Sliema: Gozo/Comino Blue Lagoon Gulet Cruise w/ Lunch+Drinks

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the headline act, but the best part of this cruise may be the quieter swim stop near Gozo. You get clear water, a full day at sea, and enough food and drinks to avoid the usual boat-trip nickel-and-diming. I especially like the Turkish gulet setting and the generous onboard service.

I also like that the cruise gives you two very different swims: one at the famous Blue Lagoon and another in a more peaceful bay. The main caution is comfort. The boat can feel crowded, seating is not always plentiful, and rough seas have caused seasickness for some people.

Key points to know before booking

• Board The Fernandes at Sliema Ferries: Look for the traditional-design wooden Turkish gulet on the promenade side of the road.
• Plan for two swim stops: One is at Comino’s Blue Lagoon, and the other is at a secluded bay near Gozo.
• Bring or arrange your Blue Lagoon pass: You need a free government access pass in advance if you want to step ashore.
• Food and drinks are covered: Expect a hot and cold buffet, two snacks, and unlimited beer, wine, mineral water, and soft drinks.
• Arrive early for a good spot: Deck space and comfortable seating can fill quickly, especially on busy days.
• Expect a full day outside: Sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, and cash are practical essentials.

Setting sail from Sliema on The Fernandes

The cruise begins at Sliema Ferries, on Triq Ix-Xatt, on the promenade side of the road. The boat is called The Fernandes, and it is a traditional-style Turkish gulet rather than a sleek modern speedboat.

That matters because this is designed as a slow, social day on the water. You are there to sit back, watch Malta’s northern coast pass by, and spend long stretches on deck. The gulet has the character many people want from a Mediterranean boat trip, though the tradeoff is that deck space and seating can feel limited when the boat is full.

Arrive about 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. Early arrival is not just a formality. It gives you a better chance of finding a comfortable place to sit or stretch out, and several people specifically found the best sun loungers and deck mats went quickly.

The listed departure time is 10:00 AM. If you use hotel pickup, that is not your pickup time. Pickup can take place between 8:15 AM and 9:30 AM, depending on where you stay, so contact the operator a few days ahead to confirm the exact meeting point and time.

If your accommodation is within walking distance of Sliema Ferries, you make your own way to the boat. That is often the simplest option. Just leave extra time for finding the correct boarding place, since the promenade can be busy and the boat is identified by name rather than by a large shore-side office.

The northern coast by boat

Once The Fernandes leaves Sliema, the trip becomes a long coastal viewing session. You cruise past Malta’s rugged northern shores, with cliffs, coves, and small inlets appearing from the water.

This part of the day is easy to underestimate. Malta can feel dry and densely built from the road, but the view changes when you see it from a boat. The sea gives you a wider look at the rock formations and shoreline, while the steady pace leaves room for conversation, music, and a drink.

The mood is relaxed rather than formal. There is an English-speaking host or greeter, but this is not a guide-led sightseeing tour packed with historical commentary. If you want detailed information about every headland, this may feel light on explanation. If you want a day where the scenery does most of the work, that is a fair trade.

Music is part of the atmosphere, especially later in the day. The captain has been praised for handling the music and keeping the mood lively, but the volume can appeal more to a younger crowd. Families and couples can enjoy the trip, while anyone seeking a quiet sailing experience should know this is a sociable boat excursion, not a silent yacht charter.

The Blue Lagoon stop on Comino

The first major stop is Comino’s Blue Lagoon. Its shallow, clear water and pale seabed create the brilliant color that makes this Malta’s most famous swimming spot.

The color is the reason to come, but you should set realistic expectations. The Blue Lagoon is extremely popular, and it can be crowded even outside the peak of summer. The bay may look peaceful in photographs, but in person you may find boats, swimmers, music, and shore-side activity competing for space.

You can swim from the boat, sunbathe on deck, or request permission to step ashore. That last option now requires planning. From May 2025, anyone who wants to disembark at the Blue Lagoon must obtain a government-issued access pass in advance through blcomino.com. Daily numbers are limited, and this cruise requires you to choose the morning slot when applying.

The pass is free, but it is not something to leave until the morning of the cruise. If you do not have one, plan to enjoy the lagoon from the boat and water rather than walking onto Comino.

There is also an optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon. It is booked and paid for locally, and it costs extra. One account placed the price at €15, though prices can change. This add-on can be worthwhile if you want a faster look at more of Comino’s shoreline, but it is not needed to enjoy the main cruise.

The water around the Blue Lagoon is often the busiest part of the day, so use the stop in the way that suits you. If you want a photograph and a short swim, stay near the boat. If you want to explore ashore, secure the pass first. If you dislike crowds, save your energy for the quieter Gozo stop.

Lunch, drinks, and the value of a full day afloat

Food is one of the strongest parts of the package. A buffet lunch is served on board, with hot and cold dishes, and the day also includes a morning snack and an afternoon snack.

The exact selection can vary, but food served has included chicken, fish, salads, fruit, and other buffet items. Some trips have had food that was mainly cold, so do not book this expecting a restaurant-style hot meal. Still, portions are generally plentiful, and the meal adds real value to a 7.5-hour outing.

The drinks package is even more useful. Beer, wine, mineral water, and soft drinks are available without an additional charge throughout the day. Liquors and spirits are not included.

For $84 per person, the package covers the cruise, two swim stops, food, and a substantial drinks allowance. You could spend a good part of that amount separately on transport, lunch, drinks, and a boat trip, so the price is reasonable if you plan to use the full day. It is less compelling if you dislike group boat trips, rarely drink, or would rather spend only a few hours at sea.

The practical point is to pace yourself. Malta’s sun can be strong, and unlimited drinks do not replace water or sunscreen. Keep a bottle of water nearby, use sunscreen often, and remember that the boat’s movement can make alcohol feel stronger than it does on land.

The quieter Gozo swim stop

After lunch, the cruise heads toward Gozo and anchors in a peaceful bay. The exact bay can change, but the goal is a calmer swim away from the main Blue Lagoon crowd.

This stop is often the more rewarding swim. You get time to float, snorkel, or sit on deck with a cold drink, without the same level of shore activity found at Comino. Several accounts singled out the Gozo area and a stop sometimes referred to as Slug’s Bay as especially beautiful.

The contrast is important. Comino gives you the famous color and the classic Malta photograph. Gozo gives you breathing room. If you are choosing where to spend your swim time, I would not rush through this second stop.

The water can be very clear, but conditions depend on the day. Bring your own snorkel if you care about seeing below the surface. Snorkels may be available to rent on the boat for €5 in cash, but the equipment has not always been ideal.

The swimming stops can be long, with one lasting around two hours and another about an hour on some departures. That is excellent for people who want plenty of water time. It can feel long if you prefer sightseeing from shore or find swimming tiring.

The ride home and the boat’s social mood

The return sail gives you a slower finish. After the swimming, you can dry off, find a place on deck, and watch the coast recede while music plays.

This is when the cruise feels most like a day out rather than a transport service. The staff has been praised for being friendly, attentive, and willing to help, and the captain often keeps the atmosphere upbeat. The mood can become quite lively, with classic songs and plenty of social energy.

That atmosphere will suit you if you want a fun day with a group. It may not suit you if you are expecting a quiet sunset sail or a small, intimate boat. The cruise has room for different kinds of passengers, but the combination of music, drinks, and a full boat gives it a casual party edge.

The activity returns to Sliema Ferries after about 7.5 hours. The order of the stops can change due to wind, sea conditions, or operating needs, so treat the published sequence as a guide rather than a promise.

Comfort, seasickness, and seating

The biggest practical concern is comfort. Some seating is on wooden benches, while other areas use mats on the deck. Comfortable deck spots can disappear early, and older passengers may find sitting on a hard surface or staying in the sun difficult.

If you need shade or back support, arrive early and ask the crew where the best options are. The boat is not described as suitable for people with mobility impairments, and large bags, oversize luggage, and mobility scooters are not allowed. At the same time, the activity information describes the cruise as wheelchair accessible, so anyone needing specific assistance should confirm the arrangements directly before booking.

Seasickness is another serious consideration. Rough water has made some passengers ill, especially when the boat was crowded and there was limited room to lie down. If you are prone to seasickness, this may not be the right excursion. Check the forecast, consider your usual response to boat travel, and choose a position with fresh air and a clear view of the horizon.

Hotel transfers can also affect comfort. Some pickup vehicles have been described as hot when air conditioning was not working well. Confirm your pickup time and location in advance, and go directly to Sliema Ferries if that is easier and practical for you.

What to bring for a better day

Pack lightly. Large bags and oversize luggage are not allowed, and there is no reason to bring more than you need for swimming and sun protection.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• High-factor sunscreen
• Cash for snacks, rentals, or the optional motorboat trip
• A small bag for dry clothing
• Sunglasses and a hat if you use them

Apply sunscreen before boarding, then reapply after swimming. The deck offers little escape from the sun, and the breeze can hide how quickly you are burning.

If you plan to swim at the Blue Lagoon, arrange the required government access pass before the day. Choose the morning slot as instructed for this cruise. Without the pass, you can still use the boat and swim in the lagoon, but you cannot simply assume you will be able to walk ashore.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this trip if you want a full day on the Mediterranean without arranging separate transport, meals, and boat activities. It is particularly good for couples, families with confident swimmers, and groups who enjoy music, drinks, and a friendly onboard atmosphere.

It also works well if you want to see both Comino and Gozo in one day. You will not get a detailed tour of either island, but you will experience their coastlines and have substantial time in the water.

I would hesitate if you want a small boat, quiet conditions, guaranteed personal seating, or a carefully guided cultural tour. I would also think twice if you are prone to seasickness, dislike crowded places, or need easy access to comfortable chairs and shade.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Malta schedule is still shifting, but they do not remove the need to check the weather and secure the Blue Lagoon pass.

Should you book The Fernandes?

Book it if your ideal Malta day includes clear water, two long swim stops, a buffet lunch, unlimited beer and wine, and a lively gulet ride. The strongest value comes from the combination of food, drinks, and a full 7.5 hours at sea, not from any one stop alone.

Go in knowing that the Blue Lagoon may be crowded, the boat may feel full, and seating is not luxurious. Arrive early, bring sunscreen and cash, arrange the access pass if you want to go ashore, and save your enthusiasm for the quieter Gozo swim. For an easy, social day on Malta’s northern waters, this is a solid choice at $84.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The boat departs from Sliema Ferries on Triq Ix-Xatt, on the promenade side of the road. Look for the Turkish gulet named The Fernandes.

What time does the cruise leave?

The listed cruise departure time is 10:00 AM. Hotel pickup, when selected, takes place earlier, between 8:15 AM and 9:30 AM depending on your accommodation. Confirm your exact pickup time and location with the operator.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

You need a government-issued access pass in advance if you want to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. Apply through blcomino.com, select the morning slot for this cruise, and remember that daily availability is limited.

Are lunch and drinks included?

Yes. The cruise includes a buffet lunch, a morning snack, an afternoon snack, and unlimited beer, wine, mineral water, and soft drinks. Liquors and spirits are not included.

Can I visit the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon?

An optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon is available to book and pay for locally. It is not included in the cruise price.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash. Large bags, oversize luggage, pets, and mobility scooters are not allowed.