The Maltese islands look even better from the water. This Sliema to Gozo and Comino Blue Lagoon cruise on the Turkish gulet The Fernandes mixes classic views with practical perks like a buffet lunch and long time to swim.

I especially like the unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and mineral water included all day, and I also like the way the day is paced with two swim stops instead of endless sightseeing from a bus. The main drawback to plan around is that the boat can feel busy, and some days the sea gets rough, so it is not ideal if you are very prone to seasickness.

Key points, so you can judge fast. You are paying for a full day at sea with swim time, food, and drinks, not for a strict museum-style tour. Just remember you may need an online Blue Lagoon access pass if you want to step ashore at Comino.

Quick highlights before you go

• The Fernandes: a traditional wooden Turkish gulet, departing from Sliema Ferries on the promenade side
• Two swim stops: Comino’s Blue Lagoon plus a secluded Gozo bay
• Unlimited onboard drinks: beer, wine, mineral water, and soft drinks
• Food included: morning snack, hot and cold buffet lunch, plus afternoon snack
• Comino Blue Lagoon rules: you must request a government access pass online if you want to disembark at the lagoon

From Sliema Ferries to The Fernandes: how the day starts

Most people start this cruise right where it belongs, at the water. The boat departs from Sliema Ferries, Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema, on the promenade side of the road. The operator recommends arriving about 30 minutes early, because you want time to find the right vessel and get settled before boarding gets hectic.

The ship is the Turkish gulet The Fernandes, a wooden-style craft that feels more like a sea day than a quick ferry hop. You will cruise along Malta’s northern shores, then head toward the Comino highlight. Since this is a 7.5 hour outing, the goal is simple: slow down, stay on the boat, and let the islands come to you.

Pickup is optional, but it is not identical for everyone. A common departure setup is that the cruise departs at 10:00 AM, while pickup can fall in the 8:15 AM to 9:30 AM window depending on where you stay. If you are staying within walking distance of Sliema Ferries, you may need to make your own way to the boat. I like this structure because it keeps the day predictable, but you do need to confirm your exact pickup time and place with the operator a few days before.

The Comino Blue Lagoon access pass rule (and why it matters)

One Malta detail can trip people up: stepping ashore at the Blue Lagoon on Comino may require an official government access pass. The rule is in effect as of May 2025, and passes are requested online through blcomino.com. Passes can run out because daily allocation is limited.

Here is the practical part. This cruise specifically asks you to choose the morning slot when applying for your pass. If your day includes a Blue Lagoon stop (it does), you want your pass to match that timing so you are not stuck figuring it out on the ground.

Why does this matter? Because you might be totally fine just swimming from the boat and enjoying the water close up. But if you want to stroll, grab a drink onshore, or simply be on land at the lagoon, a pass is the difference between a smooth day and a last-minute stress spiral.

Swim stop on Comino: what the Blue Lagoon time really feels like

Comino is small, and the Blue Lagoon is famous for a reason. Expect crystal-clear turquoise water and that classic postcard look, plus good conditions for swimming. The schedule gives you a focused window here, so you are not rushing from photo spot to photo spot. The water is the main event, and the boat setup helps, because you can go straight in and float when you feel like it.

You will also want to think about crowding. Comino and the Blue Lagoon can get busy, and your best move is to treat this as a water-first stop. Go in early if you can, then use the time to relax on deck between swims or swims-with-rest breaks.

One more practical note: the sea can move. On days with rougher water, you might feel it more when people are changing positions around the boat. And if you are one of those people who goes queasy at the first turn, you will appreciate the fact that the cruise notes it is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

If you brought snorkel gear from home, you will be set. If not, remember that optional rentals may be limited or not great on the spot, so I recommend packing your own snorkel if you care about fit and comfort. A towel helps too, because you will come out wet and you do not want to scramble.

Buffet lunch on board: unlimited drinks and real value

A lot of boat trips say lunch is included, then hand you something that tastes like it came from a vending machine. Here, you get a hot and cold buffet lunch, served onboard, plus snacks.

The day typically starts with a morning snack, then you eat later when appetite kicks in after swimming. The lunch portion is set up for a true sea-day rhythm, meaning you can eat without docking and without losing your spot in the water fun. You also get an afternoon snack before the day winds down.

The drinks are a major part of the value. Your ticket includes unlimited beer, wine, mineral water, and soft drinks. That is the kind of inclusion that changes the math. Instead of spending extra for drinks, you can treat the cruise like an all-day hangout on the water. Just note what is not included: liquors and spirits are not part of the package.

Food quality is described as more than basic, and the best way to interpret that is this: it is not a gourmet experience, but it is enough and it is satisfying after being in the sun. You will likely see a mix such as chicken, fish, salads, and sides depending on the day. Some people also felt the lunch timing could compress swim time. So plan to treat the lunch window as a reset, not as “extra time to swim for free.”

Swim stop in Gozo: a secluded bay break from Comino crowds

After Comino, the cruise heads toward Gozo. The itinerary drops anchor in a peaceful, secluded bay near the island of Gozo. This is one reason I like this cruise as a format. It gives you a “wow” stop first, then a calmer, more relaxed swim stop second.

At Gozo, the vibe shifts from famous-water spectacle to slower coastal floating. You can chill on deck with a drink, swim when you feel like it, and enjoy the calmer surroundings. If you want photos, you will get them, but the real win is the chance to swim without the same intense Comino crowd pressure.

Time in the water here can still be long enough to matter. Some schedules end up feeling like one swim stop runs closer to a couple of hours, while the other is shorter. Either way, you should have enough time to get a real swim in rather than just dipping your feet.

If you are planning an extra activity, keep your eyes open. The cruise description includes an optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and the Crystal Lagoon, usually booked and paid on location. That is not part of the main ticket, but if you like speed and want a closer caves view, it can be worth considering.

The return sail: music, deck time, and the real seating story

On the way back, you get that classic Mediterranean payoff: time on the open water with a drink in hand and the scenery sliding by. The cruise includes music, and it can be lively. Some people love this, describing it as fun and energetic onboard.

That brings me to a practical point that shows up in real-world feedback: seating. This boat setup often includes deck space, but it can feel crowded, especially on busy days. Some passengers report that deck mats or floor space are used, and that older passengers might find the seating less comfortable for the full stretch. If you care about comfort, aim to arrive early at the start so you have a better chance at a good spot. Once the day is underway, it is harder to change where you can relax.

Also, some passengers found one of the later swim moments less necessary. If you are deciding whether this is the right cruise for your energy level, here is the honest way to think about it: this tour is designed for people who want to swim and snack, not for people who need constant new surprises. The views and water do the work.

Price and value: is $84 for 7.5 hours a fair deal?

At around $84 per person, you are paying for more than transit. You are buying a full day structure:

• round-trip cruising time on a Turkish gulet
• two swim stops
• morning and afternoon snacks plus a buffet lunch
• unlimited beer, wine, mineral water, and soft drinks

That is a lot of included value for one price, especially because drinks on Malta day trips add up quickly. If you are the type who would normally buy lunch and multiple drinks anyway, the cruise tends to feel like a good deal. If you do not drink alcohol, you still get unlimited non-alcoholic options.

The only time it does not feel like value is if you are looking for a quiet, spacious, luxury experience. The cruise description and onboard reality lean toward a social day on the water, not a private charter. It is still good value, just know what style you are paying for.

What to pack for this gulet day (so you enjoy it more)

This cruise is a swim-first outing. The packing list is simple and you will thank yourself for it:

• swimwear
• towel
• sunscreen
• cash

Cash matters because optional add-ons are booked and paid on location, and you might also want spending money if you disembark and buy food or drinks near Comino. Also, note what is not allowed: pets, oversize luggage, and large bags. Mobility scooters are not allowed.

If you are sensitive to motion, plan like a pro. This activity notes it is not suitable for people prone to seasickness. I would take that seriously, not casually. Even if you usually feel fine on calm water, you cannot guarantee sea conditions.

Finally, for comfort, bring practical extras if you can, like a change of clothes for after swimming. Nothing fancy, just the basics that make the last hour feel nicer.

Who this cruise fits best (and who should skip it)

This is a strong match if you want:

• a water-focused day on the Maltese islands
• good included food and drink
• time to swim without juggling ferries or tour switches
• a social atmosphere with music onboard

It is also a good option for couples and families who want one “big day” without planning every minute. Some people treat it as a highlight because it hits the major sights in a single outing, with less effort than DIY.

It might not fit you if:

• you get queasy easily on boats
• you want maximum quiet and minimal crowding
• you need lots of easy, comfortable seating for hours on end

Also, there is a bit of a mixed message on mobility. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but it also says it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. If mobility matters for you, contact the operator and ask what the deck access and boarding are like in practice for your situation.

Should you book this Gozo and Comino Blue Lagoon gulet cruise?

I think this cruise earns a spot on your shortlist if you want an all-day Malta sea experience with two swim stops and included meals and drinks. The price looks reasonable because you get the big day trip components in one go, and the onboard vibe tends to be friendly and upbeat.

But do your homework on the Blue Lagoon access pass if you want to step ashore. Also, if you are worried about crowds or rough water, pick your priorities accordingly. If you want quiet, consider a more low-key option. If you want sun, swimming, and a simple day plan, this one is a solid choice.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The boat departs from Sliema Ferries, Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema, on the promenade side of the road. The vessel name is The Fernandes, and it is recommended to arrive about 30 minutes early for boarding.

How long is the cruise, and what time does it leave?

The duration is 7.5 hours. The cruise departure time is listed as 10:00 AM, while hotel pickup times, when available, can be between 8:15 AM and 9:30 AM.

What swim stops are included?

The cruise includes two swim stops, one at Comino’s Blue Lagoon and another in a secluded bay near Gozo.

Is lunch included, and what drinks are included?

Yes. You get a buffet lunch onboard plus morning snack and afternoon snack. Drinks included are unlimited beer, wine, mineral water, and soft drinks. Liquors and spirits are not included.

Do I need a pass to go ashore at the Blue Lagoon?

If you want to disembark ashore at the Blue Lagoon, you need a government-issued access pass requested in advance through blcomino.com. The instruction for this cruise is to select the morning slot.

What should I bring, and what is not allowed?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash. Not allowed: pets, oversize luggage, luggage or large bags, and mobility scooters.