Turkish Gullet Cruise to Gozo and Comino with Lunch and Transfers

The sea day starts with a wooden boat. This Turkish gullet cruise pairs Blue Lagoon swimming with a quiet bay near Gozo, making it an easy way to see Malta’s northern coast without juggling ferries or taxis. I like the included buffet, snacks, and unlimited beer, wine, water, and soda. I also like the friendly crew and relaxed music. The main catch is crowding, especially around the Blue Lagoon and on the shaded parts of the boat.

At $90.02, this is a fair package if you plan to swim, eat onboard, and use the transfers. It is less appealing if you want a quiet sailing trip, plenty of personal space, or a proper visit to Gozo. You do not go ashore on Gozo, and the optional cave boat costs another €15.

Key things to know before sailing

• The Blue Lagoon now requires a government pass: Apply at blcomino.com and choose the morning time slot. Without it, you cannot step ashore.
• The boat is The Fernandes: If you make your own way, look for this traditional-design Turkish gullet at Sliema Ferries.
• Gozo means a swim stop, not a land visit: The boat anchors in or near a quiet bay by Gozo for about an hour.
• Food and drinks are built into the fare: You receive a morning snack, buffet lunch, afternoon snack, and unlimited wine, beer, mineral water, and soft drinks.
• Arrive early for shade and deck space: The boat can carry up to 180 people, and the best shaded spots fill quickly.
• The €15 cave trip is optional: A separate motorboat visits the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon. You can skip it and remain on the gullet.

A full day on Malta’s northern coast

This is a 7-hour-30-minute outing built around the pleasure of being on the water. You leave from Sliema at 10 a.m., sail north, stop for swimming at Comino, eat lunch onboard, pause near Gozo, and return to Malta by sea.

The format is social rather than intimate. Music plays, drinks remain available, and the crew keeps the day moving. Some passengers describe it as a relaxed party cruise, while others find the alcohol-centered atmosphere too much. That difference matters. I would choose this for a cheerful day with friends, family, or a mixed group, not for silent sailing and secluded bays.

The Turkish gullet gives the trip more character than a basic ferry ride. Its traditional wooden design makes the outward cruise feel like part of the holiday, even though the boat is carrying a large group. The captain points out sights along the coast, and the crew has been praised for being polite, funny, and attentive.

Starting at Sliema Ferries with The Fernandes

The boat departs from Sliema Ferries, at 66 Triq Ix-Xatt, near the Captain Morgan, I See Malta Cruises meeting point. If you are staying within walking distance, you must make your own way there and arrive 20 to 30 minutes before departure.

Look for The Fernandes, a traditional-design Turkish gullet. The listed start time is 10 a.m., but that is the boat’s departure time, not necessarily your pickup time. Hotel transfers can collect you between 8:15 and 9:30 a.m., depending on your location.

This is one place where a little planning prevents a bad morning. If you booked pickup and drop-off, contact Robert Arrigo & Sons a few days ahead to confirm both your meeting point and pickup time. Do not simply wait outside your hotel at 10 a.m. expecting the vehicle then.

The return transfer is offered from selected hotels and meeting points. It is not a universal door-to-door service, so confirm the exact drop-off point. One passenger had a serious problem with the return arrangement and was dropped away from the intended hotel. That appears to be an operational failure, but it is a useful reminder to check the final drop-off details before boarding.

Sailing past Malta’s northern coastline

The first two hours are spent cruising from Sliema toward Comino. There is no separate sightseeing admission because the coastline is part of the boat ride itself.

From the deck, you can expect views of cliffs, coves, and inlets along Malta’s northern shore. The trip gives you a sense of the coast that you cannot get from an inland road. You can sit with a drink, listen to the music, and let the boat handle the transport.

The captain provides some commentary about sights along the way, but this is not a guided sightseeing cruise. A tour guide is not included. If you want detailed historical explanation at every turn, bring your own guidebook or choose a more focused shore tour.

The water can be rough. Passengers prone to seasickness should think carefully before booking, and the supplied information specifically says the activity is not recommended for people who suffer from it. The crew has helped sick passengers, but kindness from the crew cannot make a rolling sea comfortable.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, busy shoreline

The Blue Lagoon is the main attraction. Comino’s water is famously clear and turquoise, and this is the place for the classic Malta swim. The stop lasts about two hours, giving you time to get in the water, sunbathe, or explore around the landing area.

There is an important new rule. From May 2025, anyone who wants to disembark at the Blue Lagoon needs a government-issued access pass. You must apply through blcomino.com, select the morning time slot, and secure it in advance. The daily allocation is limited.

The boat can still take you to the Blue Lagoon, but without the pass you will not be allowed ashore. No refund is provided if you fail to obtain one. Treat this as part of your booking work, not as a minor footnote.

The setting is lovely, but solitude is not the point. The Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s most popular stops, and the narrow shore can feel packed. If you dislike busy swimming areas, stay on the gullet and enjoy the view from the water, or prepare for the stop as a famous sight rather than a private beach.

You should bring a towel. Get aboard early if you want a good place on the deck, especially a shaded one. Several people enjoyed the swim but found the boat short on seating and shade during the 7.5-hour day.

The Crystal Lagoon and Comino Caves option

The Crystal Lagoon stop is not a standard included stop in the same way as the Blue Lagoon. Instead, you may pay €15 per person for an optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon. The price can change without notice.

The small boat offers a closer look at caves and the water around Comino. It is a popular add-on, but the duration is only about 30 minutes, so set your expectations accordingly. At €15, some people consider it worthwhile for the extra scenery, while others find the cost high for a short ride.

You do not need to buy it. The main cruise price includes the sightseeing voyage, swimming stops, food, and drinks without this extra. If you want to keep the day simple, remain on The Fernandes and use the time to swim or relax.

Lunch onboard and the all-inclusive drinks

Lunch is served after the Blue Lagoon swim while the boat continues toward Gozo. It is a buffet rather than a restaurant meal, with fish or chicken, salad, and bread among the choices described by passengers.

The food receives generally positive praise, though one person found the catering closer to cafeteria quality. That is a fair way to view it. You are paying for a large boat meal served to up to 180 people, not a carefully plated Maltese lunch.

The food package also includes a morning snack and an afternoon snack. Fruit at the end of the day was a welcome touch, and the extra food helps on a long outing where swimming and sun can leave you hungry.

Unlimited wine, beer, mineral water, and soft drinks are included throughout the cruise. Liquors and spirits are not included. The minimum age for alcohol is 17.

This drinks policy shapes the character of the trip. Some people enjoy the easygoing, social atmosphere. Others found the boat overcrowded and too focused on drinking, with unpleasant smells on deck. If you want a calm family day, consider the makeup of your group and your tolerance for a party mood before paying.

Swimming near Gozo, without visiting Gozo

After lunch, the boat continues toward Gozo and anchors in a quiet bay on or near the island. The stop lasts about an hour and is another chance to swim from the boat, sip a drink, or rest on deck.

This is a good distinction to understand: you do not disembark on Gozo. The itinerary gives you water access near the island, not time in Victoria, a village, or a historic site. If Gozo is high on your list, book a separate land excursion.

The Gozo swim can be more relaxing than the Blue Lagoon stop because it takes place away from the main shore crowds. Weather controls the exact location, and the provider may change the order or adjust the route when conditions or operations require it.

For many people, this second swim is the best balance in the day. You have already seen the famous lagoon, eaten lunch, and can now enjoy the sea with less pressure to get ashore or compete for a patch of beach.

The return sail and onboard atmosphere

The final two hours are spent sailing back toward Malta. This is your chance to settle in with a drink, listen to the music, and watch the coastline recede.

The music is described as soft rather than overpowering, although the overall atmosphere can vary with the crowd. The captain has been praised for keeping people entertained, and the crew is often singled out for its humor and care.

The boat is large enough for a group of up to 180 people, but that does not mean everyone gets a prime seat. If you want shade, arrive early and claim a sensible spot. Sun protection is essential, and you should expect to move around during the day if you want to swim, eat, and see the coast.

The cruise ends back at the Sliema meeting point. If you arranged a transfer, confirm where the vehicle will meet you and where it will leave you. This is especially important if you are staying in Valletta or at a property that is not directly served.

Is $90.02 a good value?

At $90.02 per person, the price is reasonable for a long sea day with substantial inclusions. You receive transport from selected points, the gullet cruise, two swim stops, snacks, buffet lunch, and unlimited beer, wine, water, and soft drinks.

The fare becomes good value if you would otherwise pay separately for transport, a boat trip, lunch, and drinks. It also saves you from arranging a ferry or water taxi to Comino.

The calculation changes if you do not drink alcohol, dislike buffet meals, or prefer to spend time ashore. The Blue Lagoon access pass is your responsibility, and the cave excursion costs extra. You may also pay for your own journey to Sliema if you are outside the transfer network.

I would compare this with the value of a simple ferry and beach day. The cruise costs more than basic transport, but it adds a second swim, food, drinks, coastal sightseeing, and a full day on the water. For a social package, the price works. For a quiet or independent outing, it may feel less attractive.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want a straightforward Malta boat day with minimal planning. It suits people who enjoy swimming, sun, music, a buffet meal, and meeting a large mixed group.

Families can enjoy the included food and two water stops, but the alcohol service and party atmosphere may not suit every family. Couples should book it for an active, social day rather than a romantic sail.

It is not a good match if you are prone to seasickness, have mobility impairments, or need a highly structured guided tour. The boat can be crowded, shaded seating is limited, and the sea may become bumpy.

Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and a cover-up. Arrive early for the best deck position. Get your Blue Lagoon pass before the day of departure. Confirm your pickup and drop-off details. Those four steps will prevent most avoidable annoyances.

FAQ

What is the price of the Turkish gullet cruise?

The listed price is $90.02 per person.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes.

What time does the cruise depart?

The cruise departs at 10 a.m. from Sliema Ferries.

Where does the boat leave from?

The departure point is Sliema Ferries, 66 Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema, Malta. The boat is named The Fernandes.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included from selected hotels or meeting points only. You must contact the provider to confirm your location and pickup time.

What time will hotel pickup be?

Pickup may take place between 8:15 and 9:30 a.m., depending on where you are staying. The 10 a.m. time shown for the activity is the cruise departure time.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. From May 2025, you need a government-issued access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. Apply through blcomino.com and select the morning time slot.

Does the cruise visit Gozo?

The boat travels to Gozo and anchors in or near a bay for a swim stop, but you do not disembark on the island.

Is the cave and Crystal Lagoon trip included?

No. The optional motorboat trip costs €15 per person, although the price may change without notice.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. The fare includes a morning snack, buffet lunch, afternoon snack, and unlimited wine, beer, mineral water, and soft drinks. Liquors and spirits are not included.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want a value-packed, social day at sea with two swims, lunch, drinks, and transport handled for you. The crew, food, views, and Blue Lagoon water are the strongest reasons to go.

Skip it if you want quiet coves, a small boat, or time exploring Gozo on land. The large passenger count, crowded Blue Lagoon, optional €15 cave trip, and variable transfer service are real drawbacks. With your access pass secured and your expectations set for a lively group cruise, this is a practical way to enjoy Malta from the water.