Turkish Gullet Cruise to Gozo and Comino with Lunch and Transfers

The best part of this day is simple: you spend hours on the Mediterranean instead of rushing between sights by road. From Sliema, The Fernandes, a traditional-design Turkish gullet, carries you past Malta’s northern coast to the Blue Lagoon and the waters near Gozo, with swimming, food, music, and drinks built into the day.

I like the easy all-in format, especially the buffet lunch and unlimited beer, wine, water, and soft drinks. I also like that you get two chances to swim rather than one quick stop at Comino. The main drawback is scale: with up to 180 people aboard, this can feel crowded, and the Blue Lagoon itself is often packed.

• Two swim stops: Swim at the Blue Lagoon and later in open water near Gozo.
• Traditional boat: The Fernandes gives the day more character than a basic sightseeing ferry.
• Food included: Morning snack, buffet lunch, afternoon snack, and unlimited non-spirit drinks.
• Blue Lagoon pass required: Since May 2025, you need a government-issued access pass to go ashore.
• Optional cave trip: A separate motorboat ride to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon costs €15.
• No Gozo landing: The boat anchors in or near Gozo waters, but you do not disembark on the island.

What Your €90.02 Covers

At about $90.02 per person, this is priced as a full-day boat outing rather than a simple transfer to Comino. The cruise lasts roughly seven and a half hours, and the price includes selected hotel or meeting-point transfers, the boat, two swim stops, snacks, lunch, and drinks.

That package can be good value if you plan to spend a day on the water anyway. Buying food and several drinks separately in Malta can quickly add up, and you avoid arranging transport to Sliema and back. The price is less compelling if you do not drink, dislike group boat trips, or prefer to spend the day walking around Comino or actually visiting Gozo.

The food is more practical than fancy. You receive a morning snack, a buffet lunch, and an afternoon snack. The lunch selection includes fish or chicken, salad, and bread, according to the meal details provided for the experience. It is enough to keep the day moving, but you should not book this expecting a restaurant meal.

Beer, wine, mineral water, and soft drinks are unlimited during the cruise. Liquors and spirits are not included. The minimum age for alcoholic drinks is 17, and you can simply stick with water or soda if you prefer.

Meeting The Fernandes at Sliema Ferries

The boat leaves from Sliema Ferries, at 66 Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema. The meeting point is connected with Captain Morgan and I See Malta Cruises, near St Luke’s Garrison Chapel. Look for the wooden Turkish gullet named The Fernandes.

The advertised 10:00 am time is the boat’s departure time, not your hotel pickup time. If you have booked a transfer, contact the operator a few days before departure to confirm both the pickup place and time. Pickup can happen anywhere from approximately 8:15 to 9:30 am, depending on where you stay.

That detail matters. A hotel transfer is useful, but it is not an automatic door-to-door service unless your hotel or nearby meeting point is included. One reported problem involved a return transfer that did not collect a passenger as expected, so I would keep the operator’s contact details handy and confirm the drop-off arrangements before boarding.

If you are staying within walking distance of Sliema Ferries, you must make your own way to the boat. Arrive 20 to 30 minutes early. The cruise ends back at the same meeting point.

Sailing Malta’s Northern Coast

The opening two hours are mainly about the ride. You pass cliffs, coves, and small inlets along Malta’s northern coast while the crew points out sights from the water. This is not a formal guided sightseeing tour, and there is no tour guide included, but the captain may offer informal explanations as you sail.

The boat itself is part of the appeal. A gullet has a broad wooden profile and a more relaxed feel than a fast catamaran. You can sit, look out over the water, have a drink, or listen to the music while the coast changes around you.

There is a practical tradeoff. The cruise can become bumpy, and several passengers have found the motion uncomfortable. If you are prone to seasickness, this is not a good gamble. Take the warning seriously, especially if the sea forecast is unsettled.

Seating and shade are also limited once the boat fills. If you want a good place on deck or under cover, board early. Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and a cover-up. The boat provides food and drinks, but you are responsible for the basics that make a long day in the sun easier.

Two Hours at the Blue Lagoon

The first major stop is Comino’s Blue Lagoon, known for its clear turquoise water and pale sand. From the boat, the setting is beautiful, and the stop gives you time for a proper swim rather than a quick photo opportunity.

There is an important rule here. Since May 2025, you need an official government access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. You obtain it in advance through blcomino.com, and you must select the morning time slot when applying for this cruise. Daily capacity is limited.

The pass is separate from your boat booking. It is your responsibility to obtain it, and you will not be allowed to go ashore without one. No refund is offered if you miss the landing because you did not arrange the pass.

The boat may still take you to the Blue Lagoon area, but the ability to disembark and walk on Comino is controlled by the pass system. Check the current government instructions before your departure date, since this is an official requirement rather than a decision made by the boat operator.

Expect crowds. The Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s best-known water stops, and its fame brings a lot of people into a relatively small area. You may love the color of the water but dislike the packed shoreline, expensive food and drink ashore, or the general holiday atmosphere.

For me, the water is the reason to enjoy this stop. Swim from the boat, snorkel if you bring your own equipment, or sit on deck and watch the activity around the lagoon. If your ideal beach day means quiet sand and space, this is not that.

The Optional Boat to Crystal Lagoon and the Caves

The separate speedboat trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon costs €15 per person, with the price subject to change. It is not included in the cruise price, lunch, or open bar.

This short excursion lasts about 30 minutes and offers a closer look at areas the larger gullet cannot reach. It can be a fun add-on if you want a faster ride and a different view of Comino’s rocky coast.

It is not essential to the main experience. If you are trying to keep costs down, stay aboard the gullet and use the time for swimming or relaxing. Also make sure you understand that the €15 fee is for an optional motorboat excursion, not a surprise charge for taking the main cruise or visiting the Blue Lagoon.

Lunch and A Swim Near Gozo

After the Blue Lagoon stop, lunch is served aboard. The buffet format works well here because you can eat without losing more time to a restaurant stop. You can choose from the available dishes, return for salad and bread, and continue enjoying the boat.

The cruise then heads toward Gozo, but this is where the description needs careful reading. You do not get off on Gozo. Instead, the boat anchors in a quiet bay in or near Gozo waters, weather permitting, for another swim stop lasting about an hour.

This second stop is a different experience from the Blue Lagoon. You are away from the main landing area and can swim directly from the boat. If you prefer a quieter stretch of water to a crowded shore, this may be the better part of the day.

You can also remain on deck with a cold drink and enjoy the slower pace. The Gozo stop is not a land visit, so do not book this cruise if your main goal is to explore Victoria, visit a Gozo church, or tour the island by road.

The order of stops can change because of weather or operating conditions. The captain may also adjust the route when sea conditions require it. That flexibility is sensible on a boat trip, but you should treat the published schedule as a guide rather than a fixed promise.

The Return Across The Mediterranean

The final two hours are spent sailing back toward Malta. By this point, lunch is finished, the swim stops are behind you, and the cruise becomes a relaxed ride with drinks, views, and music.

This is also when the group atmosphere becomes most noticeable. Some people treat the boat as a calm day at sea. Others treat it as a party cruise, particularly because beer and wine are unlimited. If you want a quiet trip, sit away from the busiest bar or music area if possible.

The crew is often described as friendly and attentive, and the captain may keep the group entertained with humor. Still, the boat can feel like a booze cruise at times. That is not necessarily a problem if you enjoy a sociable crowd, but it is worth knowing before you book.

The return transfer should take you back toward your original pickup area, but confirm the exact arrangement with the operator. The advertised end point is the Sliema meeting point, and transfer service applies only to specified hotels and meeting points.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most

I would choose this experience if you want a convenient day on the water with the main costs handled in advance. It suits couples, families with older children, and groups of friends who want swimming, scenery, food, and drinks without organizing each piece separately.

It also works well if you are staying away from Comino and do not want to arrange your own ferry or taxi connections. The included transport can save time, provided you confirm the pickup details.

You should think twice if you get seasick, need easy movement around a boat, or dislike crowds. The operator does not recommend the trip for people prone to seasickness or for those with mobility impairments. The boat can be crowded, shade may be limited, and boarding or moving between levels may not be comfortable for everyone.

This is also not the best choice for a quiet nature outing. The group may include up to 180 people, drinks flow all day, and the Blue Lagoon is a popular stop. For a more private or peaceful day, you would need a smaller boat or private charter, not this budget-friendly group cruise.

Booking Details That Matter

You receive confirmation when booking, and the experience is offered in English with a mobile ticket. It operates near public transportation, but the included transfer is only available from specified hotels or meeting points.

The cruise requires good weather. If conditions force cancellation, you can receive a full refund or choose another date. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes inside that 24-hour window are not refunded or accepted.

Bring a towel and practical sun protection. The boat has shade, but the amount may not be enough for everyone. Arriving early improves your chance of finding a comfortable place to sit, especially if you want a shaded spot.

Do not forget the Blue Lagoon access pass. This is the most important pre-trip task, since failing to get one can prevent you from going ashore and does not qualify you for a refund.

Should You Book This Turkish Gullet Cruise?

Book it if you want a full, easygoing day at sea with two swim stops, buffet food, open-bar drinks, and transport options for about $90.02. The traditional boat, coastal views, Blue Lagoon water, and swim near Gozo make a strong combination.

I would not book it for a Gozo sightseeing day, a quiet beach escape, or a small-group sailing experience. I would also avoid it if seasickness or limited shade is a serious concern.

The smartest way to book is to confirm your pickup time, arrange the Blue Lagoon pass, arrive early for seating, and decide in advance if the €15 cave boat is worth it to you. With those details handled, this is a practical way to see Malta’s northern waters without spending the day planning connections and meals.

FAQ

How long does the Turkish gullet cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes, including sailing, the Blue Lagoon stop, the Gozo-area swim stop, lunch, snacks, and the return journey.

Where does the boat depart from?

The boat departs from Sliema Ferries at 66 Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema. Look for the traditional Turkish gullet named The Fernandes.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What time should I expect pickup?

The cruise departs at 10:00 am, but hotel pickup can take place between approximately 8:15 and 9:30 am, depending on your location. The operator must confirm your exact time.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since 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 stop on Gozo?

No. You do not disembark on Gozo. The boat anchors in or near Gozo waters for a swim stop, weather permitting.

Is the cave and Crystal Lagoon trip included?

No. The optional motorboat trip costs €15 per person, although the price may change. It takes you to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon.

What drinks and meals are included?

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