Gozo and Comino by boat, in one day
The whole archipelago is 27 km end to end. A capable hull and an early start covers the north coast, both lagoons and the Gozo cliffs before the wind gets up.
Malta is small enough that a full day on a reasonably quick boat can take in three islands. It is also exposed enough that the order you do it in matters.
The usual run
Leave Sliema or Portomaso between 08:00 and 09:00. Head north-west along the coast past St Paul's Bay, cut across to Comino, take the Blue Lagoon before the ferries, then push on to Gozo. Come back down the Gozo channel in the late afternoon with the light behind you.
Why that direction
The prevailing summer breeze builds through the afternoon from the north-west. Going out into it early and coming home with it behind you means the rough part of the day happens when everyone is fresh, and the run home is flat. Reverse the route and the last hour is wet.
Worth the detour
- Dwejra, on the far west of Gozo. The Inland Sea and Fungus Rock. It is a long way round and only workable in a calm sea, but almost nobody gets there by boat.
- Ramla Bay, north Gozo. Red sand, anchor off and swim in.
- Santa Maria Caves on Comino, if the north is quiet.
- Popeye Village at Anchor Bay, which is a film set and looks absurd from the water, and children love it.
What kills the plan
A gregale, the north-easterly. It makes the whole north coast uncomfortable and closes the caves. A sirocco from the south is warmer and hazier and mostly affects the south coast sites like the Blue Grotto. Any decent operator watches the forecast and will move your date rather than take you out into it.
