Sun, snacks, and two swims in a day. This group sailing on the Fernandez gulet is built for a no-stress Malta coast day, starting with round-trip transfers from your accommodation in Malta and then doing two classic water stops. I really like the convenience of pickup and transfers, and I also like that the day stays food-and-drink heavy with buffet meals plus unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and water. The main thing to think about is that it’s a big group, so seating for lunch and onboard comfort can get tight on peak days.

You’ll start at 9:00am and spend about 7.5 hours on the water, with time to swim in Gozo and then head to Comino’s Blue Lagoon. The crew runs a smooth routine, and you’re expected to come ready to lounge, snack, and soak up the views without bouncing around. If you’re after lots of solitude, this may not be the right style of day.

Key things to know before you go

• Fernandez gulet comfort: A newer, well-kept boat with a friendly captain and crew.
• Gozo first, Comino next: A secluded bay swim in Gozo, then a dedicated Blue Lagoon window.
• All-inclusive where it matters: Hot and cold buffet plus unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and water.
• On-water extras for snorkeling: You can do snorkeling from the boat, and equipment is provided if needed.
• Big group size: Up to 180 people, so expect a busier onboard vibe, especially near meals.
• Some extras cost extra: Coffee, ice cream, and the cave speedboat ride are not included.

From Valletta: What your day starts like

This trip begins at 9:00am in Valletta area, and you get round-trip transfers from your Malta accommodation. That matters more than it sounds. Malta’s ferry and bus connections can be a little fiddly if you’re not staying near the main routes, so a door-to-boat plan is a real quality-of-life upgrade.

The schedule is set up as a full, single-day circuit rather than a “pop out for an hour” cruise. Expect to be out all morning into the early afternoon, with sea time that feels like part of the vacation instead of downtime between stops. Also note that the operator requires good weather. If conditions are poor, the trip can be canceled for safety, with either a different date or a full refund offered.

One more practical angle: because this is a shared group sailing, you’ll likely be moving through pickup as part of a system. That can mean a little waiting time before you reach the marina, but it usually keeps the day simple once you’re onboard.

Boarding the Turkish gulet Fernandez: the vibe on deck

You’re cruising on a luxury Turkish gulet called Fernandez, and the overall feel is relaxed. The boat is described as new and well cared for, which shows in the day-to-day details like how the crew manages the spaces and keeps things running smoothly.

The crew is a big part of the experience. People consistently highlight how friendly and helpful they are, especially when it comes to making sure you have what you need for swimming and snorkeling. That translates to less time guessing and more time doing.

One thing to plan around is onboard space. The trip can carry a lot of people, and a couple of comments point to crowding and not enough tables during lunch. So if you’re the type who hates eating in a tight spot, bring patience and use the snacks as your buffer while you wait for lunch space to open.

Stop 1 in Gozo: a swim in a calmer bay

First up is the island of Gozo, where the gulet drops anchor in a secluded bay. The time here is about 1 hour 30 minutes, which is long enough to do the basics well: swim, cool off, and take a slow look at the water before you move on.

This stop is a good “starter swim.” The pace is usually easier here because you’re not yet stepping into the busiest water area of the day. If you want to try snorkeling, this can be a time to test the water and see how comfortable you feel, then go stronger at the next stop.

What you should consider: anchorage swims depend on sea conditions and how the crew has the boat positioned. You’ll want to keep your entry and exit simple, especially if you’re not a confident swimmer. Bring sun protection, because when you’re anchored you can still bake quickly.

Blue Lagoon in Comino: making the 2-hour window count

After Gozo, you head to Comino for the Blue Lagoon, with about 2 hours of time on the water. This is the main draw for a lot of people, and it’s the point where you’ll probably want to spend more time in the water rather than on deck.

You can swim here, and you can also snorkel from the boat. One of the best practical perks is that snorkeling equipment is provided if you need it. That’s ideal for first-timers who don’t want to carry gear from home or figure out what’s available on arrival.

Also plan for the fact that the Blue Lagoon is famous for a reason, and that can mean there are extra activities around the area. The boat experience is the core of the day, but you’ll likely have options at the stop itself, depending on what’s offered that day.

If you’re tempted by cave exploration, keep it straight in your mind: the cave speedboat ride is not included. So you can treat it as an add-on if you want that extra adventure, but don’t expect it to be rolled into the base price.

Food and drinks: how “all-inclusive” works in real life

This is one of the most praised parts of the day. The experience serves a hot and cold buffet, plus snacks in the morning and afternoon, and a buffet lunch. On top of that, drinks are set up as unlimited: beer, wine, soft drinks, and water.

That combination is more valuable than it sounds. A full day at sea is easy to underestimate for hunger and thirst. Here, you don’t have to choose between spending money ashore or going light onboard. You can stick to the flow of the schedule and eat when it fits your stamina.

A couple of real-world notes help you set expectations. Some comments mention that lunch seating can feel tight when the boat is full, which is where being flexible helps. If you’re able, use snacks earlier in the day so lunch is not the only meal you’re counting on.

Also, the items not included matter if you have strong coffee or dessert cravings. Coffee and ice cream are not included, so if those are your travel rituals, bring a little extra budget for the times you decide you want them.

Time and comfort: 7.5 hours that can feel busy

The trip lasts about 7 hours 30 minutes including the cruising time between stops. That’s a sweet spot for a day you want to feel like an outing, not just a quick detour.

Still, there’s a catch. It’s a big group, with a maximum of 180 people. That’s the tradeoff for the value and the shared experience. When you’re anchored and people are heading back on deck, you may see lines or crowded moments, especially around meals.

Think of the schedule as two “water hits” plus plenty of downtime. The Gozo swim gives you a quieter start. The Blue Lagoon gives you the peak water time. Between those, you can relax, drink, and snack, and let the crew handle logistics.

If you dislike busy boats, go in with the right mindset. This is built for social energy. If you’re happy to meet new people and share deck space, you’ll probably enjoy the day a lot more.

Price and value: is $85.98 worth it?

At $85.98 per person, this tour is priced like a full-day experience that includes more than just transport. You’re paying for four main things:

• the boat sailing day on a gulet,
• round-trip transfers from Malta accommodation,
• substantial included food (buffet plus morning and afternoon snacks),
• unlimited drinks (beer, wine, soft drinks, and water).

For many people, the “saved effort” part is the hidden value. You skip the hassle of figuring out how to get to multiple water areas on your own, and you’re not stuck buying snacks every few hours.

Could it feel expensive if you only care about one swim and plan to buy everything separately? Yes. But that’s not how this trip is set up. This is best value when you actually use the included meals and drinks and you stay present for both water stops.

Also keep in mind what’s not included. Coffee, ice cream, and the cave speedboat ride can add cost if you decide you want them. If you’re the type to rely on coffee in the morning or ice cream as a treat, plan for that.

Who should book this sailing, and who should skip it

This tour is a great match if you want a classic Malta sea day with minimal decision-making. You’ll enjoy it most if you like:

• a friendly, crew-led atmosphere,
• a “come hungry and come thirsty” style day,
• swimming and snorkeling without bringing gear,
• meeting new people on a group outing.

It’s also a solid choice if you’re staying in Malta and want the coast experience without building your own transport plan. The transfer included makes a real difference.

You might skip it if:

• you want quiet, small-group access,
• you’re sensitive to crowding onboard,
• you only want a brief stop and dislike structured time slots.

And if weather is a concern for your dates, remember the trip depends on good weather, with changes offered if it’s canceled.

Should you book Fernandes Gozo & Comino?

If your idea of a perfect day is: board a nice boat, swim twice, eat well, and not micromanage logistics, this is an easy yes. The strongest reasons to book are the friendly captain and crew, the boat feeling well kept, and the fact that the meals and unlimited drinks are genuinely built into the day.

I’d reconsider if you hate big groups or you know you get stressed when seating gets tight. For everyone else, it’s a good value way to see Gozo’s calm swim bay and then spend focused time in Comino’s Blue Lagoon.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 9:00am.

How long is the Fernandes Gozo & Comino cruise?

The duration is approximately 7 hours 30 minutes.

Where does the tour operate?

The tour is based in Valletta, Malta, with sailing stops around Gozo and Comino.

Is pickup offered from accommodation in Malta?

Yes, round-trip transfers from accommodation in Malta are offered.

What stops are included?

You stop at the Island of Gozo for a swim, then you go to the Blue Lagoon in Comino to swim.

How much time do you get at Gozo and at the Blue Lagoon?

Gozo stop time is 1 hour 30 minutes, and the Blue Lagoon stop time is 2 hours.

What food and drink are included?

You get hot and cold buffet food, morning and afternoon snacks, and buffet lunch. Drinks include unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and water.

Are coffee, ice cream, or a cave speedboat ride included?

No. Coffee, ice cream, and the cave speedboat ride are not included.

What is the maximum group size?

The maximum group size is 180 people.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.