Gozo and Comino Islands: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & caves

Exploring Malta’s stunning coastline and smaller islands becomes effortless with the Gozo and Comino Islands: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & caves tour. Priced at $34.83 per person and lasting approximately 6 to 7 hours, this tour combines scenic boat rides, swimming stops in famous lagoons, and a visit to the historic city of Victoria in Gozo. The tour departs from Bugibba on a modern catamaran, offering a comfortable and accessible way to see Malta’s highlights. Its affordability and engaging stops make it especially appealing for travelers seeking a blend of relaxation and sightseeing.

While most reviews praise the well-organized nature of the trip and the helpful staff, some mention that the boat’s amenities and the experience can vary seasonally. The tour is suited to those who enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and exploring coastal scenery, though it may feel rushed for visitors wanting more time on each island. This tour offers a practical way to see Malta’s beautiful lagoons and highlights in one day, with some limitations to keep in mind.

Key Points

• Full-day boat tour covering Gozo and Comino islands from Bugibba
• Includes stops at the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon (seasonal)
• Swim and snorkel in turquoise waters at famous lagoons
• Visit the city of Victoria in Gozo, with transportation included
• Optional explorations on Comino and the Santa Maria caves
• Price of $34.83 offers good value, but amenities like lockers and slides vary seasonally

Starting Point at Sirens Quay in Bugibba

The tour departs from Sirens Quay, located at 24 Triq San Geraldu, San Pawl il-Baar. From several nearby towns like Mellieha, Sliema, and St Julians, the nearest bus stop is Parades bus stop, just a five-minute walk away. The meeting point is straightforward, but arriving 30 minutes early is recommended to ensure smooth boarding.

The modern catamaran used for this trip is described as stable and comfortable, with padded sun lounges available. Travelers note that during December to April, the vessel might change to a large sailing catamaran without underwater windows or slides, which could influence some expectations.

Scenic Cruising Along Malta’s Rugged Coastline

The tour begins with a cruise from Sirens Quay along Malta’s coast, offering views of enormous cliffs and rock formations. The boat passes near St. Paul’s Island, where a statue of Saint Paul stands prominently. This section provides a magnificent vantage point of Malta’s natural coastline and the sea caves, ideal for photography.

Travelers often appreciate the informative commentary about Malta’s geography and history during this segment. The sea caves are especially popular for capturing impressive photos and experiencing the raw beauty of Malta’s coastline.

Blue Lagoon: The Iconic Swimming Spot

The Blue Lagoon on Comino is a highlight, with the boat mooring for about an hour. Travelers can use the boat as a base to swim, snorkel, or relax on deck. The turquoise waters and calm environment make it one of the most cherished stops on the tour.

Reviewers commonly praise the beautiful scenery and clear waters of the lagoon. The docked position offers a great view and the chance to take memorable photos. The free swimming stop is a major reason this trip stands out, although limited facilities mean bringing essentials like water and sun protection is wise.

Crystal Lagoon: Seasonal Swimming and Cave Exploration

From June to October, the Crystal Lagoon is included as a swimming stop, offering a less crowded and less well-known alternative to the Blue Lagoon. Surrounded by steep cliffs, this lagoon features exceptionally clear water perfect for snorkeling and diving.

Visitors can jump from waterslides, swim into sea caves, or simply enjoy the tranquility of this secluded spot. In the off-season (November to May), the stop is reduced to about 15 minutes for photos and cave visits, emphasizing the seasonal nature of this feature.

Guided Tour of Gozo’s Capital, Victoria

Included in the ticket price is transport to Victoria, the capital of Gozo. The city is rich in history, with the Citadel rising high above the narrow streets. Travelers can explore the fortified town, the St. George’s Basilica coated in marble, and admire its ornate interior.

The visit lasts about 2 hours and 10 minutes, enough time to wander the streets, visit local cafes, and see key landmarks. The basilica’s artwork and St. George statue are notable features that appeal to history enthusiasts and architecture lovers alike.

Exploring Comino and the Sea Caves

After returning from Gozo, the boat anchors near Comino, allowing time for ashore exploration or relaxing on deck. The island is famous for its stunning scenery, with the Santa Maria caves accessible during the cruise.

A highlight is viewing the Elephants Head rock formation, a dramatic natural sculpture. The one-hour stop offers a chance to take photos or enjoy the peaceful environment, though some prefer to stay on the boat to maximize lagoon time.

Santa Maria Pirate Caves and Rock Formations on Return

As the tour winds down, the boat enters the Santa Maria pirate caves, adding a bit of adventure and intrigue to the cruise back. Travelers get a brief glimpse of the rock formation known as the Elephant’s Head, which adds to the visual appeal of the journey.

This 10-minute segment makes for a nice finale, providing photo opportunities before returning to Bugibba. The cruise back can be windy or rough, so those prone to seasickness should prepare accordingly.

Practical Details and Amenities

Included in the tour are swimming stops at Blue Lagoon and, seasonally, Crystal Lagoon, transport to Victoria, padded sun lounges, and access to sea caves. The boat features waterslides and an underwater viewing window, although these amenities are season-dependent.

Food and drinks are not included, but vendors are available at stops for purchase. For safety, lockers are available for €2, and snorkel equipment can be hired for €5. The tour’s max capacity of 250 travelers ensures a lively atmosphere but can also mean some crowding.

Seasonality and Variability in the Experience

The boat used for the tour may change in winter months, possibly replacing the usual vessel with a sailing catamaran without some of the features like underwater windows or slides. Plus, the stop at Crystal Lagoon is seasonal, only available from June 1st to October 30th.

Weather conditions can influence the route or stops, and poor weather may lead to cancellations or route changes. The tour reserves the right to modify the itinerary for safety or operational reasons.

Customer Feedback and Practical Tips

Reviews highlight the good value and beautiful scenery, with many praising the helpfulness of staff and comfortable boats. Some note that being early helps secure an outdoor seat, and sea sickness can be an issue during rough weather.

A few reviews mention disappointments around amenities like slides or underwater windows not being available, and some travelers find the time allocated in Gozo to be short. These points are worth considering for those wanting a more relaxed experience.

Gaining the Most from Your Malta Lagoon and Island Tour

This tour offers an accessible, affordable way to see Malta’s iconic lagoons, sea caves, and historic city of Victoria in one day. It is ideal for swimmers and snorkelers looking to enjoy Malta’s waters and for those interested in short visits to Gozo’s capital.

While the amenities and stops can vary seasonally, the overall value for money and scenic variety make it a worthwhile option. Travelers seeking more time on each island might consider longer or private options, but this tour hits the highlights efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult. The boat is generally suitable for families, especially those who enjoy water activities.

What are the main stops on this tour?
The key stops include Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon (seasonal), Victoria in Gozo, Comino, and the Santa Maria caves.

How long is the stop at Blue Lagoon?
The boat moors for 1 hour at Blue Lagoon, giving plenty of time to swim and relax.

Can I disembark at Blue Lagoon?
Yes, disembarkation at Blue Lagoon is available, but tickets must be purchased separately from www.blcomino.com.

Are meals included in the price?
No, food and drinks are not included but can be purchased at stops.

What amenities are on the boat?
The boat includes padded sun lounges, waterslides (seasonally), and an underwater viewing window (seasonally).

How do I get to the departure point?
The nearest bus stop is Parades bus stop; from there, it’s a 5-minute walk to Sirens Quay.

What should I bring for the trip?
Bring sun protection, water, and towels. If seasick, consider taking medication as the cruise can be rocky.

Is the experience seasonal?
Yes, certain stops like Crystal Lagoon are seasonal, and boat amenities may change in winter months.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour may be canceled due to poor weather, and you will be offered a reschedule or full refund.

This full-day boat tour from Malta offers a mix of beautiful lagoons, historic sites, and stunning coastlines at a reasonable price. It suits those eager to see Malta’s natural beauty without the hassle of organizing multiple excursions, though it’s best suited for active swimmers and short-stay visitors.