Fernandes Gozo & Comino

A full day at sea changes Malta’s pace. The Fernandes Gozo and Comino cruise combines a Turkish gulet, two long swim stops, and plenty of food and drink into a relaxed day from Valletta. I especially like the round-trip accommodation transfers and the fact that lunch, snacks, beer, wine, soft drinks, and water are included. You can leave the planning to the captain and spend the day in the sun.

I also like the chance to swim from the boat instead of rushing from one crowded shore stop to another. The main catch is the boat can feel crowded, especially with a maximum of 180 people aboard. If you want a quiet sailing trip or a proper seat at a lunch table, this may feel more like a busy floating day club.

Key points to know before booking

• Two major swim stops: Spend about 90 minutes in a secluded Gozo bay, then two hours at Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon.
• Food and drinks are covered: A hot and cold buffet, morning and afternoon snacks, unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and water are included.
• Transfers make the day easy: Pickup is offered from accommodation in Malta, with the tour starting around 9:00 a.m.
• The gulet is built for a social day: The Turkish-style boat gives you space to sunbathe, eat, swim, and meet other people, but it is not a private yacht.
• Bring swim gear and sun protection: Snorkeling equipment is available if needed, while coffee, ice cream, and the cave speedboat ride cost extra.
• Weather matters: Poor sea conditions can lead to cancellation, with a new date or full refund offered.

What kind of day is the Fernandes cruise?

This is a full-day boat outing rather than a sightseeing cruise with a long list of monuments. The main attractions are the sea, the swimming, the views around Gozo and Comino, and the ease of having your meals and drinks handled for you.

From Valletta, the Turkish gulet Fernandez heads toward Gozo before continuing to Comino. You have around seven and a half hours in all, so the pace is unhurried. You are not being hurried off the boat after a quick photograph. The two main stops give you real time in the water.

The boat carries up to 180 people. That number matters. On a good day, the size can create a cheerful, social mood, with music, drinks, and easy conversation. On a busy day, it can mean limited room, crowded swimming areas around the vessel, and not enough tables for everyone to eat comfortably.

I would think of this as a large shared sailing party with a buffet, not a peaceful small-group sailing lesson. That distinction will help you choose wisely.

Leaving Valletta with transfers included

The advertised start time is 9:00 a.m., and pickup from accommodation in Malta is offered. This is useful if you do not want to work out a separate route to the departure point, particularly when you are carrying towels, swimwear, and sun cream.

The practical benefit is simple: your morning has fewer moving parts. You do not need to arrange a taxi to the harbor and then worry about being late for a boat that will not wait. Confirmation is provided at booking, but you should still check the exact pickup details carefully before the day.

Once aboard, the crew and captain handle the sailing and timing. That leaves you free to find a place on deck, order a drink, and settle into the day. Several people praised the crew for being friendly and helpful, which is important on a large boat where good organization can make a big difference.

The boat itself has been described as new and well cared for. That does not turn it into a luxury yacht in the private-charter sense, but it does suggest a cleaner, more polished setting than a basic sightseeing vessel.

The first stop: 90 minutes in a Gozo bay

The first swimming stop is in a secluded bay around Gozo. The boat drops anchor, giving you about an hour and a half to swim and enjoy the water before heading onward to Comino.

This is one of the strongest parts of the schedule. You get a proper swim before the busiest and most famous stop of the day. The bay also offers a calmer setting for anyone who wants to float, snorkel, or simply sit on deck and enjoy the scenery without feeling that every minute must be used for a photograph.

The word secluded should be treated as relative. You are still on a popular boat route, and conditions can vary. Still, the Gozo stop gives the day some breathing room. It is a good chance to get comfortable in the water and test the snorkeling gear if you need it.

Snorkeling equipment is available if required, and the swimming stops are the main reason to bring a swimsuit. Pack a towel, sunglasses, a hat, and strong sun protection. The Maltese sun can feel pleasant while you are on deck, then surprisingly fierce after several hours on the water.

If you do not swim, you can remain aboard and enjoy the view. The details provided do not promise a separate guided activity at Gozo, so this stop is best understood as free time in and around the water rather than a structured shore excursion.

Two hours at Comino’s Blue Lagoon

The second stop lasts around two hours at the Blue Lagoon in Comino. This is the headline attraction, and you get enough time for more than a quick dip.

The Blue Lagoon is famous for clear blue water and dramatic coastal scenery. From the gulet, you can swim, snorkel, or stay aboard with a drink while watching the activity around the bay. The long stop gives you flexibility. You can get in early, return to the boat for a snack, and swim again rather than trying to do everything at once.

The setting is also the most likely place for the day to feel busy. The Blue Lagoon is a major draw, and your boat is not the only vessel in the area. If you are seeking quiet water and an empty shoreline, this is not the right expectation. The appeal is access to a famous swimming spot while your lunch and drinks are already arranged.

An optional cave speedboat ride is not included. Coffee and ice cream are also extra. Those costs are easy to overlook because most of the main food and drink is covered, so keep a little money available if you want one of these add-ons.

The Blue Lagoon stop works best for people who see swimming as the main event. If you are hoping to walk around Comino or visit several caves by land, this cruise will not provide that kind of itinerary.

Food, drinks, and the real value of the price

The listed price is $85.98 per person. That is not the cheapest way to reach Gozo and Comino, but the comparison is not simply boat fare versus boat fare.

Your price includes a hot and cold buffet, morning and afternoon snacks, unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and water. Transfers are offered as well. For a seven-and-a-half-hour outing, those inclusions can add up quickly, especially if you would otherwise buy lunch, several drinks, and transport separately.

The food has received mixed attention. Some people were pleasantly surprised by the quality and taste, while others found it poor. That is a fair warning not to book this primarily as a gourmet meal. I would regard the buffet as practical fuel for a long day on the water, with the benefit of choice between hot and cold items.

There is one practical problem: a large boat may not have enough tables for everyone to eat comfortably. You may need to be flexible about where you sit or eat. Grab your food when service begins rather than waiting until the rush has passed.

The unlimited drinks are a major part of the value, but use good judgment in the sun. Beer and wine are available, yet water should remain part of your routine. Dehydration can sneak up on you during a day of swimming and sunbathing.

Coffee and ice cream are not included. Neither is the cave speedboat ride. Those exclusions are reasonable, but you should know them before boarding so the all-inclusive wording does not surprise you later.

The boat atmosphere: friendly, social, and sometimes tight

The crew has earned strong praise for being friendly, funny, and helpful. That matters more than it may sound. A crew that keeps food moving, explains the stops, and helps with equipment can turn a busy boat into an enjoyable day.

The atmosphere is social. You may meet people from different countries, share a table, or chat with someone while waiting to get into the water. This suits solo visitors, couples, and groups who like a little company around their sightseeing.

It is less suitable if you want silence. The supplied information does not promise a quiet cruise, private seating, or a small group. The maximum capacity of 180 is a clear signal that space may be limited.

Reports of discomfort and a shortage of lunch tables should be taken seriously. The gulet may be attractive and well maintained, but a large number of people still affects how much room you have. I would choose a deck position early, keep your personal items compact, and avoid assuming that a prime shaded seat will remain available all day.

The boat’s size also affects the swimming experience. Getting into the sea can be fun and easy, but you should expect other swimmers around the vessel. This is a shared excursion, not a private anchorage.

Who will get the most from this tour?

I would recommend the Fernandes cruise to you if you want an easy, social day on the water with most costs handled in advance. It works particularly well for:

• Couples who want swimming, scenery, food, and drinks without arranging each part separately
• Solo visitors who enjoy meeting people on a group outing
• Families and mixed-age groups who appreciate included meals and a flexible schedule
• Anyone staying in Malta who wants pickup and return transport
• Swimmers and snorkelers who want substantial time at both Gozo and Comino

You may want another option if you need lots of personal space, a quiet boat, or a carefully prepared meal. People who dislike crowds can find a 180-person vessel tiring, particularly at the Blue Lagoon.

The tour also suits people who are happy to spend most of the day aboard. The focus is not on walking through Gozo villages or exploring Comino on foot. You are there for the sea and the views from the boat.

Weather cancellations and practical planning

The experience requires good weather. If the sea is rough or conditions are considered unsuitable, the operator may cancel for safety reasons. In that case, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

This policy is sensible for a boat day, but a cancellation can disrupt a short holiday. If this cruise is important to you, avoid placing it on your final possible day in Malta. Booking an earlier day gives you some room to reschedule if conditions change.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted, and the amount paid is not refunded for a late cancellation.

Most people can participate, service animals are allowed, and the boat is near public transportation. Pickup is offered, but make sure you have the correct meeting and pickup information before the morning of the trip.

What to pack for seven and a half hours

Keep your packing simple. You will want:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Hat, sunglasses, and strong sun protection
• Water-friendly footwear if you prefer it
• A small bag for dry clothing and personal items
• Some money for coffee, ice cream, or the cave speedboat ride

Do not count on having plenty of spare space around your seat. A compact bag is easier to manage on a busy boat.

I would also bring a light cover-up for the ride between stops. The sun may be strong, while the moving boat can feel cooler. If you plan to drink alcohol, pace yourself and use the included water often.

Is $85.98 good value?

For a basic boat transfer alone, $85.98 would be high. For a full day with transfers, two extended swim stops, buffet lunch, snacks, and unlimited drinks, the price is easier to justify.

The strongest value comes from convenience. You are paying for transport, a long boat outing, food, drinks, crew support, and a ready-made day plan. You do not have to compare restaurants at lunchtime or find a separate way between Gozo and Comino.

The weaker value appears if you do not drink, do not eat much buffet food, or dislike crowded group settings. In that case, the all-inclusive package may include benefits you will not use.

I would compare this price with the cost of a smaller boat trip before booking. A smaller vessel might offer more space and a quieter mood, but it may not include the same amount of food, drink, or transfer support. The right choice depends on what you value most.

Should you book Fernandes Gozo and Comino?

Book it if you want a relaxed, social day where the practical details are mostly covered. The two long swim stops, friendly crew, included buffet, and unlimited drinks give the tour a clear appeal. It is especially convenient when pickup from your accommodation saves you the trouble of reaching the harbor.

Think twice if personal space and meal quality matter more to you than convenience. The boat can be crowded, table space may be limited, and the buffet receives mixed assessments. My best advice is to treat this as a busy but well-organized day at sea, not a private luxury cruise.

If that sounds right, bring your swimsuit, claim a comfortable spot early, and use the first Gozo stop to enjoy the water before the Blue Lagoon becomes the day’s busiest scene.

FAQ

What time does the Fernandes Gozo and Comino tour start?

The stated start time is 9:00 a.m. Pickup from accommodation in Malta is offered.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes.

How long do you stop at Gozo?

The boat spends about 1 hour and 30 minutes anchored in a secluded Gozo bay for swimming and enjoying the surroundings.

How long do you stop at the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about 2 hours, giving you time to swim while remaining aboard the gulet for the included food and drinks.

What food and drinks are included?

A hot and cold buffet, morning and afternoon snacks, unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and water are included. Coffee and ice cream are not included.

Is the cave speedboat ride included?

No. The cave speedboat ride is an optional extra and is not included in the tour price.