From Malta: Full-Day Gozo Jeep Tour with Lunch and Boat Ride

If you’re dreaming of a day packed with scenic views, charming villages, and a taste of local history, this Full-Day Gozo Jeep Tour offers all that and more. Offered by Gozo Pride Tours, it promises a comprehensive glimpse into the island’s highlights, with the convenience of hotel pickup, a boat ride, and a delicious lunch included. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 from over 3,300 reviews, it’s clearly a popular choice among travelers seeking an authentic, well-organized experience.

What we really appreciate about this tour is the combination of off-road exploration in a sturdy jeep and the chance to see some of Gozo’s most iconic sights—like the Citadel, salt pans, and Blue Lagoon—without feeling rushed. A potential consideration is the boat ride, which some travelers have found less smooth due to speed and weather conditions. This tour would suit those who love a mix of adventure, culture, and coastal scenery, especially if they enjoy guided experiences that take care of logistics.

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off from key locations in Malta.
• Diverse itinerary covering villages, historical sites, natural wonders, and beaches.
• Expert guides like Vince, Kiko, and Louis are praised for their local knowledge and friendly approach.
• Value-packed experience with included lunch, boat ride, and entry to various sites.
• Some extra costs apply for certain attractions like Ggantija temple and Dwejra boat ride.
• Ideal for travelers who want to see a lot of Gozo in one day with a mix of sightseeing, culture, and coastal beauty.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

The Convenience of Travel and Start Times

Starting early in the day—most pickups occur around 8:00 to 9:30 AM—the tour offers a smooth beginning with hotel pickup from major locations like Valletta, Sliema, St Julians, and Gozo itself. The ease of being collected from your accommodation means no fuss about transportation or navigating local buses, which is a big plus when you’re on a tight schedule or just want a hassle-free experience.

Day in a Jeep: The Best Way to Explore

Traveling in a jeep really makes a difference. It’s the perfect vehicle for navigating Gozo’s narrow, winding roads and bumpy off-road paths. Many reviews mention how this format allows access to spots that might be difficult to reach otherwise, such as the salt pans and Dwejra rock formations. The collective feedback highlights that guides like Vince and Kiko make the journey engaging with their stories and local insights, turning what could be a simple sightseeing trip into a lively, educational adventure.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Do

Qala Belvedere and Ramla Bay

Your day kicks off with a visit to the Qala Belvedere, offering sweeping views over the sea—a perfect spot for photos and soaking up the island’s tranquil beauty. From there, the jeep takes you to Ramla Bay, renowned for its distinctive red sandy beach. Some reviews mention the delight of seeing this unique landscape, and it’s a great place for a quick stroll or a photo.

Calypso’s Cave and Ggantija Temples

A visit to Calypso’s Cave adds a touch of mythic allure, as it’s tied to the legend of Odysseus. The cave is accessible and offers a glimpse into ancient Gozitan life. For those interested in archaeology, there’s an option (at own expense) to explore the Ggantija temple complex, one of the oldest free-standing structures in the world, though the entrance fee isn’t included. Multiple reviews describe the site as “fascinating,” and it’s a must-see for history buffs.

Lunch at Xewkija Village

The tour includes a three-course meal in the charming village of Xewkija, which many reviewers consider a highlight. The setting is picturesque, with the famous Rotunda of Xewkija church providing a stunning backdrop. Reviewers like Jessica appreciated the “great view of the village square,” and others mention that the lunch exceeded expectations in both flavor and presentation.

Xlendi Bay, Salt Pans, and Dwejra

The fishing village of Xlendi Bay offers a laid-back vibe, perfect for a quick walk along the waterfront. The salt pans on the north coast are particularly praised for their photogenic, industrial charm—an authentic glimpse into local industry. Many reviewers loved how close they got to the salt beds, describing them as “fascinating to see and photograph.”

The Dwejra area is renowned for its dramatic rock formations and the famous Inland Sea (though boat rides there are an extra cost not included). Some guests mention that weather conditions might influence boat availability, but the views from the land are equally striking. The Comino Caves and Blue Lagoon are the tour’s highlight for many, especially the boat ride option, which is a short but exhilarating 20-minute journey. The vivid blue waters and the opportunity for a quick swim make this a memorable part of the day, although a few travelers noted that the boat ride can get quite rough or that the boat might not always stop at the Blue Lagoon depending on weather or time constraints.

The Citadel and Victoria

The tour culminates in Victoria, the island’s capital, where you can explore the Citadel—a well-preserved fortress offering panoramic views of Gozo. Many reviews mention how guides like Vincent or George bring the history alive with their storytelling. Free time here allows for exploring the quaint streets, shopping, or simply soaking in the island’s relaxed atmosphere.

The Boat Ride Back to Malta

Ending the day with a powerboat ride back to Malta via the Blue Lagoon and Comino Caves is often praised as the perfect finish, with many travelers loving the chance to see the coast from a different perspective. The ride is weather permitting, and some reviews recount that the speed can lead to a rather wet journey—so packing a towel or waterproof jacket might be wise.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour covers hotel pickup and drop-off, ferry tickets, Jeep driver, lunch, and a swim stop. The boat ride from Gozo to Malta is included, but certain attractions such as the Ggantija Temple entrance fee and the boat ride at Dwejra are not included. This means you should budget for these if you plan to visit those sites.

Many reviews highlight the excellent value, especially considering the lunch and multiple sightseeing stops. Some guests voiced slight disappointment about additional costs like the inland sea boat ride or entrance fees, but overall, the experience is considered very good value for the price of about $91 per person.

The Guides and Overall Experience

Throughout the reviews, one thing shines: the guides like Vince, Kiko, Louis, and George receive high praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to make the trip engaging. Guests appreciated guides who shared personal stories, explained the island’s history, and adjusted the itinerary based on preferences.

The tour’s small group feel—often just a few people—makes the experience more personalized and relaxed. Many travelers mention that their guides went out of their way to ensure everyone saw what they wanted, making the day feel tailor-made rather than just a cookie-cutter excursion.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring essentials: sunglasses, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, water, and comfortable shoes.
• Be prepared for a long day: it’s approximately 8 hours, so wear comfortable clothes and consider snacks if you have specific dietary needs.
• Weather considerations: boat rides can be affected by the weather, which might alter the schedule or comfort level.
• Additional costs: budget for entrance fees to sites like Ggantija or boat rides at Dwejra if you want to visit these attractions.
• Booking tips: this tour is popular, so reserve early and confirm pickup details to avoid missing out.

This full-day Gozo jeep tour is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive, hassle-free day of exploring. It’s perfect for those who love a mix of scenic drives, cultural sights, and coastal beauty, all within a well-organized package. If you’re visiting Malta and craving an active, engaging way to see the island’s highlights without the stress of planning every detail yourself, this tour offers excellent value. It’s also suitable for families, groups, or couples who enjoy guided adventures and don’t mind a busy schedule.

However, if you’re a solo traveler seeking deep historical exploration or a quiet beach day, this might feel a bit packed or rushed. Also, those wary of boat rides or with mobility issues should consider the weather implications and the terrain.

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?
Yes, pickup is included from major locations in Malta such as Valletta, Sliema, St Julians, and Gozo. You’ll receive specific pickup information after booking.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, depending on the starting time and weather conditions for the boat ride.

What attractions are included in the tour?
The tour visits the Citadel in Victoria, salt pans, Ramla Bay, Calypso’s Cave, Xewkija village, Xlendi Bay, Dwejra, and the Blue Lagoon, among others. Entrance fees for sites like Ggantija are not included.

Does the tour include a boat ride?
Yes, a 20-minute boat ride is included, weather permitting. The boat takes you from Gozo back to Malta via the Blue Lagoon and Comino Caves.

What should I bring with me?
Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, water, and comfortable shoes. Luggage or large bags aren’t allowed.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Absolutely. It’s described as suitable for all ages, and the guides are known for their friendly approach with families.

Are there any optional activities?
You might choose to visit the Ggantija temple complex or take boat rides in Dwejra at your own expense.

This Full-Day Gozo Jeep Tour from Malta packs in a lot of diverse sights, cultural insights, and stunning scenery into one well-organized package. The inclusion of hotel pickup, a scenic boat ride, and a hearty lunch make it excellent value. The guides’ friendly, knowledgeable attitude ensures you’ll learn about the island in a relaxed, personal way.

It’s perfect for those who want to see a lot without the hassle of planning or driving, especially if you’re eager to experience the best of Gozo in a single day. The combination of off-road adventures, historical sites, and coastal beauty makes it a well-rounded choice for curious explorers and adventure lovers alike.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a memorable day out, this tour offers a fantastic snapshot of Malta’s enchanting neighbor, Gozo. Just be ready for a full day, and you’ll walk away with plenty of stories and spectacular photos to share.