Blue water, zero stress, and a Turkish sailing boat. I love the stress-free pick-up and drop-off from select hotels, and I love that the highlight swim is at Comino’s Blue Lagoon with real time to get in the water. One note before you book, if you are prone to sea sickness, this trip may feel rough in open water.

This is one of those day trips that runs like a plan, not like an obstacle course. You get morning and afternoon snacks, a buffet lunch on board, and unlimited wine, beer, mineral water, and soft drinks for the whole cruise duration. The trade-off is that it is a bigger boat experience, with up to 180 people, so deck space and shade can become a real-life game of find a spot.

Key things to know before you go

• Transfers help you start on time from selected hotels, but you may need to reach Sliema Ferries on your own if you are nearby
• Blue Lagoon requires a government access pass (not included), and you must have it to disembark
• Two swim stops with included time at Comino and in the waters near Gozo
• Optional Comino Caves speedboat costs €15 per person for a short extra outing
• Unlimited drinks, but no liquor or spirits (alcohol-free options are included)
• The boat is capped at 180 travelers, so expect busy moments on deck

What You Really Get for Around $90 in Malta

At about $90 per person, this tour stacks up well because the day is packaged, not pay-as-you-go. You are paying for a Turkish gullet sightseeing cruise plus transfers from select places, two swim stops, lunch, snacks, and unlimited wine and beer along with soda and mineral water.

The value gets clearer when you break down what is included. The buffet lunch is onboard, and you also get a morning snack and an afternoon snack, so you are not hunting food between swims. Drinks are included for the entire cruise duration, but liquor and spirits are not. If you mainly want beer, wine, and soft drinks, you are set.

The other big value point is simplicity. You sail out of Sliema, spend time in Comino and near Gozo, and return on the same boat day structure. It is a great fit if you want a full Malta day without a rental car, ticket lines, or figuring out boats on your own.

Sliema Promenade Departure: Timing and the Fernandes Boat

Your day starts in Sliema. The meeting point is Captain Morgan – I See Malta CruisesSt Luke’s Garrison Chapel, Triq Censu Xerri, Sliema. The cruise departure time is 10:00 am.

Here is the part that trips people up: the listed 10:00 am is when the cruise leaves, not when you get picked up. If you booked hotel pick-up, your pickup time can be any time between 8:15 am and 9:30 am. The tour operator asks you to confirm your pick-up location and pick-up time at least a few days before. That small step prevents the classic, I waited and nothing happened, feeling.

If your hotel is within walking distance from Sliema Ferries, you must make your own way to the boat. In that case, plan to arrive 20 to 30 minutes early. When you get to Sliema Ferries, look for the Turkish gullet named The Fernandes.

Also note that this runs in English and uses a mobile ticket. That helps if you hate printing paperwork.

Blue Lagoon on Comino: The Swim Stop That Needs a Pass

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the big swimming draw, and you get about 2 hours there. This is the kind of place you are glad you planned for, because the water is the whole point of the day.

Since May 2025, Malta requires a government-issued access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. Passes are handled through the official site blcomino.com, and the allocation is limited. For this specific trip, you are required to book the morning timeslot when you apply.

Two practical things you need to know. First, the access pass is not included in your tour price. Second, there are no refunds if you cannot disembark because you do not have the official pass. So do this early, even if the boat trip is prepaid. It is a hard rule, not a request.

The Blue Lagoon can be crowded. That does not ruin the swim, but it does mean you should come prepared. Bring what you need for a swim day, and be ready to follow crew instructions when boarding and disembarking.

Crystal Lagoon and the Optional €15 Speedboat to the Caves

There is an optional add-on tied to Comino’s caves and the Crystal Lagoon area. The optional motorboat trip costs €15 per person, and the fee can change.

The time shown for the optional activity is about 30 minutes, and it is not included in the base tour. If you love specific sights, like cave areas, this can turn your Comino day from just swimming into more of an exploration stop.

If you would rather keep things calm and stay with the main boat plan, you can skip it. The core cruise already gives you two swim moments and a proper lunch onboard, so the optional speedboat is truly a bonus, not the foundation of the day.

My simple rule for the decision is this: if you want caves more than anything and you are okay paying extra for a short window, go for the speedboat. If your priority is relaxing, floating, and swimming, you will still be happy without it.

Open-Water Bay Near Gozo: Lunch Time and a Less Crowded Feel

Gozo is part of the plan, but it is done in a smart way. After your Blue Lagoon swim, the cruise continues toward Gozo and anchors in a quiet bay on or near the island of Gozo.

This matters because you do not just do a postcard stop and move on. You get about 1 hour at this Gozo-area swim point. Also, you are not disembarking in Gozo. The swim happens in open waters near the island, weather permitting.

This is also when you will eat. Your buffet lunch is served on board. For many people, that combination is the sweet spot: swim first, then warm up with a solid lunch, then swim again later as the day unfolds.

Two considerations for your comfort. First, this trip is not recommended if you have mobility impairments. Second, it is not recommended for people prone to sea sickness. Even though the day is structured, you still have travel over water and time anchored off shore.

The On-Board Food and Drinks: What All-Inclusive Looks Like

The food setup is straightforward and, based on the way people describe it, it usually lands well. You get a buffet lunch plus a morning snack and an afternoon snack. That means you can graze between swims instead of waiting for one meal at one exact moment.

Drinks are the other big win. Wine, beer, mineral water, and soft drinks are unlimited for the entire cruise duration. Liquor and spirits are not included.

There is also an alcohol age rule: the minimum drinking age for alcoholic beverages is 17. If you are traveling with a teen or you are traveling as a group, it helps to know the boat will follow that rule.

About shade and seating, expect real variation. On a boat this size, you should assume you will find limited shaded spots at peak times. If being out of the sun matters to you, get yourself toward the boat early and pick a spot that works for you before the crowd settles in.

Also, bring a towel. Even when the boat has seating and deck areas, you will want something comfortable for drying off after the swim.

How the Crew Keeps the Day Moving (and Why It Can Feel Busy)

This is not a private boat outing. It is a shared cruise with a maximum of 180 travelers. That means you should expect busy moments, especially at swim stops and during the times when people line up for food and drinks.

What you can control is your own strategy. Arrive early when you can, stay flexible with how crowded the deck feels, and keep an eye on where the crew wants everyone to go. The day feels smoother when you follow those cues and do not treat each swim stop like a free-for-all.

Some passengers also describe the ride as a bit bumpy. The boat is in open water more than once, so if you are sensitive, plan for it. You can feel fine and still have your stomach disagree. If you are on the fence, this is the kind of tour you should think twice about.

Transfers Back and the One Thing You Must Confirm

Transfers are included, but only from selected hotels or meeting points. If your pickup is included, confirm your pickup location and pickup time a few days in advance with the provider. Remember, 10:00 am is the cruise departure time, not your pickup time.

After the cruise, the activity ends back at the meeting point. The tour also offers drop-off transfers from selected places, but coverage depends on where you are staying. One practical move that saves hassle is to double-check your exact drop-off location when you confirm everything for the morning.

If you are staying near Sliema Ferries and had to make your own way to the boat, you should also be ready to make your own arrangements afterward. Do not assume your hotel is automatically on the transfer list.

Who Should Book This Turkish Gullet Cruise, and Who Should Skip It

This is a strong choice if you want:

• A full day at sea without driving or navigating ferries
• Included buffet lunch and unlimited drinks
• A real swim day with time in Comino and near Gozo
• A social group setting where you can meet people and still do your own thing

It may not be the best choice if:

• You are prone to sea sickness
• You have mobility constraints that make getting around the boat hard
• You hate crowds and you need constant space and shade
• You have not secured the Blue Lagoon access pass in advance

Also think about your priorities. This is not a tight sightseeing tour with endless stops on land. It is mainly about the water time, the cruise ride, and the onboard comfort package.

Should You Book This Turkish Gullet Cruise to Gozo and Comino?

I would book it if your dream day is simple: sail out of Sliema, swim in Comino’s Blue Lagoon, eat well onboard, and spend time near Gozo, all without a car. The combination of transfers (when available), included meals and snacks, and unlimited wine and beer makes it good value for a day like this.

I would pause and plan extra if the Blue Lagoon pass requirement is new to you. Get the government pass early using the correct morning timeslot. Without it, you cannot disembark at Blue Lagoon, and there are no refunds for that.

Finally, be realistic about boat life. This is up to 180 people and two swim stop crowds plus open water movement. If that sounds fine, you will likely love the whole day.

FAQ

FAQ

What time does the cruise actually depart?

The cruise departs at 10:00 am. If you booked hotel pickup, your pickup time can be between 8:15 am and 9:30 am, depending on where you are staying.

Where do I meet the tour?

The start meeting point is Captain Morgan – I See Malta Cruises, St Luke’s Garrison Chapel, Triq Censu Xerri, Sliema, Malta.

Is Blue Lagoon disembarkation included?

Blue Lagoon disembarkation requires a government-issued access pass obtained in advance. The access pass is not included in the tour.

How do I get the Blue Lagoon access pass?

You need to acquire the pass through blcomino.com. The trip requires you to book the morning timeslot when applying.

What drinks are included on board?

Wine, beer, mineral water, and soft drinks are unlimited during the entire cruise. Liquors and spirits are not included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. You get a buffet lunch served onboard, plus a morning snack and an afternoon snack.

Is there an optional speedboat trip?

Yes. There is an optional motorboat trip connected to Comino Caves and the Crystal Lagoon for €15 per person. It is not included and the fee can change.

Do we disembark in Gozo?

No. You will not disembark in Gozo. The swim stop is in the open waters near the island of Gozo, weather permitting.

Is the tour good if I get sea sick?

It is not recommended for travelers who are prone to sea sickness.

Can I drink alcohol on this tour?

The minimum age for drinking alcoholic beverages is 17.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience requires good weather, and if canceled due to poor weather you will be offered another date or a full refund.