Blue Lagoon is even better with a plan. This day trip is built around included transport and a true all-in lunch-and-drinks setup while you hop between Comino and Gozo. The main catch is the boat can feel crowded at peak times, so you’ll want to think about where you sit early on.

I especially like how the schedule gives you real water time at both the Gozo anchorage and the Blue Lagoon, not just a quick photo stop. And the fact that the open bar runs right alongside snacks, hot-and-cold buffet lunch, and a fruit snack makes this one of the easier-value cruise days in Malta. One possible drawback: seating and shade can be limited, and rougher water days can make the ride around the islands less comfortable.

The good news is the vibe is friendly and relaxed. You’re on a Turkish gulet schooner, not a giant cattle-boat, and the captain and crew keep things moving while you focus on swimming, sunning, and simple coastal views.

Key things you’ll notice on this Fernandes cruise

• Pickup from many Malta points: you’re collected between 08:00 and 09:30, depending on where you are.
• Restroom on board: a small detail that makes a long sail much easier.
• Two 90-minute swim anchors: one in Gozo, one at the Blue Lagoon in Comino.
• All-inclusive food-and-drinks flow: morning snack, buffet lunch, and fruit snack plus unlimited beer, wine, water, and soft drinks.
• Return timing is firm (17:30): helpful for planning, but important for cruise-ship travelers.

A Turkish gulet day in Sliema: what you’re really buying

This is a classic Malta-on-the-water day: you leave from Sliema, spend time anchored off Gozo and Comino, and come back the same day. The price looks straightforward at $90.22 per person, but the value is in what you do not have to organize—pickup, meals, and an all-day drinks setup.

You’re on a Fernandes Turkish gulet schooner, and the pacing is built for relaxing. Between swim stops, you cruise along the coast with panoramic cliff views and scattered coves. That matters because the best part of these islands is not a checklist; it’s time in clear water with the option to do nothing at all for stretches.

The boat has a restroom, which sounds basic until you’re stuck on the sea for hours. Also, the tour caps at 180 people, so it’s not marketed as a private boat—still, it tends to feel less frantic than the biggest departures.

Pickup and the 09:40 detail: don’t lose time to the small print

Your day starts with pickup, and the operator confirms your exact pickup time and point after you book. Pickup runs from 08:00 to 09:30, depending on where you’re staying on Malta. The big practical win here is that you don’t have to figure out bus routes or docking points on your own.

Where it gets tricky is for people staying very near the Fernandes mooring on The Strand. If you’re in a hotel on that seafront within a couple minutes’ walk, you may need to go directly to the boat area by 09:40 instead of waiting for land transport. The mooring reference point is 59 The Strand, Sliema, opposite the Sliema Hotel by ST Hotels.

If you’re not staying nearby, confirm your accommodation name and exact address so they can lock in the nearest pickup location. This matters because the tour leaves from the Sliema quay on schedule.

Sliema to Comino and Gozo: the cruise portion (and how to enjoy it)

The boat departs at 10:00 sharp from the Sliema quay. That’s not a suggestion—plan to be ready early, because you’re not just strolling into the harbor. Once underway, you cruise north-westwards toward Comino and Gozo, passing cliff views, coves, and inlets along the way.

You get a morning snack during the sail. It’s not meant to replace lunch, but it’s enough to keep you comfortable while you’re settling in, grabbing water, and spotting the best side of the boat for sun and shade.

A tip from real-world comfort logic: if you know you dislike heat, try to get yourself a spot where you can move with the sun. A lot of the seating is limited, and on bright days the deck can turn into a hot spot quickly.

And if you’re prone to seasickness, build in extra caution. This is a day on open water, so a rougher sea can mean more rocking than you’d expect from a short hop.

Gozo anchorage: 90 minutes to swim and reset

The first major stop is Gozo, where the boat drops anchor in a secluded bay for about 90 minutes. This is a sweet spot in the itinerary because it’s not the most famous beach in Malta—it’s calmer and more about swimming and drifting in the water than about walking around.

You can swim, sunbathe, or relax on board and wait for your next change of scenery. This stop also helps you handle the day’s rhythm: you’re not going from transportation stress straight into the busiest part of Comino. Gozo lets you ease into the water time.

One consideration: the bay is secluded, but the boat can still sway, and that’s when people who get motion-sensitive start feeling it. If you need steadier conditions, aim for a center-ish area of the boat and keep your gaze on the horizon.

Blue Lagoon, Comino: where the schedule meets the reality of crowds

Next comes Comino and the Blue Lagoon, also about 90 minutes. This is the stop that people picture when they book. The water is clear, and the swimming options feel like the main event of the entire day.

Lunch happens here too. A hot-and-cold buffet is freshly prepared, cooked, and served on board, plus you’ll find an open bar with unlimited beer, wine, water, and soft drinks. In practice, it’s the easiest way to make a long day feel complete without having to leave the boat or pay for separate meals.

Now for the honest part: the Blue Lagoon is popular. Expect it to feel busy, especially in summer. The most reliable way to enjoy it is to treat the stop like a swim window, not a beach party. If you want a spot to spread out, I’d plan to claim your deck position early and be ready to move around during the anchorage.

A detail worth planning around if drinks matter to you: while the tour includes unlimited soft drinks, some people found the options are mostly sugary. If you strongly prefer diet drinks, bring your own preference if that’s your thing, or plan to drink water in between.

If you want extra activity, there’s also the option to buy Comino caves boat trip tickets on board during June to September. That’s not part of the core itinerary, but it’s there if you want a little more variety.

Timing back to Sliema at 17:30: the day ends earlier than you think

You cruise back after the Blue Lagoon stop, with a fresh fruit snack served in the afternoon. Then you dock at 17:30 back at the Sliema quay.

After docking, land transport takes you back to your Malta accommodation or nearest pickup point. If you’re staying very close to the mooring on The Strand, you may be instructed to make your own way back after returning.

The key takeaway is that 17:30 is when the tour returns to the quay. If you’re on a cruise ship or you have a tight evening plan, treat that time as the start of your buffer, not the end of it. You’ll still need time to disembark and get transported.

Value check: why this $90.22 feels fair

On paper, $90.22 is a normal mid-range price for a full day. What makes it feel like good value is the package: pickup and return transport, multiple snacks, a hot-and-cold buffet lunch, unlimited beer/wine/water/soft drinks, and a restroom on board.

A lot of Malta day trips sell themselves as boat time and “maybe” food. This one delivers a steady rhythm of included eating and drinking so you’re not spending money at every step. You also get two separate anchor swims—Comino Blue Lagoon plus a Gozo stop—so you’re not trapped in one single location for the whole day.

One more value point: the boat is smaller-feeling than the mega-departures, which can make the atmosphere calmer. It’s still not a private charter, but it’s built for hanging out, chatting, and swimming without an overly formal vibe.

Who should book this, and who should skip it

This is a great fit if you want an easy Malta day that prioritizes water time. You’ll probably like it if:

• you’re happy with a boat-based itinerary with limited land walking
• you want included meals and unlimited drinks
• you like anchoring and swimming with plenty of time in the water

It may be a weaker fit if:

• you need lots of shaded seating and find heat hard to tolerate
• you strongly dislike crowded deck conditions
• you get motion-sensitive in rough water and don’t like the boat rocking

If you’re traveling as a family, it’s one of the simpler options because food and drinks are handled and you’re not constantly figuring out where to eat. If you’re an early-morning planner, remember pickups start between 08:00 and 09:30 and the boat leaves at 10:00 sharp.

What the crew does well (and what to watch for)

The experience tends to feel welcoming. The captain and staff keep the day running smoothly, and I’ve seen mention of extra kindness when situations shift—like passengers who could not get into the sea but still wanted to participate.

Music and narration also show up as part of the day. One named highlight you might hear on board is Captain David, who has been described as a fun presence. That kind of onboard energy matters on a long day because it keeps downtime from dragging.

Still, watch the practical comfort side. Seating can be tight, and deck space is first-come, first-served. If you want a sun bed or a padded spot, earlier is better. And if you’re sensitive to smoke, keep in mind you’re on a boat where people may smoke at various times; being near the more ventilated areas can help you manage that.

Should you book Fernandes to Blue Lagoon and Gozo?

Yes—if your idea of the perfect Malta day is swimming first, eating easily, and not managing transport or meals on your own. The included pickup, restroom, and lunch-and-drinks setup make this one of the most practical ways to do Comino and Gozo in a single day.

Skip or rethink if you know you hate crowds, need guaranteed seating and shade, or get seasick. Also think twice if you have a strict cruise schedule in the evening. Since the tour docks back at 17:30, you’ll want a comfortable plan for the final steps.

If you do book, I’d go in with a simple strategy: claim your spot early, treat the Blue Lagoon as a swim window, and pack for sun and motion. You’ll leave with the water time that made people book this in the first place—and a day that stays mostly effortless.

FAQ

How long is the Fernandes cruise?

It runs for about 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

Where does the tour start and end?

The start is WG53+82, Sliema, Malta, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is pickup from my accommodation included?

Yes. Transport from and to your Malta accommodation or closest pick up point is included, with pickup time confirmed after booking (between 08:00 and 09:30).

What stops are included in the itinerary?

You’ll anchor in a secluded bay in Gozo (about 90 minutes) and at Blue Lagoon in Comino (about 90 minutes), with time cruising between stops.

What food and drinks are included?

You get a morning snack, a hot and cold buffet lunch, and an afternoon fresh fruit snack. The boat also has an open bar with unlimited beer, wine, water, and soft drinks.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes, there is a restroom on board.

What time does the cruise return to Sliema?

The boat returns and docks at 17:30.

Are Comino caves boat trip tickets included?

No. Comino caves boat trip tickets are available for purchase on board during June to September.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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