REVIEW · FOOD & DRINK

Malta: Lazy Pirate Boat Party with Drinks & Food

★ 3.8 · 788 reviews 4 hours From $81 Operated by Trendy Group · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Book on GetYourGuide →

Nightfall on Malta gets louder fast. This Lazy Pirate Boat Party from Sliema turns a simple sail into a full-on night out, with an unlimited open bar and moonlight swim built in.

What I like most is the drink setup and the onboard energy. You get an open bar with vodka, tequila, whiskey, rum, beer, wine, and sangria, and you do not have to think about ordering. I also like that snacks and fruit show up during the party, so you can keep dancing without immediately needing dinner.

The one drawback to plan around is crowding and swim expectations. It is a party boat with lots of people, so space is tight, and the swim stop may feel more like a quick cool-off than a long, swim-then-sunbathe session.

Key points before you board

Malta: Lazy Pirate Boat Party with Drinks & Food - Key points before you board

  • Unlimited open bar with a big variety of spirits, beer, wine, and sangria
  • DJ music and dancing that builds as the night gets darker
  • Snacks and fruit included, so you are not stuck paying for food mid-party
  • Moonlight swim stop at an anchor point, bring a towel
  • Crowded boat reality: expect limited room to move around comfortably

Lazy Pirate Boat Party basics, what makes it worth your time

Malta: Lazy Pirate Boat Party with Drinks & Food - Lazy Pirate Boat Party basics, what makes it worth your time
This is the kind of Malta night that is easy to say yes to. You leave from Sliema in the evening, cruise along the Maltese coast as the sun sets, and then keep the party going on a boat with a DJ, drinks, and small bites included. By the time the boat returns around midnight, you have had a proper night out without needing to piece together bars, tickets, and timing.

At $81 per person for a 4-hour outing, the value is mostly about the “one price covers a lot” idea. If you plan to drink anyway, the unlimited open bar usually does more for your wallet than a typical tour that charges per drink. If you do not drink much, it still works as a social cruise, but you should expect the vibe to be geared toward adults who want music, dancing, and fun.

This is run by Trendy Group, and the boat used is the Fernandes 2. The party format is intentionally simple: music on, cruise, one anchor stop for a moonlit swim, then back to Sliema.

A few more Malta options worth comparing

Getting to Sliema Ferries and finding the meet point

Malta: Lazy Pirate Boat Party with Drinks & Food - Getting to Sliema Ferries and finding the meet point
You meet the Lazy Pirate Boat Party opposite The Black Sheep in Sliema Ferries. That is your main navigation target, since transfers are not included.

Here is the practical way to handle this. Plan to arrive early enough to get settled, because once you are on a party boat with music and movement, it can be harder to regroup. If you are coming from somewhere else on Malta, give yourself extra buffer time so you are not stressed at check-in.

Also, do not count on a formal guide. The listing says a guide is not included, though there is an English, Italian, Spanish, and French host or greeter. So think of it as a guided-party atmosphere rather than a history lesson.

Sunset cruise along Malta at night, when the DJ takes over

Malta: Lazy Pirate Boat Party with Drinks & Food - Sunset cruise along Malta at night, when the DJ takes over
The timeline is straightforward, which is part of why this works as a “lazy” pirate theme. The boat departs from Sliema, then cruises toward the setting sun. As night falls, the music gets louder, and the party energy shifts from sightseeing mode to dance mode.

During that sailing portion, you get the best kind of Malta night view: the coastline darkening, lights along the shore, and a moving perspective you do not get from land. You are not going to spend a long time at each spot because this is built as a continuous party cruise, not a stop-and-see tour. If you want an itinerary with lots of sightseeing breaks, this is not that kind of experience.

Still, it is a nice tradeoff. You get a long stretch of time with drinks and music while the coast changes from sunset glow to full night. That steady flow matters because it keeps the mood up and prevents the evening from feeling like a series of logistics.

Open bar with spirits, beer, wine, and sangria, what unlimited really means

Malta: Lazy Pirate Boat Party with Drinks & Food - Open bar with spirits, beer, wine, and sangria, what unlimited really means
The open bar includes vodka, tequila, whiskey, rum, beer, wine, and sangria. The key word is unlimited, so you can keep ordering while you dance, chat, and wait for the swim stop.

A quick “reality check” I think helps you enjoy this more: unlimited drinks can make time feel shorter, but it can also make people sloppy if they do not pace themselves. You will be on the water, and the boat is crowded, so the smart move is to sip steadily and save your biggest drinks for earlier rather than later, when you might be tired.

Also, the alcohol list is broad enough that you can find something you like without relying on one signature cocktail. If you prefer beer or wine, it is there. If you want spirits, you have options. That variety keeps the bar line from turning into a bottleneck for one drink style.

A different way to spend the day nearby:

Snacks and fruit on board, enough to keep you dancing

Malta: Lazy Pirate Boat Party with Drinks & Food - Snacks and fruit on board, enough to keep you dancing
You get complimentary snacks and fruit during the party. The food is not positioned as a full meal replacement, but it is exactly what you want on a cruise where the main focus is the night scene.

From the overall vibe of past experiences, the snacks are the kind of easy, grab-and-go bites that keep you fueled while the DJ is playing and the dance floor gets busy. If you are expecting restaurant-level cuisine, you may be underwhelmed. But if you just want something in your stomach besides alcohol, this inclusion helps a lot.

One practical tip: eat before you get too far into drinking. Even simple snacks can make the difference between a fun night and a fuzzy one.

The moonlight swim stop at the anchor point, how to make it worth it

Malta: Lazy Pirate Boat Party with Drinks & Food - The moonlight swim stop at the anchor point, how to make it worth it
There is a planned anchor point stop for a moonlight swim. This is the main “active” moment built into the cruise besides dancing.

Now for the honest part. If you specifically want a long swim session, the swim stop may feel limited. Some people find the stop fine for a quick dip, while others expect more swim time and feel it does not deliver. So treat it as a cool water moment during a party, not a dedicated swimming program.

What you can do to make it better is simple:

  • Bring a towel so you can dry off and stay comfortable.
  • Wear something you can move in easily, since the boat is busy and people are coming and going.

Because it is at anchor, not at a beach, your best experience comes from being ready quickly: get in, enjoy the night water, then get back to the onboard vibe.

Crowding on Fernandes 2, space is tight during the loud hours

Malta: Lazy Pirate Boat Party with Drinks & Food - Crowding on Fernandes 2, space is tight during the loud hours
The Fernandes 2 is a party boat. That means you should expect a lot of people and not much personal space. If you are the kind of traveler who likes room to stretch, you might find it a bit cramped once the music is in full swing.

The good news is that the crowded feel is also part of why it is social. You will meet people, swap stories, and end up laughing with strangers. The crew is typically part of the energy too, with staff staying friendly and helpful during the evening.

My advice is to plan your comfort basics. Keep your valuables secured and out of the way. Wear shoes you can handle on a moving deck. And if you are traveling with friends, decide what “meet back” point makes sense before you scatter toward the bar or music.

Staff and safety vibe, how to stay calm if things get tense

Malta: Lazy Pirate Boat Party with Drinks & Food - Staff and safety vibe, how to stay calm if things get tense
This is a party at sea, and party boats can have a mix of personalities. One past experience included a negative moment involving security becoming aggressive with someone who was trying to find their group, including pushing and swearing. I cannot generalize that behavior as a constant, but I think it points to one real lesson: avoid getting separated.

If you are in a group, stay together as much as possible, or at least agree on a clear spot and time to regroup. Also, respect the onboard rules so staff can focus on keeping the night moving.

The listing also states not allowed: glass objects. That is a safety issue, and it is also part of how the cruise manages drinking. If you bring a bottle or anything breakable, plan to leave it behind.

What to pack: towel, and keep it simple

Malta: Lazy Pirate Boat Party with Drinks & Food - What to pack: towel, and keep it simple
Your packing list is refreshingly short. You are told to bring a towel.

Beyond that, think practical. You are on a boat at night in Malta, so you likely want something comfortable for dancing and an easy way to handle being damp for the swim stop. Keep your plan minimal so you are not carrying extra stuff around a crowded deck.

Language and host support, what to expect if you do not speak English

The host or greeter is listed as available in English, Italian, Spanish, and French. That matters because party boats can move quickly. Having staff who can communicate makes it easier to find where to stand, when to get ready for the swim stop, and how the evening is flowing.

Since a guide is not included, you are not counting on deep explanations. Still, you should be able to get the basics in your language and enjoy the night without confusion.

Price and value: is $81 per person fair for Malta nights?

For many people, the choice comes down to value. Here is how I think about it with this tour.

You pay $81 for roughly 4 hours, and you get:

  • an onboard party boat cruise
  • an open bar with multiple alcohol types and sangria
  • snacks and fruit
  • DJ music

If you were doing this as a DIY night, you would still spend money on drinks, music venues, and food. Even if you are not going on multiple bars, a couple of drinks plus dinner can add up fast in a tourist-friendly area like Sliema.

So, if you plan to drink and you want a carefree party structure, the price often makes sense. If you want a calm, scenic cruise with minimal partying and no alcohol focus, then the same price might feel steep. Match the tour to your mood, not the other way around.

Who this suits best, and who should choose another plan

This boat party is not suitable for children under 18, so this is for adults and groups who want a nightlife experience.

It fits especially well if:

  • you want to meet other people quickly
  • you like DJ music and dancing more than quiet sightseeing
  • you want Malta at night without arranging a complicated schedule

It might not fit if:

  • you want lots of guided cultural stops
  • you dislike crowded boats
  • you want a long, proper swimming session rather than a quick dip

If you are on a couples trip, it can still work if you are comfortable with lively music and crowds. For groups of friends, it tends to shine because the energy is social and you have built-in support if you get a bit separated in the excitement.

A quick word on itinerary flow, what you actually do for 4 hours

You are basically doing three main things across the evening:

  1. cruising out of Sliema with the coastline shifting under the sky
  2. party mode with DJ music and unlimited drinks
  3. a moonlight swim stop at anchor before heading back

The boat returns to Sliema at around midnight, so you are done with a big chunk of your night in one ticket. That is part of the appeal. You do not need to decide where to go next while you are already having fun.

One more detail that helps planning: the duration is fixed at 4 hours, but starting times depend on availability. So check your preferred time window early so you can align this with how your day is going.

Should you book the Lazy Pirate Boat Party from Sliema?

Book it if you want an adult party night with unlimited drinks, DJ music, and a quick moonlight swim, all packaged into a simple 4-hour format. It is a good value for the amount included, and it is especially fun when you go with a group or you enjoy meeting people on the fly.

Skip or reconsider if you hate crowds, want a long swim session, or expect top-tier food quality. The boat is meant for energy, not space, and the food is best thought of as fuel, not a dining experience.

If that sounds like your kind of Malta evening, this one is an easy yes. Just bring your towel, keep your group together, and treat it like a party cruise first, sightseeing cruise second.

FAQ

How long is the Lazy Pirate Boat Party in Malta?

The experience lasts about 4 hours.

Where do you meet for the boat party?

You meet opposite The Black Sheep in Sliema Ferries.

Is there an open bar included?

Yes. The open bar is included and offers drinks such as vodka, tequila, whiskey, rum, beer, wine, and sangria.

Is food included on board?

Yes. Snacks and fruit are included.

Is there a DJ on the boat?

Yes, there is a DJ during the party.

Do you stop for a swim?

Yes. The boat stops at an anchor point for a moonlight swim.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel.

Are glass objects allowed?

No. Glass objects are not allowed.

Is this tour suitable for children?

No. It is not suitable for children under 18.

What is not included in the price?

Transfers and a guide are not included.

More Food Tours in Malta

More like this

Food & Drink, compared.

The full Food & Drink list →
Street Food and Culture Walking Tour
★★★★★★★★★★4.8· 1,251 reviews· from $65

Street Food and Culture Walking Tour

Read our review →
The Valletta Street Food and Culture Walking Tour
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 711 reviews· from $66

The Valletta Street Food and Culture Walking Tour

Read our review →
Valletta Food Tour
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 711 reviews· from $60

Valletta Food Tour

Read our review →
Maltese Food and Drink Guided Walking Tour
★★★★★★★★★★4.7· 601 reviews· from $59

Maltese Food and Drink Guided Walking Tour

Read our review →
Malta’s 3 Cities Tour & Wine Tasting
★★★★★★★★★★4.0· 502 reviews· from $54

Malta’s 3 Cities Tour & Wine Tasting

Read our review →
Romantic Wine Tasting Experience at Koccio Valletta
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 259 reviews· from $57

Romantic Wine Tasting Experience at Koccio Valletta

Read our review →
Food Walking Tour with Tastings
★★★★★★★★★★4.9· 220 reviews· from $65

Food Walking Tour with Tastings

Read our review →
Birkirkara: The Farsons Brewery Entry Ticket and Beer Flight
★★★★★★★★★★4.8· 184 reviews· from $18

Birkirkara: The Farsons Brewery Entry Ticket and Beer Flight

Read our review →

Browse the lists this tour appears in

Scroll to Top

Ways to spend a day on the islands

Pick the kind of day. Nothing here is more than an hour from anything else.