Your day on Malta waters starts easy. This is a Turkish gullet cruise that pairs a couple of famous Comino swim stops with time off the coast of Gozo, plus lunch and drinks so you don’t need to think too hard. You sail from Sliema, drift along cliffs and coves, then spend the middle of the day in postcard-style water.

I especially like the stress-free pickup and drop-off from selected hotels or meeting points. It also feels good that your main costs are handled up front: buffet lunch, snacks, and unlimited wine/beer/soft drinks for the whole cruise duration.

One thing to consider: getting into the Blue Lagoon now requires a government access pass. If you skip that step, you won’t be able to disembark there, and the trip doesn’t promise a refund for that situation.

Key points you’ll care about

• Hotel-area transfers reduce hassle: If your stop is included, you save time and avoid finding the boat on your own.
• Blue Lagoon access pass is mandatory: Buy it in advance for the right (morning) timeslot.
• Swims are real, not photo stops: You’ll have proper water time, with an optional speedboat add-on if you want more.
• Food and drinks are built in: Unlimited wine, beer, mineral water, and soft drinks, plus snacks and buffet lunch.
• The boat can feel full: Shade and seating may run tight, so plan to grab good spots early.

Sliema to Comino on a Turkish gullet: the easy start that matters

Sliema is where you begin, and the whole tone of this trip is built around simple logistics. The departure point ties to Captain Morgan – I See Malta Cruises at the St Luke’s Garrison Chapel area in Sliema, and the cruise itself leaves on a traditional Turkish wooden sailing vessel (the info you’re given notes a specific boat name if you’re making your own way).

If you choose the option with transfers, the big win is timing. The departure time is posted as 10:00 am, but your pickup can be earlier, roughly between 8:15 and 9:30 am depending on where you’re staying. That’s why it’s smart to contact the operator a few days ahead to confirm your exact hotel pickup window.

I like this style of cruise because you get on the water fast and spend the day doing the main thing: looking, swimming, and eating/drinking on board. There’s no “run across town” feeling, which is rare on day trips.

A note if you’re walking to Sliema Ferries

If your accommodation is within walking distance of Sliema Ferries (the departure area), you’re expected to get yourself there and arrive 20–30 minutes before the scheduled departure. The cruise staff can’t wait indefinitely for people who assume a transfer will cover them.

Blue Lagoon on Comino: the famous swim stop and the pass rule

Blue Lagoon is why a lot of people book this cruise. It’s known for clear turquoise water and that “turn your phone into a postcard” look. The schedule includes about 2 hours for the Blue Lagoon time, so you’re not just stepping off for a quick photo.

The important part now is government access. After a Malta directive effective May 2025, you need an official access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. Passes are acquired through blcomino.com, and you’re instructed to book the morning timeslot. The daily number of passes is limited, and without the pass you won’t be allowed to get ashore at Blue Lagoon.

This matters because the cruise also states there’s no refund if you can’t disembark due to not having the required pass. So if you’re planning this as your one big swim moment, do the boring paperwork first. It’s the difference between a relaxed day and a lot of staring at water you can’t fully use.

Crowds are part of the Blue Lagoon package

The Blue Lagoon is popular, and the boat day is designed around a busy day. A common complaint in the feedback is that the boat can feel crowded, and getting shade may be a scramble. My practical advice: if you care about sun vs. shade, get on the boat early at the start of the day and stake your spot.

Crystal Lagoon and Comino Caves: what the optional €15 speedboat actually buys

After the main Blue Lagoon time, there’s an optional add-on for people who want more Comino scenery beyond the standard swim stops. The motorboat trip to Comino Caves and the Crystal Lagoon is €15 per person, and the fee can change.

This is not included, and it’s listed clearly as optional, so you control whether you spend the extra money. If your goal is mostly swimming and relaxing, you might skip it. If you want a closer look at caves and that Crystal Lagoon area, the add-on can be worth considering—especially if you know you’ll wish you did more on Comino.

One caution: add-ons can be tempting, but they also take time and energy. This cruise already runs about 7.5 hours, and the day only works when you pace yourself. If you’re easily stressed by schedules, consider keeping it simple.

The quiet Gozo bay swim: why it’s different from the Blue Lagoon

This cruise doesn’t try to turn Gozo into a land tour. Instead, after lunch, it anchors in a secluded bay (or near the island), with about 1 hour of swim time. The info also makes clear that you won’t disembark in Gozo—it’s a boat-and-water stop.

The practical value is that you get a break from the most crowded swimming areas, even if conditions affect exactly where the boat anchors. The swim stop is noted as weather permitting, and it can be in open waters near Gozo.

I like this part of the trip because it feels more like what you came for: clean water time, no bus, no walking tour, and a chance to just float and chill. If your feet would rather not do more steps, this is the right kind of stop.

Food, snacks, and the onboard drinks: the real comfort feature

Let’s talk about the stuff that makes the day feel effortless: food and drinks. You get a morning snack, a buffet lunch, plus an afternoon snack. Drinks are unlimited wine, beer, mineral water, and soft drinks throughout the cruise duration.

Liquors and spirits are not included, and there’s a 17+ drinking age rule for alcoholic beverages. That’s normal, but it’s still worth knowing so you don’t get surprised.

What the lunch experience feels like

A buffet lunch on a boat has its quirks, but the feedback I saw consistently praises that lunch and snacks are actually satisfying, not a token bite. The best mindset is to treat lunch as part of the cruise rhythm: eat, drink something cold, then plan your next swim.

Also, remember shade. Several comments call out that shaded seating can be limited. If you want to stay comfortable for the second half of the day, bring a towel and keep an eye out for cooler spots early.

The cruise mood: crew help, music level, and rougher-water reality

This trip is not sold as a guided history tour with a lecturer. A tour guide isn’t included, so the “storytelling” you get may come from the captain and crew as you sail.

The vibe in the feedback is mostly positive: staff are described as friendly, professional, and quick to help when people feel rough from the ride. Still, the trip is explicitly not recommended for travelers prone to sea sickness.

My advice is simple: if you’re the type who turns green on ferries, don’t test your luck. If you do go, bring motion comfort basics you trust (even if it’s just ginger, a patch, or whatever works for you). Salt air and open water can make things feel choppier than you expect.

There’s also a clear group-size ceiling: the cruise has a maximum of 180 travelers. That helps explain why crowding and seating become the main pain point for some people, especially if you show up late for the best deck space.

Price and value: does $90 cover a real day out?

At $90.02 per person, you’re paying for more than a boat ride. Your price includes:

• sightseeing cruise on a Turkish gullet
• two swim stops
• unlimited wine/beer/mineral water/soft drinks
• morning and afternoon snacks
• buffet lunch
• pickup/drop-off transfers from selected hotels or meeting points

Not included are things that can affect total cost:

• the government Blue Lagoon access pass (required)
• the optional €15 speedboat trip to Comino Caves/Crystal Lagoon
• liquors and spirits
• tips (optional)

Who this price is best for

This is good value if you want one of those “I don’t want to figure anything out” days. Unlimited drinks and included meals mean you’re not paying again and again once you’re on the water.

It’s less perfect if you mainly care about land sightseeing in Gozo, or if you’re trying to minimize spending and you’ll likely skip the optional speedboat. In that case, the base price still covers a lot, but you might wish for more included options rather than an all-or-nothing day.

Transfers and meeting point: how to avoid the most common headaches

Your start is listed at the Captain Morgan – I See Malta Cruises meeting area near St Luke’s Garrison Chapel in Sliema. If you’re using transfers, remember: the departure time is 10:00 am, while pickup happens earlier.

If you’re making your own way, the departure point is Sliema Ferries (66 Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema), and you look for the Turkish Gullet named The Fernandes.

The practical move is to confirm both:

• your pickup location
• your pickup time

Do this at least a few days before. One of the main frustrations in the feedback isn’t about the cruise itself—it’s about not getting the expected transfer at the end of the day. You can’t control everything, but you can reduce confusion by reconfirming where you’ll be dropped off and how to identify your return transport.

Who should book this Turkish gullet cruise?

Book this cruise if you want:

• a straightforward Comino + Gozo water day without extra planning
• included food and lots of drinks
• real swim time, including a Blue Lagoon stop
• a relaxed pace: cruise, swim, eat, repeat

Skip it if:

• you’re prone to sea sickness
• you want a lot of on-land touring in Gozo (this is a boat swim stop, not a land visit)
• you don’t want to handle the Blue Lagoon access pass rule in advance
• mobility limitations might make boat conditions tough (it’s not recommended for mobility impairments)

If you’re traveling with friends or as a couple, this also tends to be a social day at sea, especially with a shared swim schedule and common deck time.

Should you book this cruise or pick something else?

I’d book it if your goal is a single, satisfying day on Malta’s water with minimal effort. The big pros are included lunch/snacks, unlimited beer/wine/soft drinks, and the fact that you get both a Blue Lagoon moment and a quieter Gozo-area swim time.

I’d pause if you’re either sea-sickness sensitive or you’re the type who forgets “small admin steps.” The Blue Lagoon access pass is the one place where planning ahead really protects your day. If you handle that pass and you’re okay with potential crowding on the boat, this is one of those trips that feels worth the money fast.

If you want, tell me your travel month and where you’re staying (Sliema, Valletta, etc.). I can help you plan the pass timing and what to prioritize on deck.

FAQ

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. A Malta government rule requires an official access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. You’re directed to get it through blcomino.com and to book the morning timeslot.

What’s included in the price besides the cruise?

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

Are drinks unlimited?

Yes for wine, beer, mineral water, and soft drinks for the duration of the cruise. Liquors and spirits are not included.

Is a tour guide included?

No. A tour guide is not included with this experience.

How much time do we get at Blue Lagoon and Gozo?

Blue Lagoon on Comino has about 2 hours. The Gozo stop is about 1 hour for a swim stop in or near the island’s waters, and you do not disembark in Gozo.

Is the Crystal Lagoon or Comino Caves trip included?

No. There’s an optional motorboat trip to Comino Caves and the Crystal Lagoon for €15 per person.

What if my hotel is near Sliema Ferries?

If you’re within walking distance of Sliema Ferries, you make your own way to the boat. You should arrive 20–30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Where does the cruise depart, and what boat should I look for?

The departure is from Sliema Ferries. If you’re making your own way, look for the Turkish gullet named The Fernandes.

Is this trip recommended if I get sea sick?

No. It’s not recommended for travelers who are prone to sea sickness, and it’s also not recommended for travelers with mobility impairments.

You Might Also Enjoy

2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus + Harbour Cruise Pass3 Cities TourWorkshop: Maltese Souvenir Tile Design ExperiencePopeye Village fun park General Admission Ticket