Turquoise water and a whole day afloat. This Sliema-to-Comino-to-Gozo Turkish gulet cruise trades speed for a real sailing day, with two swim stops and lunch onboard.

I like that you’re not stuck in a tight schedule—there’s time to sit on deck, snack, and then actually enjoy the water at Comino’s Blue Lagoon. One possible drawback: if you’re prone to seasickness, the sea can get rough, and this trip isn’t built for gentle seas.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• The Blue Lagoon shore pass is a government requirement (limited daily allocation), handled in advance on blcomino.com
• The boat is the Fernandes, departing from Sliema Ferries (Triq Ix-Xatt) on the promenade side
• Unlimited drinks all day include beer, wine, mineral water, and soft drinks (no spirits)
• Two swim stops are the core of the day: Comino first, then a quieter Gozo-area bay
• Lunch is buffet-style with hot and cold options plus morning and afternoon snacks
• Deck seating is part of the experience—get there early for a better spot if you want to lounge comfortably

Sliema to Comino to Gozo: the 7.5-hour pacing that works

This cruise is built for a classic Maltese day at sea: you move from sight to sight, but you do it at cruising speed, not tour-bus speed. A Turkish gulet-style wooden sailing vessel gives the day a slower rhythm, so the trip feels like a floating beach day with scenery breaks.

The day centers on two water moments. First, you head to the famous Comino Blue Lagoon area, where the water is known for its clear turquoise color and sandy seabed. Then you anchor off the Gozo side in a more secluded bay for another swim. Between those swims, you eat, drink, and relax—no frantic check-in lines, no hunting for food on your own.

At $84 per person for a 7.5-hour outing with lunch and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks plus beer and wine, the value comes from the built-in comfort. You’re paying for transportation by boat, time on the water, and meals handled for you, not for a premium restaurant. If you want a “pay once and float” kind of day, this fits.

Getting aboard the Fernandes: where to meet and when to arrive

Your departure point is Sliema Ferries, Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema, on the promenade side of the road. For boarding, you’ll look for the Turkish gulet named The Fernandes.

Arrive early—about 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Deck space can be a real deciding factor. Even if the boat has enough room to function, lounging spots fill up, and many people want to be out in the sun rather than stuck inside.

One practical gotcha: the time shown on your ticket is the cruise departure time, not your hotel pickup time. If your cruise is set to depart at 10:00 AM, your pickup window (if included) can be any time between 8:15 AM and 9:30 AM depending on where you’re staying. You’ll want to contact the operator a few days before to confirm the exact pickup location and time.

Also note the pickup isn’t automatic for everyone. If you’re staying close enough to reach the pier, you may be asked to make your own way to the boat.

The Blue Lagoon on Comino: what you get, and the new access pass rule

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the headline stop for a reason. You’re going for that signature look—clear turquoise water over a pale, sandy bottom—plus the simple joy of swimming in it. This is the swim stop where the crowd energy usually shows up, because the Blue Lagoon is famous for a reason.

Here’s the key new reality starting in May 2025: you can’t just step ashore at the Blue Lagoon without a government access pass. For this cruise, you’re expected to request it online in advance through blcomino.com, and you should select the morning slot when applying (since this cruise visit aligns with that timing). Daily pass allocation is limited, so plan ahead.

Even if you don’t plan to land, the pass rule matters because it affects how freely people can move around the dock area. It’s also one more reason to be on time and organized.

How much time you’ll have in the water can vary with conditions. What you can count on is that your Blue Lagoon stop is a real swim window, not a quick dip-and-go. The boat’s staff also chooses the sailing rhythm based on weather, and the order of visits can shift if conditions demand it.

Gozo’s secluded bay swim stop: where the calm usually comes in

After Comino, the cruise anchors near the island of Gozo in a quieter bay for a second swim. This is where the vibe often feels different: fewer people on the swim deck, calmer water if the day is cooperating, and a better chance to actually relax without constantly fighting foot traffic.

The provided itinerary describes it as a peaceful, secluded bay near Gozo. In practice, you can see why this matters. When you’ve already handled the famous stop, the Gozo swim is your chance to slow down—jump in, float around, and take in the feel of open sea rather than standing near a dock.

In some departures, the Gozo-area stop may be around places that sound like Slug’s Bay or Paradise Bay. Even if the exact pin varies, the goal stays the same: a second water break that feels like a reward.

Bring your towel and sunscreen for this part. It’s easy to think you’re good on sun protection because you’re on a boat, but the Maltese sun doesn’t care. A few hours of deck time can turn into a sunburn if you’re not careful.

Lunch and drinks onboard: how the food fits a day at sea

Food onboard is part of what makes this cruise feel complete. You get a buffet lunch served on the boat, plus morning and afternoon snacks. That means your day doesn’t revolve around finding places to eat, and you’re not forced to ration water or calories between swims.

The drinks are a major perk. Your ticket includes unlimited beer, wine, mineral water, and soft drinks. Spirits and liquor aren’t included, so if you want hard liquor cocktails, you’ll need to pay separately (or bring expectations down to beer and wine).

What the lunch looks like can vary a bit, but you can plan for a classic buffet mix. One common pattern is that you’ll see both hot and cold items, with options like chicken, fish, and salads. In some cases, you might find that the food availability feels more constrained to a short lunch service window, so don’t treat it like an all-day dining room.

The pacing is usually: sail → snack → swim → lunch → fruit or another snack → return cruise. That rhythm is why the day doesn’t feel exhausting even though it’s 7.5 hours.

My practical advice: eat early and then snack again after swimming. If you wait until after you’ve been in the water, you can end up rushing lunch while everyone else is also hungry.

Deck space, waves, and seasickness: your real comfort checklist

This is where you should be honest with yourself before booking.

First, deck seating is not the same as a cushioned theater seat. People often lie on mats on deck or sit on benches. Some passengers report it’s comfortable enough for active travelers. Others mention a lack of ideal seating for older folks or anyone who prefers guaranteed shade and back support. If you’re more comfort-sensitive, plan to arrive early and claim a decent lounge spot right away.

Second, rough water happens. The cruise isn’t marketed as a calm-anchored paddle. If the sea is choppy on the day you go, you might feel it—especially on crossings between swim stops. The trip is also explicitly noted as not suitable for people prone to seasickness. One rough-day account described lots of sickness, so this isn’t just theoretical.

If you’re unsure, consider bringing motion-sickness medication with you. And if you have a low tolerance for waves, aim for the side of the boat where motion feels less intense (your crew may guide you on where to go once underway).

Optional extras: motorboat add-ons and snorkel reality

You can add an optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and the Crystal Lagoon, but it’s not included in the base cruise price. You’d book and pay for it on location.

If you want caves specifically, this can be worth it because the main cruise is focused on swimming time and a relaxing onboard day. On the other hand, it’s easy to overschedule yourself on Comino. If your priority is long water time and a chill day, you might skip the add-on and stick with the two main swims.

Snorkels are another area where expectations should be practical. Some passengers mention snorkels for hire on the boat for around €5 cash only, but they weren’t great and some water leaked in. My advice: if snorkeling is important to you, bring your own or buy a decent one in Sliema before you board. It’s a small expense that can save you a day of frustration.

Also keep in mind that in some spots, waves can be bigger than you expect, so if you’re planning to swim right away, start where it’s safest and where staff suggests.

What the onboard vibe is like (and who it suits)

This cruise is not a silent meditation session. There’s music onboard, and the atmosphere can feel lively. Some people describe a DJ-style vibe, while others enjoy that the mood stays fun without being overly serious. If you want low-key, calm boat time, this may feel more energetic than you expect—but it’s still a daytime sailing experience, not a night party.

Age mix seems broad. One account specifically mentioned it can skew younger under 25, and another mentioned that people around 25–26 still had a great time. That tells me the cruise balances between party energy and relaxation, and you’ll likely enjoy it most if you’re open to music on the water.

Best fit:

• Couples and friend groups who want a full day at sea with meals handled
• People who like swimming and want two different water stops
• Anyone who prefers simple value over paying for separate boat transfers and lunches

Less ideal if:

• You’re prone to seasickness
• You need guaranteed comfortable seating for long periods
• You plan to spend most of the day ashore at the Blue Lagoon without securing the pass ahead of time

Should you book the Blue Lagoon and Gozo Gulet Cruise?

Book it if you want a straightforward day that hits the highlights—Comino’s Blue Lagoon for a signature swim, then Gozo for a calmer second swim—while you’re also getting a real meal onboard and unlimited beer, wine, water, and soft drinks.

Skip it (or think hard) if seasickness is an issue for you, or if deck comfort is a must. This trip works best when you’re willing to enjoy the boat’s open-air layout and plan around limited shore access rules at the Blue Lagoon.

One last tip: take the access-pass rule seriously and apply early, since the pass allocation is limited. And if you care about seating, arrive early at Sliema Ferries and don’t wait until the last minute to claim your spot.

FAQ

How long is the cruise from Sliema?

The duration is 7.5 hours.

Where does the boat depart from?

The boat departs from Sliema Ferries, Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema, on the promenade side of the road. You’ll board the Turkish gulet named The Fernandes.

What is included in the ticket besides the boat ride?

The ticket includes 2 swim stops, unlimited beer, wine, mineral water, and soft drinks, a morning snack, a buffet lunch, and an afternoon snack.

Do I need to get a pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Starting May 2025, Malta requires a government access pass for disembarking at the Blue Lagoon. You must request it in advance on blcomino.com, and for this cruise you should select the morning slot.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is optional and is available from selected hotels/meeting points. You may also need to make your own way to the boat if you’re staying within walking distance from Sliema Ferries. You should confirm the pickup location and time with the tour operator a few days before.

How many swim stops are there and where do they happen?

There are 2 swim stops. One is at Comino’s Blue Lagoon, and the other is at a secluded bay near Gozo.

Is the Comino caves motorboat trip included?

No. The motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and the Crystal Lagoon is optional and not included. You would book and pay for it on location.

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