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

The best part of this day is the time spent on the water, not just the famous Blue Lagoon stop. From Sliema, the Fernandes glides along Malta’s northern coast, then anchors for swimming near Comino and Gozo. The scenery is excellent, and the boat gives you a pleasant way to cover a lot of sea in one day.

I like the included food and drinks, which make the $84 price easier to justify, and I like the second swim stop in a quieter Gozo bay. That private-feeling break is often more relaxing than Blue Lagoon, which can be very crowded.

The catch is space. The gulet can feel busy, and some seating is on mats or hard benches rather than proper loungers. Arrive early if you want a good place on deck, and skip this trip if rough water usually makes you seasick.

Key Points

• Traditional boat: Sail on the Fernandes, a Turkish gulet with open deck space, music, and a casual day-at-sea feel.
• Two main swims: Stop first around Comino’s Blue Lagoon area, then anchor at a quieter bay near Gozo.
• Meals included: Expect a morning snack, buffet lunch, and afternoon fruit or snacks.
• Drinks included: Beer, wine, mineral water, and soft drinks are available throughout the day.
• Blue Lagoon pass required: Apply online in advance for the morning government access slot if you want to step ashore.
• Best practical tip: Reach Sliema Ferries 30 minutes before departure to improve your chance of getting a comfortable deck spot.

A Full Day on the Fernandes

This cruise is a floating day trip rather than a guided sightseeing tour. You board the Fernandes at Sliema Ferries and spend about 7.5 hours moving between Malta, Comino, and Gozo, with food, drinks, music, and swimming built into the schedule.

That format suits me when I want a break from museums, buses, and city streets. You can sit in the sun, watch the cliffs pass, and let the crew handle the route. There is no formal guide leading a historical tour, so do not book this expecting detailed commentary about Malta’s past.

The boat leaves from the promenade side of the road at Sliema Ferries. Look for the traditional-design wooden gulet named The Fernandes. Boarding is scheduled 30 minutes before departure, a sensible rule if you want to settle in before the best spots disappear.

Hotel pickup is available from selected locations, but 10:00 AM is the cruise departure time, not your pickup time. Your pickup could be any time from 8:15 to 9:30 AM, so confirm the exact details with the operator a few days ahead. If your accommodation is within walking distance of Sliema Ferries, you are expected to make your own way to the boat.

Along Malta’s Northern Coast

Once underway, the cruise follows Malta’s northern shores, with views of rugged cliffs, small coves, and narrow inlets. This first stretch is part transport and part scenery, so I suggest treating it as a slow start rather than expecting constant activity.

The open deck is the main attraction here. You can watch the coast from a sun mat, a bench, or another available seat, though the most comfortable places go quickly. A few people have found the seating limited, especially older passengers who may not want to sit on the deck for several hours.

The boat has a relaxed holiday mood. Music plays during the trip, and the captain has a reputation for keeping the atmosphere lively, sometimes taking on the role of onboard DJ. It is not a quiet yacht charter. You may find the music fairly loud, particularly on the return journey.

A light morning snack is served before the main meal. This is useful because the first swim stop may come before lunch, and you will want something in your stomach before spending time in the sea.

Blue Lagoon: Beautiful, Busy, and Regulated

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the visual headline of the trip. Its clear turquoise water and pale seabed create the postcard scene that brings people to this part of Malta. From the boat, the water is especially striking, and you get time to swim or relax before the day moves on.

Do not expect solitude. Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s most popular stops, and it can feel crowded even outside the height of summer. The color of the water is still lovely, but the setting is less peaceful than photographs suggest.

There is also an important rule introduced in May 2025. If you want to step ashore at Blue Lagoon, you must obtain a government-issued access pass in advance through blcomino.com. The daily number is limited, and this cruise requires the morning time slot. The pass is separate from your cruise booking.

That distinction matters. You may enjoy the lagoon from the boat and swim stop without needing to walk ashore, but you need the pass if you plan to disembark. Apply before your departure date and keep the timing in mind.

An optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon can be arranged and paid for locally. It is not included in the $84 price. The add-on can be worthwhile if you want to see more of Comino from a smaller boat, but cash is useful for extras and onboard purchases.

Some schedules also include time near Paradise Bay or other Comino-area waters. The captain may change the order of the stops according to weather and operating conditions. That flexibility is practical at sea, though it means the exact sequence is not fixed.

Buffet Lunch on the Water

After the first swim, the boat serves lunch. The meal includes hot and cold buffet items, with chicken, fish, and salads among the dishes available. The food is not fine dining, but it is more substantial than the basic snack often provided on a boat excursion.

I like this arrangement because you do not lose time looking for a restaurant on shore. You eat aboard, keep your place on the boat, and return to the water without turning the day into a series of transfers.

Timing can be tight. Lunch may be served within a fairly short window, so you may need to choose between eating slowly and getting the longest possible swim. The food supply is intended to be plentiful, but the exact selection and serving conditions can vary.

There is also a morning snack and an afternoon snack, often including fruit later in the day. These smaller servings help fill the gaps between lunch and the swim stops. Bring your own snacks only if you have particular dietary needs, since the available meal details are limited.

Beer, wine, mineral water, and soft drinks are available all day. Liquors and spirits are not included. The drinks add real value, especially on a hot day when buying every bottle separately would quickly increase the cost.

The Gozo Swim Stop

The second main stop is near Gozo, usually in a quieter bay away from the main Blue Lagoon crowd. This is where the cruise often feels most rewarding.

The water is clear, the surroundings are calmer, and you can swim without the same level of congestion found around Comino. Some schedules refer to the area as Slug’s Bay, while the exact location can change with conditions. The point is the setting: a more peaceful anchorage chosen for swimming rather than sightseeing on land.

You can get into the water, remain on deck with a cold drink, or simply enjoy the stillness of the bay. I would save plenty of energy for this stop. Several people find it more enjoyable than the famous lagoon because it offers room to relax.

The captain may give you roughly an hour or more here, though the timing is not guaranteed. Weather, sea conditions, and operational needs can change the order or length of stops. Bring a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, and cash for any optional extras.

Comfort, Crowds, and Sea Conditions

The Fernandes is a traditional gulet, not a spacious private yacht. That gives the trip character, but it also means you are sharing the deck with a sizable group. Arriving early is the best way to improve your odds of finding a sun mat or preferred seat.

Some seating consists of wooden benches or mats laid on the deck. That arrangement works well for active adults who are happy sitting outside, but it may be uncomfortable for anyone needing a supportive chair or shade for long periods.

The boat is described as wheelchair accessible, yet the experience is also marked as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments, and mobility scooters are not allowed. If you have specific access needs, confirm the boarding and seating arrangements before booking rather than relying on the general accessibility label.

Sea conditions matter more than any brochure detail. On rough days, the boat can move sharply, and some people may become seasick. Sit where you feel most stable, avoid overdoing alcohol before the crossing, and bring any medication you normally use for motion sickness.

The trip is also not ideal for anyone who wants a quiet, intimate sailing experience. Music, shared seating, and a social atmosphere are part of the package. Families and couples can enjoy it, but the mood may suit younger groups and active adults more than passengers seeking silence.

Is $84 Good Value?

At $84 per person, the price covers much more than transportation. You receive the seven-and-a-half-hour cruise, two swim stops, buffet lunch, two snack services, and unlimited beer, wine, water, and soft drinks.

That is good value if you plan to spend the whole day at sea and make use of the included food and drinks. A separate boat trip, restaurant lunch, and drinks could easily approach the same cost, while also requiring more planning.

The price is less attractive if you dislike group excursions or will not swim. Much of the experience is built around being on deck, stopping in the water, and enjoying the shared boat atmosphere. You are paying for a full day at sea, not a short scenic transfer.

The Blue Lagoon access pass is not included because it is a government requirement. The cave and Crystal Lagoon motorboat trip costs extra as well. Keep some cash handy, especially if you want to hire a snorkel or add the smaller boat outing.

What to Pack for the Boat

Pack light. Large bags, oversize luggage, pets, and mobility scooters are not allowed. A small day bag is enough for the essentials.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Strong sunscreen, reapplied often
• Cash for optional activities and small purchases
• A hat or cover-up
• Any seasickness medication you normally use

Sun exposure is easy to underestimate on the water. Even when the breeze feels cool, the open deck offers little escape from the sun. If you want a comfortable seat, arrive early, but do not sacrifice sun protection while waiting to board.

Who Should Book This Cruise?

I would choose this cruise for someone who wants Malta’s best-known sea stops in one easy day. It works especially well for couples, families with confident swimmers, and active adults who enjoy music, shared meals, and a relaxed boat setting.

It is also a smart choice if you want predictable costs. The lunch and drinks are already covered, and pickup may be available from selected hotels or meeting points.

I would hesitate if you are prone to seasickness, need a guaranteed comfortable chair, or dislike crowded attractions. Blue Lagoon is striking, but it is not secluded, and the boat may feel full. If your main goal is a quiet swim, the Gozo stop may please you more than Comino.

Should You Book the Fernandes?

Book it if you want a full day of swimming, scenery, food, and drinks without arranging separate transport between Malta, Comino, and Gozo. The strongest reasons are the friendly crew, the generous drink service, the satisfying buffet, and the quieter second swim stop near Gozo.

Before paying, check the sea forecast, confirm your pickup time, and apply for the Blue Lagoon morning access pass if you want to go ashore. Arrive at Sliema Ferries early, bring sunscreen, and expect a lively shared boat rather than a peaceful private cruise.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The Fernandes departs from Sliema Ferries on Triq Ix-Xatt, on the promenade side of the road. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive about 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Early arrival gives you a better chance of finding a comfortable place on deck.

What is the cruise departure time?

The listed 10:00 AM time refers to the cruise departure, not hotel pickup. Pickup times may range from 8:15 to 9:30 AM, depending on your accommodation and meeting point.

Is lunch included?

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

What 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 Blue Lagoon?

You need a government-issued access pass if you want to disembark and go ashore at Blue Lagoon. Apply through blcomino.com and select the morning slot for this cruise.

Are the cave and Crystal Lagoon boat trips included?

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

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

The activity is marked as wheelchair accessible but also unsuitable for people with mobility impairments. Mobility scooters are not allowed, so confirm your specific needs with the operator before booking.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash. Large bags, oversize luggage, pets, and mobility scooters are not allowed.