Malta: Lazy Pirate Boat Party with Drinks & Food

Malta’s Lazy Pirate Boat Party turns a sunset cruise into a late-night social outing, with DJ music, an open bar, snacks, and a swim stop under the night sky. The Fernandes 2 leaves from Sliema and cruises along the coast as daylight fades.

I like the broad choice of drinks, including beer, wine, sangria, vodka, tequila, whiskey, and rum. I also like the simple rhythm of the evening: sunset sailing, dancing, food, then a moonlight swim before returning to Sliema.

The main drawback is space. With a full party on board, you should expect a crowded boat and limited room to move. The swim stop may also feel brief or less appealing if swimming is your main reason for booking.

Key points to know before boarding

• Four hours from Sliema: The boat leaves from opposite The Black Sheep at Sliema Ferries and returns at about midnight.
• A true open bar: Drinks include vodka, tequila, whiskey, rum, beer, wine, and sangria, with premium brands listed as part of the service.
• Sunset into nighttime: The cruise begins as the sun goes down, then continues with music and dancing after dark.
• Moonlight swim stop: You can swim at the anchor point, though this is better treated as a party break than a dedicated swimming session.
• Food is casual: Snacks, fruit, and sandwiches have been mentioned as part of the onboard food, but do not expect a full dinner.
• Adults only: You must be at least 18, and transfers to or from Sliema are not included.

A sunset party boat, not a quiet sightseeing cruise

The key thing to understand is the mood. This is not a calm evening sail built around commentary about Malta’s coast. It is a four-hour social party on the Fernandes 2, with music, drinks, dancing, and a swim stop.

The boat leaves Sliema while there is still daylight. That gives you a chance to see Malta’s shoreline from the water before the party shifts into its nighttime phase. As the sun drops, the DJ music becomes the main focus, and the boat turns into a floating evening venue.

I like this format because it gives you several settings in one outing. You start with open-air coastal views, move into a sunset cruise, then spend the later part of the evening dancing and drinking at sea. You do not need to plan a separate bar or club afterward because the boat returns around midnight.

At the same time, the setting is social rather than intimate. You will be sharing the boat with other adults who have come for the party. If you want quiet conversation, a private table, or a carefully paced meal, this is probably not the right choice.

Starting at Sliema Ferries

The meeting point is opposite The Black Sheep at Sliema Ferries. Since transfers are not included, you need to make your own way there and arrange your own return after the boat docks.

Give yourself enough time to find the meeting point. Sliema is a busy waterfront area, and arriving early is useful if you want to get oriented before boarding. Bring your booking details and keep your plans simple. This is a party boat, so you do not need special equipment beyond clothing suitable for an evening near the water and a towel.

Glass objects are not allowed. That rule matters for safety on a boat, especially around the swim area, so leave glass bottles and similar items at your accommodation.

The stated duration is four hours, with the boat returning at around midnight. Starting times can vary, so check the available departure time when booking. The experience is hosted with English, Italian, Spanish, and French available.

Sailing along Malta’s coast at sunset

The first part of the outing is the most scenic. The boat heads out from Sliema and cruises along the Maltese coast toward the setting sun.

The value here is not a guided coastal tour. No guide is included, and you should not expect a running explanation of each sight. Instead, you get time on the water with an open view and a changing sky. Malta’s coastline takes on a different feel from the deck, especially as the light fades and the music builds.

This is a good reason to keep your phone or camera ready early in the evening. Once the party gets going, you may spend less time watching the coast and more time dancing or talking. The sunset portion is likely to be the best moment for anyone who wants a scenic experience as well as a night out.

You should also think about seating and personal space. The boat can feel crowded, particularly when the music is playing and people gather around the main party area. One recent booking party of five enjoyed the music and dancing but found there was not much room. That is a fair warning, not a flaw unique to this kind of outing.

The open bar and what it means for value

The price is $81 per person. That is a significant amount for a four-hour evening, but the open bar changes the calculation if you plan to drink.

The listed drinks include vodka, tequila, whiskey, rum, beer, wine, and sangria. Premium brands are also advertised. If you would otherwise spend money on several drinks at a bar or club, the package can offer reasonable value. You also avoid paying separately for the cruise and the DJ entertainment.

The best value goes to someone who wants the full combination: several drinks, music, a boat ride, and a late swim stop. If you drink little or not at all, the price is harder to justify. In that case, you are paying mainly for the boat setting, music, social atmosphere, and coastal views.

An open bar also calls for a little judgment. The boat has a swim stop, and alcohol can make swimming less safe. You do not have to swim, and you should treat the water stop as optional. Enjoying the cruise does not depend on getting in the water.

The range of drinks is a strong point. You are not limited to one basic beer or a single mixed drink. Wine and sangria give you lighter options, while spirits are available for those who want mixed drinks. The exact serving arrangements are not specified, so you should expect a busy bar service rather than a personal bartender.

Snacks, fruit, and the limits of the food

Food is included, but it is best viewed as party food rather than dinner. The experience provides snacks and fruit, and sandwiches have been served onboard.

That is enough to take the edge off hunger, especially during a four-hour outing. It also helps balance an evening built around drinks. Still, the food is not the main attraction, and one booking party found it could be better.

Eat a proper meal before boarding if you know you get hungry late at night. That is especially sensible if you plan to drink. The included food gives you something to nibble on, but it should not be your only plan for dinner.

The casual food fits the experience. You can grab something without interrupting the music or searching for a seat at a formal table. Fruit is a useful lighter choice, while sandwiches and snacks make the offering more substantial than drinks alone.

DJ music, dancing, and the social side

The DJ is central to the evening. Music begins during the cruise and continues as the boat heads into the night. The mood is built around dancing, meeting other people, and spending time with a group.

This is where the party seems to work best. Several particularly positive accounts highlight the music, the dancing, and the friendly attitude of the staff. The crew has also been described as welcoming, available, and smiling. Those details matter because staff service can shape the whole evening when the boat is crowded.

You should expect a lively crowd rather than a structured program. There is no guide leading activities, and the evening does not appear to follow a sightseeing script. You have freedom to dance, drink, talk, enjoy the view, or sit out for a while.

The atmosphere will depend partly on the crowd on your departure. Some nights may feel more energetic, while others may be easier for conversation. A group of friends can settle into its own evening, while solo customers may find the social format useful for meeting people.

There is one serious point to keep in mind. One recent account described security as aggressive during a disagreement involving a member of a group. That does not establish how staff generally behave, but it is worth knowing that crowded nightlife settings can produce tense moments. Keep track of your group, treat crew instructions seriously, and avoid escalating a disagreement.

The moonlight swim stop

At some point, the boat anchors for a swim in the moonlight. This is one of the experience’s most distinctive features, but you should set realistic expectations.

The stop is designed as a fun break during the party, not as a long swimming excursion. One recent party enjoyed the evening overall but felt the swim stop was not especially good for someone who specifically wanted to swim. That is useful advice. The water stop may appeal most if you like the idea of a quick night swim as part of a larger party.

Bring a towel. You will need it if you get in the water, and it is also useful simply for sitting or drying off afterward. Do not bring glass objects, and keep personal belongings secure around the swimming area.

You can also stay on board. The swim is not compulsory, and the boat party continues whether you enter the water or not. If you prefer the music, drinks, and deck views, remaining dry is a perfectly sensible choice.

The moonlight setting adds a memorable change of pace. After sunset, swimming from a boat feels very different from a daytime beach stop. But because the swim is only one part of the night, it should not be the sole reason you book.

Crowds, comfort, and practical expectations

The boat can get crowded. This affects several parts of the experience: finding space, moving toward the bar, dancing, and getting a comfortable view from the deck.

If you dislike close quarters, you may find the evening tiring. The party works better when you are happy to share space and accept a little disorder. Go in expecting a full social boat, not a spacious private charter.

Comfort also depends on how you use the four hours. You can shift between watching the coast, listening to the DJ, talking with your group, and taking the swim stop. That variety helps, but the boat does not provide a quiet escape from the party atmosphere.

Wear something practical for the evening and bring a towel. The supplied information does not specify a dress code, so you do not need to plan around formal clothing. A sensible approach is to wear something you can move in and that suits a boat, music, and possible swimming.

Who will enjoy this most

I would choose this outing for adults who want a social night out with drinks already included. It suits groups of friends, solo adults who like meeting people, and anyone who wants to combine a sunset cruise with music and dancing.

It is also a good fit if you want to avoid arranging several parts of the evening yourself. The boat, DJ, bar, snacks, and swim stop are combined into one booking. You still need to handle your own transport to Sliema, but the main entertainment is organized for you.

You may want another option if your priority is swimming. The stop can be enjoyable, but it is not presented as a long or carefully planned swim session. The same applies if you want a quiet cruise, detailed coastal information, or a full meal.

Children under 18 are not allowed. The experience is specifically for adults, and the open bar and late return make that clear.

Booking flexibility and final value

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms give you some flexibility if your Malta plans are still changing.

At $81 per person, the cost makes the most sense for someone who will use the open bar and wants a complete evening of entertainment. I would not book it purely for the coastline, since the coastal views are one part of a much louder party format.

The overall rating is 3.8 out of 5 from 788 ratings. That fits the balance of the experience: the music, staff, drink selection, and social mood can make for a memorable night, while crowding, food quality, and the swim stop may not suit everyone.

Should you book the Lazy Pirate Boat Party?

Book it if you want a late-night boat party with an open bar, DJ music, casual food, and the option of a moonlight swim. The sunset cruise gives the evening a scenic start, and the return around midnight gives you a clear end time.

Skip it if you want a relaxed sail, a spacious deck, a full dinner, or a dedicated swimming trip. The best match is an adult who sees the boat as a floating party venue, accepts limited space, and values the convenience of having drinks and entertainment included.

FAQ

Where does the Lazy Pirate Boat Party leave from?

The meeting point is opposite The Black Sheep at Sliema Ferries in Sliema, Malta.

How long is the boat party?

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

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes vodka, tequila, whiskey, rum, beer, wine, and sangria. Premium brands are listed as part of the offering.

Is food included?

Yes. Snacks and fruit are included, and sandwiches have been served onboard. The food is casual rather than a full dinner.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The boat stops at an anchor point for a moonlight swim. You should bring a towel, and swimming is optional.

Are children allowed?

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

Are transfers included?

No. You need to make your own way to the meeting point in Sliema and arrange your own return after the boat docks.