Sliema Gozo Comino Cruise: Is It Worth It? A Detailed Review

Thinking about taking that Sliema Gozo Comino Blue Lagoon Gulet Cruise with lunch and drinks? I did it, and so, let me tell you all about the experience, so you can decide if it’s actually the thing for you, that is if a day of sun, swimming, and stunning views floating across the azure waters sounds pretty nice. We will walk thru everything, and like your old pals we’ll talk about the boat itself, what you get for lunch, how crowded it feels, and whether it is all actually worth spending your hard-earned money.

Setting Sail from Sliema: Getting Started

So, the cruise usually takes off from Sliema, which, as a matter of fact, is one of Malta’s main tourist hubs. The departure point itself is pretty easy to find, usually near the ferries or one of the main harbors. When you get there, you’ll find a bunch of different boats lined up, very ready to whisk you away on your adventure. I think finding the right one is reasonably straight forward, as, like your ship’s name is generally displayed somewhere reasonably prominent. I thought that the initial vibe could be described as one of anticipation and a slight scramble to get on board and find the best spot. Get there on time – maybe even a little early – so, too it’s almost to secure your preferred spot.

As I was saying, the gulets – traditionally wooden sailing vessels – they can range a bit in size and condition. Some boats are rather well-maintained, offering pretty comfortable seating and sunbeds, while others seem to have experienced better days, that is they might be a bit more worn around the edges. Once everyone is aboard and the crew gets you squared away, it’s time to actually shove off. If you want picture-postcard views of Valletta’s skyline then look off towards the water. You know that classic view of the city? You’re in for something when you catch it from this view point. I can guarantee that seeing it from the water offers, at the end of the day, a pretty great start to the day.

Cruising to Gozo: What to Expect

The first leg of the cruise often involves heading to Gozo, Malta’s sister island. It takes roughly an hour or two, rather depending on the specific route and weather conditions, to get to Gozo from Sliema. During that time, you’ll see, I mean view a very beautiful Mediterranean seascape. Just imagine clear skies, deep blue water, and maybe even some smaller islands floating around, just to feast your eyes.

Typically, I have seen that these cruises provide a bit of narration along the way, indicating different points of interest or giving a bit of historical info about the region. Though the clarity and detail, I suspect, tends to vary between different tour operators. If history is not your forte, then worry not: that means there is plenty of time to just simply relax, soak up the rays, and chat with your fellow passengers. Typically, as a matter of fact, I would recommend bringing sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses since the sun is very strong, particularly during those hot summer months.

The Gozo part often involves a quick stop at a spot where you can take photos or get a quick swim. I would suggest a more structured tour of Gozo itself to those really seeking a true feel for what the island has to offer. A very brief dip is nice enough, of course. Though it barely scratches the area’s surface, if I can be frank.

The Blue Lagoon Experience: Turquoise Waters and Crowds

Alright, the highlight for most people, you’ll notice, is really Comino’s Blue Lagoon, which very much lives up to the hype. The water really is this unbelievable turquoise color. If you do visit this spot you may want to ready yourself. Because everybody else on the entire archipelago comes to the same destination! When the boat approaches the Blue Lagoon, it’s very, very hard to see a single patch of sand as available. Other than during the off-season I cannot imagine that this place is very busy.

Despite how jammed up it is, swimming in those crystalline waters just feels so magical, even when you’re dodging other tourists. The boat usually anchors close enough, very ready for you to slide straight into the sea. Or you can jump off from one of the decks. Make the best of that and actually spend some time bobbing and gazing, I dare say, that’s because the views are pretty gorgeous, or what views that you can view!

You will probably see that the Blue Lagoon stop lasts for a couple of hours, permitting time to swim, snorkel, or just, actually relax on the boat. Just make sure that you consider the crowds when mapping out what to do, if that is something you would really do in the first place. Securing a place to leave your towel, I would suggest, happens to be its own challenge. Actually trying to find a somewhat unoccupied spot for swimming can feel akin to participating in rush hour. Just keep in mind, if you visit during low-season there may well be better experience to behold!

Lunch and Drinks: What’s on the Menu?

Ok, let’s be real, on these cruises a buffet-style lunch and free-flowing drinks are often very prominently touted as part of the overall experience, very ready to sway your decision on which to go to. What, actually, is up for grabs in truth depends a great deal on which company you book with.

Typically, in my experience, I find that the food could be called ‘decent’. Usually, they offer some sort of pasta dish, salads, bread, and maybe some grilled chicken or fish. So, don’t set very lofty expectations about elaborate spreads with a huge selection. And as to all drinks that actually flow, the choices normally include water, soft drinks, local wine, and beer. Do, by all means, prepare for potential lines during lunchtime as every guest very much goes in for the buffet all at once!

My suggestion would be that when you feel hungry you get on deck reasonably soon so you beat the crowds or take stuff back up with you when you take your first run to beat the lines entirely and actually get settled back down somewhere. It might be difficult because this depends on all the tourists onboard. But if this can be overcome, lunch becomes far more pleasurable.

The Gulet Itself: Comfort and Facilities

Actually, the charm of taking the tour in a traditional gulet boat could be a pretty important aspect of the experience for any customer interested in cruising around Malta’s shorelines. Those boats come with various forms, but that almost all usually exhibit sun decks with enough seating including bathrooms as well as possibly, very ready for tourists, even a bar. Now you might want to have the information before joining such cruises but I advise it anyhow!

Having said that, standards relating to upkeep & cleanliness are really subject to large variances; some ships provide enough shade whilst some are often almost non-existent, especially so, you will see as a consequence of intense sunlight conditions prevalent there during Summertime that you must be careful!

You might find while on-board that seating may at times feel relatively snug; be really mindful regarding this particularly if thinking over coming during busiest portions on season any Gulet has the task to carry numerous folks without causing it to turn uncomfortable – and should one want anything resembling ease they’d want arrive somewhat before to assure excellent decks chairs/location from start point instead – which definitely renders entire duration far better particularly in cases there’s complete ability lie on deck.

Worth It? Weighing the Pros and Cons

So, is this Sliema Gozo Comino cruise definitely a great idea to use any free time for? Very possibly I think, even so, to see this requires one assess what someone seeks mostly through day adventure time on-deck plus the significance connected these pros or cons as explained under:

Pros:

That clear aquatic charm within Comino actually is worth seeing – a singular scene hardly found anywhere more globally actually occurs in all clarity.
Really suitable solution when someone want actually encounter multi-island experiences – it actually is comfortable strategy seeing the three key shores (that are very amazing).
For many a group going can prove socially lively when that on the other hand can come out simply relaxed too though – depends all how individual does act.

Cons:

Too much crowding occurs through highest visitation durations, particularly really hard locations particularly Laguna Azul feel practically over loaded with tons of those also trying have experience that very exact exact period!
Excellent cuisine I don’t consider it to be on par that which somebody possibly desires but sufficient rather; food mostly is OK not particularly superb – mostly caters broadly although!
Based what that person values with trips for this day- trip prices varies then, which definitely necessitates weighing that total worth before spending at conclusion

Now I’d make note by that whenever that relaxation in waters with breathtaking picturesque vision that appeal afterwards cruise remains then quite justifiable, despite those inconveniences along those trips may show – that mostly relies all by just person’s thresholds with patience concerning crowded locations or those standards with regard lunchtime requirements also before committing eventually ensure just adjust outlook properly.