Blue Lagoon is the star here. This 7.5-hour Turkish gullet day cruise from Sliema (on the boat The Fernandes) is built around two classic swims, plus a steady flow of food and drinks to keep the day easy. You sail past northern Malta cliffs and coves, then spend the time you paid for in the water.

I especially like the unlimited drinks and the way the onboard schedule supports a full day at sea. You get a hot-and-cold buffet lunch, plus morning and afternoon snacks, so you’re not guessing about meals while you’re off swimming.

One possible drawback to plan for: the boat can feel crowded, and if the sea gets rough, seasickness can become a real issue. This cruise also has limited comfort options on deck, so it may not suit everyone’s idea of relaxing.

Key Points That Actually Matter

• Two swimming stops: Comino’s Blue Lagoon and a secluded Gozo bay, with time to sunbathe between swims.
• Food is included in multiple parts: morning snack, buffet lunch, fruit/afternoon snack, not just one meal.
• Drinks are truly all day (soft drinks too): beer, wine, mineral water, and soft drinks are unlimited; spirits are not.
• Blue Lagoon requires an access pass (government rule from May 2025), and daily slots are limited.
• Deck space can be the bottleneck: bring patience for sun-lounge competition on busy days.
• Music keeps the vibe going: expect a lively onboard atmosphere rather than quiet sightseeing.

Sliema Departure: Finding The Fernandes and Getting Onboard Smoothly

Your day starts at Sliema Ferries on Triq Ix-Xatt, on the promenade side of the road. The boat you’re looking for is The Fernandes, a traditional-style wooden Turkish gullet that matches the rest of Malta’s “sea day” energy.

If you’re using hotel pickup, it’s optional and timed separately from the cruise departure. The cruise departs at 10:00 AM, but your pickup window can land anytime between 8:15 AM and 9:30 AM depending on where you’re staying, so it’s worth contacting the operator a few days ahead to confirm your exact pickup point and time.

If you’re already close to Sliema Ferries, don’t count on pickup. The description makes it clear that people within walking distance usually go on their own. Arrive about 30 minutes early so boarding doesn’t feel rushed, especially if the meeting spot is busy.

Sailing Past Malta’s Coasts: Why the Boat Ride Is More Than Transport

This isn’t a fast ferry hop with one photo stop. The Turkish gullet cruise is the point, and that matters because the route is designed for slow viewing from the water. As you move along the northern coastline, you’ll pass rugged cliffs, coves, and inlets that look great from deck, especially when the light is shifting.

The onboard rhythm is simple: sail, relax, then swim when it’s time. That’s a good fit if you want your Malta day to feel like a real break from walking around cities and heat.

One heads-up: the exact order of stops can change due to weather or operational constraints. You’re paying for the core experience (Comino + Gozo + lunch/drinks), but don’t expect a perfectly scripted sequence on every single day.

Comino’s Blue Lagoon: The Access Pass Rule You Must Plan For

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the big draw, and it lives up to the hype in the practical way that counts: the water is clear and inviting, with a shallow, sandy seabed you can see from above. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to swim, then stay put and let the scenery and sun do their job.

Here’s the important modern catch. As of May 2025, you need a government-issued Blue Lagoon access pass to step ashore. The pass must be requested online in advance through blcomino.com, and daily allocations are limited. For this cruise, the guidance is to select the morning slot when applying.

So what does that mean for your day? If you don’t get the pass, you may not be able to go ashore when everyone else does. You can still plan around the water time itself, but don’t assume you’ll automatically have full island access without the paperwork.

Also, Comino can be crowded, especially during peak season. Even so, having a dedicated time slot makes the experience feel structured rather than chaotic.

Your First Swim Stop: What to Do Once You’re in the Water

When the boat anchors at Blue Lagoon, you’re not just doing a quick dip. You get a proper chance to swim and relax, and you’ll have deck time before and after so the schedule feels balanced.

This is where packing decisions pay off. You’ll want swimwear and a towel, and sunscreen is non-negotiable. If you’ve ever underestimated Maltese sun intensity on a boat deck, you already know how fast it adds up.

One useful tip: if you plan to snorkel, don’t rely on whatever you can rent on the spot. Some people found snorkels offered on board weren’t great and were cash-only. If you want a reliable setup, consider bringing your own from Sliema before you step aboard.

Gozo’s Secluded Bay: The Calm Break After Comino

After Comino, the cruise heads toward Gozo and drops anchor in a peaceful, secluded bay near the island. This stop is your chance to trade the most famous postcard water for a calmer-feeling swim.

If you’re the type who hates feeling rushed, Gozo is often the relief stop. The water here still looks stunning, but the vibe tends to feel less like an attraction line and more like a quiet swim.

Based on the way the day plays out, you’ll typically get a longer swim at one stop and a shorter swim at the other. Even when timing varies, the overall idea stays the same: two different swim settings so you don’t feel like you’re repeating the same beach twice.

And yes, you can just hang out on deck with a drink while you’re waiting for the boat to move again.

Food and Drinks on Board: Buffet Lunch That Feels Like a Meal Plan

If you’re asking whether this cruise is good value, the answer is mostly in the food. You get a hot-and-cold buffet lunch served on board, plus a morning snack and an afternoon snack.

The buffet is built to keep you fueled for swimming: people report there’s enough food to satisfy a day at sea, with options like chicken, fish, and salads. There’s also fruit later in the day on the return sail, so you don’t feel like you’re stuck on only one “lunch moment.”

Drinks are a major part of the pricing too. Unlimited beer, wine, mineral water, and soft drinks are included. That’s a practical perk: it takes decision fatigue off the menu, and it makes the onboard time feel like a complete experience rather than a sightseeing-only boat day.

What’s not included: liquors and spirits. So if your idea of a “vacation drink” is hard liquor, you’ll need to budget extra.

Also, the day is not all “perfect timing.” One practical note from real-world experience is that rough seas can affect how comfortably people move around the boat, which can make food timing feel different day to day. If you’re sensitive, you may want to take it slow at the anchor stops.

Turkish Gullet Comfort: Sun Spots, Seating, and Music Levels

The boat itself is part of the charm. A wooden Turkish gullet gives you that classic Maltese sea-day look, and it’s the right kind of platform for hanging out, taking photos, and soaking up sun.

But let’s talk comfort honestly. The deck can become a bit of a competition, especially on sunny days. Some people reported limited comfortable seating, with others ending up sitting on mats or less cushioned areas. If you’re older or you like having a guaranteed seat, arrive early and be strategic about where you settle.

On top of that, this is not sold as a quiet mindfulness cruise. Music is part of the vibe, and it can be lively. If you enjoy a fun atmosphere, that’s a plus. If you want silence and slow conversation, you might feel a little “party energy” from time to time.

Optional Motorboat Trip to Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon

There’s an add-on possibility: an optional motorboat trip to the Comino caves and the Crystal Lagoon. It’s not included in the main price, and it’s booked and paid on location.

If you like caves, it’s the kind of choice that can add variety beyond the swimming-only plan. If you prefer to stay focused on swimming and relaxing, you can skip it and keep the day simple.

Price and Value: Why $84 Can Make Sense Here

At around $84 per person for a 7.5-hour day, this cruise earns its price in a few concrete ways:

• You’re paying for a full day of sea time with two swim stops, not just one.
• You’re also getting lunch plus snacks, which often costs real money if you’re doing this independently.
• Drinks are included in a meaningful way: unlimited beer, wine, mineral water, and soft drinks.

That combination is what makes the cruise feel like a “done for you” day. You’re not hunting for meals between stops, and you’re not worrying about buying each drink one by one.

Where the value can drop slightly is when conditions aren’t ideal, like rough water or crowded decks. But even then, the structure and included food/drinks usually keep the day worthwhile.

Who Should Book This Cruise (and Who Might Want Another Plan)

This works well if you want a classic Malta sea day with minimal logistics:

• couples
• friends
• people who like swimming and don’t want to plan meals
• anyone who wants Blue Lagoon as the headline stop, without doing it independently

It may be a mismatch if:

• you’re prone to seasickness (this one is explicitly not suitable for that)
• you need guaranteed comfortable seating for the whole day
• you’re bringing any oversize luggage or a mobility scooter (those aren’t allowed)

There’s also a bit of a contradiction worth noting: it’s stated as wheelchair accessible, yet it’s also described as not suitable for people with mobility impairments. If mobility is a factor for you, confirm with the operator before you book, and ask how you’ll manage deck movement and swim steps.

Should You Book This Sliema to Gozo and Comino Blue Lagoon Cruise?

I’d book it if your ideal Malta day looks like this: get on a Turkish gullet, swim twice in famous water, eat well onboard, and not think too hard about drinks or meals. The included food and all-day drinks are the main reasons it feels like solid value.

But if you’re the type who hates crowds or you’re sensitive to boat motion, do your homework first. Make sure you secure the Blue Lagoon access pass in advance, plan for deck space on busy days, and be realistic about comfort if the sea gets rough.

If you nail those parts, this cruise is a straightforward, fun way to experience Malta’s most famous blue waters and a calmer Gozo stop in one day.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The experience runs for about 7.5 hours.

What time does the cruise depart from Sliema?

The departure time is 10:00 AM. Pickup (if offered for your location) happens earlier.

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at Sliema Ferries, Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema, on the promenade side of the road. The boat is the Turkish gulet called The Fernandes.

How many swim stops are included?

There are 2 swim stops: one at the Blue Lagoon on Comino and another at a secluded bay near Gozo.

Is lunch included, and are drinks included?

Yes. You get a buffet lunch, plus morning and afternoon snacks. Drinks are included all day with unlimited beer, wine, mineral water, and soft drinks (liquors and spirits are not included).

Do I need a Blue Lagoon access pass?

Yes. From May 2025, you must obtain a government-issued access pass in advance to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. The pass is requested online at blcomino.com, and you should choose the morning slot for this cruise.

How does hotel pickup work?

Pickup is optional at selected hotels/meeting points. Your pickup time can fall between 8:15 AM and 9:30 AM, but the cruise departs at 10:00 AM. You should contact the tour operator a few days before to confirm your exact pickup location and time. Guests within walking distance of Sliema Ferries typically make their own way to the boat.

Is there an optional extra trip to the caves?

Yes. There’s an optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and the Crystal Lagoon. It’s not included and is booked and paid on location.

Is this cruise suitable if I get seasick or have mobility needs?

The cruise is not suitable for people prone to seasickness. It is described as wheelchair accessible, but it’s also listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and mobility scooters are not allowed. If that applies to you, confirm details with the operator before booking.