Sliema: Gozo/Comino Blue Lagoon Gulet Cruise w/ Lunch+Drinks

The best part of this 7.5-hour Turkish gulet cruise is the mix of easygoing sailing, clear water, and a full day of food and drinks already covered. You’ll visit Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon, then stop at a quieter Gozo bay for another swim. I like the generous buffet lunch and the friendly crew, especially when Captain Brian is at the helm with stories and music.

I also like that you can spend the day in the open air without arranging several separate trips. The main drawback is simple: the Blue Lagoon can be crowded, and the boat’s wooden benches have limited padding and shade. Arrive early if you want a good spot.

Key points at a glance

• Blue Lagoon access now requires planning: From May 2025, you need a government access pass to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon.
• Two very different swim stops: Comino is famous and busy, while the Gozo stop is usually calmer and more private.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect morning and afternoon snacks, a hot and cold buffet, and unlimited beer, wine, water, and soft drinks.
• The boat matters: Fernandes is a traditional wooden Turkish gulet with a pleasant old-style feel, but seating and shade are limited.
• The €15 speedboat ride is optional: You can book a short motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon on site.
• Come early for the best place: The most desirable shaded and cushioned spots go quickly.

Setting out from Sliema on the Fernandes

The cruise leaves from Sliema Ferries, on the promenade side of Triq Ix-Xatt. Look for the traditional wooden gulet called The Fernandes, and arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled 10:00 AM departure.

The boat gives this outing more character than a standard sightseeing vessel. Its wooden design, open decks, music, and easy pace create a relaxed day-at-sea feeling. You are not simply being transported to Comino. Much of the experience is the sailing itself, with views of Malta’s northern shores, rocky cliffs, coves, and small inlets.

That said, this is not a quiet luxury yacht. The boat can feel full, particularly in summer, and seating is limited. Wooden benches have cushions, but some are thin. If you want shade, a padded place, or a good position for sunbathing, arrive earlier than the minimum 30 minutes. One particularly useful tip is to arrive close to an hour before departure if you want first choice of seating.

Hotel pickup is available from selected locations, but the 10:00 AM time shown for the cruise is not your pickup time. Pickup may happen between 8:15 and 9:30 AM, depending on where you stay. Contact the operator a few days ahead to confirm the exact meeting point and time.

The cruise along Malta’s northern shore

The first part of the day is a scenic sail toward Comino. This is a good chance to settle in, choose a place on deck, and take in Malta from the water. The views are the real attraction here: pale rock, steep coastal edges, small bays, and bright Mediterranean water.

The crew serves a morning snack, and drinks are available throughout the day. The included bar covers beer, wine, mineral water, and soft drinks. Liquors and spirits are not included, so do not expect a full cocktail service.

The atmosphere can change with the weather. On a calm day, the gulet feels gentle and social. When the wind picks up, the front of the boat can move quite a bit. If you are prone to seasickness, sit toward the middle or rear and avoid the bow. This is also why the activity is not a good match for anyone who finds long boat rides difficult.

Music is part of the mood. Some departures have a younger, livelier feel, with the captain acting as an entertaining DJ as well as a boat operator. Captain Brian has been singled out for sharing local details during the journey, so you may get more than a simple ride between swimming stops.

Comino’s Blue Lagoon: beautiful, busy, and worth seeing

The first major stop is the Blue Lagoon on Comino. The water is famously clear, with a pale sandy bottom and excellent conditions for swimming and watching fish. From the boat, the lagoon looks every bit as striking as its reputation suggests.

The catch is the crowd. The Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s best-known sights, and it is rarely a peaceful corner of the sea in high season. The beach area can be packed, and the shore may not deliver the calm island scene you have imagined.

You can still enjoy the stop without fighting for space on land. Swimming directly from the gulet lets you experience the clear water while avoiding some of the shore congestion. Pool noodles are available, which is helpful if you want to float rather than swim hard.

The cruise generally allows a substantial amount of time here, often around two hours, although the order and timing can change with weather or operating conditions. Some departures have left early when everyone was aboard, creating extra time at Comino, but you should not count on that.

The new Blue Lagoon access rule

Since May 2025, anyone who wants to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon must obtain a government-issued access pass in advance through blcomino.com. Daily numbers are limited.

For this cruise, choose the morning slot when applying. The pass is not included in the cruise price, and it is separate from the boat booking. You should arrange it before the day of the tour. If you plan only to swim from the boat and not go ashore, confirm how the rule applies to your plans, but anyone intending to land needs the pass.

The optional speedboat to the caves

At Comino, you can pay an extra €15 per person for a motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon. This is booked and paid for locally, not in advance.

The speedboat adds a burst of action to an otherwise relaxed day. It is quick, fun, and gives you a different view of the coast. Several people have found it worth the modest extra cost, particularly if you enjoy a little speed and want to see more of Comino.

Keep expectations sensible. The caves are interesting and the ride is entertaining, but the caves themselves may not be the main highlight of the day. If your budget is tight, skip it and enjoy the included swim. If you like short boat rides and want to make more of your time around Comino, €15 is a reasonable add-on.

Lunch on board, with snacks and an open bar

After the first swim, lunch is served on the gulet. The buffet includes hot and cold dishes, with enough choice to suit a range of appetites. The food is not fine dining, but it is more substantial than the usual basic boat-tour meal. The overall standard has been described as tasty, plentiful, and better than expected.

You also receive a morning snack and an afternoon snack. That matters on a full-day outing, since you are away from shore for roughly eight hours and may be swimming, sunbathing, and drinking in the heat.

The open drinks service adds real value to the $88 price. Beer, wine, mineral water, and soft drinks are available throughout the day. For many people, this makes the package cost-effective compared with buying lunch, drinks, and boat transport separately.

Drink responsibly, especially in the sun. The sea air can make you feel cooler than you are, while alcohol and strong sunlight can catch up with you quickly. Bring water-resistant sunscreen, and do not rely only on the drinks served aboard.

Gozo’s quieter bay and second swim

After lunch, the gulet continues toward Gozo and anchors in a secluded bay near the island. This stop provides the contrast that makes the itinerary work.

Comino offers the famous name and striking color. The Gozo stop is about peace, open water, and room to swim. You can jump from the boat, relax with a drink, or stay on deck and enjoy the quiet surroundings.

The second swim lasts roughly an hour, though the exact timing can vary. Some people may find this stop less dramatic than the Blue Lagoon, but I see its value differently. After the crowds and excitement at Comino, a calmer bay gives you space to enjoy the water without feeling rushed or surrounded.

The exact bay is not guaranteed. The captain can change the route or order of stops because of wind, sea conditions, or other operating issues. That flexibility is useful for safety, but it means you should treat the listed sequence as a plan rather than a promise.

The return sail and the boat’s social atmosphere

The trip back to Sliema is a chance to slow down. You can sit with a drink, listen to music, and watch the coast pass by. By this point, the day tends to feel less like a sightseeing schedule and more like a floating lunch party with swimming breaks.

The atmosphere suits people who enjoy meeting others and spending a long day outdoors. It may not suit you if you want silence, a private boat, or a carefully guided historical tour. There is no dedicated guide included, although the captain or crew may provide information during the sailing.

The boat is wheelchair accessible according to the activity details, but the tour is also listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments. That apparent tension means you should contact the operator before booking if you have access needs. Large bags, oversize luggage, mobility scooters, and pets are not allowed.

Is $88 good value?

At $88 per person, the cruise is not the cheapest way to reach Comino. It is also not simply a transport ticket. You are paying for a full day on a traditional gulet, two swim stops, lunch, snacks, unlimited beer, wine, water, and soft drinks, plus optional hotel pickup.

The value is strongest if you plan to eat and drink on board and want a full-day experience rather than a short transfer. It is especially attractive for anyone who would otherwise spend money on lunch, drinks, and separate boat trips.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a quiet visit to the Blue Lagoon. In that case, the crowded stop, limited seating, and long time at sea may feel like too much. You are also paying for the atmosphere of the gulet, not just access to Comino.

For most people who enjoy boat days, the package is fairly priced. The food has a good reputation, the drinks keep coming, and the route covers both Comino and Gozo. The optional €15 speedboat trip is affordable, but it is not essential.

What to bring and how to get the day right

Pack light. The boat does not allow large bags or oversize luggage, and you will want to keep your space clear around the seating areas.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• High-protection sunscreen
• Cash for the optional speedboat and personal expenses
• A light cover-up for the ride back
• Seasickness medication if you normally need it

Arrive early, especially in July and August. The best shaded and cushioned seats are limited, and the boat can fill quickly. If you are sensitive to motion, avoid the front section.

Do not forget the Blue Lagoon access pass if you want to step ashore. The morning slot is the correct one for this cruise, and the daily allocation can sell out.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

This is a strong choice for couples, groups of friends, and families who like swimming, music, and an easy all-day schedule. It works particularly well if you want to see Malta’s famous water without planning each detail yourself.

It is also a good fit for anyone who values included food and drinks. The buffet, snacks, and open bar mean you can settle in for the day without searching for a beach café.

I would think twice if you dislike crowds, have severe seasickness, or need lots of personal space. The boat may feel packed, and there is no guarantee of a quiet seat in the shade. The Blue Lagoon itself is beautiful, but it is not a secret spot.

Should you book the Fernandes cruise?

Book it if you want a full day on the water, two proper swim stops, a traditional boat, and food and drinks included in one price. The combination of Blue Lagoon scenery and a quieter Gozo bay gives you both the famous view and a more relaxed swim.

Skip it if you want a short, peaceful visit to Comino or a private sailing experience. For everyone else, this is a practical way to see Malta’s northern islands without juggling transport, lunch, and drinks. Arrive early, secure the required Blue Lagoon pass, sit away from the bow if the sea is rough, and treat the €15 speedboat ride as an optional extra rather than a must.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The boat departs from Sliema Ferries, Triq Ix-Xatt, on the promenade side of the road. Look for the traditional wooden Turkish gulet called The Fernandes.

What time does the cruise depart?

The cruise departs at 10:00 AM. This is the boat departure time, not the hotel pickup time.

When will hotel pickup take place?

Pickup from selected hotels or meeting points may take place between 8:15 AM and 9:30 AM. Contact the operator a few days before the cruise to confirm your pickup location and time.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A hot and cold buffet lunch is included, along with a morning snack and an afternoon snack.

Which drinks are included?

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

Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

You need a government-issued access pass in advance if you want to step ashore at the Blue Lagoon. From May 2025, passes are obtained through blcomino.com, and you should select the morning slot for this cruise.

Is the speedboat trip to the caves included?

No. The optional motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon costs €15 per person and is booked and paid for locally.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash. Large bags, oversize luggage, pets, and mobility scooters are not allowed.