Comino’s water starts looking unreal early. This Fernandes Turkish gulet day trip is built around real time in the sea, with pickup from your Malta accommodation and a full day that feeds you and keeps you hydrated. I especially liked how the day is structured so you can actually swim, sunbathe, and relax at each anchor stop, not just pose for photos.

The one thing to plan for is comfort. The boat day is close quarters at peak times, with some guests reporting limited seating and shade, and the route can feel choppy if the sea is rough.

Key things to know before you go

• Door to door convenience: pickup and drop-off from 80+ Malta locations near your accommodation
• Real swim time: about 90 minutes each in Gozo’s bay and Comino’s Blue Lagoon
• Meals and drinks included: morning snack, hot and cold buffet lunch, afternoon fruit, plus an open bar
• Sliema Strand meeting point: you board in Sliema, then cruise out to Comino and Gozo
• Crew vibe can be lively: some skippers bring personality, like captain David, who was reported DJing
• Weather matters: the experience requires good weather, with a date change or refund if canceled for poor conditions

Sliema hotel pickup and the Turkish gulet experience

This trip starts with transport from your accommodation. You’ll either get collected directly from your hotel or from the closest pickup point, depending on where you’re staying. Pickup runs between 08:00 and 09:30, and it’s timed so you can reach the boat before departure.

If you are staying along The Strand in Sliema, there’s a simpler option. If you are in a hotel within a couple minutes walk of the Fernandes mooring, you may be asked to go straight to the quay by 09:40. The mooring area is opposite the Sliema Hotel by ST Hotels at 59 The Strand, Sliema.

Once you’re onboard, it’s a Turkish gulet style setup. That matters because it changes the feel from big, loud tour boats. It’s still a day tour, so expect people and activity, but the size and setup make the day feel more like a day on the water than a factory-style sightseeing rush. There’s also a restroom on board, which is genuinely useful on a 7.5 hour day.

Timing that matters: a sharp 10:00 departure and a 17:30 return

The cruise leaves Sliema at 10:00 sharp and returns at 17:30. That end time is important for two reasons. First, it keeps the day predictable, and second, it gives you less wiggle room if you’re trying to connect to another plan later that evening.

There’s also a built-in pacing rhythm. You have a morning cruise leg, then two major swim anchors, then the afternoon return with another snack and a final cruise back to Sliema. The total duration is listed as about 7 hours 30 minutes, so plan for a full day that starts early and finishes close to supper time.

If you are coming from farther up the island, you might be picked up at a slightly different time within that 08:00 to 09:30 window. I’d treat that window as real, not optional. Arrive ready, because the boat timing is fixed.

The “cruise part” is not wasted time

A common mistake on island itineraries is treating the travel time like padding. This one is different. After leaving Sliema, you cruise toward Comino and Gozo while passing along panoramic cliffs, coves, and inlets. One morning snack is served on the way, so the day has momentum from the start.

If the sea is calm, this stretch can be relaxing. If it’s choppy, the gulet style rocking can be noticeable, and some people will feel it more than others. If you know you get seasick easily, this is the moment to be honest with yourself. There’s plenty of swimming on the schedule, but the movement while onboard can still affect you.

The day also has a few surprises that can pop up. For example, one guest reported seeing dolphins on the way back. You should not count on wildlife, but it’s the kind of bonus that happens in these waters.

Stop 1: Sliema boarding and the Captain Morgan departure

Your first “stop” is not a view stop, it’s the logistics moment. The tour begins with you moving from your pickup spot to the boat moored on The Strand. From there, the cruise is run under Captain Morgan – I See Malta Cruises branding.

This part is quick but worth paying attention to. If you are not staying close to the mooring, you’ll use the pickup points and go directly to the quay. If you are staying nearby, the self-navigation note matters because you need to be there by 09:40.

Stop 2: Island of Gozo, a secluded bay and about 90 minutes to swim

Gozo is where the schedule slows down in a good way. After departing the morning cruising leg, the boat drops anchor in a secluded bay in Gozo for about 90 minutes.

This stop is all about hanging in the water and doing your own pace. You can swim, sunbathe, or relax on board, but the key is that you are anchored off a bay rather than being rushed to a single “look and move” spot. If you like quieter water moments, Gozo tends to feel that way compared with the bigger postcard energy of Blue Lagoon.

The drawback is that a secluded bay does not automatically mean calm. If the sea is rough, the rocking can make it harder to get comfortable. Some guests noted longer timing in Gozo and motion onboard. So if you are sensitive to sea conditions, keep your comfort needs in mind for this portion of the day.

Stop 3: Comino Blue Lagoon, swimming, lunch, and an open bar

Now comes the headline. The boat anchors at Comino’s Blue Lagoon for about 90 minutes. This is the big swimming window of the day, and it’s the moment most people remember.

Blue Lagoon is visually famous because the water is clear, and your time here is long enough that you can actually do more than a quick dip. You can swim, float, snorkel if that’s your thing, or just lie back and relax while the boat stays anchored. In hot summer weather, this is also where the included drinks and lunch stop feeling like freebies and start feeling like survival.

Lunch and the drink setup

Lunch is a hot and cold buffet cooked and served on board, included in your price. It’s complemented by snacks earlier in the day and more fresh fruit later. On the drinks side, you get an open bar serving unlimited beer, wine, water, and soft drinks.

A real-world tip from the included drink setup: if you strongly prefer no-sugar options, be aware that the soft drink choice may not match what you expect. The tour includes soft drinks, but some guests specifically called out missing non-sugary options like diet-style sodas. If that matters to you, consider bringing a preference into your planning mindset.

Comino caves add-on (seasonal)

There are Comino caves boat trip tickets available to purchase on board during June to September. So if you want the caves, you may be able to add it during the Blue Lagoon time, depending on what’s offered onboard that day.

Stop 4: Another snack and cruising back to Sliema

On the return leg, you’ll get a fresh fruit afternoon snack while the boat cruises back to the Sliema quay and docks at 17:30.

That afternoon food matters more than you might think because you’re doing two swim anchors and one full lunch. By the time you start the final cruise back, you’ll likely be happy you’re not going hungry while you wait for docking.

Once the boat returns, land transport takes you back to your Malta accommodation or the nearest pickup point. If you are staying close to the Fernandes mooring on The Strand, you may be able to return on your own to your hotel instead of taking land transport.

Food, drinks, and the small details that affect comfort

Let’s talk value, because this is where the tour often wins.

At a price of about $90.22 per person, you’re not paying only for the boat. You’re paying for:

• transportation from and back to your accommodation area (80+ pickup points)
• a morning snack
• a hot and cold buffet lunch
• an afternoon fruit snack
• an open bar with unlimited beer, wine, water, and soft drinks
• a restroom on board

That bundle is the core reason people feel it’s worth doing even if they would prefer a cheaper “just the boat” option. You can show up in Sliema and avoid spending separately for meals and drinks mid-day.

Now, the comfort notes. The boat is not a floating hotel. Seating and shade can be limited, and the deck setup can feel tight when it’s busy. One guest described sitting on the gunwales or on the floor, and another noted the boat could use more seating and shade. If you care about having a comfortable spot all day, try to get onboard early and claim your place with the best view and sun control you can manage.

Also consider the day’s mood. Some people love that the crew keeps things going. Others are less thrilled if there’s a lot of smoke floating around. If you are very sensitive to second-hand smoke, you may want to choose your seating spot carefully and plan to stay mindful of where people are congregating.

Crowds, seating, and rough water: when to adjust expectations

The “Blue Lagoon effect” is real. This is one of the most famous swimming areas in Malta’s neighborhood, so you should expect busier conditions here, especially in summer. Some people report that the boat can feel overcrowded and uncomfortable, while others say it was a chilled vibe on a not-too-crowded boat.

So how should you play it? With flexible expectations.

• If your top priority is calm and wide open space, you might prefer a smaller, quieter alternative.
• If your top priority is time on the water plus included food and drinks at a fixed price, this still makes sense.

Rough seas are the other variable. If the water is choppy, the boat’s motion can be intense enough that it affects how enjoyable the ride feels. That same rocking can be part of the charm for some, and a miserable deal for others. I’d treat this as a “go only if you can handle boat movement” day, especially for anyone who gets sick easily.

Is $90.22 a good deal for Blue Lagoon and Gozo?

For many visitors, this price feels fair because you’re effectively buying an all-inclusive day: transport, meals, and drinks, plus two major swim anchor stops. You also get the cruise time between islands, rather than being stuck in transit on buses all day.

But the value depends on what you need.

• If you’ll use the included lunch and open bar anyway, it’s strong value.
• If you only want minimal onboard extras and you’d rather skip crowds and pay less, it may not feel as efficient.

There’s also a practical limit. The tour lists a maximum of 180 travelers, which hints at a busy day, even if the overall boat vibe can still feel more relaxed than huge tourist vessels. Your comfort will depend on how full your specific departure is.

Who this cruise fits best

This Fernandes cruise to Comino and Gozo suits you best if you want:

• included hotel-area transport in Malta without figuring out ferry schedules
• a full day on the water with real swim time
• a packaged meal plan, including a buffet lunch and snacks
• an all-in-one experience from Sliema

It’s also a good match for families and groups because the structure is simple. One review specifically mentioned traveling with an 18 month old, and the day format works well for those who want a predictable schedule.

If you are traveling on a tight timetable, pay attention to the 17:30 return and make sure your next plans can handle that fixed finish time.

If you are very sensitive to crowds, smoke, or rough water, you’ll need to be pickier about when you go and where you sit on the boat.

Should you book Fernandes to Blue Lagoon and Gozo?

Book it if you want an easy, set-it-and-forget-it Malta day: pickup from your accommodation area, a Turkish gulet cruise out of Sliema, two anchor swims including Blue Lagoon, and a buffet lunch plus snacks and an open bar. At around $90.22, the all-inclusive structure is hard to beat, especially if you’ll actually drink and eat on board.

Think twice if comfort is your top priority. If you hate crowded boats, need lots of shade, or get seasick, this itinerary can feel like hard work instead of a holiday float.

My practical advice is to choose this cruise for the right day in your trip: pick a day with good weather, arrive ready to grab a decent spot on board, and focus on the water time, not the furniture. If you do that, you’ll likely come away satisfied with the value and the sheer fact that you got both Comino and Gozo in one day.

FAQ

What’s included in the Fernandes cruise price?

The price includes the Fernandes Turkish gulet cruise from Sliema to Comino’s Blue Lagoon and Gozo, about 90 minutes at Blue Lagoon, about 90 minutes in Gozo, a morning snack, a hot and cold buffet lunch, a fresh fruit afternoon snack, an open bar with unlimited beer, wine, water, and soft drinks, and a restroom on board. It also includes transport from and to your Malta accommodation or the closest pickup point (80+ pickup points), plus GST.

Does the tour include hotel pickup in Malta?

Yes. Pickup is offered from your Malta accommodation or the closest pickup point. Pickup times are confirmed after booking, and the general pickup window is between 08:00 and 09:30 depending on where you stay.

What time does the boat depart and return?

The Fernandes departs from the Sliema quay at 10:00 and returns at 17:30.

How long do you spend at Blue Lagoon and in Gozo?

You get about 90 minutes at Comino’s Blue Lagoon and about 90 minutes in a secluded bay in Gozo.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes, there is a restroom on board.

What happens if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.