That first salt-and-sea view hits fast. This Gozo + Comino day pairs self-drive UTVs with boat time, guided stops, and a big Comino meal right on the water.

I like the way the itinerary mixes viewpoints, working coastal villages, and a real chance to swim at Blue Lagoon (weather permitting). I also like that the tour is planned around convenience: pickup and drop-off, plus reserved boat/ferry connections. One thing to keep in mind: the day can shift if conditions don’t allow boats to run, and you may lose one or two swim stops.

For the price (about $112.13 per person), you’re not just buying seats on a bus. You’re getting transport into the Comino area, a structured Gozo route, and time on the water with guided commentary. The UTV part is the main “active” element, so you’ll want to be comfortable driving and ready with a valid license—this isn’t a stroll-and-watch kind of day.

Key highlights worth clocking

• Pickup + return to your start point, with Yippee transport and a Yippee sign for easy meeting
• Self-drive UTVs (forward-facing seats), with clear rules: drivers 21+ and holding a valid license
• Reserved boat/ferry connections for smoother crossings (weather permitting)
• Comino al fresco lunch plus time for Comino’s famous water stops and caves
• A full Gozo circuit: Sanap Cliffs, Xlendi, Fontana, Ta’ Pinu, salt pans, and more

The big idea: UTV freedom plus Comino water time

This tour is built around two feelings: control and payoff. You get a route through Gozo’s best-known spots, but you’re not locked into a long line of bus stops. Then you switch gears for the Comino segment, where the day becomes about swimming, cave scenery, and that classic blue-water break.

The pace works well if you like seeing a lot without turning the day into a homework assignment. The stops are short enough to keep moving, but long enough to enjoy viewpoints and walk a bit around the main areas.

Pickup, timing, and the self-drive reality (license rules matter)

Pickup is part of the deal. You’ll be picked up from your hotel area (or the closest agreed pickup point) in Malta or Gozo, and you’ll return to the original meeting point at the end.

Two timing details matter for avoiding stress:

• The day tour starts with morning pickups around 8:00 am in the Valletta area.
• The sunset route starts later, with Valletta pickups around 12:30 pm.

And here’s the practical part: this is a self-drive UTV experience, so drivers must be 21+ and carry a valid driver’s licence. Provisional licences aren’t accepted, so if you’re not sure your document fits the rule, check before you go.

Finally, there’s a “watch the clock” note that’s worth taking seriously: your booking platform message may show the wrong pickup time. The correct time and meeting point come from the operator after you book, so use the updated info sent to you.

Gozo opener: Sanap Cliffs and the view that sets the tone

Your day starts with high-ground drama at Sanap Cliffs. This is one of the higher viewpoints on Gozo, and it gives you a wide perspective—Malta and Comino show up in the distance when visibility is good.

You won’t have forever here (about 10 minutes), so it’s best used for photos and a quick scan of where the coastline runs. Even in windy conditions, the payoff is fast.

Why I like this stop: it orients you. After Sanap, everything else feels less random because you understand the island’s geography a bit better.

Xlendi and Fontana: coastal views plus a calmer local rhythm

From the cliff view, you’ll head to Xlendi, a popular Gozo destination known for blue water, cliffs, and the Xlendi Tower area. It’s a classic “stand and look” stop, but also a good place to feel the difference between big-sight Malta energy and Gozo’s slower rhythm.

Next is Fontana, a small fishing village with a population around 1,000. The tour focuses on the village’s character and the Sacred Heart of Jesus spring. It’s also close to Victoria, so it gives you a sense of how Gozo’s towns and coastal life connect.

You get about 15 minutes at Fontana. Use it to walk a little and take in the stonework and village atmosphere, not to race around.

Potential drawback: if you’re expecting a museum-style explanation, this isn’t that kind of stop. It’s more about place and context than deep indoor time.

Ggantija Temples: the big UNESCO moment (and why sunset skips it)

Ggantija Temples are the standout archaeology stop on this route. These UNESCO-listed megalithic temples are among the oldest free-standing structures in the world, older than the Egyptian pyramids. The key detail for your visit: the entrance fee is not included, and the stop is optional.

Timing is short here too (about 20 minutes), so don’t plan to read every sign like it’s a textbook. Instead, look at the size and structure and let the age sink in. If you’re a history fan, this is the kind of stop you’ll remember later.

Also, sunset tours do not include Ggantija because it will be closed—so don’t assume you’re getting the same archaeology package in the afternoon option.

Dwejra Bay and the Inland Sea: sea drama at water level

Now you hit Dwejra Bay, one of Gozo’s most famous coastal areas. The visit is about 30 minutes, which is plenty for photos, a walk around the viewing areas, and a slow look at how the sea works against the rock.

Then there’s the Inland Sea, connected to the Mediterranean through a natural arch. This stop is about 20 minutes, and it’s a great contrast to the open-coast feel of Dwejra Bay.

One practical note: there’s an optional boat trip at the Dwejra/Inland Sea area, and that extra boat add-on is not included (optional additional fees apply). If you’re traveling on a tighter budget, you can still enjoy the views without it.

My advice: if you’re going to spend extra money anywhere, this is the type of area where a short boat ride can feel worth it. If you’d rather keep it simple, stick to the viewpoints.

Ta’ Pinu and Xwejni Salt Pans: faith and work on Gozo

After the coastal stops, the tour shifts inland for Ta’ Pinu National Shrine. The focus here is the Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu sanctuary—an important place for pilgrims and visitors. Plan on about 15 minutes. It’s not long, but it’s enough to take in the architecture and the quiet, breezy feeling you get in that area.

Then you’ll move to Xwejni Salt Pans, where Gozo’s salt-making tradition shows up in a visible, old-school way. The tour time here is around 10 minutes.

Why this works on a mixed itinerary:

• Salt pans connect you to the island’s everyday economy.
• The shapes and terracing make for quick photos.
• It’s a non-coastal change of scenery without being a long detour.

Marsalforn and the Comino shift: from Gozo coast to open water

The route brings you toward Marsalforn, a town on Gozo’s north coast and one of the island’s more popular resort areas. There’s only a small sandy beach, but there are rocky swimming spots along the coast.

This stop functions like a palate cleanser. You’re coming off cliffs, springs, temples, and sea caves—Marsalforn is a more straightforward “coastal break” before you cross over for Comino time.

From here, the tour transitions to the water segment. Transportation to Comino is included, and the tour uses reserved connections for Yippee guests (weather permitting). If the day isn’t running smoothly, this is the area where good planning really shows.

Comino lunch al fresco: the meal you’ll actually remember

The lunch setup is one of the best “value” pieces of the day. You get a 3-course lunch al fresco on Comino. That matters because it’s not just a snack or a sandwich grabbed in passing. You’re eating as part of the experience, not fighting for time before the next boat minute.

The included meal is described as a light traditional Gozitain lunch/dinner, so expect something simple and local rather than a fancy tasting menu.

Practical tip: if you plan to swim, eat first or make a smart gap between eating and water time. You don’t want to feel sluggish while your day is at its most fun.

Blue Lagoon swims and Comino caves: weather decides how wet you get

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the big-name water stop. The tour includes a swim setup depending on the season and conditions:

• In winter weather permitting, you may get a viewing-only moment.
• In summer, there’s a swim stop.

Then you’ll also have time to enjoy Comino caves. The caves are described as stretching over 40 meters, carved by soft limestone. You’re not touring every crack like a geology class, but you’ll see the main cave scenery from the water and enjoy the scale of the formations.

A useful detail from real-world experiences with this tour: there’s often mention of not just the Blue Lagoon, but also Cristo Lagoon. If you’re hoping for that extra-water feel, choose the day tour when conditions are likely to be best, and pack for an active water day.

What to do if weather turns: boats might operate differently. If you end up with fewer swim stops, you’ll still get the structure—just less time with wet shoes.

Value check: is $112.13 really “all inclusive”?

This is where the tour makes sense. You’re paying for more than sightseeing.

Included value adds up like this:

• Hotel pickup and return
• Crossings: boat reserved for Yippee clients and ferry ticket whenever required
• Guided commentary with a multilingual leader
• UTV transportation with self-drive freedom
• Comino 3-course al fresco lunch
• Group size kept to a maximum of 30 travelers

What’s not included is also clear:

• Ggantija entrance fee (optional, and not available on sunset)
• An optional Inland Sea/Dwejra boat trip
• Gratitude to the leader and personal expenses

So the question becomes: do you want guided highlights + water time, with transport handled and meals included? If yes, the price feels reasonable. If you’d rather drive yourself without structure, you might find cheaper options—but you’ll likely lose the reserved crossings and the Comino lunch.

Who should book this UTV + Comino day?

This tour fits best if you:

• Want a mix of scenery and structure in one day
• Enjoy driving or at least being in the driver’s seat with a guided route
• Like sun-and-water time, not just viewpoints
• Prefer a small group (max 30) over large coach crowds

It’s also a good option for families, since the UTVs are described as having forward-facing seats.

If you’re traveling with someone who wants a purely restful day (no driving skills involved), you might find the UTV rules and self-drive setup a bit stressful. In that case, consider whether you’ll enjoy learning the “how it works” part quickly.

Potential hiccups: weather changes and the start-of-day reality

Even a well-run tour can feel chaotic at the beginning. Some real experiences with this kind of multi-transfer day tour point to two common trouble spots:

1) Weather shifts

If boats can’t operate automatically, the plan may change to a full day Tuk-Tuk tour in Gozo, and you may lose a planned swim moment. In other cases, an itinerary change can reduce water time.

2) Pickup confusion

There are occasional reports of pickup time mismatch and disorganization at early meeting points. The fix is simple: arrive at the advised pickup point early, and use the operator’s updated message, not the default one.

My best advice is to treat the morning (or sunset afternoon) like check-in for a flight: calm, early, and confirm meeting details.

Should you book the Gozo All Inclusive Self Drive tour?

If your dream day is Gozo viewpoints plus Comino water—with pickup, transport, and lunch handled—then yes, I think this tour is a smart booking. The big wins are the combination of UTV mobility, reserved crossings, and a real Comino meal, not just a stop-and-go snack.

Book it when:

• You’re comfortable driving (and meet the 21+ valid licence requirement)
• You want a packed but well-paced route
• You’re happy with “short stops, big views”

Skip or reconsider if:

• You hate any chance of schedule changes due to weather
• You want guaranteed Ggantija time (it’s optional and not part of the sunset route)
• Your group can’t handle a bit of early-day coordination

If you go in knowing that boats depend on conditions and that the day starts with a real meeting process, you’ll likely have a standout Gozo + Comino experience.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour duration is about 7 hours excluding transfer time. Some weather or operational changes can shorten it to around 6 hours excluding transfers.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and return to your original meeting point are included, with transport by Yippee from your hotel or closest pickup point.

Do I need a driver’s license for the UTV?

Yes. Drivers must be 21+, fully qualified, and hold a valid driver’s licence. Provisional licences are not accepted.

Is Ggantija Temples entrance included?

No. Ggantija Temples is optional, and the entrance fee is not included. The sunset route does not include Ggantija because it will be closed.

What Comino experiences are included?

You’ll have Comino time with a boat segment, plus an al fresco 3-course lunch on Comino. The tour also includes Blue Lagoon time and Comino caves.

Are there swim stops at Blue Lagoon?

In winter, weather permitting, you may have viewing. In summer you’ll have a swim stop.

What extra costs might come up?

Ggantija entrance fees are not included. There may also be an optional Inland Sea/Dwejra boat trip with additional fees, plus personal expenses and gratuity to the leader.

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