat rides, historical sites, and free time makes it a well-rounded option for anyone keen to explore beyond Malta’s main island.

For those who value trusted guides, scenic views, and authentic experiences, this tour offers impressive value and memorable moments that will resonate long after your trip ends.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
No, the tour does not offer hotel pickup or drop-off. You’ll need to meet at the designated starting point at Sun & Fun Water Sports.

How long is the boat ride from Malta to Gozo?
The initial boat cruise from St. George’s Bay to Gozo lasts approximately 40 minutes.

Can I swim at the Santa Maria Caves?
Yes, there’s free time for swimming, but swimming depends on weather conditions and tour timing. It’s best to bring your swim gear just in case.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, the tour isn’t recommended for wheelchair users or those with back problems, as it involves walking and boat rides.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, water, swimwear, and a change of clothes if you plan to swim.

How long is the total tour duration?
The entire experience lasts around 6 hours, from the meeting point to returning.

Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks are not included, so plan to bring some snacks or enjoy local options during free time.

What is the guide’s role during the tour?
Guides provide informative commentary on each site, sharing insights about history, local culture, and interesting stories.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most children will enjoy the boat rides and sightseeing stops, but younger kids prone to seasickness or needing more supervision might need extra attention.

This tour offers a well-balanced look at Malta’s neighboring gems, combining scenic beauty, historical intrigue, and relaxed exploration. Whether you’re a history buff, a photo enthusiast, or simply seeking a scenic getaway, it’s an adventure that delivers on multiple fronts.