Gozo Self-Drive Buggy Adventure with Comino Mini Cruise (Full Day)

You do not need previous off-road experience, but you must be a confident, regular driver. The buggies are fully automatic and easy to handle, and before leaving the base you’ll get a clear briefing on controls, braking, cornering on loose surfaces, and how to follow the convoy safely. The tour leader sets a sensible pace so you are not pushed beyond your comfort level.

The main requirement is that you are comfortable in real road traffic and able to react calmly to changing surfaces, slopes and tight turns. If you are very nervous behind the wheel in general, this might feel demanding, but for most drivers who are used to a car, the step to an automatic buggy is straightforward after a few minutes of practice.

You can expect a mix of village streets, country lanes and rougher sections on hard-packed tracks rather than extreme rock crawling. The route is chosen so that a standard, well-driven buggy can handle it without specialist skills, while still giving you a genuine feeling of driving on unsealed surfaces with ruts, dust and small bumps.

There may be short sections with tighter corners, steeper gradients or loose stones where you’ll need to keep your speed down and follow the tour leader’s line closely. Good spacing, smooth braking and avoiding sudden steering inputs are key. If conditions deteriorate due to weather, the route can be adjusted on the day to maintain safety margins.

Drivers must be at least 21 and hold an original, valid driving licence. Provisional licences, expired licences and copies or photos on your phone are not accepted. If you arrive without the correct physical licence, you will not be allowed to drive and no refund is given, so it’s important to double-check before you travel.

All buggies are covered by a third-party insurance policy. In the event of accident, loss or damage to the buggy, you are liable only up to the insurance excess. A credit card is taken as a guarantee against this excess and any potential fines or contraventions. The exact excess amount is determined by the insurer and will be explained in the pre-tour paperwork and briefing.

Yes – you genuinely drive your own buggy for the full route, controlling speed, braking, and line choice within the constraints of following the convoy. The lead guide chooses the path and manages group spacing, but the driving inputs are yours. That means you still get a very real feel for how the buggy handles on different surfaces and gradients.

If there are two eligible drivers in the same buggy (both over 21 with valid licences), you can usually swap during one of the longer stops, as long as both drivers have been checked and briefed at the start. Swaps must be done safely at a designated stop and never while the convoy is moving. It’s worth mentioning this to the guide at the beginning so they can suggest the best points to change over.

Children aged 3 and above can join as passengers, so it can work well for active families with older kids who enjoy being outdoors. They’ll experience varied scenery, frequent stops for views and photos, and usually enjoy the Comino mini cruise and potential swim stop. However, there is noise, dust, and some jolts over rough ground, so it is not ideal for very young or nervous children.

Infants under 3 are not permitted on the tour. Parents should also consider how their child copes with seat belts, helmets and longer periods sitting in the buggy between stops. If your child struggles with long car journeys, this format may feel tiring; if they enjoy vehicles and being outside all day, they are likely to love it.

You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable sitting upright and absorbing small impacts throughout the day. Drivers in particular use their arms, shoulders and core to stabilise the buggy over rougher patches, and there is some climbing in and out at stops. If you can manage a full day of sightseeing with short walks, you are generally fit enough for the tour.

Because of the terrain and motion, this trip is not suitable for pregnant guests, people with back or neck problems, serious joint issues, or significant heart conditions. It is also not recommended for travellers with mobility impairments who find uneven ground very difficult, or for those who are strongly prone to motion or sea sickness, as the day also includes a boat transfer and mini cruise when conditions allow.

The Comino mini cruise is offered as an added extra at the end of the land-based section. When sea and wind conditions are suitable, you will board a boat reserved for guests, cruise around Comino to see the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon and sea caves, and during the main season there is usually time for about a 30-minute swim stop in one of the lagoons. It’s a good way to cool off and see the coastline from the water after a day of driving.

Because the mini cruise is complimentary, it is always subject to weather and sea state. If conditions are not safe or workable, the operator may shorten, modify or cancel this part of the itinerary, and in that case no refund is given for the missed cruise specifically. If Comino is not possible, the team may instead add a swim stop in a more sheltered bay around Gozo, again subject to the conditions on the day.

Closed-toe shoes with good grip (such as trainers) are essential; sandals, heels and flip-flops are not recommended because they can slip or offer poor pedal feel. Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is best – expect dust and the possibility of light mud or spray, so avoid anything you would be unhappy to get dirty. In warmer months, breathable long sleeves and a cap help with sun protection between stops.

You should also bring sunscreen, sunglasses, swimwear and a towel if you plan to swim during the Comino section, plus a light jacket or rain layer if there is a chance of showers. A credit card is required for the insurance guarantee, and carrying a small amount of cash is useful for optional extras such as the Dwejra boat ride, snacks, or drinks. Helmets, hairnets, raincoats (when needed) and the packed lunch with water are provided.

Group size can vary, but tours typically run as a convoy of several buggies plus the lead vehicle, and sometimes other units such as quads if the operator is running a mixed convoy. The lead guide controls spacing and pace so that everyone can follow safely without needing to rush, regrouping at junctions and viewpoints when necessary.

The atmosphere is usually relaxed but organised: the focus is on safe, smooth driving with time to enjoy the viewpoints and short explanations at stops. Because it is a full-day programme, the pace is steady rather than frantic. If you are worried about being the least experienced driver, speak to the guide early – they can often position you nearer the front where it is easier to follow pace and lines.

There are regular stops in or near villages and well-known sites where basic facilities are available, but you should not expect facilities at every scenic viewpoint. It is sensible to use the toilets whenever there is a clear opportunity, especially if you are travelling with children. The team will tell you which stops have better access to cafés or restrooms.

Lunch is provided as a packed option so you can eat outside without losing time in a sit-down restaurant. This usually includes a simple main item and a bottle of water; if you have specific dietary needs or allergies, it is worth raising these with the operator in advance so they can advise what is possible. You can bring extra snacks or buy additional drinks at some stops, particularly in or near busier villages on the route.