Fernandes Cruise to Blue Lagoon in Comino and Gozo

Comino looks close enough to swim to, even on a cruise. This Fernandes Turkish gulet trip strings together Blue Lagoon time, a quiet Gozo bay stop, and a full day back-and-forth from Sliema with food and drinks taken care of.

What I like most is the included transport. You get picked up from your Malta accommodation (or a nearby pickup point) and returned the same way, so you avoid the usual stress of getting yourself across the harbor. Second, the day runs like a floating picnic: lunch plus snacks on board and an open bar with beer, wine, water, and soft drinks.

The main thing to consider is crowding and comfort. The boat has a restroom and you can spend plenty of time in the water, but seating and shade can be limited, so bring realistic expectations for a long day at sea.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Hotel pickup in Malta plus return transfers from 80+ pickup points, with timing confirmed after you book
• 90 minutes at Blue Lagoon and 90 minutes in a secluded Gozo bay, so it is not just a quick splash
• Hot and cold buffet lunch plus morning snacks, fruit snack, and an on-board open bar
• Restroom on board, which matters on a long boat day
• Departing Sliema at 10:00 sharp and returning at 17:30, so plan other activities around the timeline
• Max 180 travelers, which can still feel busy at the most famous swim stop

A day on Comino and Gozo from Sliema, without the usual hassle

This is the kind of Malta day trip you choose when you want maximum water time and minimum logistics. You start in Sliema, board the Fernandes Turkish gulet schooner at The Strand, then cruise out past cliffs and coves toward Comino and Gozo. The schedule is built around anchoring in the water, not rushing from place to place.

If you are the type who loves a plan that still leaves room to wander, you will probably like the rhythm here: cruise time, then swim time, then lunch, then more swim time. There is also a restroom on board, so you are not stuck doing the classic “boat day shuffle” every time nature calls.

Getting on the Fernandes gulet in Sliema, and how pickup really works

Pickup is one of the smartest parts of this trip. You are not just directed to a dock and left to figure out the rest. After booking and confirming your hotel name or address, the operator confirms your pickup time and closest pickup point across Malta, from 80+ options.

On the day of the cruise, pickup happens in a window between 08:00 and 09:30, depending on where you stay. Then the land transport drops you at the mooring area in Sliema, where the Fernandes gulet is tied up on The Strand.

If you are staying right along The Strand in Sliema, within a couple minutes walk, you might be asked to make your own way by around 09:40 to the mooring. In that case, the meeting spot is effectively right where the boat is, at 59 The Strand, Sliema (opposite the Sliema Hotel by ST Hotels). Either way, the goal is the same: you should not waste your morning hunting down the start point.

Practical tip: if you get motion sick, the morning ride from the pick-up area to the quay can set the tone. If you can, sit where you feel the most stable during boarding, and keep water and any personal remedies handy.

The 10:00 departure and the cruise stretch you actually need

The Fernandes departs from the Sliema quay at 10:00 sharp. From there, it cruises northwest toward Comino and Gozo, with scenic passes along the way. You will see panoramic cliffs, coves, and inlets, and there is time to settle in before the first swim stop.

About halfway through the morning cruise, a morning snack is served on board. It is not the main meal, but it helps you get through the first section without feeling like you are working on empty.

This part matters because Malta’s “do it all” energy can make you overlook one thing: you need a calm buffer between getting on a boat and spending hours in the sun. The cruise stretch gives you that buffer.

Gozo: 90 minutes in a secluded bay for real swimming time

Next comes Gozo. The boat drops anchor in a secluded bay for approximately 90 minutes. This is where the trip shifts from scenic cruise mode into swim mode.

What I like about this stop is that it is described as secluded and bay-based, which usually means you have a more relaxed setup for floating, wading, and taking your time. You are not just hopping off for a photo. You get time to swim, sunbathe, and chill either on board or in the water.

A small reality check: Gozo can feel breezy, especially once you are out on the water. If you run cold easily, you might want a light layer for the return ride after swimming.

Also note this: if seas are rough, you will feel more movement on the boat during the anchor stretches. Some days are calm, some days are not. The itinerary is the same, but your comfort can change.

Blue Lagoon in Comino: lunch, open bar, and the crowd factor

After Gozo, the anchor drops at Blue Lagoon in Comino for about 90 minutes. This is the star stop. The waters are described as crystal clear, and this is where you will spend the most “wow” time in the day.

On board during this stop, lunch is freshly prepared as a hot and cold buffet, served on board. There is also an on-board open bar with unlimited beer, wine, water, and soft drinks. Think of it as a full feeding plan that keeps you from having to choose between eating and swimming.

You also get space to relax: you can stay on board, sunbathe, or go in the water as you please. And because the stop is planned for about 90 minutes, you are not stuck doing everything in one frantic hour.

Now for the part you should plan for: Blue Lagoon is popular. Even with a max group size of up to 180 travelers, the swim area can feel crowded, and seating or deck space can be at a premium if you are arriving later in the stop. If you care about shade, keep an eye on where you can plant yourself early.

If you want an even calmer feel, this trip is more about controlled time than solitude. You will likely have a better experience if you go in with the mindset of shared fun plus a good swim.

Captain Morgan and the rest of the day: snacks, views, and return timing

After Blue Lagoon, you cruise back toward Sliema. In the afternoon, a fresh fruit snack is served. This keeps the energy up without waiting until late for food.

The return schedule is straightforward: docking at 17:30 back at the Sliema quay, then land transport returns you to your accommodation or nearest pickup point. If you are staying near the Fernandes mooring in Sliema, you may be instructed to return directly to your hotel instead.

Why I like this timing: it is late enough to feel like a real day out, but not so late that you are totally exhausted when you get back. For dinner plans, you are usually dealing with about a post-boat appetite and sun fatigue, so make sure your evening slot has room for both.

If you are on a cruise ship, pay extra attention here. A few people have had issues when they booked without noticing the exact return time. The boat returns at 17:30, so you should check your ship rules and departure window first.

Price and value: is $90.22 a fair deal?

At $90.22 per person, this cruise can feel like a bargain if you compare it to piecing the day together yourself. The big value is not just the boat ride, it is the stuff that normally costs extra or takes more effort.

Here is what you effectively get built in:

• Transportation from your Malta accommodation or a nearby pickup point, then back again
• Multiple food moments: morning snack, hot and cold buffet lunch, and an afternoon fruit snack
• Unlimited drinks via an open bar: beer, wine, water, and soft drinks
• A boat with a restroom, which is rare enough on day trips to matter
• Two separate swim periods, one at Blue Lagoon and one in Gozo

What you do not get included is also clear. Tickets for a Comino caves boat trip can be purchased on board from June to September, but that is optional extra rather than part of the core route.

So, is it good value? In most cases, yes, if you want a full day on the water with lunch and drinks included. If you hate crowds and do not want any shared-deck vibe, you might prefer a smaller or more tailored option. But if you want a straightforward, all-in-one day, the price lines up well with what is included.

Who this cruise fits best, and who should think twice

This trip suits you if you:

• Want easy pickup and return in Malta instead of figuring out transport on your own
• Like long swim time and do not mind planning your day around anchoring and re-boarding
• Appreciate lunch and drinks included, especially on a hot day
• Prefer a smaller-vs-coach-tour feel, with a max group size up to 180 travelers

It might not suit you as much if:

• You need lots of seating and shade the entire time. The deck can get busy, and sun can be intense.
• You are very sensitive to rough water. Some days have more motion than others.
• You are bothered by smoking. You might notice a lot of second-hand smoke on board during the day, so if that affects you, plan accordingly.

Tips that make a big difference on a boat day in Malta

A little prep turns this into a smooth day.

1) Arrive with the right mindset about shade. You can sunbathe and swim, but shade spots can be limited. If you care, be ready to move early to whatever cover you find first.

2) Bring swim basics and expect time in the water. This itinerary is built around swimming at two stops. Even with lunch onboard, your best comfort strategy is to be ready for water time, towel needs, and changing conditions between stops.

3) If you get seasick, plan ahead. The route is a cruise with anchor stops and some movement. If you know you get seasick, do not assume it will be fine just because it is a day trip.

4) Use the snacks as fuel, not just food. Morning snack and the fruit snack help you keep your energy steady. That matters if you plan to swim longer stretches rather than just dipping in.

5) Think about your end-of-day plans. You return at 17:30. Keep your dinner and any later commitments flexible, especially if you are coming from a distance pickup point.

Should you book Fernandes Cruise to Blue Lagoon and Gozo?

Book it if you want a simple, well-fed day that centers on swimming at Blue Lagoon and Gozo, with pickup and return transport handled for you. At $90.22, the open bar and buffet lunch bring real value, and the two 90-minute water stops give you enough time to actually enjoy both islands.

Skip it or choose carefully if you know you will struggle with tight seating, limited shade, or any discomfort from boat movement. Blue Lagoon is famous for a reason, but it is also a place where crowds can make the “quiet escape” fantasy less realistic.

If you are torn, here is my practical tie-breaker: if you picture yourself spending hours in the water and treating the boat as part of the fun, this is a strong yes. If you picture a calm, uncrowded lounge day, you might want a different style of tour.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point, and how does pickup work?

The start location is WG53+82, Sliema, Malta. If you provide your accommodation name or address when booking, the operator confirms your scheduled pickup time (between 08:00 and 09:30) and the closest pickup point from 80+ options. On return, land transport takes you back to your accommodation or closest pickup point.

How long do we spend at Blue Lagoon and Gozo?

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

What meals and drinks are included?

You get a morning snack, a hot and cold buffet lunch freshly prepared onboard, and a fresh fruit afternoon snack. The on-board open bar includes unlimited beer, wine, water, and soft drinks.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes. The boat includes a restroom.

What is not included during the cruise?

Tickets for a Comino caves boat trip are not included and can be purchased on board from June to September.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.