Sliema: Gozo/Comino Blue Lagoon Gulet Cruise w/ Lunch+Drinks

The sea is Malta’s best sightseeing seat. This 7.5-hour cruise aboard the wooden Turkish gulet The Fernandes links Sliema, Comino, and Gozo with two swim stops, generous food, and unlimited beer, wine, water, and soft drinks. I especially like the relaxed full-day format and the chance to reach quiet water near Gozo without arranging separate transport. The main catch is comfort: the boat can feel crowded, and the Blue Lagoon is rarely peaceful in high season.

I also like the practical value. At $84 per person, lunch, snacks, drinks, hotel pickup from selected points, and a full day on the water are included. You should arrive early for a better deck spot, bring strong sunscreen, and obtain the required Blue Lagoon access pass in advance if you plan to step ashore.

Key points to know before boarding

• The Fernandes leaves from Sliema Ferries: Look for the traditional-design wooden Turkish gulet on the promenade side of Triq Ix-Xatt, and arrive about 30 minutes early.
• Two swim stops shape the day: One is at the Blue Lagoon on Comino, and another is in a quieter bay near Gozo. The order can change with weather and operating conditions.
• The Blue Lagoon now requires planning: Since May 2025, you need a free government-issued access pass to leave the boat there. Choose the morning slot when applying.
• Food and drinks are part of the fare: You get a morning snack, buffet lunch, an afternoon snack, and unlimited beer, wine, mineral water, and soft drinks.
• The atmosphere is social, not silent: Music plays on board, and the captain has been praised as a fine DJ. It suits a lively day at sea more than a quiet sailing retreat.
• Deck space is limited: Mats and hard benches may be the main seating, so arriving early matters, especially for older passengers or anyone who wants shade.

Setting sail from Sliema on The Fernandes

Your day begins at Sliema Ferries, a handy waterfront departure point across from Valletta. The boat is named The Fernandes, a Turkish gulet with a traditional wooden-sailing-ship design. Look for it on the promenade side of Triq Ix-Xatt rather than assuming every vessel at the ferry area is yours.

The stated cruise departure is 10:00 a.m. That is not necessarily your hotel pickup time. If you choose transport, the operator assigns pickup locations and times, usually between 8:15 and 9:30 a.m., depending on where you stay. Contact the operator a few days before departure to confirm both details.

If you are staying within walking distance of Sliema Ferries, you make your own way to the boat. That is often simpler than waiting for a transfer. Arrive around 9:30 a.m. so you can identify the gulet, board without a rush, and find a suitable place to sit or stretch out.

Once under way, Malta’s northern shore becomes the day’s first attraction. You pass rugged cliffs, small coves, and narrow inlets from a viewpoint you cannot get on a road or walking path. The early part of the cruise is a good time to settle in, take photographs, and enjoy the morning snack before the main swimming stops.

Finding your best place on the deck

The boat offers sunbathing areas, mats, wooden benches, and other seating, but not every passenger should expect a padded lounger. Several comments point to a simple rule: arrive early if you want a prime deck spot. The back deck can be especially appealing, though it may fill quickly.

This matters more than it might sound. A full day at sea is a long time to spend on a hard bench or in direct sun. If you are in your 50s or older, have back trouble, or simply prefer shade, inspect the seating as soon as you board. The boat is described as wheelchair accessible, but the same information says it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments and does not accept mobility scooters. Confirm your needs before booking.

The social setup is part of the experience. You are sharing the boat with a sizeable group, and space may feel tight when everyone is moving around for lunch or preparing to swim. In exchange, you get a cheerful atmosphere, music, and a day that requires very little planning once you are aboard.

This is not a private yacht charter. If you want quiet, personal space, or a carefully guided sightseeing tour, look elsewhere. If you like meeting people, listening to music, and spending most of a day outdoors, the arrangement works well.

The Blue Lagoon on Comino

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the headline stop, and its water earns the attention. The bay is known for clear turquoise water, a pale sandy seabed, and good visibility for looking below the surface. From the boat, the color can seem almost too bright to be real.

The big issue is popularity. The Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s most famous stops, so it can be crowded, even outside the peak of summer. The word lagoon may suggest a quiet natural pool, but you should picture a busy swimming attraction with boats, people, and shore facilities.

The cruise normally gives you substantial time here, and the stop is built around swimming and sunbathing. Conditions can change, though. On some days the waves are stronger, making the Blue Lagoon less comfortable for swimming than the earlier bay. Bring your own snorkel if you want to look underwater. Snorkels rented on board cost €5 in cash, and the available equipment may not fit well.

A government rule introduced in May 2025 adds one important step. Anyone who wants to disembark at the Blue Lagoon must apply in advance at blcomino.com for an access pass. The pass is free, but daily numbers are limited. For this cruise, select the morning time slot. The pass applies to stepping ashore, not simply remaining on the boat, so decide ahead of time what you want to do.

You will find food and drink stalls near the landing area if you go ashore, including ice cream, cocktails, and fruit cups. Those purchases are extra. The included drinks on board cover beer, wine, mineral water, and soft drinks, but not spirits or liquor.

Lunch, snacks, and the value of staying aboard

After the first swim, lunch arrives at a useful point in the day. The buffet includes hot and cold food, with chicken, fish, salads, and enough portions to serve the group. The exact selection can vary, and one account described the meal as cold rather than hot, so do not board expecting a restaurant-style lunch.

Still, the food adds real value to the fare. You are not searching for a café during a remote swim stop, and you can eat without losing your place on the boat. A morning snack comes before lunch, and fruit or another afternoon snack is served later. For a long outing, those small additions matter.

Unlimited beer, wine, mineral water, and soft drinks are available throughout the day. That makes the $84 price easier to justify, especially if you would otherwise buy lunch, several drinks, and transport separately. Liquors and spirits are not included.

I would treat the drinks package as a convenience rather than a reason to overdo it in the sun. Malta’s heat, salt water, and alcohol are a poor trio if you forget sunscreen and water. Bring cash for extras such as the cave boat, snorkel rental, and shore refreshments.

A quieter swim near Gozo

The second swim stop is near Gozo, in a more secluded bay selected by the crew. This is often the more satisfying part of the day for people who want clear water without the same level of shore crowds. Paradise Bay and Slug’s Bay have both featured on the route, but the exact stop and order can change.

Here, the point is simple: swim, float, or stay on deck with a cold drink. You are not rushed through a land tour or pushed toward a long list of sights. The calm bay gives the day a better balance, pairing the famous Blue Lagoon with a less frantic stretch of coast.

Allow yourself to enjoy the contrast. Comino provides the famous color and the excitement of a major Malta sight. The Gozo stop offers breathing room. If you prefer swimming in calmer conditions, use the earlier opportunity if the sea is rough near Comino, since the boat may adjust its schedule.

The crew has been praised for choosing good swimming spots and for keeping the day moving on time. That does not mean every stop will suit every passenger. Someone who does not swim may find the schedule repetitive, while a strong swimmer could wish for even more time in the water.

The optional boat trip to caves and Crystal Lagoon

An optional motorboat excursion to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon can be arranged and paid for on location. It is not part of the $84 fare, so carry cash and decide how much extra you want to spend.

This add-on appeals if you want a closer look at coastal formations or prefer a faster, more active outing during the Comino stop. It can also help you see more when the main boat is anchored away from shore. It is not essential, however. The two included swim stops already provide the main water experience.

Ask the crew about timing and cost when you board. Since the provider can change the order of visits, the best moment to book the small-boat outing may depend on the day’s schedule and sea conditions.

Music, crew, and the mood on board

The crew is one of the strongest parts of this excursion. Staff have been described as friendly, accommodating, helpful, and well organized. That is important on a boat day, where small delays or unclear instructions can quickly become frustrating.

Expect music during the cruise, with a more upbeat mood on the return journey. The captain has even earned praise for his DJ skills. The sound level and group energy seem better suited to a younger crowd or families and couples who enjoy a party feel than to anyone seeking silent sailing.

The atmosphere is not necessarily a full-day party. It can also be relaxed, with people sunbathing, swimming, eating, and enjoying the view. Still, if you are booking this for meditation or birdwatching, the music may be more company than you want.

The return sail gives you a final stretch to sit back and watch Malta’s northern coastline slide past. After a day of swimming and sun, that slower ride is welcome. The cruise ends back at Sliema Ferries, at the same meeting point.

Is $84 a fair price for seven and a half hours?

For a full-day Malta boat excursion, $84 is a fair package price. You receive the cruise, two swim stops, selected hotel transfers, a morning snack, buffet lunch, afternoon snack, and unlimited beer, wine, water, and soft drinks. A separate boat trip, shore food, snorkel rental, and any spirits cost extra.

The strongest value comes from convenience. You book one outing, board once, and let the crew handle the route and meals. You also get access to Gozo and Comino without arranging separate ferry connections or taxis.

The price is less attractive if you dislike shared group tours or do not plan to swim. You are paying for a long day on the water, not for a guided walking tour or extensive time on land. The Blue Lagoon access pass is free, but it is your responsibility to obtain it in advance.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and reserve-now-pay-later booking is offered. Those policies help if your Malta schedule is still shifting, but they do not remove the need to confirm pickup details before the day.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to couples, families, and friends who want an easy day at sea with meals and drinks included. It also suits anyone who wants to combine Malta’s most famous swimming spot with a quieter bay near Gozo.

Strong swimmers and water lovers will get the most from the trip. So will people who enjoy music, social surroundings, and a flexible schedule shaped by the sea. The crew’s friendly service and the included refreshments make the day feel uncomplicated.

I would hesitate if you are prone to seasickness. Rough conditions have caused problems for some passengers, and a crowded deck leaves fewer comfortable places to lie down. Take seasickness concerns seriously, particularly if the forecast looks unsettled.

This is also not the best choice for someone who needs guaranteed seating, shade, quiet, or easy access throughout the day. Large bags, oversized luggage, pets, and mobility scooters are not allowed. Bring only what you need: swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash.

Should You Book The Fernandes?

Book it if you want Malta’s northern waters, two chances to swim, a buffet lunch, and drinks without managing the details yourself. The Blue Lagoon is worth seeing, but the quieter Gozo bay may become your favorite stop.

Skip it if you want an intimate sailing trip, a formal guide, or a peaceful, uncrowded Comino visit. If you do book, obtain the Blue Lagoon pass early, confirm your pickup, reach Sliema Ferries 30 minutes before departure, and claim your deck space before the crowd arrives. At $84, it is a solid choice for a social, food-inclusive day on the Maltese sea.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The boat departs from Sliema Ferries on Triq Ix-Xatt, on the promenade side of the road. Look for the traditional-design Turkish gulet named The Fernandes.

What time does the cruise leave?

The cruise departure time is 10:00 a.m. The time shown on your booking is the boat departure time, not your hotel pickup time.

When should I arrive at Sliema Ferries?

Arrive about 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. This gives you time to find The Fernandes and choose a suitable place on deck.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included from selected hotels and meeting points. The pickup time may be between 8:15 and 9:30 a.m., so contact the operator several days before the cruise to confirm your location and time.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch with hot and cold food is included, along with a morning snack and an afternoon snack.

Which drinks are included?

Unlimited beer, wine, mineral water, and soft drinks are included throughout the day. Liquors and spirits are not included.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

You need a government-issued access pass if you want to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. Apply in advance through blcomino.com, choose the morning slot for this cruise, and remember that daily availability is limited.

Are the optional caves and Crystal Lagoon trip included?

No. The optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon is booked and paid for on location.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash. Do not bring pets, oversized luggage, large bags, or mobility scooters.