Malta: Gozo Buggy Tour with Lunch and Boat Ride
Exploring Malta’s neighboring island of Gozo via a buggy tour combined with a boat ride, delicious lunch, and scenic stops sounds like a fantastic way to spend a day. While we haven’t personally joined this specific adventure, the detailed itinerary and glowing reviews make it clear that this experience offers a diverse mix of adventure, stunning views, and cultural highlights.
What we love about this tour is its blend of active exploration with relaxing moments — zipping through rugged landscapes in a buggy, enjoying a private boat ride, and taking time to soak in panoramic views. The inclusion of a flexible lunch with vegetarian, vegan, and halal options shows thoughtfulness for different dietary needs, enhancing the overall experience.
One potential consideration is the weather dependency for the boat ride and swim stop, which might impact your plans or expectations in less sunny seasons. Also, this tour is best suited for those comfortable with driving or riding in a buggy — drivers need to be 21+, with a valid license, and proper footwear is required.
This tour appeals most to travelers craving a full day of outdoor activity, scenic beauty, and authentic Maltese culture in a relatively small group setting.
Key Points
- Diverse Experiences: Combines buggy exploration, boat rides, and sightseeing for a well-rounded day.
- Stunning Views: Offers panoramic vistas from Qala Belvedere, Sanap Cliffs, and Blue Lagoon.
- Cultural Highlights: Visits to Xewkija Rotunda, Dwejra, and local bays add depth.
- Flexible & Convenient: Includes transfers, lunch, and a private boat ride, making planning easier.
- Seasonal Flexibility: Swim stops are available in summer, perfect for hot days.
- Age & License Requirements: Not suitable for children under 3 or those without a driver’s license.
A Comprehensive Review of the Malta: Gozo Buggy Tour with Lunch and Boat Ride
Looking for more options in Marsalforn? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
An Overview of the Experience
This tour offers an energetic, varied way to see the highlights of Gozo, Malta’s charming neighboring island. Starting with a private powerboat ride, travelers bypass the queues and enjoy a scenic crossing from Malta to Gozo, where adventure truly begins. Once on land, the focus shifts to driving a buggy along rugged trails and scenic roads, giving you a sense of freedom and intimacy with the island’s landscapes.
The itinerary is carefully crafted, balancing driving, sightseeing, and relaxing moments. The highlight is the 6-hour buggy adventure, during which you’ll visit essential sights like Ramla Bay, known for its unique red sands, and the impressive Xewkija Rotunda with its massive dome. The tour also explores remarkable natural features such as the Sanap Cliffs, and the picturesque Xlendi Bay, renowned for its dramatic coastline and vibrant atmosphere.
Adding a layer of luxury and comfort, the tour includes a 20-minute private boat ride back to Malta—weather permitting—that takes in the famous Blue Lagoon and the Comino caves, offering a chance to marvel at Malta’s crystalline waters and unique rock formations.
The Itinerary in Detail
Starting with the boat ride:
This segment sets the tone for the day. Travelers can enjoy relaxing views of the sea and, if lucky, spot boats and marine life as they glide across the water. Multiple reviews mention how smooth and scenic this crossing is, with some noting it’s a great way to start the day away from the crowds. You’ll avoid long queues, which is especially appreciated during busy months, and the boat ride offers a fresh perspective of Malta’s coastlines.
Arrival at Gozo and buggy adventure:
Once on land, your guide will lead you into the world of adventure driving. The buggies are generally automatic, making them accessible for most drivers. The tour emphasizes safety and adherence to instructions, with a guide accompanying you at all times. Expect to drive through rural lanes, scenic vineyards, and coastal trails—and yes, some bumps and thrilling moments are part of the fun.
Highlights include:
- Qala Belvedere: Offers sweeping views that stretch across the island and beyond, perfect for photos and soaking in the landscape.
- Ramla Bay: Known for its distinct red sands, this beach is an iconic stop. Visitors have noted that it’s “a peaceful spot with stunning scenery,” ideal for free time and photos.
- Xewkija Rotunda: A must-see architectural marvel, this church’s massive dome and ornate interior impress visitors and provide insight into local religious culture.
- Sanap Cliffs & Xlendi Bay: The rugged coastline offers dramatic scenery, perfect for those who love nature’s raw beauty.
Natural marvels and local charm:
The tour also takes in Dwejra, once Malta’s most famous natural site before the sea erosion changed its landscape. The inland sea and Fungus Rock are highlights, offering a glimpse into Malta’s geological history. A stop at L-Ghasri Valley and Marsalforn Bay showcases the island’s vibrant coastal life and scenic beauty.
Swim and relaxation in summer:
In the warmer months, travelers can take a swim stop—a much-appreciated feature that lets you cool off in clear waters. Many reviewers highlight how refreshing and relaxing this part of the day is, especially after hours of driving and sightseeing. It’s worth packing swimwear and sun protection.
The return boat ride:
At day’s end, you hop back onto a private boat for a 20-minute ride that offers stunning views of the Blue Lagoon and the Comino caves. If the weather is good, this is a highlight for many, with some comparing it to a “postcard scene,” perfect for photos and unwinding after a busy day.
Practicalities and Value
This tour is priced at $199 per group—a good deal considering the inclusive nature of the experience. It covers transfers, lunch with special dietary options, the full buggy tour, and the boat ride, making it a smooth and stress-free day out.
The tour duration is about six hours on land, plus the boat ride, which makes it comprehensive without feeling rushed. The inclusion of local cuisine options and the chance to explore a variety of sites ensures that participants get a well-rounded view of Gozo’s beauty and culture.
Important details:
- Drivers must be 21+ with a valid license.
- Proper footwear, like trainers, is necessary for safety.
- Swimmers should bring swimwear and sunscreen.
- The tour is not suitable for children under 3.
- During summer, the swim stop is a highlight, so plan accordingly.
Authentic Insights from Reviews
Many travelers appreciated the scenic drives and the opportunity to explore at your own pace. One reviewer mentioned that the views from Qala Belvedere were “breathtaking,” and the Ramla Bay stop was “a peaceful retreat.” Others noted that the boat ride was “smooth and scenic,” with some saying it’s a great way to unwind after the busy day.
A few reviewers pointed out the importance of proper footwear and following safety instructions—especially when driving the buggies. The guides are praised for being professional, friendly, and helpful, often sharing interesting tidbits about the sites visited.
The Sum Up
This tour provides a dynamic way to see Gozo’s highlights, combining adventure, natural beauty, and cultural sights. The buggy drive offers a fun way to explore rugged terrain, while the boat ride and swim stop add moments of relaxation amid the adventure. The inclusion of a lunch with dietary options and comfortable transfers makes it a practical choice for those wanting a complete day out.
Perfect for active travelers who enjoy outdoor exploration and scenic landscapes, this experience suits couples, friends, or solo travelers eager for authentic Malta adventures. It might not be ideal for very young children or those not comfortable with driving, but for everyone else, it’s a memorable way to experience the island’s diverse sights.
FAQs
Is transportation included?
Yes, transfers from and to your accommodation or nearby pick-up points are included in the tour.
Can I drive if I don’t have a driver’s license?
No, drivers must be 21+ with a valid license to operate the buggy.
Are there vegetarian, vegan, or halal options for lunch?
Yes, the included lunch caters to various dietary needs and preferences.
Is the boat ride weather-dependent?
Yes, the private boat ride and swimming stops are subject to weather conditions, so plans might change based on the forecast.
Are children allowed on this tour?
Children under 3 years are not permitted, and drivers need to be at least 21+.
What should I bring?
Bring your driver’s license, comfortable shoes, swimwear, and sunscreen.
How long is the entire tour?
The land portion lasts around six hours, plus the boat ride, making it a full but manageable day.
What happens if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.
This tour offers an appealing combination of scenic exploration, cultural sights, and relaxed beach moments. It’s a solid pick for anyone keen on discovering Gozo’s beauty actively, comfortably, and with a touch of adventure.
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