Blue Lagoon day without the stress. This Turkish gullet cruise from Sliema to Comino and Gozo is built for an easy day at sea: I love the hotel/meeting-point pick-up and drop-off and the unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, plus buffet lunch and snacks. The one thing to flag is that it’s not recommended if you’re prone to sea sickness.

I also like that the day feels simple. You’ll get sailing time, two swim breaks, and a relaxed onboard vibe that’s more about hanging out and cooling off than rushing from stop to stop. Just remember there’s a government rule now for the Blue Lagoon access pass, so you’ll want to plan that part early.

Key Points You’ll Feel on Day One

• Transfers that reduce hassle: pick-up and return drop-off from selected locations
• Unlimited drinks for the whole cruise: wine, beer, mineral water, and soft drinks included
• Two real swim breaks: Blue Lagoon on Comino plus a Gozo-area swim stop
• A Turkish wooden sailing vibe: the boat is a traditional-style gullet design
• Blue Lagoon access pass rule: required for disembarking since May 2025

Turkish Gullet Vibes: Sailing Out of Sliema Toward Comino

The trip starts with you getting to the boat without having to solve transportation. If you’re in the right pick-up zone, the operator arranges complimentary transfers from selected hotels/meeting points, then you return the same way at the end of the day. Even if you’re doing the walking option, the day is still straightforward: the departure point is Sliema Ferries, and you’re looking for the Turkish gullet named The Fernandes.

Once you’re aboard, the style of boat matters. A gullet cruise doesn’t feel like a big tour bus that’s stuck on a timetable. You’re moving along Malta’s northern coastline, passing dramatic cliffs and coves while you settle in, grab a drink, and let the day happen. The cruise is also capped at a maximum of 180 travelers, which helps keep it manageable even when it feels busy near the swim stops.

One more practical note: shade and seating can be at a premium on a full boat. If you want to do deck time comfortably, get on early and claim your spot.

Blue Lagoon on Comino: Two Hours, Real Swims, and a New Pass Rule

The Blue Lagoon stop is the headline. You get about two hours at Comino’s Blue Lagoon, with time to swim, float, and enjoy the famous turquoise water. This is the kind of place that’s worth the trip on its own. Even if crowds are your only complaint, you can still have a good swim day as long as you go in with the right expectations.

Now for the important change: since May 2025, Malta requires an official government access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. The pass is tied to limited daily allocation, and you need to book the morning timeslot when applying. If you don’t have the pass, you won’t be allowed to disembark at Blue Lagoon. Also, no refunds are issued if you’re unable to disembark because you didn’t get the pass. This is one of those details that can ruin your day fast if you ignore it.

What I’d do if I booked this: set a reminder soon after booking. Get your pass well ahead of time so you’re not chasing it when you’re already at the docks. It’s one extra step, but it protects the main payoff of the day.

Gozo Swim Stop: A Quiet Bay Feel Without the Gozo Walk

After your Comino swim, the cruise shifts gears toward Gozo. You’ll anchor in a quieter, secluded bay on (or near) Gozo, and the plan is another chance to get in the water and relax on deck. This part is about calm sea time, not a sightseeing march.

Here’s the key limitation: you won’t disembark in Gozo. The Gozo stop is a swim stop, and depending on conditions, the swim may be in open waters near the island of Gozo. If you like swimming and don’t mind stepping into the sea from the boat, you’ll likely enjoy this segment. If you were hoping to walk around and explore, you’ll feel a mismatch.

This is also where sea conditions matter. The tour isn’t recommended for travelers prone to sea sickness, and even people who handle boats fine can feel it more during open-water stretches. If you’re sensitive, bring what helps you (and consider skipping).

Crystal Lagoon Speedboat Add-On: When €15 Makes Sense

There’s an optional add-on tied to caves and the Crystal Lagoon. If you choose it, it’s an extra €15 per person, and it runs as a separate motorboat excursion. Duration is listed as about 30 minutes, and the price can change without notice.

Should you pay for it? If you’re the type who wants more than one swim and you’re curious about the Comino caves area, this can be a fun add-on. If you’re only in Malta for a single Comino day and you’re already happy with the Blue Lagoon stop, you might skip it and keep the time more relaxed on The Fernandes.

Either way, at least the main cruise value doesn’t require the add-on. The optional trip is there for people who want extra action, not because the core plan is missing something.

Food and Drinks That Actually Change the Value Math

This is where the cruise earns its money. You’re not just paying for movement and photos. You’re paying for an onboard food-and-drink setup that covers most of what you’d otherwise spend during a half-day tour.

Included meals and snacks are:

• Morning snack
• Buffet lunch
• Afternoon snack

Drinks included for the entire duration include unlimited wine, beer, mineral water, and soft drinks. Liquors and spirits are not included, so think “beer and wine party” rather than “full open bar.” Alcohol is available only to guests age 17 and up.

The buffet lunch format is practical. It gives you variety without turning your day into a restaurant reservation. You can eat, refill water or juice, then get back to the swims. And because drinks are unlimited, you don’t have to decide in advance whether you’ll spend extra money every time you want something cold.

One more real-world tip: seating and shade can be limited. If you know you’ll be in the sun for long stretches, pack a towel and plan to stay flexible. The day is long enough that comfort becomes part of the experience.

Transfers, Timing, and Finding the Right Boat at the Right Time

The schedule can look confusing at first because the time shown is the departure time, not your pick-up time. The cruise departs at 10:00 AM. If you booked transfers, your pick-up can fall anywhere between 8:15 AM and 9:30 AM, depending on where you’re staying. A few days before your date, contact the operator to confirm your exact pick-up location and pick-up time.

If you’re staying within walking distance of Sliema Ferries, you’re responsible for getting yourself to the boat. In that case, don’t stroll in last-minute. You should arrive 20–30 minutes before the scheduled departure and look for The Fernandes at Sliema Ferries (66, Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema).

At the end, the activity ends back at the meeting point. If you’re counting on the shuttle for the ride back, confirm your drop-off details the same way you confirmed pick-up. That avoids the kind of last-minute stress that nobody wants after a swim day.

Sea Conditions, Crowds, and Comfort: Your Day’s Real Variables

Even with a great plan, three variables can change how you feel on the water:

1. Weather: this cruise requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.
2. Sea state: it’s not recommended for sea sickness-prone travelers. Some days can feel rough enough that you’ll wish you’d planned for motion.
3. Crowds at swim points: Blue Lagoon is popular. You’ll see plenty of people, and space can be tight. The flip side is that the views and swimming are still worth it if you’re okay with a busy place.

My advice: pack for comfort. Bring a towel, and if you’re sensitive to motion, consider what helps you on boats (even something simple like timing your meals and staying near the center of the boat can matter).

Who Should Book This Turkish Gullet Cruise

This cruise fits best if you want a relaxing sea day with swims, not a land-heavy tour.

You’ll probably enjoy it if:

• You like water time more than museum time
• You want lunch and drinks included so you don’t track expenses all day
• You’re okay with a group setting and sharing space at popular swim stops
• You want an easy, guided day with transfers available from selected hotels

I’d skip it if:

• You’re prone to sea sickness
• You have mobility concerns (this trip is not recommended for travelers with mobility impairments)
• You expected to walk around Gozo like a typical guided day trip

It’s also a good “meet people” kind of outing. The group format means you’ll likely share deck time with other like-minded visitors, and it stays social without turning into a chaotic party.

Should You Book This Day Trip? My Take

If you want a classic Malta sea day, this Turkish gullet cruise is a strong value. The math works because the price gets you not just the boat ride, but unlimited wine/beer/soft drinks, a buffet lunch, morning and afternoon snacks, plus two swim stops. For $90.02 per person, that’s the kind of bundle that usually costs more when you piece it together yourself.

Before you book, do three things:

• Get your Blue Lagoon access pass in advance so the main stop doesn’t become a frustration.
• Plan to be comfortable in a shared boat environment, especially if you care about shade.
• Be honest about sea sickness risk. If you’re not great on boats, choose a different Malta day.

Do that, and you’re set up for an easy, good-looking, swim-forward day—exactly the kind of trip that makes you remember Malta as a place you actually relaxed.

FAQ

Do I need a Blue Lagoon access pass to disembark?

Yes. Malta requires an official access pass for disembarking at the Blue Lagoon since May 2025. You should obtain it in advance via blcomino.com, and you will need to book the morning timeslot.

What’s included in the lunch and drinks?

You get a buffet lunch plus morning and afternoon snacks. Unlimited drinks for the duration are included: wine, beer, mineral water, and soft drinks. Liquors and spirits are not included.

Is the motorboat to the Comino caves and Crystal Lagoon included?

No. The speedboat add-on is optional and costs €15 per person. It is not included in the base price and the fee can change.

What time is pick-up versus departure?

Departure is 10:00 AM. If you booked transfers, pick-up can be any time between 8:15 AM and 9:30 AM depending on where you’re staying. Confirm your exact pick-up time with the operator a few days before.

Where do I go if I’m not on the transfer list?

If you’re within walking distance of Sliema Ferries, you’ll need to make your own way to the boat. Arrive 20–30 minutes early and look for the Turkish gullet named The Fernandes.

Is this trip canceled if the weather is bad?

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