Sunshine and swimming, on a schedule. This cruise is a great Malta value because transport from your accommodation is built in and you get proper time in the water at Blue Lagoon and Gozo. The only real catch is the boat can feel crowded and shade/seating may be limited on busier days.

I also like how the day balances sights with downtime: a relaxed cruise segment, then two anchoring stops where you can swim, sunbathe, and take it easy. There’s a restroom on board, plus morning and afternoon snacks, a hot-and-cold buffet lunch, and an open bar included. If you’re sensitive to motion, rough seas can make the ride a bit bouncy.

Key things to know before you go

• Hotel pickup and return in Malta mean less stress than figuring out the dock on your own
• 90 minutes at both Gozo and Blue Lagoon gives you time to swim without feeling like a drive-by photo stop
• All-inclusive food and drinks: buffet lunch, snacks, and unlimited beer, wine, water, and soft drinks
• Arrive early if you care about deck comfort: sun beds and space can go fast
• It’s a shared boat day, not a private yacht: expect some crowding at peak times
• Boat movements happen if the sea is rough, so pack accordingly if you get seasick

Pickup to mooring: how the day starts in Sliema

Your day begins in Sliema, on The Strand, where the Fernandes Turkish gulet schooner is moored. After booking, they confirm your pickup window (between 08:00 and 09:30 depending on where you’re staying) and the closest pickup point from a long list of options across Malta. If you’re in a hotel very near the mooring (within a couple of minutes’ walk), you may be asked to make your own way by 09:40, while the boat stays put across from the Sliema Hotel by ST Hotels at 59 The Strand, Sliema.

This matters because Malta can be easiest when you’re not bouncing around with taxis. The pickup system is designed to cut that hassle, especially if you’re staying outside Sliema’s main strip. I like that the timing is specific enough that you can plan breakfast, sunscreen, and the kind of swimwear you’ll actually want to wear.

Once you’re at the quay, you’re set for a day that’s built around sea time. You board, settle in, and then the cruise pulls away from Sliema at 10:00 sharp.

What’s included for the price: lunch, open bar, and real water time

At $90.22 per person for about 7.5 hours, the big value is that you’re not buying food/drinks in chunks all day. You get a morning snack, a hot and cold buffet lunch prepared and served on board, plus a fresh fruit afternoon snack. On top of that, the open bar includes unlimited beer, wine, water, and soft drinks.

For some people, that alone makes the cruise worth it. Even if you only drink water and skip alcohol, the food plan removes decision fatigue. You also get restroom access on board, which sounds minor until you’re on the water for hours.

The other part of the value is the way the schedule is structured: you’re not just cruising past views and getting dropped off for quick swims. The day includes two roughly 90-minute anchoring stops, where you can choose between swimming, sunbathing on deck, or hanging out near the boat.

One small heads-up: soft drinks are included, but if you’re hoping for specific non-sugary options like diet cola, you might find the selection is basic. Plan to stick with water or whatever’s available in the included mix.

The day’s rhythm: 10:00 departure and 17:30 return

The cruise leaves Sliema at 10:00 and docks back at 17:30. That’s a long, full-day block, and you’ll feel it in your body, especially in warm weather or when you’re mostly sitting in sun.

This timing is also important for anyone connecting to another schedule after the cruise. If you’re on a cruise ship or have a tight departure plan later that night, treat 17:30 return to the Sliema quay as the key number and plan buffer time. I’d rather you be early than sprinting with a swim bag.

The schedule also includes time between stops. You’re not stuck waiting forever without anything happening: there’s a cruise segment before the first swim anchor, plus snack service and scenic cruising along the way.

Stop 1: boarding the Fernandes, and what to expect onboard

Stop one is essentially the start point: land transport (where offered) brings you to the Fernandes Turkish gulet schooner at the mooring on The Strand in Sliema. The return is handled the same way—after docking at 17:30, you get transported back to your hotel or closest pickup point.

The boat experience is part of why people like this trip. It’s not a massive floating mall, and that often means a more relaxed mood compared to mega-sized cruise boats. Still, it’s designed for a full day, with space shared among many passengers. The most common comfort issue is practical: not everyone finds a perfect spot to sit or eat comfortably, especially if you arrive late to claim deck space.

So if you’re the type who wants a comfortable spot from the start, get into the rhythm early. If you care about shade, plan on being strategic with it—there’s sun exposure during travel, and not all deck areas will have cover.

Island of Malta cruise segment: cliffs, coves, and a morning snack

After you depart at 10:00, you cruise north-westwards, with views of Malta’s panoramic cliffs, coves, and inlets along the way. This section lasts about 2 hours, and a morning snack is served on board.

This part is the breathing space between boarding and your first anchor stop. You get to settle in, enjoy the sea air, and start scanning the coastline. If you’re photographing, this segment can be easier than the swim stops because you’re moving with clearer sightlines.

You’ll also get a feel for sea conditions. On calmer days, it’s a pleasant cruise. On rougher days, you’ll notice the boat’s motion more, which can be relevant if you’re prone to seasickness.

Gozo’s secluded bay: 90 minutes to swim and reset

Next comes Gozo. The boat drops anchor in a secluded bay for about 90 minutes, giving you a proper swim window. This is the stop where you can slow down and treat the day like a sea day, not just an itinerary.

In practice, you’ll choose what works for you: jump in and swim, snorkel if you have gear, or keep it simple with a swim-and-rest routine. If you like having a quieter feeling compared with the most famous stop, Gozo often scratches that itch because it’s less famous than Comino’s Blue Lagoon.

One thing to plan for: the boat can sway if conditions are windy or choppy. If you get queasy, consider that you might be standing or moving around between the deck and wherever you settle in. Keep your space secure and take it slowly.

Blue Lagoon on Comino: the main event, plus crowd realities

This is the highlight everyone talks about: about 90 minutes at Blue Lagoon in Comino, where the water looks clear and inviting. The cruise also serves the hot and cold buffet lunch during this part of the day, cooked and served on board, which is a clever time-saver. At the same time, the included open bar keeps the atmosphere easy—beer, wine, water, and soft drinks are all part of the package.

The trick with Blue Lagoon is to go in with the right expectations. This area is popular, and in peak season it can feel busy, with limited beach space and a lot of people in the same swim zones. You should still expect spectacular water, but you’ll want to manage your comfort—think early in the stop if you want easier access to the water edges.

Also, if you’re sensitive to smoke, be aware that some passengers may smoke on board. That’s not something you can control, so if it bothers you, choose a spot on deck away from the densest areas and keep an eye out as people move.

Lunch + drinks: a smart setup for a swim-focused day

The onboard lunch is designed for people who actually want to be out in the water. You’re not spending your stop hunting for food or timing transport. Hot and cold buffet options are served, then you can go back to swimming or relaxing right away.

If you’re a non-alcohol drinker, you’ll still be covered by the included water and soft drinks. Just note again that the soft drink mix may not include every diet option you’d normally look for back home.

Getting comfortable: seating, sun beds, shade, and motion

Comfort on this cruise comes down to three things: where you sit, how hot it is, and sea conditions.

Many passengers value the chance to relax on deck, including padded sun beds/mats, but space is not guaranteed. The practical advice is to get there early if you want a sun bed. On busier days, seating can be tight, and you may end up balancing your day between sitting spots, standing along the boat rails, and moving around while people swim.

Shade can also be limited. If you burn easily, bring a hat and use sunscreen before you’re stuck in the sun for long stretches. I’d also bring a light layer for the return ride in case the breeze feels cooler later.

Finally, if the sea is rough, the boat moves. That’s normal in open-water conditions around islands. It can be enough for some people to feel motion, so pack accordingly if you’re prone to it.

The small extras: optional add-ons and on-the-way fun

The core experience is swimming and relaxing at Gozo and Blue Lagoon, plus food and drinks. But there are optional side opportunities you might be offered or able to purchase.

For example, Comino cave boat trip tickets may be available for purchase on board during June to September. Some passengers also report add-ons like speedboat rides sold on the day for an extra fee.

You might also hear music from the captain or crew while cruising. One staff member named Captain David has been mentioned in connection with DJ-style onboard music, which adds to the upbeat vibe.

Who should book this cruise, and who should skip it

This is a solid match if you want:

• a full day on the water without planning restaurants or transport between islands
• included lunch + snacks + drinks
• a schedule with real swim time at both Gozo and Comino

It may not be the best fit if you:

• hate tight seating or want lots of shade
• are extremely sensitive to other passengers smoking on board
• need a guaranteed super-quiet, uncrowded beach experience at Blue Lagoon
• are connecting to a cruise ship or tight schedule and can’t add buffer time for a 17:30 return to Sliema

If you’re traveling as a couple, with friends, or with family, it can work well because the stop durations are long enough to enjoy the day at your own pace. If you’re older or you have mobility concerns, prioritize your deck positioning early, and consider how you’ll handle boarding and re-positioning when the boat swings.

Quick tips that make a difference

• Bring swimwear and a towel you’re comfortable reusing in the heat.
• If you want the best deck setup, arrive/board with a plan to claim space early.
• Sunscreen and a hat help because you’ll be exposed during cruising.
• If you’re prone to seasickness, pack your usual remedy and take it easy on the first travel segment.
• For anyone with tight onward plans, remember the stated return time is 17:30 at Sliema.

Should you book Fernandes Cruise to Blue Lagoon and Gozo?

I’d book this cruise if your priority is a hassle-free Malta island day where food, drinks, and transport are taken care of, and you want to spend meaningful time swimming rather than just watching. The value is strongest for people who like a relaxed water schedule and don’t mind some crowding at the most famous stop.

I’d think twice if you’re looking for uncrowded comfort or you need guaranteed seating in shade. Also, if you’re making an onward connection right after the trip, treat the 17:30 return as non-negotiable and build in buffer time.

If you’re flexible, sunscreen-ready, and okay sharing the day with other sea lovers, this cruise is one of the easier ways to hit Comino’s Blue Lagoon and Gozo in a single trip.

FAQ

How long is the Fernandes Cruise to Blue Lagoon and Gozo?

The cruise runs about 7 hours 30 minutes total.

Does this tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Transport from and to your accommodation (or the closest pickup point) is included, with pickup points across Malta.

Where does the cruise start and end?

It starts at the Sliema mooring by The Strand (meeting point listed as WG53+82, Sliema, Malta) and ends back at the same mooring/meeting point.

What time does the boat depart from Sliema and return?

The boat departs at 10:00 and returns to the Sliema quay at 17:30.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. You get a morning snack, a hot and cold buffet lunch, and a fresh fruit afternoon snack. An open bar with unlimited beer, wine, water, and soft drinks is included.

Is there time to swim at both Gozo and Comino?

Yes. You get about 90 minutes at a secluded bay in Gozo and about 90 minutes at Blue Lagoon in Comino.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes, there is a restroom on board.

Are Comino caves boat trips included?

No. Comino caves boat trip tickets are available for purchase on board during June to September, but they are not included in the main price.

What should I do if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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