Sliema at night from a boat is a different feeling. This 4-hour Lazy Pirate Party on the Fernandes 2 mixes a DJ-led crowd, an unlimited open bar, and a sunset-to-midnight cruise along Malta’s coastline. I like that it’s built for fun fast, with premium-brand drinks and an easy social vibe from start to finish. My only real caution: the boat can feel crowded, and the swim stop is more of a quick dip than a long swim session.

You also get the full party rhythm, not just sightseeing. Between the DJ music getting louder as darkness falls and the included snacks and fruit, it’s a low-effort way to see Malta’s night atmosphere without planning anything else. Just be prepared to keep close to your group onboard, because staff security can be strict if someone gets separated.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Unlimited open bar for the full trip: vodka, tequila, whiskey, rum, beer, wine, and sangria are all part of the package.
• DJ music drives the evening: the vibe ramps up as the boat cruises and night sets in.
• Snack-and-fruit fueling: you’ll have included bites while you dance and drink, so you’re not doing this on an empty stomach.
• Moonlight swim is the main activity stop: it happens at an anchor point, but it’s not designed for serious lap-swimming.
• Space is limited: it’s a party boat, so you’ll share deck space with a lot of people.
• Bring a towel: it’s explicitly required, and it makes the swim stop much more comfortable.

Lazy Pirate Party on the Fernandes 2: What Makes It Worth Your Evening

This is a night cruise that trades “quiet views” for “good times.” You depart from Sliema and spend a few hours moving along Malta’s coast while a DJ keeps the energy up. If your goal is to meet other party-minded people and drink and dance without micromanaging your schedule, this style of boat party fits.

Two things really shape the experience. First, the unlimited open bar isn’t limited to beer or one cocktail—your drinks include a full list of spirits plus beer, wine, and sangria. Second, the evening is paced like a party: cruise toward sunset, music gets louder after night falls, then you get a swim break before heading back.

The main drawback to expect is realistic boat life: lots of people, not much room to spread out. If you want space to relax with a cocktail and a view, you might find deck comfort tight at busy times.

Sliema to Midnight: The Simple Itinerary That Keeps Moving

The route is straightforward. You meet in Sliema, then the boat leaves and cruises toward the setting sun. As night falls, you’re still moving along the coastline while the DJ volume and party energy increase.

The schedule is built for an “evening arc”:

• Depart from Sliema and cruise as the sun goes down
• Music-driven party time as darkness settles
• Anchor point stop for a moonlight swim
• Return to Sliema at around midnight

That timing matters because it keeps you in the golden hour window early, then turns into full night-life after. You’re not stuck waiting around for long stretches. You’re also not stuck out late past midnight, which is a big deal if you want the next day to still feel normal.

Unlimited Open Bar: What You Get for Your Money

For $81 per person, the value here isn’t the view—it’s the drinks. You get an open bar stocked with vodka, tequila, whiskey, rum, beer, wine, and sangria. The key word is unlimited during the party, so you can pace yourself without counting every pour.

This matters if you’re comparing to other Malta nightlife options. Paying separately for cocktails at bars can drain your budget fast, and you don’t get the same “one-price-fits-the-fun” feeling. On a boat like this, drink costs are part of the package, which makes it easier to just enjoy the evening.

I’d plan it like this: start with a drink you like, then slow down once you’ve had a couple. The music and crowd can make you feel like time is moving quickly, and you’ll want to stay alert enough for the swim stop.

Snacks, Fruit, and DJ Music: The Party Formula

You don’t show up hungry. Included snacks and fruit are served during the cruise, and some of the onboard food is in the sandwich category. It’s not presented as a full dinner, but it’s enough to keep you comfortable while dancing and drinking.

The DJ is the engine of the experience. Music is part of the itinerary, not an occasional add-on. One thing I’d watch for is volume: when the boat stops cruising and the night gets darker, the energy rises and the sound level feels bigger—fun, but also something to keep in mind if you’re sensitive to loud audio.

If you care about nightlife atmosphere, this setup makes it easy. You don’t need to know DJs or find the right club. You just get on board and let the evening run.

The Moonlight Swim Stop: Great Fun or a Quick Dip

The swim happens at a designated anchor point. This is the signature moment: you’ll have a chance for a moonlight swim once the boat stops and the crew sets up the time to get in.

Here’s the balanced take: this isn’t a long swim excursion. It’s more of a break in the middle of the party. That’s perfect if you want a quick, memorable dip and photos, or if you enjoy the thrill of swimming in low light. It can feel less satisfying if you were hoping for a long, dedicated swim session.

Practical tip: bring your towel and be ready with a simple mindset. Treat it as a highlight moment, not a full aquatic workout.

Crowd Reality on a Party Boat: Space, Comfort, and Noise

Boat parties sound romantic until you’re standing on deck with 100+ people. This one can be busy, and deck space is limited. You’ll likely spend a lot of time in the same general area rather than easily finding a quiet corner.

This crowd factor affects comfort in two ways:

• You may have less room to move around freely during peak music time
• If you want quieter chatting space, it may be harder to find

Another small but important caution is group management. If you drift away from your group or get separated, staff security can be strict. The tone can get aggressive if someone can’t be found quickly, so keep track of your people and don’t treat it like a casual bar where you can wander for long.

Meeting in Sliema: Getting On Without Stress

You’ll meet the Lazy Pirate Boat Party opposite The Black Sheep in Sliema Ferries. That’s close to the waterfront party zone, which makes arrival easier if you’re already staying in the area.

Bring a towel, because it’s required. Also, plan for wet conditions during the swim stop. And remember one rule that makes life easier for everyone: no glass objects onboard. That means no glass bottles, and it’s best to avoid bringing anything packaged in glass containers.

Transfers aren’t included, so factor in how you’ll reach Sliema Ferries. If you’re staying nearby, you’ll likely keep this day simple. If you’re further out, think about the last-mile logistics so you don’t arrive stressed.

What You’re Paying For: Value Beyond the Price Tag

The headline price is $81 per person for a 4-hour experience. On paper, that may sound like a lot until you match it to what’s included: unlimited open bar with a full range of spirits plus beer, wine, and sangria; DJ music; and included snacks and fruit.

That’s the value equation here. You’re not paying just for a boat ride. You’re paying for a timed party format where drinks and food are covered, and where the DJ supplies the atmosphere for the entire stretch from sunset onward.

So if you normally spend around that amount on drinks alone for a similar night out, this can feel like a better deal because you get the boat setting and the onboard “party machine” in one price.

Who This Boat Party Is Best For

This works best for adults (it’s not suitable for children under 18) who want an easy, social night with minimal planning.

You’ll likely enjoy it if you:

• Want an open bar experience without planning a bar route
• Like DJ music and dancing more than quiet sightseeing
• Enjoy meeting people in shared, casual settings
• Want a memorable Malta night moment with a moonlight swim

You might want a different style of tour if you:

• Hate loud music or crowds
• Want more structured swimming time and room to do it properly
• Prefer a calmer, sit-and-sightsee vibe

Should You Book the Lazy Pirate Boat Party?

I’d book it if your ideal Malta evening looks like: drinks included, music on, and a quick swim highlight—without worrying about tickets for bars or finding the right nightlife spot. The unlimited drink list is the big draw, and the timing from sunset to around midnight gives you that “night comes alive” feeling without running too late.

Book if you’re comfortable with a party atmosphere and limited deck space. Consider skipping if you’re hoping for a relaxed, roomy experience or a long swim session. And whatever you do, keep your towel packed and your group together, so your evening stays fun from start to finish.

FAQ

How long is the Lazy Pirate Boat Party?

The party lasts about 4 hours.

Where does the boat depart from?

It departs from Sliema.

Where do I meet the group?

Meet opposite The Black Sheep in Sliema Ferries.

What’s included in the price?

The package includes the party boat tour, drinks and food (open bar, snacks, and fruit), and DJ music.

What drinks are available at the open bar?

The open bar includes vodka, tequila, whiskey, rum, beer, wine, and sangria.

Is there food onboard?

Yes. You’ll get complimentary snacks and fruit during the cruise.

Is there a swim?

Yes. You’ll have a stop at an anchor point for a moonlight swim.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel.

Are there any restrictions on items I can bring?

Glass objects are not allowed onboard.

Is this suitable for children?

No, it isn’t suitable for children under 18.

You Might Also Enjoy

Malta: Half-Day Quad Bike Adventure Tour Including Transfers3 Cities TourGozo: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus TourMdina and Rabat – City Walking Tour