Malta: Around Comino Boat Trip with Gozo Guided Jeep Tour

Planning a day in Malta that balances stunning scenery with authentic local charm? This combined boat trip around Comino and a guided jeep tour of Gozo offers just that. It’s a well-rounded experience that takes you beyond the usual crowds, with a taste of Malta’s natural beauty, history, and laid-back island life—all for about $101 per person.

What we love about this tour is how it seamlessly mixes off-the-beaten-path exploration with leisurely water activities, and the generous buffet lunch with local wine truly adds value. On the flip side, the itinerary can feel quite packed, and some stops might be rushed depending on weather or group size. Still, this trip is perfect for those eager to see a good chunk of Malta and Gozitan highlights in one day, especially if you’re after a mix of adventure, scenery, and local flavor.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Combines jeep tour of Gozo with boat trips around Comino, making it great value for a full-day adventure.
• Authentic exploration: Visit charming villages, ancient sites, and stunning lagoons with knowledgeable guides.
• Leisurely water stops: Swim or snorkel in the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, with gear provided free of charge.
• Flexible options: Includes roundtrip ferry tickets, with optional cave trips and temple visits at extra costs.
• Authentic local meals: Enjoy a buffet lunch with unlimited wine and water, either on the boat or at a local restaurant.
• Mixed reviews: Some guests praise the guides and scenery, while others note logistical hiccups or shorter stops.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

This tour is designed to give you a comprehensive look at Malta’s neighboring islands of Gozo and Comino without overloading your day or breaking the bank. It’s operated by Barbarossa Excursions, and the day typically lasts around 6.5 hours, starting with your hotel pickup (one of 50 locations) and ending with a drop-off at the same or nearby spots. The full itinerary involves both land and sea leg-stretching and sightseeing.

The Jeep Tour of Gozo: Authentic Land Exploration

The jeep safari is the backbone of the inland experience. You’ll be riding in sturdy 4x4s with an experienced, multilingual driver-guide who shares stories, facts, and local secrets. Guests consistently mention how knowledgeable and friendly guides like George and Johnny make the experience stand out. One reviewer even said, “Sandro did his best to ensure that we saw as many sights as possible,” highlighting the flexibility and personal touch guides bring.

Your route takes you through the island’s most charming towns and villages, showcasing traditional architecture and scenic views. Stops include Qala, where you might explore the Calypso Cave (a picturesque spot tied to local legend), and Zebbug with its salt pans—a visual reminder of Malta’s historic salt harvesting industry. You also get a quick look at the Basilica of Ta’ Pinu, a significant religious site, passing by it in the van.

The jeep ride is somewhat “whistle stop,” but many guests appreciate the overview of the island, especially since some stops are relatively short. As one reviewer put it, “The jeep tour gave an overview of the island,” with some noting that it felt rushed but still worthwhile for the scenery and local insights.

The Boat Cruise: Scenic Water Adventures

After the land tour, you’ll board a twin-masted schooner for a cruise around Comino, where the natural beauty takes center stage. The highlight here are stops at the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, both famous for their turquoise waters and stunning landscapes.

Guests consistently praise the swimming and snorkeling opportunities, with gear like masks and snorkels provided free onboard. The water clarity is often described as “spectacular,” especially in summer, making it worth the effort. One reviewer noted, “The boat ride to the lagoons was unforgettable,” emphasizing how peaceful and beautiful these spots are, even if the weather isn’t perfect.

The boat cruise includes a stop in Mgarr Harbour and other scenic points, with some optional cave visits (additional fee). The sea caves and film locations, like the one used in “The Count of Monte Cristo,” provide great photo ops and a sense of adventure.

Lunch and Refreshments: Relaxed and Generous

Part of the tour’s charm is the buffet lunch with local wine and mineral water. Depending on weather and timing, lunch might be served on the boat or at the well-regarded Mariblu Restaurant in Gozo. Reviews mention the food as delicious and plentiful, with some guests saying it exceeded expectations.

Unlimited wine and water add a relaxed vibe, perfect after a busy morning. One guest commented, “Lunch was a very pleasant surprise,” highlighting how the meal complements the day’s activities.

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Additional Stops and Optional Activities

The itinerary includes visits to Mgarr Salt Pans, Qala, and Xagra, where you can take photos and learn about local salt harvesting. A quick pass-by of the Dwejra Bay and a stop at the Ta’ Pinu Basilica provide a cultural context, even if brief.

Optional activities like cave trips (costing about €10) or the inland sea at Dwejra are available for an extra fee, but not included in the base price. Some reviews mention that weather or time constraints limit the depth of exploration, which is worth considering.

Logistics and Practicalities

The tour includes roundtrip ferry tickets (when needed), so you won’t need to buy separate tickets. Pickup points are conveniently spread across many hotels and locations, making it easier to join the adventure.

The duration of 6.5 hours means you’ll be busy, but most guests find it well-paced—unless weather or group size causes delays. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people with mobility impairments, due to the nature of vehicle stops and boat activities.

What the Reviews Say

Many guests rave about the guides, describing them as “brilliant,” “funny,” and “knowledgeable”. One said, “Sandro was an excellent guide who did his best to ensure we saw as many sights as possible,” emphasizing the value of personal attention.

The boat stops at the lagoons seem to be a high point, with visitors mentioning the clear waters and swimming as highlights. One reviewer declared, “The boat ride to the lagoons was unforgettable,” which captures the essence of this experience.

A few reviewers note logistical issues, like late pickups or short stops, but overall, most agree that the value for money and variety of sights make this a worthwhile day.

Who Would Love This Tour?

If you’re after a full-day, diverse experience of Malta’s natural beauty, history, and charming villages, this trip hits the mark. It’s especially suited for active travelers who enjoy a mix of land and water, and those looking for an authentic taste of local life outside the main tourist spots.

Families with children over 12, and anyone comfortable with a bit of rushing around, will likely enjoy this. However, those with mobility issues or pregnant women should consider other options, as parts of the trip involve vehicle stops and boat activities.

This tour offers great value for travelers wanting a rundown—covering beaches, caves, villages, and cultural sites—without the hassle of organizing separate excursions.

The Sum Up

This combined Jeep and boat tour is a smart way to enjoy Malta’s varied scenery in one day. It’s especially appealing for travelers who want to see Gozo’s charming villages and stunning inland sights while also dipping into Comino’s famous lagoons. The guides’ local knowledge and friendly demeanor make it more personable than many large-group excursions, and the buffet lunch with unlimited wine adds a nice touch of relaxation.

While some stops may feel a touch rushed, the overall experience offers a good balance of adventure and leisure. It’s excellent for those who value authenticity, scenic beauty, and good value. Expect a full day packed with memorable moments, scenic views, and the chance to create lasting holiday stories.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children under 12 can join, but you’ll need to provide proof of age, such as a passport copy. The tour involves boat and jeep rides, so kids should be comfortable with these activities.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, a camera, and sunscreen are recommended. The water activities make swimwear and towels especially useful.

How long are the stops at lagoons?
Guests typically have about an hour at each lagoon to swim, take photos, or relax. This allows enough time to enjoy the beautiful waters without feeling rushed.

Are the boat trips weather-dependent?
Yes, the boat cruise is subject to weather conditions. In rough seas or bad weather, the schedule or route may be adjusted for safety.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers guide services, ferry tickets when needed, the buffet lunch with unlimited wine and water, and swim gear onboard. Extra activities like cave trips or temple visits are optional and cost extra.

Is there a maximum group size?
While exact group sizes aren’t specified, reviews suggest it’s a shared tour with other groups, which helps keep costs down and social energy high.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making this a flexible option for last-minute travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here: