Turkish Gullet Cruise to Gozo and Comino with Lunch and Transfers

One day on the water, zero stress. This Turkish gullet cruise treats you to the big Malta postcard hits, Comino’s Blue Lagoon and a secluded swim in Gozo-near waters, plus a steady flow of snacks, lunch, and drinks. You get a built-in cruise day, not a self-planned hopscotch.

What I like most is how it feels low-effort. Your day is built around simple rhythms, cruise, swim, eat, relax, repeat, and the included snacks and buffet lunch make it genuinely easy to stay out there all afternoon. The second big win is the included unlimited drinks setup, with wine, beer, mineral water, and soft drinks running through the day (spirits are not included).

One thing to think about before you book: Malta now requires an access pass in advance to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. If you skip that step, you can miss the stop, and there are no refunds for passengers who do not have the pass.

Key Things To Know Before You Go

• Blue Lagoon access pass required (May 2025): you must get it in advance via blcomino.com for disembarking.
• Turkish gullet “The Fernandes”: you’ll board at Sliema Ferries, and the trip runs like a classic wooden sailing-boat day.
• Two real swim stops: Blue Lagoon (Comino) and a quieter swim bay near Gozo (weather permitting).
• Unlimited drinks, but not spirits: wine, beer, mineral water, and soft drinks are included; liquors are not.
• Optional €15 speedboat add-on: Comino caves and the Crystal Lagoon can cost extra and is not guaranteed in every way.
• Crowds and shade are real factors: get onboard early if you want better deck shade and seating.

Price and What You’re Really Paying For

At about $90.02 per person for a roughly 7.5-hour cruise, the value comes from what’s bundled. You are not just buying a boat ride, you’re also getting transfers from select hotels or meeting points, two swim opportunities, a buffet lunch with snacks, and unlimited drinks for the full duration.

That matters in Malta, because your day otherwise turns into a DIY squeeze: boat tickets, day passes, food, and then the “where do I fit in?” problem. Here, most of that is handled for you. Also, since the company lists a max group size of 180 travelers, it can still feel busy at the Blue Lagoon, but it’s not the tiny private-boat fantasy. You’re buying a social, organized day.

Start Point, Meeting Times, and Getting On The Right Boat

This trip starts at 10:00 am departure. Pickup timing is a common confusion, because 10:00 am is the cruise departure time, not the time you’ll be collected from your hotel.

If you have transfers included, you must confirm your exact pickup spot and time with the operator a few days ahead. Your pickup window can fall between 8:15 am and 9:30 am, depending on where you’re staying.

If you’re walking to the boat from near Sliema Ferries, you handle it yourself. The boat departs from Sliema Ferries at 66, Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema, and you look for the Turkish gullet called The Fernandes. Aim to be there 20–30 minutes early so you can get settled before the cruising starts.

Turkish Gullet Cruising Along Malta’s Northern Coast

The day begins near the Sliema Promenade area, sailing along Malta’s northern coastline past dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and calmer inlets. This is the “get comfortable first” segment.

The cruise time here is about 2 hours, and it’s your buffer for the rest of the day. If you’re hungry, snacks get you through. If you’re not, the early sail is still a good moment to take in the coastline views without the bottleneck feeling that comes later at popular swimming spots.

This is also where you figure out how the boat works for you. Some people love to move around between deck and seating, while others prefer staying put. Go with your style, because the day is relaxed but time is structured.

Comino’s Blue Lagoon Stop, Including The Access Pass Reality

This is the headline stop. You get about 2 hours at the Blue Lagoon on Comino, a place known for crystal-clear, turquoise water and an easy swim feel once you’re in.

Here’s the part you must take seriously: Malta’s government directive effective May 2025 means you need an access pass in advance to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. Passes are obtained through blcomino.com, and you’re expected to book the morning time slot when you apply. The daily number of passes is limited, and if you do not have the official pass, you will not be allowed to get off at the Blue Lagoon. No refunds are issued for that scenario.

Practical tip: do the pass step as soon as you can after booking. It’s one of those chores that feels annoying until it suddenly saves your whole day.

Also, expect a crowd. Even on a boat day, the Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s most popular swim spots. If you want quieter water, plan your swim like a pro: jump in early during your window, then find a less packed spot to float.

Optional Speedboat to Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon (€15)

There’s an optional add-on for the Comino Caves and the Crystal Lagoon, with a listed cost of €15 per person. It’s not included, and the fee can change.

This is a “pay if you really want it” choice. If you enjoy caves and don’t mind spending extra to see them, it can add a different flavor beyond the main Blue Lagoon swim. If you prefer to keep your day simple, you can skip it and still have a strong cruise experience with the included swim time.

One more thing to watch: because it’s optional and tied to conditions, you shouldn’t treat it as guaranteed. Think of it as a bonus.

Gozo Swim Time in a Secluded Bay (No Guaranteed Shore Landing)

After Comino, you continue toward Gozo and anchor in a quiet, secluded bay on or near the island. The swim time here is about 1 hour, and it’s weather dependent.

A key detail: you will not be disembarking in Gozo as a planned event. That means you’ll be using the boat as your base for swimming, relaxing, and taking photos from the water.

This stop is often where the day feels most peaceful, because it’s usually less hectic than the Blue Lagoon. If you like a calmer vibe, this is your moment.

If you have sea sickness, take note: the tour isn’t recommended for people prone to it. Some rides can feel a bit bumpy depending on weather and water conditions, and you’ll be out on open water more than you might like.

Lunch, Snacks, and Drinks on Board: The Real Comfort

This is a food-and-drink day, but in a practical way. You’ll have:

• Morning snack
• Buffet lunch
• Afternoon snack
• Unlimited wine, beer, mineral water, and soft drinks throughout the cruise

Liquors and spirits are not included, and the minimum drinking age for alcohol is 17.

What makes this valuable is the pacing. You don’t have to hunt for lunch after your swim. You don’t have to ration water. You can just keep enjoying the day.

There are also hints from the onboard vibe: the cruise includes music, and it’s often described as not overly loud, which helps if you want conversation without yelling across the deck. Also, the captain and crew tend to set the tone, from friendly humor to checking on passengers during choppier moments.

One realistic drawback shows up in reviews: crowding can limit seating and shaded areas. If you’re heat-sensitive, get onboard early and claim your spot before the deck fills up.

How Crowd Levels Affect Your Day (And What You Can Do)

This tour is capped at 180 travelers, which is “big group but not massive stadium” territory. Still, the Blue Lagoon is small by comparison, and everyone is there to swim.

What that means for you:

• You’ll likely want to move quickly to get comfortable in the water during your Blue Lagoon window.
• You may not get prime shade spots on the deck, especially if you arrive late.
• The boat can feel busy, and if you’re sensitive to chaos, you might want to focus on swimming and then stepping back when you need air.

If alcohol isn’t your style, the “booze cruise” comment you’ll sometimes see online is a clue to look at your expectations. The drinks are unlimited for included categories, so the vibe can skew social and party-leaning for some passengers. You can still enjoy it quietly, but you’ll be sailing in a group context.

Transfers: Helpful, But Confirm the Specifics

Transfers are included from selected hotels or meeting points. If your hotel is walking distance from Sliema Ferries, you make your own way to the departure point.

Because pickup and return timing depends on where you’re staying, confirm your exact pickup and drop-off details. A few people reported issues with return transfers, so it’s smart to double-check your drop-off point before the day ends, especially if you are not returning directly to your hotel.

Who This Cruise Is Best For

This tour fits best if you want:

• A simple Malta day built around swimming and relaxation
• Included meals and drinks that let you avoid logistics stress
• A social group atmosphere with shared experiences

It’s less ideal if:

• You get seasick easily
• You need mobility-friendly access (it’s not recommended for travelers with mobility impairments)
• You hate crowds and would rather spend time somewhere quieter with fewer people
• You are unsure about the Blue Lagoon access pass and might delay that step

Should You Book This Turkish Gullet Cruise?

I’d book it if your priority is a classic Malta water day with included food, unlimited drinks, and built-in swim time at the top sights: Comino’s Blue Lagoon and a Gozo swim bay. The price makes sense because you’re not paying separately for a full meal plan plus boat-based transport time.

I’d think twice if you can’t handle the Blue Lagoon access pass requirement. That’s the one deal-breaker issue in the details. If you’re organized enough to secure your blcomino.com pass in advance, you’re in good shape.

Finally, if you do book: come early to board, pick your deck spot with shade in mind, and plan to swim fast at Blue Lagoon during your window. With those small moves, this cruise turns into exactly what you want from Malta, sun, water, and a day that runs on rails.

FAQ

Do I need an access pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, you must obtain an official government access pass in advance to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. Passes are available at blcomino.com, and you must book the morning timeslot.

What is included in the price?

The cruise includes pickup and drop-off transfers from selected hotels/meeting points, the Turkish gullet sightseeing cruise, two swim stops, unlimited wine, beer, mineral water, and soft drinks, a morning snack, buffet lunch, and an afternoon snack.

What drinks are included, and what is not?

Wine, beer, mineral water, and soft drinks are included. Liquors and spirits are not included.

Is lunch provided?

Yes. You’ll have a buffet lunch on board.

Where does the cruise depart?

If you make your own way, the departure is from Sliema Ferries at 66, Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema. The boat is a Turkish gullet named The Fernandes.

What time does the cruise start?

The cruise departs at 10:00 am. If you have transfers, your pickup time will be earlier, typically between 8:15 am and 9:30 am, and you should confirm it with the operator.

Are there optional extra excursions?

Yes. There is an optional motorboat trip related to Comino Caves and the Crystal Lagoon for €15 per person, and the fee may change. It is not included.

Is the tour suitable if I get seasick or need mobility assistance?

It’s not recommended for travelers who are prone to sea sickness, and it’s also not recommended for travelers with mobility impairments.