St Julian’s: Gozo Full-Day Opentop Bus and Comino Caves

Exploring Malta’s neighboring islands of Gozo and Comino with a guided tour offers a fantastic way to experience the archipelago’s diversity and natural beauty. From scenic boat rides to exploring ancient temples and stunning caves, this tour packs in a range of memorable sights within one day.

What makes this experience appealing are the comfortable open-top bus tours, the chance to visit iconic landmarks like the Ggantija Temples, and the opportunity to swim at Santa Maria Caves. The value for price is also notable, offering transportation, guided insights, and access to multiple highlights.

One potential downside? The schedule can be quite packed, leaving limited time at each stop. This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy seeing a lot in a short period and don’t mind moving quickly from one site to the next. If you’re looking for a relaxed, in-depth exploration, you might want to consider a more leisurely option.

This tour suits those eager to combine scenic sightseeing, historical exploration, and a taste of Malta’s island life—all in one day.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering Gozo’s key sites and Comino’s famous caves
• Comfortable transportation with open-top bus and speedboat rides
• Guided insights from knowledgeable guides
• Includes swimming time at Santa Maria Caves
• Ideal for travelers seeking a full-day, value-packed adventure
• Note on booking: must reserve Blue Lagoon access in advance due to new policies

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Malta Gozo and Comino Tour

This full-day adventure combines boat rides, land explorations, and scenic views to offer a well-rounded experience of Malta’s neighboring islands. The day starts early with a boat trip from St. Georges Bay, giving travelers a chance to appreciate Malta’s rugged coastline and the famous St. Paul’s Islands. The boat ride alone sets the tone, offering sweeping views and the chance to spot local seabirds or even some of the water’s marine life.

The Journey to Gozo

Once on the island of Gozo, the tour shifts into high gear with a double-decker bus tour. The top deck provides excellent vantage points for taking photos and enjoying the breeze, which many reviews highlight as a favorite part of the experience. The guides, often praised for their knowledge, provide commentary that helps to contextualize each stop without overloading you with facts.

Exploring Gozo’s Historic Sites

First stop is the medieval capital, Victoria, where the Citadel offers panoramic views over the island’s terraced fields and coastline. Visitors report that the Citadel’s walls and narrow streets evoke a real sense of stepping back in time, and the views are often described as “breathtaking” — perfect for capturing memorable photos.

Next, the Ta Pinu Basilica impresses with its impressive architecture and peaceful atmosphere. It’s a popular site for both pilgrims and visitors interested in religious architecture. The guides help explain its significance, adding a layer of understanding to the visit.

One of the star attractions is the Ggantija Temples, which date back to around 3600–3200 BC, making them older than the Egyptian pyramids. The size and complexity of these megalithic structures often leave visitors in awe. Comments from previous travelers reflect a sense of wonder, with one noting, “You can’t help but marvel at how these stones were moved and assembled so long ago.”

Gozitan Countryside and Other Stops

The tour also includes a stop at Fontana Cottage, where travelers get a glimpse of rural life and Gozitan charm. It’s a relaxing break and offers great photo opportunities with its rustic setting. Some reviews mention that the guides provide interesting stories about local traditions, which add depth to the experience.

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The Transition to Comino and Santa Maria Caves

At the end of the Gozitan tour, you’ll reboard the speedboat for a scenic cruise to Comino. The boat ride itself is a highlight, with many appreciating the chance to see the coast from the water and spot notable features like the St. Paul’s Islands.

Once on Comino, your focus shifts to the Santa Maria Caves. These caves are renowned for their crystal-clear waters and dramatic rock formations. The experience here is primarily by boat, giving you a unique perspective of the coastline. Many travelers enjoy swimming in the caves or simply relaxing and soaking in the scenery, describing it as “serene and beautiful.”

Practical Details: Timing, Transportation, and What to Bring

The entire day involves a mix of boat rides, bus tours, and walking, so comfortable shoes are a must. The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, with some reviewers noting that the schedule is quite full but well-organized. You’ll be traveling with a group, and reviews mention the guides’ friendly attitude and wealth of local knowledge as a major plus.

Since the tour costs $85 per person, the inclusion of boat transfers, guided tour, and access to multiple sites makes it a good value—especially if you’re keen to see multiple highlights without worrying about logistics. However, meals and drinks aren’t included, so bringing snacks and water is recommended, along with sunscreen, a hat, and a change of clothes if you plan to swim.

The Experience: What Travelers Really Say

One of the most praised aspects is the knowledgeable guides who, according to reviews, make the experience engaging and informative without overwhelming you. The stories and tips help bring the sites alive, and many mention the guides’ friendly attitude.

The scenic views from the top deck of the bus and boat are consistently highlighted. Travelers love how the open-topped bus offers unblocked vistas of the countryside, coastlines, and historic sites, making every photo opportunity a winner.

Some users mention that the schedule is quite packed, and there’s limited free time at each stop. This means you get to see a lot, but it’s a fast-paced day. If you prefer a slower pace or more time at each site, this might feel rushed.

Seasickness could be a concern for some, especially during the boat rides, so those prone should consider precautions. The tours are not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, wheelchair users, or those highly sensitive to seasickness, according to the tour details.

Why This Tour Offers Solid Value

The cost of $85 includes a full-day itinerary with transportation, guided insights, and access to key landmarks. The combination of bus, boat, and walking visits means you get a multi-faceted look at Malta’s islands, which is often more cost-effective than booking individual excursions.

While it doesn’t include meals, the tour’s structure allows for flexibility—many travelers bring snacks or stop for lunch on their own, free to explore local eateries. The focus on iconic sights like the Ggantija Temples and Santa Maria Caves makes it particularly attractive for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview.

Value is further enhanced by the quality of guides, who many reviewers say made the experience memorable with their local knowledge and friendly demeanor. The scenic boat rides and open-top bus tours give you immersive views that photos simply can’t do justice.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors to Malta looking to see as much as possible in a day. It suits those who enjoy a structured, guided experience that covers history, scenery, and nature in one package.

If you’re someone who prefers a relaxed pace with ample stops for exploration and downtime, you might find this tour a bit fast-moving. Also, travelers sensitive to seasickness or with mobility issues should consider the tour’s limitations.

Final Thoughts

This full-day trip offers a well-rounded taste of Malta’s islands through scenic rides, historic sites, and stunning caves. The combination of guided commentary, comfortable transportation, and the chance to swim in beautiful waters makes it a practical choice for those wanting to maximize their day.

You’ll love the knowledgeable guides and panoramic views that make each stop memorable, plus the opportunity to explore ancient temples older than the pyramids. The trip’s packed schedule means you’ll leave with a thorough, if whirlwind, impression of Gozo and Comino.

On the downside, the quick pace might not suit everyone, especially if you’re after a laid-back experience. Still, if you’re eager to see Malta’s highlights efficiently and enjoy some fun boat rides, this tour delivers exceptional value for the price.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes round-trip transportation by speedboat and a double-decker bus.

What sites will I visit during the tour?
You’ll explore Victoria’s Citadel, Ta Pinu Basilica, Ggantija Temples, and Santa Maria Caves, among other stops.

Does the tour include swimming?
Yes, there’s free time for swimming at Santa Maria Caves, so bring your swimwear.

How long is the entire tour?
The full-day experience lasts approximately 8 hours, with various activities and sightseeing.

Are meals provided?
No, meals and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or eat beforehand.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users or those with back problems, according to the provided info.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, hat, sunscreen, water, swimwear, and a change of clothes are recommended.

Do I need to book the Blue Lagoon access separately?
Yes, due to new policies, Blue Lagoon access must be reserved in advance through the official website.

In summary, this tour offers a lively, comprehensive way to discover Malta’s islands. With its engaging guides, scenic boat rides, and key historic sites, it provides excellent value for travelers eager to see the highlights without too much fuss. Perfect for those with a sense of adventure and a camera ready to capture every moment.

You can check availability for your dates here: