Full Day Ryker Tour

Exploring Malta’s Smaller Islands: The Full Day Ryker Tour

This full-day adventure through Malta’s lesser-known islands of Gozo and Comino offers a unique blend of rugged scenery, cultural sights, and relaxing waterside moments. The tour combines off-road jeep excursions with a scenic powerboat ride, providing a well-rounded experience that’s perfect for those who want to see more than just Malta’s main island.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the fun of driving a brand-new Ryker motorcycle, guided by an enthusiastic expert who shares insights into the islands’ highlights. Plus, the chance to swim in the warm Mediterranean waters at various stops adds a refreshing touch to the day.

One thing to consider is that the jeep ride can be a bit tight and bumpy, which might not suit travelers seeking a very relaxed or luxurious experience. This tour tends to be best for active travelers or those looking to cover a lot of ground in a single day.

This experience is ideal for adventurous souls, nature lovers, and anyone eager to explore Malta’s scenic spots with a bit of thrill and flavor. If you’re after a day filled with sightseeing, delicious food, and coastal dips, this could be a good fit.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary combining land and sea exploration of Gozo and Comino
• Guided by knowledgeable, friendly tour leaders who enhance the experience
• Includes a traditional Maltese lunch and local wines for authentic flavors
• Swim stops in Mediterranean waters, with the chance to relax and soak up the sun
• Small group size (maximum 8 travelers), ensuring a more personal experience
• Weather dependent scenic boat trip past the Blue Lagoon and Comino Caves

In-Depth Look at the Full Day Ryker Tour

Starting Off: Seamless Pickup and Transportation

The tour kicks off early in Malta, with a pickup from your hotel (or near public transportation points). The first highlight from reviews is how smoothly the transfer is organized. You’ll travel by land and private powerboat crossing—which means no long ferry queues, and a more direct route to the island of Gozo. This aspect is a real time-saver and sets the tone for a hassle-free day.

The Jeep Experience: Discovering Gozo

Once on Gozo, the jeep rides are the cornerstone of this tour. Each participant gets to drive or share the brand-new Ryker with an expert guide (drivers must be over 21 with a valid license).

The jeep adventure covers many of the main attractions, starting with Qala Belvedere, which offers stunning views over the coastline, and Ramla Valley with its famous red sandy beach. According to reviews, the jeep is quite snug, which can be uncomfortable for larger travelers or those who prefer a more relaxed ride. Yet, the guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the ride engaging rather than just bumpy.

Stops include Xewkija Rotunda Church, a striking religious site, and Sanap Cliffs (not in winter), which provide dramatic cliff views. The Saltpans and Ghasri Valley also feature in the route, giving a taste of Gozo’s rugged terrain and historical salt production.

Highlights: Ramla Bay, Fungus Rock, and The Inland Sea

A key stop is Ramla Bay, where travelers often spend some time soaking up the sun or dipping their toes in the clear, warm water. The red sand beach is iconic and a favorite for many travelers—a beautiful spot to relax and take photos.

Fungus Rock, a small island, is another highlight—its unique shape and historical significance make it worth a quick photo stop. The Inland Sea, a natural lagoon accessible via a boat ride, is a major draw for visitors seeking that quintessential Maltese coastal scene. Though the boat ride isn’t included in the base price, it can be arranged, and reviews mention it as a beautiful, peaceful moment.

Lunch: A Taste of Malta

Midday, everyone gathers for a delicious Maltese 3-course lunch with vegetarian, vegan, and halal options available on request. Many reviewers rave about the local wines and the flavors of traditional dishes, making it a highlight of the day. It’s a chance to unwind, sample authentic cuisine, and share stories with fellow travelers.

The Powerboat Ride: From Gozo to Comino

Post-lunch, it’s time for the scenic boat trip. The ride past Cominos Caves and the Blue Lagoon offers impressive views of the coastline and the chance to dive into the turquoise waters. The boat trip is weather dependent but often praised for its calm waters and picturesque scenery.

As one reviewer noted, “the boat ride to Comino was really good, and it was the part that really felt worth it,” highlighting the appeal of this part of the tour.

Swimming and Relaxation

The swim stops are a big appeal of the tour, especially during summer. Pack your swimsuit, towel, and sun protection. Travelers often comment on the warm, inviting Mediterranean waters—the perfect way to cool down after a few hours of exploring.

Returning to Malta

The tour wraps up with a scenic return boat trip and the journey back to Malta, usually arriving between 5:30 pm and 6:00 pm. The overall timing feels well-paced, giving enough time to appreciate the sights without feeling overly rushed.

What the Reviews Say

Most reviews speak positively about the guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge, with Maurice being singled out for making the day special. Travelers appreciate the small group size (max 8 people), which fosters a more intimate experience.

The food and wine are consistently praised, with some describing the lunch as a “delicious Maltese meal paired with local wines.” The scenic stops like Ramla Bay and the Inland Sea are especially valued, with many noting that the boat ride was a highlight.

However, some reviewers mention the jeep ride can be uncomfortable due to space constraints, and the itinerary can feel surface-level—quick stops rather than in-depth exploration. The boat trip’s weather dependency is another factor to consider, as poor weather might limit some of the scenic parts.

Analyzing the Value

At around $132 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive taste of Gozo and Comino, blending adventure, scenic beauty, and authentic Maltese cuisine. The inclusion of a guided jeep tour, boat crossing, lunch, and scenic boat trip makes it a robust package, especially given the small group size.

For travelers wanting a full-day, active experience, it’s a good way to see a lot without the hassle of planning multiple separate excursions. The small group setting is a plus if you prefer more personalized attention and less crowding.

The cost might seem high compared to just doing individual activities, but when you factor in transportation, guided commentary, and meals, it’s quite reasonable for a day packed with diverse experiences.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour mainly suits adventurous travelers who enjoy off-road rides and scenic boat trips. It’s perfect if you want a guided, all-in-one experience that takes the hassle out of logistics and offers authentic highlights of Gozo and Comino.

Those interested in local cuisine and wines will appreciate the included lunch. If you’re comfortable with small groups and a bit of bumpy riding, this tour offers a memorable way to explore Malta’s smaller islands.

Final Thoughts

The Full Day Ryker Tour offers a lively, well-organized way to see Gozo and Comino, especially if you’re after a blend of adventure, authentic sights, and relaxation in the Mediterranean sun. The guides’ knowledge, combined with delicious food and scenic highlights, make it a worthwhile choice.

While the jeep ride’s tight space might not be for everyone, the overall experience provides great value for those eager to explore Malta’s hidden gems with a small group. Expect a day filled with beautiful views, cultural stops, and refreshing dips—a genuine adventure for active travelers.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the tour package, making it easy and convenient to start your day.

How long is the total tour duration?
The entire experience lasts approximately 6 hours, from early morning pickup to return in the late afternoon or early evening.

Are vegetarian, vegan, and halal options available for lunch?
Yes, the 3-course lunch can be tailored to dietary needs on request, including vegetarian, vegan, and halal choices.

What are the requirements for Ryker drivers?
Drivers must be 21 or older, hold a valid full driving license, and show ID and license before departure.

Can children participate?
Children under 5 are not allowed as passengers, so this tour is best suited for older children and adults.

What should I bring for the day?
Bring a small backpack with essentials like sun protection, a swimsuit and towel for swimming stops, and some cash for optional extras.

What happens if the weather is poor?
The tour is weather dependent. In case of cancellation due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a more personalized and engaging experience.