Full Day Fernandes Cruise with Lunch

The best part of this full-day cruise is the simple combination of Gozo’s quiet swimming stop and Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon. You get a full day on the water without arranging ferries, lunch, transfers, or separate swim stops yourself.

I like the included buffet lunch and morning snack, and I like that drinks and water are provided. The main caution is space: with up to 80 people aboard, seating may be tight, and one passenger reported that some people had to remain standing while others took the shaded or sunny seats.

Key points to know before booking

• Two swimming stops: Swim in a secluded Gozo bay before heading to Comino’s Blue Lagoon.
• Lunch is served onboard: Your fare includes a morning snack, buffet lunch, a drink, and water.
• About eight hours at sea: The Fernandes departs Sliema at 10:00 am and returns after a full day of cruising.
• Hotel pickup is limited: Transfers are provided from selected hotels, with the exact place and time confirmed after booking.
• Capacity can reach 80 people: Expect a social boat trip, not a quiet private cruise.
• Best for reasonably active adults: You need to manage swimming, boarding, and movement around the boat without mobility assistance.

A full day from Sliema to Malta’s northern islands

This cruise gives you a broad look at Malta from the sea, with Gozo and Comino forming the main event. The route begins at The Strand in Sliema, a practical departure point for anyone staying around Sliema or nearby areas.

The Fernandes leaves at 10:00 am, though pickup from selected hotels begins earlier. The stated meeting time is 9:30 am, so you should treat the morning as an early start rather than a casual stroll to the quay. If you are using hotel transport, check your email for the confirmed pickup time and place.

I like the way this trip bundles several separate costs into one price. At $88.72 per person, you are paying for transport, an eight-hour boat day, a snack, buffet lunch, a drink, and water. That makes the price easier to justify than a basic ferry ride, though the value depends heavily on how much you enjoy spending most of a day on a shared boat.

There is no named guide provided for this experience, and the focus appears to be the route, swimming, food, and time ashore rather than a detailed guided commentary. If you want historical explanations at every stop, this may feel light. If you want Malta’s northern waters handled for you, the format is straightforward.

Cruising toward Gozo at 10:00 am

Once the Fernandes leaves Sliema, the boat heads northwest toward Gozo. The cruise itself is part of the appeal. You get changing views of Malta from the water, with no need to drive, park, or work out the island ferry system.

The first stop is a secluded bay in Gozo. This is a useful choice for the opening swim because it should feel calmer than the much busier Blue Lagoon later in the day. You can get into the water, cool off, and enjoy the setting before lunch.

The stop lasts about four hours, according to the planned schedule. That is a generous block of time, so this is not a quick photo stop with a rushed swim. You should have time to settle into the boat, swim, eat, and relax, although the exact rhythm will depend on the day’s sailing conditions and the crew’s timing.

Bring a towel, swimwear, and sunblock. You may also want a dry change of clothes, though that is not specifically listed as required. Keep your belongings secure and pack only what you need for a day around water.

The phrase secluded bay sounds promising, but it does not mean private. The boat can carry up to 80 people, and the vessel may share the area with other boats. Still, Gozo gives you a more relaxed first stop than beginning at Comino’s most famous swimming spot.

Buffet lunch and drinks on the Fernandes

Lunch is served onboard during the Gozo portion of the cruise. The fare includes a buffet meal, one drink, and water, plus a morning snack earlier in the day.

That arrangement matters. You do not have to leave the boat to search for food, and you can keep your day moving without paying for a separate restaurant meal. The fully stocked bar gives you another option for drinks, but spirits are not included. Any extra food or beverages beyond the included items cost more.

A buffet is also practical for a mixed group. You can choose what suits you and take your meal back to a seat or another part of the boat. The tradeoff is that serving food for a large group can create a busy period around lunchtime, especially when the vessel is near its 80-person capacity.

The boat seating issue deserves attention. One piece of feedback described too many people and not enough seats, with some passengers standing while others rested in the sun or shade. That is the clearest weakness attached to this experience, and it can affect your comfort more than the food itself.

If you care strongly about having a reserved seat, plenty of personal space, or a quiet lunch, this cruise may frustrate you. If you are comfortable sharing space and moving with the group, the included meal still adds real value to the fare.

Four hours around Comino’s Blue Lagoon

After lunch, the Fernandes continues to Comino. The Blue Lagoon is the headline stop, and you get about four hours for swimming and exploring the island.

The water is the reason most people choose this tour. The lagoon is known for its clear blue color, and the cruise lets you step off the boat and spend a long stretch of time in the area instead of seeing it only from the deck.

You should expect the Blue Lagoon to be the more active and crowded part of the day. It is Comino’s best-known attraction, and a shared cruise with up to 80 people will not give you a private-island experience. The long stop helps, though. You can swim, walk around, return to the boat, or simply find a place to sit and watch the water.

The wording allows time to explore Comino, but this is not presented as a guided island walk. You are mainly choosing how to use your free time. Bring sturdy footwear if you plan to walk beyond the water’s edge, and remember that sun exposure can be strong during a full day at sea.

The contrast between the two swimming stops is one of the cruise’s best features. Gozo provides a quieter opening bay, while Comino brings the famous scenery and clear water. You get variety instead of spending the whole day in one place.

What $88.72 buys you

The $88.72 price makes the most sense when you use nearly everything included. You receive hotel transport from selected locations, boat travel, a morning snack, buffet lunch, a drink, and water. For someone who wants an all-day outing with few extra arrangements, that is a fair package.

The value is weaker if you plan to skip lunch, avoid swimming, or prefer to explore Gozo and Comino independently. A boat day also ties you to the group’s schedule. You cannot decide to stay longer on Comino or leave Gozo early.

I would compare this price with the cost and effort of arranging separate transport, food, and boat access. The cruise removes that planning work, which is useful on a short Malta visit. It also gives you a full day of coastal views and two island stops in one outing.

The main thing you are not buying is privacy. This is not a small yacht charter. The boat may feel crowded, and the seating complaint is important enough to factor into your decision. The experience is best judged as a shared sightseeing and swimming day with meals, not as a luxury cruise.

Pickup, timing, and practical details

Pickup is available from selected hotels, not automatically from every accommodation in Malta. After you book, the operator will confirm the exact pickup place and time by email. If you have not received that information at least 48 hours before departure, contact the provider.

The formal cruise departure is 10:00 am from The Strand, Sliema quay. The listed start time is 9:30 am, which likely reflects the meeting or pickup process. Do not treat 10:00 am as the time to arrive at the quay. Allow time to reach the meeting point and board.

The experience is available in English. No guide names are supplied, so you should not book it expecting a particular host or language option beyond English.

Confirmation is provided at booking. The activity requires good weather and a minimum number of people. If poor weather or low enrollment cancels the cruise, you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the start time. Canceling later does not qualify for a refund, and changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend the Fernandes cruise to you if you want a simple, full-day Malta boat trip with swimming, food, and transport in one booking. It suits people who like a planned day and do not mind sharing the boat with a sizeable group.

It is a good fit for reasonably active adults who can manage boarding, walking around a boat, swimming, and moving between the vessel and shore. The operator says the activity is not suitable for younger children or people with mobility difficulties, so families with very young children and anyone needing step-free access should choose carefully.

You will probably enjoy it most if the Blue Lagoon is high on your list and you also want a Gozo swimming stop. The long time at each location gives you more than a quick cruise-by view.

You may want another option if you dislike crowds, need guaranteed seating, want a quiet boat, or prefer a detailed cultural tour. The available rating of 3.5 out of 5 from 19 ratings suggests a mixed experience, and the seating concern is the practical issue most likely to shape your day.

What to pack for eight hours on the water

Keep your packing simple:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunblock
• Comfortable footwear for walking on Comino
• A secure small bag for personal items
• Extra money for additional food, drinks, or spirits
• A light change of clothing for after swimming

Sunblock is especially important because you will spend much of the day outside, even if you choose the shaded side of the boat. Seating may be limited, so do not assume you can move easily between sun and shade whenever you wish.

Should you book the Fernandes cruise?

Book this cruise if you want Gozo, Comino, two swim stops, lunch, and hotel transport handled in a single eight-hour outing. The quiet Gozo bay gives the day a pleasant start, while the Blue Lagoon supplies the famous water and scenery you likely came to see.

Skip it if personal space and guaranteed seating matter more than convenience. With capacity for up to 80 people and a specific complaint about passengers standing, this is a shared boat day rather than a polished private cruise.

At $88.72, I see solid value for an active visitor who will eat the included lunch, use the transfers, and spend time swimming. Go in expecting a busy but practical outing, bring the right gear, and you will know exactly what you are paying for.

FAQ

Where does the Fernandes cruise depart?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is provided from selected hotels. The exact pickup time and place are confirmed after booking by email.

What food and drinks are included?

The price includes a morning snack, buffet lunch, one drink, and water. Additional food and drinks cost extra, and spirits are not included.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts about eight hours. The planned day includes about four hours around Gozo and about four hours around Comino and the Blue Lagoon.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations and changes made less than 24 hours in advance are not accepted for a refund.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility difficulties?

No. The activity is not suitable for guests with mobility difficulties, and a moderate level of physical fitness is required.