Salt air, crystal water, and a real break. This Fernandes cruise gives you two big island stops in one day, with a buffet lunch plus snacks served on board. I like that the day is structured around swim time, not just sightseeing, and I like the bundled value of transport and food included at $88.72 per person.

The one drawback I’d plan for is comfort. With a maximum of 80 people, seating can be tight, and one common complaint is that there are not enough places to sit or lie down for everyone.

Key things to know before you go

• Two swim blocks, not one: a swim in Gozo first, then another main swim period around Comino and the Blue Lagoon.
• Lunch and snacks are handled for you: you get a morning snack and a buffet lunch on board, plus drink and water.
• Time to explore Comino: after lunch you get a solid chunk of time to walk around and swim, not just stand and look.
• Pickup helps if you are based on Malta: selected hotels have round-trip transfers, with times confirmed by email.
• Limited comfort space: max group size is 80, and seating can feel like a squeeze.

Value and price: what $88.72 includes in real life

At $88.72 per person, this cruise is trying to do a lot for one fixed price: you get round-trip transport, a morning snack, a buffet lunch, and drink plus water during the day. When you look at it that way, the price feels less like a “boat ticket” and more like a ready-made full day, with food and logistics handled.

You also pay for convenience. The itinerary is set around two locations, so you are not spending the day juggling transport timetables or finding food between different activities. If your goal is a simple, high-reward Malta day, the bundle is the point.

Getting there from Mellieha: pickup and departure timing

The day starts with pickup at a start time of 9:30 am. Pickup is provided from selected hotels, and you get an email to confirm the exact pickup time and place, so check your inbox after booking.

The boat departure point is the Strand, Sliema quay at 10:00 am. That matters because you want to be ready early, especially if your pickup window feeds into a fixed departure time. The tour also uses a mobile ticket, so keep that handy on your phone.

Gozo stop: anchor time, swim break, and onboard buffet lunch

Your first major chunk of time is the Island of Gozo, starting from Sliema and heading northwest. The plan is to cruise out and then drop anchor in a secluded bay in Gozo where you can swim, with the boat staying put long enough for you to actually enjoy the water.

This Gozo block is 4 hours, and it pairs the swim with a delicious buffet lunch served on board. You are not forced into a strict lunch-and-go schedule, and you get a bar on board as well, which is great if you want to relax after the swim.

A practical tip here: treat Gozo as your first “reset.” If the morning makes you a bit sleepy, this is the time to get moving again, swim, then eat while everything is still easy and close.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon: your main swim and explore window

After lunch, you cruise to Comino. The next 4 hours are built around the Blue Lagoon, with ample time to explore the island and swim in the crystal blue waters.

This stop is the headline for most people, because it is where the day’s best water time is concentrated. You get both: time to look around and time to get in the water, rather than a quick swim that disappears while you’re still getting comfortable.

Bring what you know you will need on a sun-and-water day: bathing gear, a towel, and sunblock. Those three items are specifically called out for the tour, and they make a real difference between a fun swim and an annoying scramble.

Food and drinks: what is included, what costs extra

This is one of the cleanest parts of the experience because the inclusions are clear. You get a morning snack, then a buffet lunch, plus a drink and water during the day.

A key detail: spirits are not included. The bar is described as fully stocked, but the alcohol line can matter for your budget. Plan on sticking to the included drink options if you want to keep the cost predictable.

If you are the type who gets hungry between meals, the buffet lunch helps, but it is still smart to show up ready for the schedule you are given. With two fixed meal windows and set swim blocks, this day runs best when you follow the flow.

Seating and crowd reality on a max 80-person boat

I would not sugarcoat this part. The tour caps at 80 travelers, and seating is a common pressure point. One complaint highlighted that there can be too many people, with not enough seats for everyone, so some folks end up standing while others manage to find sun or shade.

So how do you handle it? Go in with the right expectations. This is a boat day built around swimming, not a “spread out and lounge” cruise. If you hate tight spaces, you may find the seating situation stressful, especially during peak onboard time around lunch.

My suggestion: think like a swimmer. Decide early where you want your priority, then adapt your comfort strategy around that. The water time is the big payoff, so try not to let the seating limitations steal your focus.

Who this cruise fits best, and who should skip it

This experience is best for people with a moderate physical fitness level. It also is not suitable for younger children or for guests with mobility difficulties, so if stairs, uneven boarding, or long standing are issues for you, this is probably not the right fit.

You’ll likely enjoy it if you want a day that feels active but not complicated. You get transport, you get meals, and you get structured time in Gozo and Comino.

If your ideal vacation day is quiet and slow with lots of personal space, this may feel like too many bodies in one place. The good news is the itinerary is short and direct, so you are not stuck on the boat for endless hours without a plan.

Weather and day-of flexibility: how to plan around Malta’s sea days

This cruise requires good weather. If conditions are poor and the operator cancels for weather reasons, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

That means you should treat this as a plan that depends on nature. If you can keep one day flexible in your schedule, you will handle weather changes more easily. It also helps to pack your swim gear in a way that you can grab quickly if the day runs as expected.

Should you book the Full Day Fernandes Cruise with Lunch?

Book it if you want a simple, all-in-one Malta day: Gozo swim time, a major Blue Lagoon period in Comino, and lunch plus drinks included, with pickup from selected hotels. For the price, the bundled transport and meals are the heart of the value, and the itinerary is built for people who want water time rather than museum time.

Skip it or think twice if seating comfort is a dealbreaker for you. The boat can feel crowded, and there is at least one clear complaint about not enough places to sit or lie down for everyone. If you know you are okay adapting on a day that is really about swimming, you should have a much better experience.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Full Day Fernandes Cruise?

The cruise lasts about 8 hours.

Does the tour include pickup from my hotel in Malta?

Yes. Pickup is provided from selected hotels, and you will be contacted by email to confirm the exact pickup time and place.

Where does the cruise depart?

It departs from The Strand, Sliema quay at 10:00 am.

What time does the activity start?

The activity start time is 9:30 am.

Is lunch included?

Yes. You get a buffet lunch served on board, along with a morning snack.

Are drinks included?

You get a drink and water included. Spirits are not included.

Can I bring my own swimming items?

Yes, and you should. Bring bathing gear, a towel, and sunblock.

Is the tour suitable for children or mobility difficulties?

It is not suitable for younger children or guests with mobility difficulties. Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level.