Gozo, Comino & the Blue Lagoon: Malta's Island-Hopping Day Trip
Malta's greatest day out happens on the water. Cruise to Comino's electric-blue lagoon, swim through sea caves and explore rugged Gozo by jeep or buggy — here's how to island-hop from Valletta, and the best-rated boat trips and tours to book.
At a glance
- 1Morning cruise to Comino's Blue Lagoon
- 2Swim & snorkel the Crystal Lagoon and sea caves
- 3Explore Gozo by jeep, quad or buggy
- 4Sunset sail back to Malta
Set sail for the Blue Lagoon
Most island-hopping trips leave from Sliema, Bugibba or St Julian's and make a beeline for Comino's Blue Lagoon, where the shallow water glows an unreal turquoise. Large sightseeing cruises give you a few hours to swim, while catamarans and private boats add stops at the Crystal Lagoon and sea caves. Go early or choose a sunset departure to dodge the midday crowds that pack the tiny bay.
Wild Gozo by jeep, quad or buggy
Comino is only half the story. A short crossing brings you to Gozo, greener and quieter than Malta, where jeep, quad and buggy safaris rattle along back roads to the Ggantija temples, the Ta' Pinu basilica, salt pans and Xlendi Bay. Full-day 4x4 tours usually bundle lunch and a Blue Lagoon boat stop, so you get the wild island and the famous swim in one outing.
Choosing your boat: cruise, catamaran or private charter
Your experience depends on the boat. Big group cruises are the cheapest and cover Comino, Gozo and the caves with a lively onboard atmosphere. Catamarans and adults-only sailings are calmer, while private charters and speedboats let you set your own pace and reach quieter coves. Whichever you pick, bring water shoes, reef-safe sunscreen and a towel — most stops are swim-in rather than jetty landings.
Book the experiences in this itinerary
Top-rated tours for exactly what this plan recommends in Valletta — prices per person.
