Full Day Fernandes Cruise with Lunch

A boat day between Gozo and the Blue Lagoon is a great way to see Malta fast. You get a full day on the water with a buffer lunch on board plus scheduled time to swim in some of the island’s best water. The value also comes from round-trip hotel transfers, so you are not wasting the day figuring out transport.

One thing to plan for: when the boat is full, seating can be tight, so you may end up standing or finding shade wherever you can.

The timing works well for a one-day getaway, and the itinerary is simple enough to follow. You start near Sliema, cruise to a Gozo bay for an anchor swim, then head to Comino for the Blue Lagoon area after lunch. If you like straightforward days with built-in food and water, this is a solid match, especially at this price point.

Just note this is not ideal for very young kids or for anyone with mobility limits, since you will be on and around a boat for hours.

Key things I’d watch before you book

• Two swim moments: a Gozo bay swim before lunch, then Comino time after lunch for Blue Lagoon swimming.
• Meal timing is built in: morning snack plus buffet lunch on board with included drink and water.
• Transfers from selected hotels: you are not stuck transporting yourself to the quay.
• Max 80 people: not huge, but still enough that shade and seating can feel competitive.
• Spirits cost extra: you get the basics included, but adult drink upgrades are not part of the ticket.
• Moderate fitness helps: bring your towel and bathing gear, and be ready to move around the boat.

Why this full-day Fernandes cruise feels like good value

At $88.72 per person for roughly 8 hours, you are buying more than just a boat ticket. You are also paying for round-trip transport from selected hotels, plus food and water that would otherwise add up if you were building your day on your own.

The best value here is the combination: you get a structured day with two water stops and lunch handled onboard. That matters in Malta, because the most popular spots tend to be the hardest places to manage solo without spending time and money on logistics. If you want a day on the water without turning it into a project, this itinerary is designed for you.

I also like that it is not trying to cram in a dozen stops. You cruise, you swim, you eat, you get back to shore. That simplicity is what makes a full-day excursion feel like it actually works in real life.

Where the day starts: pickups, Sliema, and the timing gap

The day kicks off with pickup arrangements starting around 9:30 am, though the boat’s departure from The Strand in Sliema quay is at 10:00 am. That means your hotel pickup window matters, because you need to be at the quay on time for check-in and boarding.

You will get confirmation at booking time, and the operator will contact you after to confirm the exact pickup time and place. If you have not heard back at least 48 hours before departure, you should reach out. That is not just paperwork, it is how you avoid the classic travel headache of showing up at the wrong stop or waiting too long.

What I find practical about this setup: once you are picked up, you can relax. You are not juggling buses or ferries mid-day. You are just going where the schedule says, and that is especially helpful if you are staying around Mellieha and want an easy handoff.

Stop 1 in Gozo: anchor swim plus buffet lunch onboard

The cruise heads northwest toward Gozo, and the first real highlight is the swim stop. The plan is to drop anchor in a secluded bay in Gozo, giving you space to jump in and swim. This is a key difference from tours that only do quick photo stops. Here, you get time in the water.

Once you are anchored, lunch becomes part of the rhythm. A buffet lunch is served onboard, and the ship also has a fully stocked bar. Even if you do not plan on drinking, the bar presence usually means the boat is set up for long hours, not just a fast run.

A few practical tips for the Gozo swim stage:

• Bring your towel and use it early. Wet water-sheets and damp gear make the whole day less comfortable.
• Plan for sun and salt. Even if you find shade, wind changes as you move around.
• If you want a seat, think early rather than later. More on that in the comfort section.

This stop works best if you like that first burst of water time before the day gets too hot or crowded. It also helps you get comfortable on the boat before you go to Comino.

Stop 2 in Comino: exploring, swimming, and aiming for Blue Lagoon time

After lunch, the boat cruises to Comino, where you get time to explore the island and swim in the Blue Lagoon area. The schedule gives you about four hours here, which is a meaningful chunk of time for both walking around and getting back into the water.

Here is how to think about it. Blue Lagoon is the headline, but Comino time is not only about one swim session. You can split your time, do a swim first, then walk or hang out, then swim again if conditions let you.

What you will likely find at this stage:

• The water is the main event.
• The biggest time-saver is knowing when you want to be in the water versus on the boat.
• The boat becomes your base between swims, so keep your essentials where you can reach them easily.

If you are sensitive to crowds, you should go into Comino with realistic expectations. This tour can run with up to 80 people, and Blue Lagoon is naturally popular. Your best move is to manage your expectations and plan your swim timing rather than waiting for the exact perfect moment.

Food and drinks: what’s included, and what it means for your budget

The ticket includes a morning snack and a buffet lunch onboard. It also includes a drink and water. That matters because it turns a potentially expensive day into a predictable one.

At $88.72, you are paying for the full “floating meal plan” plus transfers, so you do not need to buy lunch on top. The buffet style also helps because you are not locked into one dish, and you can eat when your day allows.

What is not included is also clear: spirits are not part of the included drinks. That is a fair setup. If you plan on cocktails or shots, you will want to budget for those separately. For many people, the included drink and water is enough, especially since swimming tends to make you thirstier than usual.

My advice for making this part easy:

• Eat your lunch before you fully zone out into swim mode. Once everyone is in water time, the boat rhythm can get hectic.
• Bring sun protection and water habits in mind. Even with included water, you still want to protect yourself from sun and dehydration.

Boat comfort and the seating reality when the ship is full

This is the one place I would be honest with you. When the boat is at capacity, seating can be tight. One common complaint is that people who manage to claim seats can relax, while the rest end up sitting or standing wherever there is space, in sun or shade.

This does not mean the trip is miserable. It does mean you should come prepared to adapt. With up to 80 people on board, the experience depends on how you handle comfort logistics.

Here are practical ways to improve your odds:

• If you want a seat, go for it early during boarding and right after big transitions like lunch.
• Keep your towel accessible so you can create a small comfort zone even if you end up without a perfect seat.
• If you tend to get cold, bring a light layer. Wind off the water can change how warm you feel, even in good weather.

Also, think about your day strategy. If you are the type who needs to sit for long periods, this tour may test you during cruising time. If you are fine with a mix of sitting and moving around, you’ll probably enjoy the day more.

What the pace actually feels like for an 8-hour day

This is a full day, and it is built around two main activities: swimming and eating. You are on the water for a long stretch, then you have time at Gozo for an anchor swim, lunch, and later a longer window at Comino.

Why that pace works:

• You are not running from stop to stop.
• You get real water time, not just a quick dip.
• The lunch timing gives you structure instead of leaving you hungry while you explore.

Why it might feel long:

• You spend hours moving between water and onboard time.
• The comfort experience depends on seating and shade availability.
• You are on a boat, which means you should be ready for the physical reality of getting around.

Moderate physical fitness is recommended, and that makes sense. You do not have to be a marathon runner, but you should be comfortable with a full day outdoors and being able to board and move around the boat area safely.

Who should book this cruise, and who should skip it

This tour fits best if you want a classic Malta water day with minimal planning. You get a clear route, built-in lunch, and both Gozo and Comino included in one go. If you are traveling as a couple, a small group of friends, or a solo traveler who wants easy structure, it is a strong format.

It is not the best choice if:

• You need an itinerary with lots of walking or steep, complicated shore access. (The information you have points to limited accessibility, so it is safer to avoid if you have mobility difficulties.)
• You are traveling with younger children. The tour is not suitable for younger kids, and time on a boat can be a tough fit.
• You are highly seat-dependent and hate standing for long stretches.

If you are a swimmer, you are likely to have the most fun. If you are more of a sun-and-scenery person, you can still enjoy it, but plan to manage comfort and shade.

Weather and sea conditions: what to expect and why it matters

This experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor conditions, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. That is important because your day is built around water time. If the sea is rough or conditions do not work, the whole itinerary changes.

Even when the day runs, water and wind can affect comfort. Your swim time depends on conditions, and your ability to relax onboard depends on whether you find shade or stay cool enough in sun.

Do yourself a favor and treat this as a weather-dependent day. Pack for sun and also for the possibility of wind, since onboard can feel cooler than the shore.

Should you book the Full Day Fernandes Cruise with Lunch?

I would book this cruise if you want a straightforward, time-efficient Malta day with two swim windows, a buffet lunch onboard, and hotel transfers that take the stress off your schedule. At about $88.72, the included food and transport make it feel less like a “ticket only” purchase and more like an all-in day plan.

Skip or reconsider if you know you need stable seating for long stretches, or if mobility is a concern. The seating reality matters, and the tour is not designed for younger children.

My quick decision rule: if your ideal day is boat, swim, eat, repeat, and you are flexible about comfort onboard, you’ll probably be happy with this. If you want comfort first and do not want any crowd factor, look for a smaller or more seating-focused alternative.

FAQ

How long is the Fernandes cruise with lunch?

It runs for about 8 hours (approx.).

Where does the cruise operate?

It’s based in Mellieha, Malta, and the boat departs from The Strand, Sliema quay at 10:00.

Does the price include lunch and drinks?

Lunch is included as a buffet onboard, along with a morning snack, and a drink and water. Spirits are not included.

Is pickup from hotels available?

Yes, pickup is offered from selected hotels. You will be contacted to confirm the exact pickup time and place.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring bathing gear, a towel, and sunblock.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

A moderate physical fitness level is recommended. It is not suitable for younger children or guests with mobility difficulties.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the experience requires good weather.