Malta: Lazy Pirate Boat Party with Drinks & Food

Bring your dancing shoes and a towel. The Lazy Pirate Boat Party turns a four-hour Malta cruise into a floating night out, with sunset views, a DJ, snacks, fruit, and an open bar stocked with vodka, tequila, whiskey, rum, beer, wine, and sangria. I like the friendly crew and the easy social atmosphere, and I also like that the boat includes food rather than leaving you to buy every snack onboard. The main drawback is space: the boat can feel crowded, especially once the music gets going.

The party leaves from Sliema and sails along Malta’s coast as daylight fades. I would treat the swim stop as a fun extra, not the main reason to book. One recent account found the swimming pause less satisfying for serious swimmers, while the music, drinks, and dancing carried the evening.

Key points to know before you book

• Four hours from Sliema: Meet opposite The Black Sheep at Sliema Ferries, then sail into the evening and return around midnight.
• A true open bar: Drinks include vodka, tequila, whiskey, rum, beer, wine, and sangria, with premium brands listed as part of the service.
• Food is included: Expect snacks, fruit, and sandwiches, though the food may feel secondary to the party rather than a proper dinner.
• DJ-led atmosphere: Music and dancing are central, with the volume and energy building as night falls.
• Moonlight swim stop: You can swim from the boat at the anchor point, but the stop may be brief or less impressive if swimming is your priority.
• Adults only: The experience is not suitable for children under 18.

From Sliema Ferries toward the setting sun

Your evening begins at the meeting point opposite The Black Sheep in Sliema Ferries. This is useful to know because the boat does not include transfers, so you need to make your own way to Sliema and arrive ready to board.

The departure point puts you close to Malta’s main evening action, but you should still allow time to find the exact boarding area. The supplied meeting instructions are simple, though a busy waterfront can make any boat departure feel more confusing than expected. Keep your phone handy, and do not arrive carrying glass items, which are not allowed onboard.

Once the Fernandes 2 leaves Sliema, the party has two moods. Early on, you get a moving view of Malta’s coastline and the changing light. Later, as the sun drops and the boat reaches its anchor point, the music and social side take over.

I like this gradual change. You are not locked into a loud club from the first minute. You get a short coastal cruise first, then a night out on the water. If you want a quiet sightseeing cruise, though, this is not the right boat. The DJ, dancing, and open bar are the point.

The Fernandes 2 as a floating nightclub

The Fernandes 2 is the setting for the night, and the boat itself shapes the experience. There is room to move, dance, find a drink, and step outside for the views, but the space is not unlimited.

Crowding is the most important practical issue here. A group of five friends found the evening amusing and enjoyed the music, but also noted that there was not much room because many people were onboard. That means you should expect a social party atmosphere rather than a relaxed sailing trip with a private seat for everyone.

I would arrive with a flexible attitude about where you stand or sit. You may find yourself moving between the bar, dance area, and outside deck as the night develops. If you need plenty of personal space, this may not feel comfortable for four hours.

The positive side of a busy boat is easy social contact. One of the strongest parts of the experience is meeting people from different countries without needing to plan a group night yourself. The crew has also received warm praise for being welcoming, available, and friendly.

A small but important caution concerns security. One account described a security worker behaving aggressively toward a person who was trying to locate friends, including swearing and pushing. That is not a minor complaint, and it is worth keeping in mind. Stay aware of where your group is, especially on a crowded boat, and ask the crew for help if you become separated.

What the open bar really adds

The open bar is the main reason the $81 price can make sense for a party-minded visitor. You are not paying separately for each beer, glass of wine, or mixed drink during the four-hour cruise. The selection includes vodka, tequila, whiskey, rum, beer, wine, and sangria, with premium brands listed among the offerings.

That variety gives you more choice than a basic beer-and-wine boat trip. You can stick with beer or sangria, or choose spirits if that is more your style. The value depends heavily on how much you plan to drink and how much use you make of the onboard food and DJ.

I would not choose this experience simply because the drinks are unlimited. The best value comes when you want the complete evening package: a boat ride, music, a social setting, drinks, snacks, and the chance to swim. If you drink very little, the price becomes harder to justify.

Unlimited alcohol also changes the character of the boat. The atmosphere may become louder and less controlled as the night continues. You should pace yourself, drink water when available, and keep track of your belongings and friends. The party is intended for adults, and it can become more intense than a standard sightseeing cruise.

The staff has been praised for being attentive and smiling, which matters when a busy bar is serving a full boat. Still, do not expect a quiet cocktail lounge. This is a party bar on a moving boat, not a carefully mixed-drink experience.

Snacks, fruit, and sandwiches onboard

Food is included, which is a useful touch. You receive snacks and fruit, and the onboard food has also been described as including good sandwiches.

I see the food as a helpful supplement, not a full evening meal. If you normally need a substantial dinner, eat beforehand or plan accordingly. One account found the food could be better, while another was pleased with the sandwiches. The sensible expectation is simple party food that helps keep you going, rather than a restaurant-quality meal.

The fruit is especially welcome alongside an open bar. It gives you something light to eat during the evening, and the snacks mean you are not drinking on an empty stomach. Still, food service may not be the central event, and you should not book this as a culinary experience.

A good plan is to have dinner before boarding, then enjoy the snacks and sandwiches during the cruise. That lets you focus on the music instead of wondering when the next proper meal will arrive.

Sunset sailing along Malta’s coast

The cruise begins with Malta in evening light. The boat heads toward the setting sun and follows the coastline as daylight fades. This is the calmer part of the night and the best time to take in the views.

The changing light gives the party a pleasant rhythm. You can begin by watching the coast, talking with your group, and getting familiar with the boat. As the sky darkens, the DJ and dance floor become more important.

Do not expect a guided tour. A guide is not included, and the activity is presented as a party cruise rather than a history lesson. You will get the coastal setting, but not detailed commentary about forts, towns, or landmarks.

That is not necessarily a weakness. If you have already spent your days visiting Malta’s historic sites, this gives you a different way to experience the island. You are seeing the coast from the water at night instead of collecting more facts from a guide.

If sightseeing is your main aim, book a dedicated harbor or coastal cruise instead. The Lazy Pirate is better for people who want the views as a backdrop to a night out.

The anchor stop and moonlight swim

At the anchor point, you get time for a moonlight swim. This is one of the most distinctive parts of the evening, but it needs the right expectations.

You should bring a towel, and you should be prepared for a swim that feels like a party break rather than a carefully planned beach visit. There is no suggestion of a long stop, a beach, or a guided swimming session. You leave the boat from the anchor point and return onboard when the stop ends.

One recent account described the swim stop as disappointing for anyone who specifically wanted a strong swimming experience. That makes sense. A boat party has to keep to its schedule, and the water stop may be more about the atmosphere than exploring a special cove.

Still, swimming under the night sky can be memorable if you enjoy spontaneous experiences. The contrast between dancing on deck and stepping into dark water gives the evening its unusual edge. You might swim, watch from the deck, or use the stop as a chance to cool down.

Do not bring glass containers, and keep your towel in an easy-to-reach place. If you are not a confident swimmer, you should be cautious and follow the crew’s instructions. The available information does not promise special swimming equipment or a dedicated safety briefing, so do not assume this is a supervised water-sports activity.

Music, dancing, and the crowd

The DJ is central to the Lazy Pirate experience. The strongest praise has focused on the music, dancing, and the fun mood onboard. A French visitor described the DJ as excellent and enjoyed dancing, laughing, the welcoming staff, sandwiches, and the range of alcohol.

That combination tells you what the evening does best. The party works when you want to meet people, listen to music, and move around rather than sit quietly with a view.

Music taste is personal, of course, and the DJ controls the atmosphere. If you dislike loud music or prefer a small group conversation, you may find the boat tiring. The lack of space can make dancing feel packed, especially at the busiest point of the night.

For a group of friends, the format is convenient. You do not need to arrange several bars, pay separate entry fees, or move between venues. The boat provides the setting, music, drinks, and a clear end time. That makes it a simple choice for birthdays, reunions, or a group night in Malta.

For solo visitors, the social setup can also work well. The evening is designed around mingling, and the open bar gives you an easy reason to start conversations. You should still stay aware of your belongings and keep track of your own comfort level.

Is $81 a fair price?

At $81 per person, this is not a cheap boat ride. It becomes reasonable when you compare it with the separate cost of an evening out: drinks, food, entertainment, and getting between venues.

The price includes:

• Four hours on the party boat
• The open bar
• Snacks and fruit
• The DJ
• The sunset and nighttime cruise
• The moonlight swim stop

Transfers, personal expenses, and a guide are not included. Since the meeting point is in Sliema, you also need to arrange your own transport to and from the waterfront.

I would call the value good for a social drinker who wants a planned night out and expects to use the bar. It is weaker value for someone who wants a scenic cruise, a full meal, or a serious swimming excursion.

The score of 3.8 from 788 ratings suggests a mixed but generally worthwhile experience. The high marks focus on the friendly staff, good music, broad drink choice, and memorable party mood. The lower points center on crowding, food quality, the limited appeal of the swim stop, and one serious complaint about security behavior.

That is a fair picture. This is a lively entertainment product with some rough edges, not a luxury yacht evening.

Who should book the Lazy Pirate?

I think this boat party suits you if you:

• Are 18 or older
• Want an easy night of music and dancing
• Enjoy meeting people in a social setting
• Expect to drink and value an open bar
• Like the idea of a nighttime swim
• Are comfortable with a crowded boat
• Want to return to Sliema around midnight without changing venues

You may want something else if you:

• Prefer quiet coastal scenery
• Need generous personal space
• Want a proper dinner
• Care most about swimming
• Avoid alcohol-centered activities
• Expect a guided tour of Malta’s coast

The language support is broad, with hosts or greeters available in English, Italian, Spanish, and French. That helps the international nature of the event, though the activity is still built around music and socializing rather than formal narration.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours ahead, and the reserve-now, pay-later option gives you some flexibility. Those policies are useful if your Malta schedule is still changing, but they do not change the central question: do you want a crowded, alcohol-focused boat party or a quieter evening on the water?

Should you book this Malta boat party?

Book it if you want Malta nightlife in a single package. The open bar, DJ, sunset cruise, and moonlight swim create a memorable evening, and the friendly crew has helped many people enjoy the event. The included snacks, fruit, and sandwiches also make the price easier to accept.

Skip it if you are searching for a refined cruise, a quiet view of the coast, or a dedicated swimming trip. The boat may feel crowded, the food is basic, and the swim stop may not satisfy strong swimmers. For the right audience, though, the Lazy Pirate is a practical way to turn one Malta evening into a lively night on the water.

FAQ

Where does the Lazy Pirate Boat Party depart from?

Meet opposite The Black Sheep at Sliema Ferries in Sliema, Malta.

How long does the boat party last?

The experience lasts four hours and returns to Sliema at around midnight.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes vodka, tequila, whiskey, rum, beer, wine, and sangria. Premium brands are listed as part of the drink selection.

Is food included?

Yes. Snacks and fruit are included, and sandwiches may also be served onboard.

Can I swim during the boat party?

Yes. The boat stops at an anchor point for a moonlight swim. Bring a towel, and do not expect the stop to function as a full swimming excursion.

Is the experience suitable for children?

No. The activity is not suitable for children under 18.