Sliema: Gozo/Comino Blue Lagoon Gulet Cruise w/ Lunch+Drinks

Turquoise water, then lunch on a gullet. This Sliema to Gozo and Comino cruise on a Turkish gulet takes you to the Blue Lagoon plus a second swimming bay, with plenty of food and an all-day drinks setup.

I love the balance of schedule and freedom. You get 2 swim stops so you are not stuck doing one single, crowded time slot, and the day comes with unlimited drinks including beer, wine, mineral water, and soft drinks.

My one real consideration is planning ahead for the Malta Blue Lagoon access pass and your on-board comfort. Since you must request the pass online in advance, you should also arrive early for a better chance at shade and a decent spot on deck.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Blue Lagoon access pass is required under a May 2025 Malta rule, with limited daily slots
• Two swim stops keep the day from feeling like one long waiting game
• The boat name is The Fernandes, departing from Sliema Ferries on the promenade side
• Lunch is buffet style with both hot and cold options, plus morning and afternoon snacks
• Unlimited drinks are included, but liquors and spirits are not

Sliema to Gozo and Comino: the cruise vibe in plain terms

This is the kind of Malta day trip that feels like a moving beach day, not a rushed sightseeing check list. You sail out of Sliema, cruise the northern coastline, then focus most of your time on swimming and soaking up sea views.

I like that the experience is built around doing, not watching. You get time to get in the water, time to eat well on board, and time to relax while the captain works routes between islands.

Meeting The Fernandes at Sliema Ferries, and how pickup timing works

The cruise leaves from Sliema Ferries, Triq Ix-Xatt, right on the promenade side of the road. Look for the Turkish gulet, The Fernandes, and aim to arrive about 30 minutes early for boarding.

If your booking includes pickup, the important detail is that 8:15 AM to 9:30 AM is the pickup window, while the cruise departure time is 10:00 AM. For that reason, you should confirm your exact pickup point and time with the operator a few days ahead, especially if you are staying outside the easiest meeting area.

Also note the practical thing that can trip people up: if you are within walking distance from Sliema Ferries, you will need to make your own way to the boat. And if you have luggage, keep it small. Oversize luggage and large bags are not allowed.

Blue Lagoon on Comino: access pass, crowds, and how to maximize your swim

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the star, and everyone knows it. The waters are famous for that clear, turquoise look, and the bay is perfect for both swimming and sunbathing.

But in 2025, there is a key rule shift: you must get a Malta government access pass online before you can step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. The daily pass allocation is limited, so plan ahead. For this cruise, you need to request the morning slot when applying for the pass.

Here is how to make that work in your favor. Even though you will have an access pass, the Blue Lagoon can still feel crowded on the beach. Luckily, the cruise is set up so you can swim from the boat, which helps you get in the water without relying entirely on beach space.

The lunch and drinks setup: where the value really shows

If you compare Malta boat tours, food and drinks can make or break the value. This one does well because the day is structured with morning snack, buffet lunch, and afternoon snack, and the drinks are part of the package.

The lunch is a buffet with both hot and cold options served on board. Reviews from different guests describe it as more substantial than you might expect on a day cruise, with plenty of choices, and no big feeling of being rushed through.

For drinks, you get unlimited beer, wine, mineral water, and soft drinks all day. Liquors and spirits are specifically not included, so if you tend to order mixed drinks with stronger alcohol, you should treat this as a beer and wine style open bar.

One more small thing that matters: if you arrive early, you often get a better deck spot. That can change your whole day, since you will likely spend a lot of time eating and relaxing outside.

The first swim stop on Comino: what you will actually do

Your first swimming block is built around the Blue Lagoon time. One guest timed it at about two hours, which is usually enough to do a calm swim, snack, and reset without feeling like you are constantly waiting for the next instruction.

This is not just about swimming. The boat setup also means you can hang around the waterline area, watch the sea change color as the light shifts, and take breaks in between.

If you love being in the water, this stop is the payoff. If you are less confident in the water, focus on finding shade, sipping a cold drink, and using the boat swim access points when you feel ready.

Gozo’s secluded bay swim stop: the calm after Comino

After Comino, the cruise heads toward Gozo and anchors in a peaceful, secluded bay for the second swim stop. In several accounts, this second water time is shorter, roughly about an hour in some cases, which can feel either just right or slightly short depending on how much you loved the water at Comino.

This is where you get a different mood. Comino can be lively. The Gozo bay tends to feel quieter and more relaxing, and that contrast is a big reason I think this itinerary works.

One drawback to consider is that if Gozo is not your priority, the second swim stop could feel like a detour compared to staying longer at the Blue Lagoon. On the flip side, that Gozo stop is often the one that delivers relief from crowd pressure, and you still get to swim in clear water.

Onboard comfort on a Turkish gulet: shade, music, and seating reality

The boat is a traditional wooden Turkish gulet, and that matters for the feel of the trip. You get the classic deck style and open sea atmosphere that large modern ferries do not give.

Now for the practical part. Several guests said seating comfort can be limited, with thinner cushions on wooden benches. That is not a deal breaker if you treat it like a day on the water and plan to spend plenty of time out on deck, but it is worth knowing.

Shade is another theme. Multiple guests recommend arriving early to grab a better sunbathing spot, and one tip mentioned getting there about an hour earlier to score a shaded place with a mattress. If you burn easily, you will want sunscreen and a plan.

Sea conditions also affect comfort. Because it is an older-style boat and the deck movement can increase when it is windy, I suggest you choose your position carefully. One guest advised avoiding the front if you are prone to seasickness.

The captain and crew experience: why the day feels smooth

This cruise runs on the skill of the captain and the friendliness of the crew. In the feedback, you see consistent praise for helpful, kind service and quick support during the day.

I also like when the atmosphere stays light. Some guests mention a fun, music-friendly vibe on board, and one even called out a DJ-style captain moment. Another guest specifically named Captain Brian on The Fernandes, describing him as excellent and entertaining.

Even if you do not get a separate on-board guide, the crew interaction still helps. They help manage boarding and the flow of the swim stops, and you feel taken care of while staying free to relax.

Optional speedboat to Comino caves and Crystal Lagoon for €15

There is an optional add-on that many people consider the fun extra: a speedboat trip to the Comino caves and the Crystal Lagoon. It is described as costing €15 per person, booked and paid on location.

I get why it appeals. The main cruise is focused on swimming and relaxation, and the speedboat adds a higher-energy change of pace. Several guests called it worth the money and said it was a lot of fun.

That said, not everyone will love the caves themselves. One review called the caves less mind-blowing than expected, which tells me you should book the speedboat for the ride and the extra look, not for a guarantee that every cave will exceed your expectations.

If you are even slightly curious, you should seriously consider it. It is the easiest way to add variety without turning the day into a chaotic schedule.

Seasickness, mobility, and who should skip this cruise

This is listed as not suitable for people prone to seasickness. Since the boat can feel bouncy when it is windy, you really should respect that note.

On mobility, the notes say it may not suit people with mobility impairments. Even though the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, there are still restrictions like no mobility scooters and rules against large bags, and the day is built around getting to swim points. If getting around is a challenge for you, think hard before booking.

If you want an easy, seated-only experience, this probably is not your best fit. If you are comfortable on a moving deck, happy to spend time outdoors, and excited to swim, you will likely enjoy it.

Price and value: is $88 a fair deal for Malta?

At around $88 per person for a roughly 7.5 hour day, this cruise aims at value through structure. You are not paying just for a boat ride. You are paying for the full day rhythm: pickup or meeting point logistics, two swim opportunities, buffet lunch, snacks, and unlimited drinks.

This is especially good if you like beer or wine. With unlimited beer and wine included, the package can feel cheaper than other tours where drinks are paid separately.

Also consider the cost of access. The Blue Lagoon access pass is required, and the cruise setup encourages you to plan for it, which can reduce stress during the trip if you handle it in advance.

The main “value watch-outs” are what is not included: spirits and liquors, and that optional speedboat. If you drink mostly hard alcohol, you might feel restricted. If you want caves, plan for the extra €15 speedboat.

Should you book this Sliema to Gozo and Blue Lagoon cruise?

I would book this if you want a classic Malta sea day with real swim time, decent onboard food, and an easy all-day drinks setup. It is a strong choice for couples, friend groups, and anyone who likes being out on the water more than standing in lines.

Book it with a bit of prep energy. Get your Blue Lagoon access pass ahead of time, arrive early for shade and a better deck spot, and if you are sensitive to motion, position yourself wisely or consider skipping the cruise.

If you do those things, you are setting yourself up for the best version of the day: turquoise water, a relaxing second swim in Gozo, and lunch that actually feels like a meal.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from Sliema Ferries, Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema, on the promenade side of the road. You should look for the Turkish gulet The Fernandes.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is 7.5 hours.

What time does the cruise depart?

The cruise departure time is 10:00 AM. Pickup time (if offered) is separate from departure time.

How many swim stops are included?

There are 2 swim stops, one at Comino Blue Lagoon and another in Gozo.

What drinks and meals are included?

Included are a morning snack, a buffet lunch, and an afternoon snack. Unlimited drinks include beer, wine, mineral water, and soft drinks.

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

Yes. You need a government-issued access pass in advance to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. Passes must be requested online, and you should choose the morning slot for this cruise.

Is the speedboat to Comino caves included?

No. The speedboat trip to the Comino Caves and the Crystal Lagoon is optional and is booked and paid on location for an extra cost of €15 per person.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is optional and depends on where you are staying. If pickup is offered, you can be picked up between 8:15 AM and 9:30 AM, and you must confirm your exact pickup point and time with the operator.

What should I bring and what is not allowed?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash. Pets are not allowed, oversize luggage is not allowed, and luggage or large bags are not permitted. Mobility scooters are not allowed.