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

The sea does most of the sightseeing. This 7.5-hour cruise from Sliema combines Malta’s best-known water views with two long swim stops, a buffet lunch, and unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and water. I especially like the traditional Turkish gulet and the chance to swim in a quieter Gozo bay, away from the busiest part of Comino. The main drawback is space: the boat can feel crowded, and comfortable sun loungers go quickly.

At $84 per person, this is a strong value if you plan to spend a full day on the water. Food, drinks, hotel pickup at selected points, snacks, and swimming time are included. Just know that Blue Lagoon access now requires a free government pass, and the famous bay can be packed, especially in summer.

Key things to know before boarding

• The boat is called The Fernandes: Look for this traditional-design wooden Turkish gulet at Sliema Ferries.
• Two proper swim stops are included: One is at Comino’s Blue Lagoon, and another is at a secluded bay near Gozo, sometimes identified as Slug’s Bay.
• Food and drinks are part of the fare: You get a morning snack, buffet lunch, afternoon fruit or snack, plus unlimited beer, wine, mineral water, and soft drinks.
• Arrive early for the best spot: Boarding is recommended 30 minutes before departure, and the most comfortable mats and deck positions are claimed first.
• Blue Lagoon shore access is regulated: If you want to step ashore, request a pass at blcomino.com and choose the morning slot.
• The mood is relaxed but not quiet: Music plays throughout the day, and the atmosphere can lean lively, particularly with a younger crowd.

Starting at Sliema Ferries with The Fernandes

The day begins at Sliema Ferries, on the promenade side of Triq Ix-Xatt. The boat departs at 10:00 AM, but that is not the hotel pickup time. If you choose transport, pickup may happen between 8:15 and 9:30 AM, depending on your location, so contact the operator several days ahead to confirm the exact place and time.

If you are staying within walking distance of Sliema Ferries, you are expected to make your own way there. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. That advice matters because the boat has popular deck spots, and waiting until the last minute may leave you with a hard bench or a place on the deck without much shade.

Look for The Fernandes, a wooden Turkish gulet with a traditional sailing-ship design. This is not a sleek private yacht or a small speedboat. It is a larger shared boat built for a full day at sea, with deck space, seating, music, food service, and room for a sizable group.

The seating setup is one of the less polished parts of the experience. Some passengers use mats on the deck, while others sit on wooden benches. Active adults should manage this well, but older passengers or anyone who needs a supportive seat may find several hours aboard tiring. Bring a towel, since it can double as a cushion.

Cruising Malta’s northern shore

Once The Fernandes leaves Sliema, the boat follows Malta’s northern coast. The main attraction here is the view from the water: rugged cliffs, small coves, pale rock, and inlets that are difficult to appreciate from the road.

This first part of the cruise gives you time to settle into the pace of the day. A morning snack is served, and drinks are available. Beer, wine, mineral water, and soft drinks are unlimited, while liquor and spirits are not included. Cash is useful for optional purchases and extras.

The crew keeps the day moving with music and announcements. The sound level can vary, but this is not designed as a silent sightseeing cruise. Some passengers describe the captain as an excellent DJ, and the music helps create a holiday mood. If you prefer a quiet boat with a running commentary about every cove, this may not be your ideal trip. There is no dedicated guide included.

The boat’s size brings both benefits and compromises. You get more space than on a small excursion boat, along with a proper lunch service and room to lie out in the sun. On the other hand, popular departure dates can feel crowded. The exact number aboard is not provided, so you should think of this as a shared group cruise, not an intimate sailing trip.

The first swim stop near Comino

The Blue Lagoon is the headline stop. Comino’s famous bay is known for clear turquoise water, a pale sandy seabed, and excellent conditions for a refreshing swim when the sea is calm.

The boat may anchor at or near the Blue Lagoon, and the schedule allows a substantial amount of time in the area. You can swim from the boat, sunbathe on deck, or arrange the optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon. That extra excursion is paid locally and is not part of the $84 price.

A key point has changed since May 2025. If you want to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon, you must obtain a government-issued access pass in advance through blcomino.com. The daily number is limited, and this cruise requires you to select the morning slot. The pass is not supplied by the cruise company, so handle it before the day of departure.

You can still enjoy the water from the boat without treating the shore pass as your main goal, but you need to understand the difference. Blue Lagoon is beautiful, yet it is also one of Malta’s most popular sights. On busy days, the shore can be crowded with swimmers, boats, food stalls, and day visitors. The water remains the star, but the setting may feel less peaceful than photographs suggest.

The sea can also be rough. On choppy days, people prone to seasickness may have a difficult time, particularly if they cannot find a comfortable place to lie down. If that sounds like you, take this warning seriously. Bring any usual motion-sickness remedy, choose a stable spot early, and avoid too much alcohol before the boat settles.

Buffet lunch on a moving day

Lunch is served on board after the first swim period. The meal includes hot and cold buffet items, with chicken, fish, and salads among the foods served on some departures. The exact menu can vary, and one departure reportedly offered food that was mainly cold, so do not book this as a gourmet food tour.

The strongest point is quantity. The buffet is intended to feed you properly during a long day outside, and there is generally enough to go around. Morning and afternoon snacks add value, with fruit served later in the day on some trips.

Timing is worth noting. Lunch may be served during a fairly short window, around 12:30 to 1:00 PM on one departure. If you want to swim and eat, pay attention to the announcements. You may need to leave the water promptly rather than drifting back whenever you feel hungry.

Unlimited drinks make a real difference to the price. Water is essential under Malta’s strong sun, and having it available all day is convenient. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are included too, but spirits are not. The sensible approach is to use the free water often and treat the alcoholic drinks as an extra rather than the main attraction.

A quieter bay near Gozo

After lunch, the cruise continues toward Gozo for the second major swim stop. The boat anchors in a peaceful bay near the island, sometimes referred to as Slug’s Bay in the descriptions of the day.

This is often the more rewarding swim for people who want clear water without the full Blue Lagoon rush. You can jump in from the boat, float, snorkel if you bring your own equipment, or remain on deck with a cold drink. The captain chooses the exact anchorage, and the order of stops can change because of weather or operating conditions.

Some departures include an additional swimming location, making three water stops in total. That extra stop is not guaranteed in the basic description, so consider it a pleasant possibility rather than a promise. The Gozo bay is the stop I would prioritize if you want a calmer atmosphere and a more natural-feeling swim.

There is no included shore visit to Gozo. The appeal is the bay and the surrounding view, not an inland tour of villages, churches, or archaeological sites. If your main goal is to explore Gozo on foot, book a separate land excursion. This cruise gives you a water-level look at the island.

The return sail and onboard atmosphere

The return journey is deliberately easy. Music continues, drinks remain available, and the boat crosses the Mediterranean back toward Sliema. This is a good time to dry off, take photographs, and enjoy the changing light on the coast.

The mood can be social. Some departures feel gentle and family-friendly, while others have louder music and a younger crowd. The experience suits people who enjoy a shared day out rather than passengers seeking complete quiet.

Sun protection is not optional. Apply sunscreen before boarding and keep reapplying it, especially after each swim. The reviews repeatedly point to the strong sun as an easy thing to underestimate. Bring a hat if you use one, plus swimwear and a towel. Large bags, oversize luggage, mobility scooters, and pets are not allowed.

Snorkel equipment may be available to rent locally on the boat for about €5 in cash, though the quality is not guaranteed. I would bring your own mask and snorkel if swimming below the surface is important to you. Cash is also useful for the optional motorboat excursion and small purchases.

What the $84 price really includes

At $84, the cruise is not the cheapest way to see Comino, but it bundles a lot into one day. You receive:

• A 7.5-hour sightseeing cruise
• Two main swim stops
• A morning snack
• Buffet lunch
• Afternoon snack or fruit
• Unlimited beer, wine, mineral water, and soft drinks
• Pickup and drop-off from selected hotels or meeting points

That combination makes the fare reasonable for someone who wants a simple full-day plan. You do not need to organize a boat, find lunch, carry enough drinks, or arrange transport to several separate bays.

The value is weaker if you dislike group activities, rarely drink anything besides water, or want lots of time ashore. The cruise is also less appealing if you need a comfortable individual seat for the entire day. The boat has limited seating choices, and early arrival helps but cannot change the basic setup.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the reserve-now, pay-later option make the booking relatively flexible. Still, the important practical task is securing the Blue Lagoon pass in advance if you intend to disembark.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this day to couples, families with confident swimmers, and friends who want sightseeing and swimming without a complicated schedule. It is especially good for anyone who values all-inclusive convenience more than private space.

You will get the most from it if you enjoy being outdoors for most of a day, can handle a shared boat, and are happy with music in the background. The two swim stops are the real payoff. The Gozo bay can provide the calmer water experience, while Comino delivers the famous scenery.

I would hesitate to recommend it to anyone prone to seasickness, anyone with a mobility impairment, or anyone who expects a quiet luxury cruise. The activity information also says it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, despite wheelchair accessibility being listed elsewhere, so confirm your needs with the operator before booking. The uneven seating, deck mats, and boat movement may pose practical problems.

Practical verdict before you book

Book this cruise if you want a full day of Maltese sea views, generous drinks, a filling buffet, and several chances to swim. Arrive early, bring sunscreen and cash, carry a towel, and arrange the Blue Lagoon morning pass before you go.

Skip it if you want a small boat, a detailed historical tour, or a guaranteed peaceful visit to Comino. The Blue Lagoon is beautiful but crowded, and rough water can change the feel of the day.

For most visitors, the best reason to book is not the famous lagoon alone. It is the whole package: Malta’s coast from the water, a traditional gulet, a quieter Gozo swim, food already arranged, and a relaxed return sail. At a 4.2 rating from 505 reviews, the experience appears dependable rather than flawless. Its strengths are clear, and so are its limits.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The boat departs from Sliema Ferries, 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 cruise departure time is 10:00 AM. If you use hotel pickup, your pickup time will be earlier, between 8:15 and 9:30 AM, depending on your location.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. Early arrival also gives you a better chance of finding a preferred deck spot or mat.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A hot and cold buffet lunch is included, along with a morning snack and an afternoon snack.

Which drinks are included?

Unlimited beer, wine, mineral water, and soft drinks are included. Liquors and spirits are not included.

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

You need a government-issued access pass if you want to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. Request it in advance through blcomino.com and select the morning slot for this cruise.

Are there swim stops?

Yes. The cruise includes two swim stops, one at or near the Blue Lagoon and another at a secluded bay near Gozo. The exact order and locations can change with weather or operating conditions.

Can I visit the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon?

An optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon may be available. It must be booked and paid for locally and is not included in the cruise price.

Is the cruise suitable for people with seasickness or mobility impairments?

The activity is not recommended for people prone to seasickness or people with mobility impairments. Confirm your specific access needs with the operator before booking, since seating and movement around the boat may be difficult.