Malta: Lazy Pirate Boat Party with Drinks & Food

The party starts before sunset. The Lazy Pirate Boat Party combines a four-hour cruise from Sliema with an unlimited bar, DJ music, snacks, and a swim stop after dark. I like the easy mix of coastline views and nightlife, and I like that the price includes drinks and food rather than leaving you to pay for each round.

The trade-off is space. The Fernandes 2 can feel crowded, especially once the music picks up and people gather near the DJ and bar. I would choose this outing for dancing and meeting other adults, not for a quiet sail or a serious swim session.

Key points to know before boarding

• The boat leaves from Sliema Ferries, opposite The Black Sheep, with no hotel transfers included.
• The open bar covers vodka, tequila, whiskey, rum, beer, wine, and sangria, including premium brands.
• The cruise follows the Maltese coast at sunset, then continues after dark as the party gets louder.
• The moonlight swim is a short anchor stop, and it may feel less appealing if swimming is your main goal.
• Food is included, with snacks and fruit, and recent sailings have also served sandwiches.
• This is an adults-only night out, with a listed price of $81 per person and a current rating of 3.8 out of 5 from 788 ratings.

Starting opposite The Black Sheep in Sliema

Your meeting point is opposite The Black Sheep at Sliema Ferries. This is useful to know because the location is specific, but transfers are not included. You need to make your own way to the waterfront and arrive ready to board.

The boat party lasts four hours and returns to Sliema at around midnight. Check the available starting time when booking, since the exact departure time can vary. The evening is planned around the change from daylight to night, so the timing matters more than it would on an ordinary harbor cruise.

I would bring a towel and avoid packing glass containers, which are not allowed. Keep your belongings simple. You will want your hands free for dancing, holding a drink, and possibly getting into the water.

The host or greeter may speak English, Italian, Spanish, or French. A separate guide is not included, so this is not a sightseeing tour with a running commentary about Malta. The setting, music, and social side are the main attractions.

Sunset sailing along the Maltese coast

Once Fernandes 2 leaves Sliema, the boat heads along the Maltese coast as the sun goes down. This is the calmer part of the evening, when you can take in the coastline before the music becomes the main event.

I like this transition because it gives the night some shape. You are not simply stepping into a nightclub. You begin outdoors, with open water and a changing sky, then move into a louder party as darkness arrives.

The trip is best understood as a social cruise rather than a sightseeing expedition. The route is described as sailing toward the setting sun and along the coast, but no specific coastal landmarks or sightseeing stops are promised. If you want detailed facts about Malta’s forts, bays, or towns, you should book a dedicated sightseeing cruise instead.

Find your preferred spot early if having room matters to you. The boat may feel tight once people begin dancing, and one of the main drawbacks is the number of people sharing the available space. I would use the first part of the cruise to look around, settle in, and decide where you feel most comfortable.

The Fernandes 2 turns up the music

As night falls, the DJ takes a larger role. The appeal here is simple: you get music, dancing, drinks, and a group atmosphere in one place. Several aspects of the experience receive strong praise, especially the DJ, the friendly staff, and the general sense of fun.

The music is a major reason to book. If you want a night centered on dancing, this format works better than a standard sunset cruise. You can listen, move around, and meet other adults without arranging a separate bar-hopping plan.

The mood is not guaranteed to suit everyone. The boat can become crowded, and the volume rises as the evening continues. I would not recommend it if you prefer low music, personal space, or a quiet view of the coast.

Staff are described as welcoming and available, with servers who keep the drinks moving. One serious complaint involved security becoming aggressive toward a person trying to locate friends, including swearing and pushing. That is not a minor point. Keep track of your group, follow staff instructions, and speak up if you feel unsafe. The overall feedback about the crew is often positive, but this reported incident deserves consideration.

What the unlimited bar actually includes

The open bar includes vodka, tequila, whiskey, rum, beer, wine, and sangria. Premium brands are advertised, so the selection is broader than a basic beer-and-wine package.

For $81, the bar is a substantial part of the value. Four hours of drinks, a DJ, a boat cruise, a swim stop, snacks, and fruit would cost more if purchased as separate parts of a night out. The price makes the most sense for someone who plans to drink and stay for the full party.

You should still pace yourself. The boat continues moving, the evening runs until about midnight, and the swimming stop comes after the party has already been underway. An unlimited bar can make it easy to drink faster than intended, especially in a hot or crowded setting. Eat early, drink water when possible, and do not treat the open bar as a challenge.

The food is not presented as a full dinner. Expect snacks and fruit, with sandwiches served on some sailings. That is helpful for keeping the evening going, but I would not book this as a meal-focused cruise. Food quality has received mixed reactions, so have a proper meal before boarding if you know you need more than light refreshments.

The food: useful fuel, not the main attraction

Included food makes the package more practical. You can grab a snack between drinks and dancing without leaving the boat or paying extra. Fruit is also a welcome option when you want something lighter.

Sandwiches have been served on recent sailings, but the food should still be viewed as party catering. One recent experience praised the sandwiches, while another found the food disappointing. That difference tells you what to expect: food is included and useful, but it is not the reason to choose this tour.

I would eat a proper meal before arriving, then treat the onboard food as support for the evening. This is especially sensible if you plan to make use of the open bar. A full stomach makes it easier to enjoy the music and swim stop responsibly.

The moonlight swim at anchor

At an anchor point, the boat stops for a moonlight swim. This is the evening’s most unusual feature. Getting into the water after sunset, with the party boat nearby and music continuing onboard, creates a memorable break from dancing.

The swim stop is not a long beach visit. You remain at the anchor point, and the available information does not promise a secluded cove, warm water, or a formal swimming area. One important practical detail is that the stop may not satisfy you if swimming is your main purpose. It can be brief or feel secondary to the party.

Bring a towel, as requested. The information does not state that swimming equipment is supplied, so bring only what you need and avoid glass objects. If you decide not to swim, you can remain onboard and continue with the music and drinks.

I see the swim as a bonus rather than the core experience. If you want a relaxed swim in clear daytime water, choose a dedicated boat trip. If you like the novelty of a nighttime swim during a party, this stop adds something different to an ordinary club night.

How crowded is the boat?

Crowding is the clearest practical drawback. The boat has enough room for a party, but not necessarily enough room for everyone to dance freely at once. Space becomes more limited when people cluster around the music, bar, and social areas.

That crowding can also be part of the appeal. You are likely to meet other adults, and the atmosphere is designed for group energy rather than solitude. A group of five friends can enjoy the shared mood, but you should expect people to be close together.

Keep your own group organized. One problem reported during the evening involved someone trying to find friends and having a difficult interaction with security. Agree on a simple meeting point onboard and stay aware of where your friends are, especially after the swim stop.

The boat party is for adults aged 18 and over. Children are not permitted, so the atmosphere is aimed squarely at adult nightlife.

Is $81 good value?

At $81 per person, the value depends on how you spend your evenings. The package includes the boat tour, the DJ, the open bar, snacks, fruit, and the swim stop. If you would otherwise pay for a club entry, several drinks, and transport between venues, the combined price can be reasonable.

The price is less attractive if you do not drink alcohol or if you mainly want coastal scenery. You are paying for the party package, not for a detailed tour of Malta or a quiet sailing experience. A person who skips most of the bar and does not dance may find the cost harder to justify.

The four-hour length helps. You get a sunset departure, a period of sailing, a full party segment, and the swim stop before returning around midnight. It is long enough to feel like a complete night out, but short enough to fit into a wider Malta itinerary.

A current score of 3.8 out of 5 from 788 ratings suggests a generally enjoyable experience with noticeable shortcomings. The strongest positives are the music, drinks, staff, dancing, and social atmosphere. The recurring concerns are crowded conditions, uneven food, the limited appeal of the swim stop, and one troubling security complaint.

Who will enjoy the Lazy Pirate most?

I would recommend this for:

• Adults who want an organized night out rather than several separate bars
• Couples or friend groups who enjoy dancing and meeting people
• Visitors who value an unlimited drinks package
• Anyone attracted to the unusual idea of swimming from a party boat after dark
• People who want sunset views without giving up nightlife

I would think twice if you are looking for:

• A quiet cruise with commentary
• A spacious boat with plenty of personal room
• A high-quality dinner
• A long or scenic swimming stop
• A family-friendly activity
• A night built around Malta’s landmarks and cultural sites

The best match is someone who sees the cruise as a floating party with a coastal setting. The wrong match is someone hoping for a polished yacht excursion with a calm, spacious deck.

Booking details that matter

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available, which helps if you are still arranging your Malta schedule.

The meeting point is opposite The Black Sheep in Sliema Ferries. Transfers are not included, and personal expenses outside the included food and drinks are also your responsibility.

The host or greeter languages are English, Italian, Spanish, and French. A guide is not included, so do not expect formal commentary during the cruise.

Should you book this boat party?

Book it if you want music, dancing, an open bar, and a social night on the water. The sunset cruise gives the evening a pleasant start, while the DJ and moonlight swim keep it from feeling like a standard sightseeing trip.

Skip it if your priorities are space, quiet, a substantial meal, or serious swimming. I would also make a plan with your group before boarding, since the boat can be crowded and keeping track of friends becomes important.

For the right person, $81 is a fair all-in price for four hours of drinks, food, music, and a nighttime boat setting. Go with realistic expectations, eat beforehand, bring a towel, and treat the swim as an extra rather than the whole point.

FAQ

Where does the Lazy Pirate Boat Party depart from?

It departs from Sliema Ferries, opposite The Black Sheep in Sliema.

How long does the boat party last?

The activity lasts four hours and returns to Sliema at around midnight.

What is included in the ticket?

The ticket includes the party boat tour, an open bar, snacks, fruit, and a DJ.

Which drinks are available?

The open bar includes vodka, tequila, whiskey, rum, beer, wine, and sangria. Premium brands are included in the advertised selection.

Is food included?

Yes. Snacks and fruit are included, and sandwiches have also been served on some sailings.

Is swimming part of the experience?

Yes. The boat stops at an anchor point for a moonlight swim.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel. Glass objects are not allowed onboard.

Can children join the boat party?

No. The activity is not suitable for children under 18.

Are transfers included?

No. You need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point, and transfers are not included.

Can I cancel my booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.