Malta: Gozo Buggy Tour with Lunch, Boat Cruise and Transfers

Planning a day trip to Malta with a desire to see the island’s lesser-known treasures? The Malta: Gozo Buggy Tour with Lunch, Boat Cruise, and Transfers offers a balanced mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. For around $96 per person, you’re getting a full 8-hour experience that covers UNESCO World Heritage sites, scenic viewpoints, local cuisine, and a refreshing swim—what’s not to love?

What really stands out about this tour are two things: the expert guidance that brings the history and scenery alive, and the combination of activities—from buggy driving to boat trips—that keeps the day lively and varied. The inclusion of a buffet lunch with local wine and a swim stop at Xwejni Bay makes it feel like a true day of indulgence.

One thing to keep in mind is that the buggy experience isn’t electric—so there’s some noise and engine heat—but most find it part of the authentic fun. This tour suits travelers who enjoy exploring at a leisurely pace, appreciate cultural highlights, and want a taste of Malta’s natural beauty without sacrificing comfort or authenticity.

If you’re after a well-rounded day that combines adventure, history, and relaxation, this tour hits the mark.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary: Combines cultural sites, scenic views, and natural stops with a relaxed pace.
• Expert guides: Multilingual drivers provide engaging commentary and local insights.
• Valuable inclusions: Lunch with local wine, boat trip, and swimming make the experience feel complete.
• Authentic sites: Visits to UNESCO Ggantija Temples, Citadel, and Calypso Cave offer a genuine taste of Gozo’s history.
• Flexible options: Optional entrance fees and activities allow customization.
• Good value: At $96, it offers a full day of discovery and fun, often praised for its knowledgeable guides and tasty lunch.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Itinerary and Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins with pickup from a wide selection of over 40 locations, including major hotels and resorts, making it easy to plan your day without extra hassle. The journey starts with a comfortable minivan ride to Mgarr Harbour, where the adventure truly begins. The group size tends to be manageable, allowing for personalized attention from your multilingual guide.

The Buggy Adventure: A Fun Way to Explore

Once at Mgarr, you board your buggy, which isn’t electric, meaning there’s some engine noise and warmth, but it adds to the real experience of driving through Gozitan countryside. We loved the way this mode of transport encouraged a sense of freedom, allowing us to stop easily at scenic spots and take in the views. Reviewers mention that the guides are helpful and knowledgeable, which enhances the ride, especially as they share stories about each site.

Scenic Stops and Cultural Highlights

First stop is the Qala Belvedere, where panoramic views of Malta, Comino, and Gozo stretch out before you. It’s a perfect spot for photos and to appreciate the vastness of the archipelago. Then, passing by the Qala Parish Church, you get a glimpse of local religious architecture.

Driving through the Simar Valley reveals the lush, terraced fields that characterize Gozitan scenery. It’s a peaceful contrast to Malta’s busier spots, and your guide will often share insights about local farming and history—making it much more meaningful than just a drive-by.

The Calypso Cave is a highlight—not only because of its legendary link to Homer’s Odyssey but also for the stunning views from the site. It’s a short visit, but many reviewers find it a fascinating stop, adding a layer of myth and mystery to your day.

More Great Tours Nearby

UNESCO Heritage and Historic Towns

The Ggantija Temples are a must-see. Dating back to around 3600 BC, these megalithic structures are among the oldest free-standing monuments worldwide. You’ll have about 30 minutes to explore, and most visitors agree that the scale and age of the stones leave a lasting impression. An optional guided tour can deepen your understanding of the site’s significance.

Next comes Victoria’s Citadel, a historic fortified city offering sweeping views over the island. Inside, you’ll find narrow streets, historic buildings, and small museums. The view from the ramparts gives you a sense of the strategic importance of this spot across centuries.

Lunch at Mariblu Guest House

Midday, your group stops for a buffet lunch featuring cold cuts, salads, and local specialties. Reviewers mention that the lunch is simple but tasty, with the added bonus of local wine and mineral water. It’s a relaxed break that refuels everyone for the afternoon’s activities.

Coastal and Natural Marvels

Post-lunch, the tour takes you past the Xlendi Cliffs, where the sheer cliffs drop into the sea—perfect for dramatic photos. Then, it’s on to Dwejra, famous for its coastal formations like the Inland Sea. Although the Azure Window collapsed in 2017, the area remains visually striking, and many guests enjoy the chance to see its remnants and unique geology.

Nearby, the Ta Pinu Sanctuary is a spiritual highlight, with its impressive architecture and revered status as a pilgrimage site. The Wied il-Mielah Window, a natural limestone arch, offers another excellent photo opportunity—less crowded but equally impressive.

Salt Pans and Swimming

The tour’s highlight for many is the swim stop at Xwejni Bay. The clear waters invite a refreshing dip, and reviewers rave about the natural beauty of the area. The salt pans, which have been used for centuries, offer insight into traditional salt-making and provide intriguing photo opportunities.

The Boat Cruise and Return

Later, a boat trip passes by the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Sea Caves, passing scenic spots that add a different perspective on the coastal scenery—weather permitting, as conditions can vary. The return involves crossing via ferry, offering more chances to relax and take in the views.

The journey concludes with a second minivan ride back to your original pickup point, often leaving participants feeling satisfied and enriched by the day’s variety.

What Our Reviewers Say

Many reviews highlight the knowledge and friendliness of the guides—notably Tony, Charlie, and Nick—who make the experience engaging and informative. One reviewer mentions that their driver Charlie even brought cheese during lunch, adding a personal touch.

The lunch and wine get high praise for simple yet tasty quality, while the scenic stops at places like Calypso Cave and the Ggantija Temples leave a lasting impression. The swim stop at Xwejni Bay is universally appreciated, with travelers describing it as a highlight of the day.

Some mention that the buggy isn’t electric, so expect some noise and engine heat, but most agree it’s part of the authentic, adventurous feel. The boat ride, although not always a speedboat, is regarded as a scenic and relaxing addition.

Practical Considerations and Value

At $96 per person for an 8-hour tour, the value proposition is significant. It includes transportation, guide services, lunch, and some activities, making it a fairly economical way to see a broad swath of Gozo. Optional entrance fees and activities—like the Ggantija Temple entry and boat ride at Inland Sea—allow for some customization.

The tour’s flexible cancellation policy, with free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand, offers peace of mind for spontaneous travelers.

Be sure to bring swimwear, sunscreen, camera, and comfortable outdoor clothes—the day involves plenty of walking, photo stops, and a swim opportunity in summer or shoulder seasons.

Is This Tour Right for You?

This tour suits travelers who want to see a variety of highlights without the hassle of organizing individual transportation. It’s perfect if you enjoy cultural sites, scenic views, and a relaxed pace with plenty of photo opportunities. The inclusion of lunch and a swim makes it feel like a full, satisfying day.

The small-group feel, guided commentary, and mix of activities also make it ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a well-rounded day in Gozo. If you’re after a full immersion into the island’s natural beauty and history—without the stress of self-driving—this tour is a solid choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes transportation in a minivan, guided commentary in multiple languages, lunch with local wine and mineral water, a swim stop at Xwejni Bay, and return ferry tickets when needed. Optional entries to the Ggantija Temples and boat rides at the Inland Sea are extra.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts around 8 hours, with various stops and activities scheduled throughout the day.

Do I need to pay extra for entrance fees?
Yes, the Ggantija Temples entrance fee and boat ride at the Inland Sea are not included but can be added as optional activities.

Can I bring my children?
Yes, many reviews mention families enjoying the tour. Keep in mind the buggy experience isn’t electric, so engine noise and heat are factors, but overall the trip suits all ages.

Is the buggy experience suitable for first-timers?
Absolutely. The guides are helpful, and even if you’re not used to driving a buggy, you can enjoy the scenic rides and stops.

What should I bring?
Pack swimwear if you want to swim, sunscreen, a camera, water, and comfortable outdoor clothes. Remember that alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

Is the tour suitable during winter?
The swim stop and boat cruise are weather-dependent and may be less appealing during colder months. The itinerary can be adjusted accordingly.

How many people are in each group?
The group size is managed by the provider and typically small enough for personal attention, making it ideal for those who prefer a more intimate experience.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

This Gozo buggy tour offers a well-balanced, authentic experience that combines history, natural beauty, and local flavor. It’s a fantastic way to cover a lot of ground in one day, especially if you’re eager to see UNESCO sites, enjoy scenic viewpoints, and indulge in local cuisine.

The knowledgeable guides, scenic stops, and relaxed pace make it suitable for most travelers looking for a comprehensive yet enjoyable exploration of Gozo. The inclusion of a swim stop and optional boat rides adds a touch of leisure that rounds out the adventure.

If you’re after an active, engaging way to discover the island’s highlights while also savoring some Maltese hospitality, this tour is worth considering.

Whether you’re into culture, scenery, or just a fun day out, this trip will leave you with plenty of memorable moments—and some great photos, too.

You can check availability for your dates here: