Gozo does cliff views and Comino does swim breaks. This All Inclusive Self Drive 4×4 Jeep Day or Sunset outing strings together Gozo’s major stops and then hands you serious time on the water around Comino, with hotel pickup and drop-off to keep the day smooth. I especially like the built-in rhythm: you’re not just driving from point to point, you’re timed for scenic viewing, a real guided story at each stop, and then a proper boat day.

My other big favorite is the Comino 3-course lunch al fresco, because it turns the trip from sightseeing into an actual outing. One drawback to plan for: the schedule is weather-dependent, so swim stops and some boat sections can be swapped or reduced when conditions aren’t right.

Key highlights at a glance

• Hotel pickup and drop-off arranged by Yippee transport, with a Yippee sign at the meeting spot
• Reserved boat crossings for your group (weather permitting), plus the return boat back to Malta reserved for Yippee clients
• UTVs or tuk-tuks for getting around Gozo, with forward-facing seats that are handy for families
• Comino’s Blue Lagoon time plus Comino cave viewing or cruising, and a swim stop in summer weather
• Ggantija is optional (entry fee not included), while most other stops list free admission

How this Gozo and Comino tour actually runs

The core idea is simple: you get transported from your Malta hotel area to the boat crossing, then the whole day runs on a planned loop across Gozo, finishing with Comino. The tour runs about 7 hours excluding transfer time, with a morning start at 8:00 am and a sunset route starting around 12:30 pm.

Expect a maximum group size of 30 people, which is big enough to feel social but small enough that you’re usually not stuck waiting all day. You’ll also have a multilingual leader, so the commentary is built into the stops rather than tacked on at the end.

The included “all inclusive” part matters because it covers more than just food. You get the ferry/boat components you need to cross waters, plus the 3-course meal once you’re on Comino. That’s the stuff that usually costs time and money when you try to stitch this route together on your own.

Your Gozo ride: UTVs, self-driving rules, and who they suit

On this tour you’ll use ultra-modern UTVs with forward-facing seats (great for families and for anyone who dislikes guessing which way a van is going). Some versions run as tuk-tuk routes too, and the operator notes that if boat operations can’t run normally due to weather, the day may shift to a full day tuk-tuk tour in Gozo.

If you’re planning to drive, read the fine print on age and licensing. Drivers must be 21+ and fully qualified with a valid driver’s licence. Provisional licences aren’t accepted. So if you’re traveling as a family, it’s worth deciding early who can drive so you don’t lose time figuring it out at the start.

If you’d rather not drive, you can still enjoy the route as a passenger. The advantage of these vehicle setups is that you spend less time in tight long transfers and more time at stops where you can actually look around.

Sanap Cliffs and Xlendi: the view stops that set the tone

Your first big set of scenery is Sanap Cliffs, one of Gozo’s highest points. It’s short on time at the viewpoint, but that’s part of the magic: you get altitude views toward Malta and Comino, then you move on before the sun gets too punishing. Admission is listed as free here.

Next comes Xlendi, a popular seaside area with blue water, dramatic cliffs, and Xlendi Tower. This is one of those places where you’ll want your camera ready, but also where walking a bit pays off. The water is the star, and the cliffs give the whole bay a postcard shape even when the day is busy.

Time at each stop is capped, so I’d treat these as “look, photograph, breathe” moments, not long wandering sessions.

Fontana and Ggantija: village calm and UNESCO pre-history (optional fee)

Fontana is a fishing village with a population around 1,000, and it feels like the opposite of the more tourist-heavy coastal pockets. The stop is short, but the details are good: you’ll pass by the area connected to the spring dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and you’ll learn how this community connects back to the sea and even nearby fishing families tied to Xlendi.

It’s also close to Victoria, so if you ever plan a separate day exploring Gozo’s capital, Fontana is the kind of stop you can build into your own route later.

Then you hit Ggantija Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest free-standing temple structures in the world, often described as predating the Egyptian pyramids. That’s the headline, sure, but the real value is context: you get guided commentary that helps prehistoric Malta feel understandable rather than just “big old stones.”

Here’s the catch: Ggantija entry fee isn’t included. Also, on the sunset route, Ggantija isn’t an option, because it’s closed. So if you care about this stop specifically, choose the morning tour.

Dwejra Bay and the Inland Sea: sea drama without the hiking

Dwejra Bay is one of Gozo’s famous coastal areas, and it’s a stop where you get dramatic rock-and-water scenery quickly. From there, you’ll also visit the Inland Sea (also known as Qawra and linked with Dwejra), described as a lagoon of seawater connected to the Mediterranean through a narrow natural arch.

These are not “stay for hours” stops. They’re timed to let you take in the view and hear the story. The benefit of a guided loop is that you won’t just stand there guessing what you’re looking at.

There may be an optional Inland Sea boat trip mentioned as an extra fee. If you’re the type who likes getting closer to the rock formations, this can be worth considering, but you’ll pay extra.

Ta’ Pinu and Xwejni Salt Pans: faith and work you can photograph

Ta’ Pinu National Shrine is where the tour shifts from geology and sea views to architecture and faith. The sanctuary for Our Lady of Ta Pinu is described as a place that draws pilgrims and visitors, and the stop includes time to take in the church’s presence against Gozo’s scenery.

Even if you’re not traveling for religious reasons, it’s a good reset. It slows the day down for a different kind of attention: details of the building and the calm of the setting.

Then you get Xwejni Salt Pans. This is a look at centuries-old salt harvesting, where you can picture terraced fields and the process of evaporating seawater. It’s the sort of place that makes Gozo feel like more than beaches and towers. Admission is listed as free, and the stop is short, so aim to get photos of the patterns first, then read what you can from the guidance.

Marsalforn plus Comino water time: where the day turns into a swim day

After the inland and cliff-side stops, you’ll reach Marsalforn on Gozo’s north coast, between Xagħra and Żebbuġ. Marsalforn is a tourist resort, but the details matter: it has only a small sandy beach, with lots of rocky swimming spots along the coastline.

This is a good stretch of time to check out the coastline and decide if you want to linger near water later. It’s not a long museum stop; it’s a “feel the coast” moment.

Then you cross over to Comino, the small island known for clear water. The big headline is the Blue Lagoon, described as one of the Malta Islands’ most beautiful swimming areas. In winter, you’ll typically get a viewing stop, while in summer you’ll get a swim stop.

You might also see additional water time around areas sometimes referred to as Cristo Lagoon in the context of swimming. I’d plan to bring your swimwear no matter what season you’re in, because at minimum you’ll want the option.

Comino Caves and the 3-course lunch al fresco

The tour includes time to explore the Comino Caves along the island. The caves are described as formed from soft limestone, with stretches over 40 meters, and the whole stop is timed with the water portion of your day. Even if you aren’t a “boat person,” this is a straightforward way to get up close to the rock formations without arranging your own excursion.

Now the part I’d call the value anchor: you get a 3-course lunch al fresco on Comino. That’s not just “food included.” It’s your built-in recovery break between sightseeing and swimming. It also makes the timing make sense, because you’re fed right where the day is strongest.

One practical note from past feedback: people sometimes wish bottled water was available during the day. I don’t know what your exact meal setup will be, so I’d pack a small bottle of water just in case you feel thirsty while moving between stops.

Price and what “all inclusive” covers (plus the few extras)

At $112.13 per person, the value is largely in the combination: pickup/drop-off, guided commentary across multiple Gozo highlights, and the reserved boat movement tied to Comino. Most independent DIY days that try to cover this same range end up costing more once you factor in boat crossings, meal planning, and transport coordination.

What’s included (based on the tour info) includes:

• pickup in Malta or Gozo from your hotel or closest point (by Yippee transport)
• reserved crossing by boat exclusively for Yippee guests (weather permitting)
• ferry ticket whenever needed
• boat back to Malta reserved for Yippee clients
• 3-course lunch on Comino
• multilingual leader

What can add cost:

• Ggantija temple entry fee not included
• optional Inland Sea boat trip has extra fees
• leader gratuity isn’t included
• personal expenses

If you decide you want both Ggantija and the Inland Sea boat trip, your final spend will rise. But even with those extras, this kind of route is usually still time-saving.

The real gotchas: pickup confusion and weather swaps

Here’s the most important practical advice: the tour notes that you may receive a default booking message with the wrong pickup time, and that the correct time and closest pickup point are sent by the Yippee office after you book. So do not treat the first message as gospel.

Once you get the confirmed pickup details, show up 5 minutes early at the advised point. If you’re using WhatsApp (recommended by the operator), keep your phone available the morning of the tour.

Weather is the other factor. Boats are weather permitting, and the operator says if prevailing conditions don’t allow boats to operate automatically, your booking may shift to a full day tuk-tuk tour in Gozo. That means the day can adjust, including swim time. In other words: don’t schedule something tight right after this tour, and bring swim gear so you’re ready if conditions allow the best version of the day.

Finally, because you’re in a multilingual setting, I’d suggest you mention your language needs clearly right away. Some mismatches can happen when groups are mixed, and early clarification is an easy fix.

Should you book this Gozo and Comino all-inclusive self drive tour?

Book it if you want a high-efficiency day that covers cliffs, villages, UNESCO pre-history, and then real time on Comino’s water without the hassle of planning boats and transport. It’s also a strong choice if you like structure: you get guided commentary, set stop timing, and a meal built into the day.

Skip it or rethink if:

• you’re very sensitive to schedule changes from weather
• you strongly care about Ggantija and you’re choosing the sunset option (it’s not included there)
• you don’t want any chance of missing one of the swimming moments if conditions shift

If you do book, you’ll get the best experience by doing three simple things: confirm the real pickup time from Yippee, arrive a few minutes early, and pack swimwear even if you think you might not need it.

FAQ

What time does the morning tour start?

The morning tour starts at 8:00 am.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is offered in Malta or Gozo from your hotel or the closest pick-up point by Yippee transport.

Does the tour include Comino lunch?

Yes. You get a 3-course lunch al fresco on Comino.

Are Ggantija Temples tickets included?

No. The Ggantija temple entry fee is not included, and the sunset route does not have Ggantija as an option.

Is there swimming time at the Blue Lagoon?

In summer, the tour includes a swim stop. In winter, it’s described as a viewing stop depending on weather.

What if boats cannot operate due to weather?

If boats can’t operate due to prevailing weather conditions, the booking may be changed to a full day tuk-tuk tour in Gozo.

Do I need a driver’s licence to drive the UTV/jeep?

If you plan to drive, drivers must be 21+ and must have a valid driver’s licence. Provisional licences are not accepted.