Malta: Gozo Full Day Buggy Tour with lunch and Comino Stop

REVIEW · GOZO

Malta: Gozo Full Day Buggy Tour with lunch and Comino Stop

  • 4.5469 reviews
  • 8 hours (approx.)
  • From $102.79
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Operated by Barbarossa Excursions · Bookable on Viator

Traveller rating 4.5 (469)Duration8 hours (approx.)Price from$102.79Operated byBarbarossa ExcursionsBook viaViator

Gozo looks one way from a bus. This tour shows it by open-backed jeep and tight local stops. You’ll get a full day of island highlights with buffet lunch (plus wine and water), and you’ll cover a lot of ground without feeling like you’re sprinting. The trade-off is the day moves fast, and the road bumps are real.

What I like most is that the pace is built for seeing Gozo’s variety: ancient sites, coastal photo stops, and sea views, all without the hassle of planning ferry times. Guides like Mo, Morad, and Austin are highlighted for their energy and for making history feel practical, not like a lecture. The most common drawback to plan around is short time windows at each stop plus possible rougher water if conditions aren’t great.

If you go into it expecting a lively day (not a slow countryside wander), you’ll have a much better experience. Bring sunscreen and something for stairs and uneven ground, and keep in mind that a couple of the best “sea moments” have optional extras you pay on the spot.

In This Review

Key things to know before you go

Malta: Gozo Full Day Buggy Tour with lunch and Comino Stop - Key things to know before you go

  • Gozo by off-road jeep: you’ll leave Mgarr Harbour and ride where bigger vehicles can’t go
  • Odyssey-style storytelling at Calypso Cave: a quick stop at Xagħra’s cave linked to The Odyssey legend
  • Inland Sea views are included; boat time is optional: you’ll have a look, but the boat trip is not
  • Comino swim time: a set break around the Blue Lagoon and Comino with about 45 minutes in the water
  • Lunch is part of the deal: buffet lunch plus unlimited local wine and water
  • Group size stays manageable: max 48 travelers, with pickup and a driver-guide system

The vibe: Gozo in one day without the map headache

Malta: Gozo Full Day Buggy Tour with lunch and Comino Stop - The vibe: Gozo in one day without the map headache
This is the kind of day trip that works because it removes decisions. You’re not figuring out which viewpoints are worth your time or how to connect them with ferries and buses. Instead, you’re in a jeep (driven by your guide), stopping when the day makes sense for photos, viewpoints, and quick walks.

The jeeps are part of the charm. One review notes the wind in your hair, which sounds small until you realize Gozo road temps and sun are no joke. If you’re sensitive to sun or dust, plan to dress accordingly and protect your eyes and skin.

Timing and logistics: how the day actually flows

You start at 8:00 am, with hotel pickup offered. The day is built around ferry and sea connections. Depending on conditions, you’ll use speedboat transfers related to the Blue Lagoon and Comino Caves, or you may switch to ferry tickets if the sea isn’t cooperating.

That weather dependency matters. The tour description clearly says it needs good weather, and reviews also talk about days with choppy water. If you’re the type who gets seasick or hates waiting around, it’s smart to bring sea comfort basics (like ginger or any motion-sickness plan you trust), even if the operator is aiming for the smoothest option available.

For most stops, expect a quick in-and-out. Even the longer pauses (like the Citadel) are still short enough that you’ll want to know what you want to see before you jump out. This is not a “wander all day” itinerary. It’s a “hit the best windows” itinerary.

What you get for about $102.79: value you can feel

Malta: Gozo Full Day Buggy Tour with lunch and Comino Stop - What you get for about $102.79: value you can feel
At $102.79 per person, the headline value is not just the jeep. It’s the whole package: hotel pickup, a driver-guide, buffet lunch, unlimited local wine and water with lunch, and the big transfer legs to link Malta, Gozo, and Comino.

Here’s the practical breakdown:

  • Included transfers reduce your planning load (ferry/speedboat/ferry options)
  • Lunch is included, and it’s buffet style, so you can build your plate quickly and keep moving
  • Wine and water with lunch are unlimited, which is genuinely helpful on a long day
  • A few key things are extra (details below), but you’re not paying for everything

What you should budget separately:

  • Ggantija Temples entrance fee (not included)
  • Inland Sea boat trip (not included)

A few reviews mention the Ggantija entry as a small extra payment (often around the 8–10 euro range, depending on timing and pricing). That’s normal for Malta’s temple sites, and it shouldn’t scare you off—just don’t expect every attraction to be covered.

The jeep day: riding Gozo’s roads like a local

Malta: Gozo Full Day Buggy Tour with lunch and Comino Stop - The jeep day: riding Gozo’s roads like a local
You’ll leave Mgarr Harbour by off-road jeep, with your guide driving. Expect:

  • A bumpy ride on uneven roads
  • Tight seating (not unsafe, just compact)
  • Open-air feel in many jeeps, which is great for views but means dust and sun protection matter

One review calls out that the jeep is open-backed, which is exactly what makes it fun—but it also means you should secure anything loose (hat, hair ties, sunglasses).

Not everyone loves the ride comfort. If you have back issues, you’ll want to think carefully about whether bumpy roads and short time seated for hours will work for you. The tour does come with a “moderate physical fitness level” note, which lines up with the quick walks and stairs you’ll face.

Stop by stop: what each place is really like

Malta: Gozo Full Day Buggy Tour with lunch and Comino Stop - Stop by stop: what each place is really like

Ġgantija Temples: the Neolithic “earlier than pyramids” moment

You’ll have a stop at Ġgantija, the Neolithic temple complex on Gozo. It’s widely known as older than the pyramids of Egypt, and it’s among Malta’s most important megalithic sites.

Important: temple entrance is not included. You should plan to pay the ticket fee at the site if you want to go in. Also, one guide-style detail from the day: some groups get asked whether they want to prioritize the temples, so be ready with a quick decision early.

This stop is worth it if you like ancient architecture and stonework. If you don’t care about temples, you may feel like you lost time to something you’d rather skip—so decide based on your own interests.

Calypso Cave (Xagħra): Odyssey legend in a coastal setting

Next up is Calypso Cave near Ramla Bay in Xagħra. It’s tied to a legend from The Odyssey—the cave associated with Calypso keeping Odysseus for seven years after a shipwreck.

The stop is short (about 10 minutes), and the admission is listed as free. This is more of a “see it, snap a photo, and move on” stop than a long exploration. If you want more than a quick look, you might still appreciate it because the coastal setting makes even brief stops feel scenic.

The Cittadella in Victoria (Gozo): postcard views with history depth

You’ll pause at The Citadel (Cittadella/“Castello”) in Victoria. It’s described as a citadel with habitation reaching back to the Bronze Age, and the current site is believed to align with earlier Punic-Roman civic life.

You get about 30 minutes, with admission listed as free for the stop. This is the kind of place where 30 minutes is enough to:

  • Walk out for big views
  • Take photos from the walls
  • Pop into any quick areas that catch your interest

If you’re a slow-walker, you may feel a little rushed. But if you time it right, you can get the best look quickly and still have time to get back on track.

Inland Sea (Dwejra/Qawra): seeing it is included, the boat isn’t

At the Inland Sea (also known as Qawra and Dwejra), you’ll have about 20 minutes. The key detail is that the boat trip is not included.

What’s included is the chance to experience the lagoon connection to the sea through an opening with a natural arch—plus the famous scenery around Dwejra. Many people come for the “out on the water” experience, especially because there’s mention of fungus rock in connection with the boat option. If that’s your goal, plan to pay for the boat trip yourself.

This stop is a good checkpoint: you’ll see enough to understand the geography, and if you want more, you can choose to spend extra time on the water.

Marsalforn Bay area: a beach-and-promenade kind of break

The schedule includes a stop at a bay with a beach, promenade, and resort town vibe—often associated with Marsalforn Bay in Gozo planning. In a day packed with viewpoints and cliffs, this pause helps balance the tempo.

Think of it as your “reset your legs and grab a snack photo” moment. Time here tends to be brief in a tour like this, so don’t expect beach lounging.

Wied il-Mielah Window: a short stair hike with a big payoff

This stop is Wied il-Mielah Window, a seaside rock formation shaped like a window. The description notes access via a long stairway with a handrail, and it’s listed as free with about 10 minutes.

This one is straightforward: you’ll be glad you went, but you won’t spend long there. If stairs are tough for you, this is one to consider carefully. The good news is you don’t need to be a hiker—just comfortable with uneven steps and quick walking.

Xwejni Salt Pans: 350-year coastal textures for photos

You’ll stop at Xwejni Salt Pans at Xwejni Bay, with a scenic stretch along the coast. It’s listed as free, about 15 minutes.

Even if you’re not a history nut, salt pans are visually interesting because they’re functional landscape—textures, lines, and a horizon that makes photos pop. It’s also a nice change from churches and cliffs.

Sanap Cliffs: short stop, strong scenery

Next is the Sanap Cliffs, around 130 meters tall, dropping into the Mediterranean. This is listed as a 10-minute photo-and-look stop, free.

If you love dramatic coastlines, this is one of those “blink and you’ll miss it” moments. With the time limit, your best strategy is to walk to the viewpoint you can reach quickly and decide on photos fast.

Ta’ Pinu Basilica area near Għarb: spiritual architecture pause

The tour includes a stop near the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu, located about 700 meters from Għarb.

The data doesn’t specify an entry fee, so treat it like a look-and-photo stop unless you see signage on-site. This is a good moment in the day to slow down just a bit and appreciate the island’s religious architecture and setting.

Qala belvedere: fast views toward Comino

At Qala, you’ll get a quick 5-minute belvedere stop with views of Comino, Cominotto, and the Blue Lagoon. Listed as free.

This is the “you’re almost there” moment. It’s short, but it sets expectations for the swim and sea time you’ll have later.

Comino stop: about 45 minutes to swim and reset

Comino is the finale-style sea break. You’ll get about 45 minutes to enjoy a swim stop around Comino and the Blue Lagoon.

Admission is listed as free for the stop. The transfer method (speedboat vs ferry) depends on weather and sea conditions. Reviews specifically mention the water can be choppy, so don’t plan this as a guaranteed perfect-calm swim every day.

Still, if your goal is clear-water coastline and a fun sea break, this is the payoff that makes the whole day feel like more than just “driving around.”

Lunch with wine and water: when it helps the day

Malta: Gozo Full Day Buggy Tour with lunch and Comino Stop - Lunch with wine and water: when it helps the day
You’ll have a buffet lunch, and the tour includes unlimited local wine and water during the meal.

This matters because it keeps the day moving. You’re not hunting for food spots in between climbs and viewpoints. A few reviews praise the lunch as good or efficient, while others are more critical, saying it leaned basic in some cases. So my take: treat lunch as “included energy,” not as a culinary highlight.

If you’re a fussy eater or have dietary needs, the tour notes you should advise food intolerances or allergies. That’s worth doing early, not as an afterthought.

Seas, swims, and the weather reality check

Malta: Gozo Full Day Buggy Tour with lunch and Comino Stop - Seas, swims, and the weather reality check
The tour requires good weather. If conditions are rough, transfers can change (speedboat related to Blue Lagoon/Comino Caves may switch to ferry tickets). You may still reach the viewpoints and have the day, but the sea parts could feel less pleasant.

In plain terms:

  • If you hate choppy water, plan for the possibility it’s not ideal
  • If you’re okay with a swim even when it’s busy or breezy, you’ll likely be happy with the Comino stop
  • Always pack for sun and wind, because Comino-style sea stops can be breezy even on warm days

Small-group feel, big variety: who this fits best

Malta: Gozo Full Day Buggy Tour with lunch and Comino Stop - Small-group feel, big variety: who this fits best
This is best for you if:

  • You have limited time and want a lot of Gozo highlights in one day
  • You like viewpoints, coastal stops, and fast photo windows
  • You’re comfortable in a jeep on uneven roads

It’s less ideal if:

  • You need wheelchair-friendly access everywhere (the day includes stairs at Wied il-Mielah Window)
  • You’re sensitive to bumpy rides or back discomfort from compact jeep seating
  • You prefer long guided explanations at every stop rather than a quick hit-and-move pace

Families can work too. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the group size stays capped at 48.

Practical tips that make the day smoother

From what’s worked in the field, I’d plan on these:

  • Bring a swimsuit and towel in summer (it’s specifically noted), since Comino is a swim stop
  • Tie back loose hair or secure items if you’re in an open-backed jeep
  • Use sunscreen early; you’ll be outside a lot
  • Keep a bit of cash handy. One review warns that cards aren’t accepted in several places, so you’ll want backup money for optional extras like entrances
  • If you’re choosing between the included views and optional boat experiences (like the Inland Sea boat), decide based on your interest in being on the water

Should you book this Gozo jeep with Comino stop?

Book it if you want a one-day overview of Gozo that feels hands-on: jeep travel, quick ancient and coastal stops, and a Comino swim that gives the trip a proper “sea finale.” The inclusion of pickup, lunch, and unlimited wine and water makes it easier to justify the price without constantly thinking about add-ons.

Skip or think twice if comfort and slow pacing are your top priorities, or if you have mobility limits. The day includes stairs and lots of time seated in a jeep, and some stops are intentionally brief.

If you’re going for the variety, the energy, and the views, this tour is a strong pick for Gozo in a single day.

FAQ

How long is the Gozo full day buggy tour?

It’s listed as approximately 8 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:00 am.

Is pickup included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are offered.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Vapur Ghajnsielem, Malta, and ends back at the meeting point. If you’re staying in Gozo, you’ll be dropped back at your accommodation.

Does the tour include lunch and drinks?

Yes. There’s a buffet lunch, and it includes unlimited local wine and water with lunch.

Are ferry or speedboat transfers included?

Transfers are included. The tour includes speedboat transfers via the Blue Lagoon and Comino Caves if weather permits, or ferry tickets if needed.

Which stops have extra fees?

Ġgantija Temples entrance fees are not included. The Inland Sea boat trip is also not included.

How much time do you get at Comino for swimming?

You get about 45 minutes for the swim stop around Comino and the Blue Lagoon.

What should I bring if I’m traveling in summer?

The tour notes that in summer you should bring swimwear and towels.

What happens if weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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