Gozo Quad Bike Adventure & Comino Mini Cruise (Full-Day Tour)

No, you do not need previous quad biking experience, but you must be confident controlling a vehicle and comfortable driving on public roads. The quads are fully automatic 570cc machines, and the briefing at the start covers controls, braking, cornering and how to handle basic off-road terrain safely.

You will always be riding in convoy behind an experienced tour leader who sets the pace and chooses routes that suit mixed-ability groups. As long as you follow the instructions given in the safety briefing and ride sensibly, first-timers usually settle in quickly and enjoy the experience.

Drivers must be at least 21 years old and present an original, valid driving licence at check-in; provisional, expired, photocopied or phone photos of licences are not accepted. A legally valid licence and a credit card are required because of the insurance excess conditions on the quads.

Passengers must be at least 5 years old and over 60 cm in height so they can sit securely and use the handholds properly. Although children can ride as passengers, the tour involves a full day outdoors with some bumpy sections, so it is better suited to older kids who are comfortable with longer excursions.

The tour is classed as moderate because you will be riding for several hours on a mix of tarmac roads, country lanes and hard-packed off-road tracks. Speeds are kept sensible, and the focus is on exploring Gozo’s coastline, valleys and viewpoints rather than riding aggressively.

There may be some rutted or uneven sections, but the route is chosen so that riders with reasonable road experience and no serious mobility or back issues can manage it. If you are ever unsure about a particular section, you can slow down, follow the tour leader’s line and let the guide know at the next stop.

After the quad section, and if sea conditions allow, you transfer onto a private boat for a short coastal cruise around Comino. The skipper will take you past the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon and the sea caves so you can see the cliffs, clear water and cave entrances from the sea.

During the warmer months, there is usually a swim stop of around 30 minutes in one of the sheltered lagoons. You can swim directly from the boat, relax on deck between dips, or stay dry and simply enjoy the views if you prefer not to get in the water.

The quad tour runs in a range of conditions, but very heavy rain, poor visibility or unsafe winds may mean that the operator adjusts the route, shortens the tour or cancels for safety reasons. In the event of full cancellation, you will be offered an alternative date or a refund according to the provider’s policy.

The Comino mini cruise is always subject to sea and wind conditions. If the sea state makes it unsafe or uncomfortable, the boat section and swim stop may be replaced by extra time exploring Gozo, or the swim stop may be moved to a more sheltered bay on Gozo instead.

The packed lunch is designed to be eaten outdoors during a scenic stop, so expect something simple but filling such as a sandwich or wrap, a snack item and fruit, plus a bottle of mineral water. Exact contents can vary depending on the day and supplier.

If you have dietary requirements, you should notify the organiser when you book or when you confirm your pick-up time so they can advise what is possible. You are always welcome to bring additional food or specific items yourself, especially if you have strict dietary needs or allergies.

Closed-toe shoes with good grip, such as trainers, are essential; sandals, heels and flip-flops are not suitable for driving quads and may result in you not being allowed to ride. Wear comfortable clothes that you do not mind getting dusty, and bring an extra layer if you are riding outside of high summer, as it can feel cooler with wind on the quads.

Because there is usually a swim stop in season, pack swimwear, a beach towel and a spare T-shirt or light top. Sunscreen, sunglasses, a cap or hat, a credit card for the insurance excess, and some cash for optional extras such as the Dwejra boat trip are also recommended.

You drive your own two-seater quad but always follow a lead guide who sets the route and speed. Overtaking, racing and any risky manoeuvres are not allowed; the aim is to keep the group together, ride safely and make regular stops at key viewpoints and landmarks.

Before leaving, the guides explain hand signals, spacing and what to do if you have any issues on the trail. If someone in the group is struggling, the guide can adjust the pace or position that quad nearer the front so they can follow a clearer line.

The quads are covered by a third-party insurance policy, which means damage to other road users is insured but there is an excess for damage to the quad itself. In the event of an accident, loss or damage caused by misuse, you may be charged up to the excess amount specified by the insurance company.

A credit card is taken as a guarantee against this excess and against any traffic fines or contraventions incurred during the tour. You will sign an indemnity form and inspection form before departure so you know the condition of the quad at the start and understand the terms.

If you are staying on mainland Malta, you will be collected in the morning from your accommodation or a nearby meeting point and transferred to the departure point for the boat crossing to Gozo. After the quad tour and Comino mini cruise, you return by boat (or on the Gozo Channel ferry if the sea is rough) and are then taken back to your original pick-up location.

Guests already staying on Gozo will be given a local meeting point or pick-up arrangement, and those who want to join the Comino section at the end may need to make their own way home once the boat returns to Gozo. Exact times and pick-up details are confirmed by e-mail a few days before your tour.

This experience is not recommended for anyone with heart problems, serious back issues, recent surgery or for people who are pregnant, because of vibration, occasional bumps and the duration of the day. You will be outdoors for many hours with limited access to full facilities between stops.

If you have mild issues but think you may still manage, it is important to consider that you must be able to get on and off the quad unaided, sit for sustained periods and tolerate uneven terrain. In doubt, it is better to choose a more relaxed vehicle-based sightseeing tour rather than a self-drive ATV experience.