Fernandes Cruise to Blue Lagoon in Comino and Gozo

Blue water, long day, fair trade-offs. The Fernandes Cruise packs Malta’s coast, a Gozo swimming stop, and 90 minutes at Comino’s Blue Lagoon into one full-day outing. I like the included hotel transport and the generous food and drink package, especially when a day on the water can otherwise become expensive. The main catch is comfort: the boat can feel crowded, with limited shade and seating.

I also like the relaxed swimming time at both stops. You are not rushed ashore for a quick photo before being herded back aboard. Still, this is a seven-and-a-half-hour boat day, and rough seas, heat, smoke, or a packed deck can change the mood quickly. Go in expecting a social group cruise, not a quiet private sail.

Key points at a glance

• Two 90-minute swimming stops: Spend about 90 minutes in a secluded Gozo bay, then another 90 minutes at Comino’s Blue Lagoon.
• Meals and drinks included: You get a morning snack, hot and cold buffet lunch, afternoon fruit, and unlimited beer, wine, water, and soft drinks.
• Pickup from more than 80 locations: Transport is offered from your Malta accommodation or the closest confirmed pickup point.
• A Turkish gulet-style schooner: The Fernandes gives the trip a more traditional sailing-boat feel than a large modern sightseeing vessel.
• Maximum group size of 180: The boat may feel lively and crowded, particularly around seating, shade, and the buffet.
• Return at 5:30 p.m.: This matters greatly if you are visiting Malta from a cruise ship or have evening plans.

Leaving Sliema at 10 a.m.

The day begins with land transport from your Malta accommodation or a nearby pickup point. Pickup times vary by location, generally between 8:00 and 9:30 a.m. If you are staying along The Strand in Sliema, close to the Fernandes mooring, you may be asked to walk to the boat and arrive by 9:40 a.m.

The schooner leaves the quay at 10:00 a.m. sharp. That fixed departure makes the pickup system useful, but you should not treat the morning time as flexible. Have your accommodation name and exact address ready when booking so the operator can assign the right pickup point.

Once aboard, the Fernandes heads northwest from Malta toward Gozo and Comino. The sailing time is part of the attraction. You see Malta’s cliffs, coves, and inlets from the water, a viewpoint you simply do not get from the road.

A morning snack is served while you cruise. This is a small but welcome touch, since the first major swimming stop comes later. The crew also provides commentary about important sights along the route, according to the tour details and guest experiences.

The ride can be pleasant and social, with music and a bar open for much of the day. Some people have even reported seeing dolphins on the return journey, though that is a lucky extra, not something you should expect.

Gozo’s secluded bay and the first swim

The first anchor stop is in a secluded bay in Gozo, where the boat stays for about 90 minutes. This is one of the strongest parts of the day for anyone who wants to swim without spending the whole stop in the famous Blue Lagoon crowd.

You can swim, sunbathe, or remain aboard. The flexible setup works well for mixed groups. One person can get into the water while another stays dry, and someone with limited mobility can still enjoy the scenery and the relaxed pace from the boat.

The Gozo stop also gives you a chance to settle into the rhythm of the cruise before reaching Comino. You are not simply riding from one attraction to the next. There is time to stop, cool off, and enjoy the sea.

The drawback is the boat’s movement. When the sea is rough, the Fernandes can roll noticeably at anchor. Some people have found the Gozo stop too long in bad conditions, and anyone prone to seasickness should think carefully before booking a full day at sea.

There is also a practical comfort issue. The deck may not have enough seating or shade for everyone, especially when the boat is full. Arriving early can improve your chance of finding a padded sun mat or a preferred spot on deck, but it cannot guarantee a shaded seat.

Comino’s Blue Lagoon for 90 minutes

After Gozo, the Fernandes anchors at Comino’s Blue Lagoon for approximately 90 minutes. This is the visual high point of the trip. The water is famously clear and bright, and the setting is well suited to swimming, floating, and taking photos from the boat.

You can swim from the vessel, relax aboard, or go ashore if you wish. The beach area is small, and in summer the Blue Lagoon can become extremely crowded. That matters because many pictures show a peaceful patch of turquoise water, while the real scene may include large numbers of people and very little room on land.

The boat’s position can make a real difference. You avoid having to spend the whole stop squeezed onto the small beach, and you can return to the Fernandes for food, shade, or a drink. If your priority is swimming in clear water rather than sitting on sand, this arrangement is useful.

A paid Comino caves boat trip is available aboard from June through September. It is not included in the cruise price, so bring this cost into your planning if the caves interest you. The provided details do not specify the price, so check on board before committing.

The Blue Lagoon stop is beautiful, but it is not peaceful in the high season. I would book this cruise for the water and the overall boat day, not for solitude at Comino.

Lunch, snacks, and the open bar

The food package is a major part of the value. A hot and cold buffet lunch is prepared, cooked, and served on board at the Blue Lagoon stop. You also receive a morning snack and fresh fruit in the afternoon.

For a $90.22 price, that makes the cost easier to justify. You are paying for a long cruise, transport, two swimming stops, a full lunch, two smaller food services, and drinks. Buying those items separately around Malta could quickly push the total higher.

The open bar includes unlimited beer, wine, water, and soft drinks. On a hot day, unlimited water is especially useful, and the ability to refill without watching every purchase keeps the day simple.

There are limits to the drink selection. One notable issue is that the soft drinks may be sugary options rather than diet or zero-sugar choices. If you avoid alcohol and sweet drinks, water may be your main option.

Food quality can also vary according to personal taste. Several experiences describe the lunch as good or reasonable, while one very negative account found the food disappointing. I would view the buffet as practical excursion food, not a restaurant meal.

The boat also offers paid ice cream service. That is separate from the included food and bar, so keep a little extra money handy if you want it.

Life aboard the Fernandes schooner

The Fernandes is a Turkish gulet schooner, which gives the trip a more characterful feel than a basic transfer boat. You spend much of the day on deck, looking back at Malta and forward toward the islands.

The atmosphere can be one of the cruise’s best features. A friendly captain and crew, local commentary, music, and an open bar create a casual day out. Captain David has been praised for keeping the mood lively, and one captain named Fernandes is remembered for humor and a welcoming manner. Crew service, however, may not be perfectly consistent for every person.

The boat has a restroom, which is an important comfort on a seven-and-a-half-hour trip. You do not have to wait until returning to Sliema or rely on a beach facility.

Comfort is the main question. The stated maximum is 180 people, and the boat may feel crowded at that size. Seating can be limited, with some people sitting on deck mats, the floor, or along the gunwales. Shade is also limited, so sun protection is essential.

Smoke can be another concern. One very negative experience described heavy secondhand smoke throughout the day. This may depend on where you sit and on the people aboard, but if smoke bothers you strongly, a crowded open-deck boat may not be your best choice.

The sea itself is unpredictable. Calm water can make the cruise feel easy and pleasant. Rough water can cause considerable movement, particularly during the long crossings and while anchored. If you know you get seasick, consider taking your usual precautions before departure.

The return to Sliema at 5:30 p.m.

The Fernandes cruises back to Sliema after the afternoon fruit snack and docks at about 5:30 p.m. Land transport then returns you to your accommodation or the same nearby pickup area.

That timing is useful for a normal holiday schedule, but it is not suitable for every cruise-ship passenger. The trip ends at 5:30 p.m., and the return transfer still takes time. Do not assume the operator can adjust the schedule to match your ship’s departure.

A few passengers have received special help when plans changed, including arrangements involving a separate boat. That is not part of the standard service, so you should not book this excursion unless the stated return time works safely with your own transport.

If you are staying along The Strand in Sliema near the mooring, you can walk back to your hotel after the cruise. Everyone else should wait for the arranged land transfer and confirm the return details before sailing.

What the $90.22 price really buys

At $90.22 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Comino. It is also not just a boat ride.

Your fare covers transport to and from your accommodation or the closest pickup point, the Fernandes cruise, two 90-minute stops, three food services, an open bar, and use of the onboard restroom. For a full day, that is a solid package.

The best value comes if you plan to swim and make use of the included food and drinks. If you do not drink, dislike buffet meals, or mainly want a short visit to the Blue Lagoon, you may find the price less compelling.

The group size deserves equal weight in the calculation. You are paying for convenience and inclusions, not personal space. The boat can carry up to 180 people, and several experiences describe limited seats, limited shade, and crowded deck space.

The average booking lead time is about 26 days. That suggests you should not leave it until the last moment during the operating season, especially if you need a particular pickup location. The experience is scheduled from April 18 through November 15, 2026, with pickup windows generally between 8:00 and 9:30 a.m.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend the Fernandes Cruise if you want an easy, all-day Malta outing with plenty of time in the water. It suits couples, families, and groups with mixed interests because you can swim, sunbathe, eat, drink, listen to music, or simply watch the coast.

It also works well for families. A family with six adults and an 18-month-old child found the food, transport, and relaxed format useful. Someone who cannot swim can still enjoy the boat, watch the fish, and take in the scenery.

This is less suitable if you need quiet, generous personal space, or lots of shade. It may also be a poor fit if you are sensitive to smoke, prone to seasickness, or uncomfortable on a boat that moves in rough water.

You should also think twice if your main goal is exploring Gozo on land. The Gozo stop is a swimming break in a secluded bay, not a walking tour or island sightseeing visit.

Booking details worth checking

The experience is offered in English, and confirmation is received at booking. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate.

Pickup is available from more than 80 Malta locations, but the exact time depends on where you stay. If your hotel is not on the established pickup list, provide the exact accommodation name and address so the operator can assign the nearest point.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded. The cruise also depends on good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book the Fernandes Cruise?

Book it if you want a convenient, food-and-drink-included day on the sea, with real swimming time at Gozo and Comino. The combination of hotel pickup, lunch, open bar, onboard restroom, and two 90-minute stops gives the cruise strong value at $90.22.

Skip it if you want a quiet sailing trip, a roomy deck, or a detailed tour of Gozo. The boat can be crowded, the Blue Lagoon can be packed, and rough seas or hot sun can test your patience.

My practical advice is simple: confirm the 5:30 p.m. return before paying, arrive early for better seating, bring sun protection, and book only if you are comfortable spending most of the day on a moving boat.

FAQ

How long does the Fernandes Cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes. The Fernandes leaves Sliema at 10:00 a.m. and returns at about 5:30 p.m., followed by transport back to your accommodation or pickup point.

Where does the cruise depart?

The cruise departs from the Fernandes mooring on The Strand in Sliema, Malta. The listed meeting point is WG53+82, Sliema.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Transport is offered from your Malta accommodation or the closest confirmed pickup point. There are more than 80 pickup points, and the operator confirms the time based on your location.

How much time do you spend at the Blue Lagoon?

You spend approximately 90 minutes at Comino’s Blue Lagoon. You can swim, sunbathe, relax aboard, or go ashore.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A freshly prepared hot and cold buffet lunch is served on board. A morning snack and an afternoon fresh fruit snack are also included.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited beer, wine, water, and soft drinks are included in the onboard open bar. Diet or zero-sugar soft drinks are not specifically listed as available.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes. The Fernandes has a restroom on board.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund. If bad weather cancels the cruise, you are offered another date or a full refund.