Fernandes Gozo & Comino

What makes Fernandes Gozo and Comino interesting is that it turns a long day at sea into an easy, crew-run routine, on the Turkish gulet Fernandez. I like that you get a real on-the-water feel without micromanaging anything, because the captain and crew handle the logistics.

I also love how generous the onboard setup is, with unlimited drinks plus a hot and cold buffet lunch and snacks built into the day. One possible drawback to keep in mind is that when the boat is full, space and seating for lunch can feel tight, so you may not always find a convenient table.

Key things to know before you go

• Two swim windows: a Gozo bay stop, then time in Comino’s Blue Lagoon
• All-day food and drinks: morning and afternoon snacks, buffet lunch, unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and water
• Crew vibe matters: many people highlight friendly, helpful staff that make the day feel worry-free
• Snorkeling support: you can snorkel from the boat, and equipment is available if you need it
• Expect sun time: bring a swimsuit and sun protection because you spend hours on deck and near the water
• Crowding can happen: with up to 180 people on board, it can be busier at meal times

Sailing the Fernandes route from Valletta to Gozo and Comino

If you want a Malta day trip that feels like a vacation day, this one delivers. You start in Valletta and spend the day on the water aboard a luxury Turkish gulet, Fernandez. You’re not doing a checklist of stops. You’re settling in, getting fed, getting your swim time, and letting the crew steer the schedule.

The vibe is group cruise, not private yacht. That matters, because you’ll share space with up to 180 people. Still, the overall tone tends to be relaxed, especially because the captain and crew run the day and keep things moving.

Also, this is one of those tours where you can plan your day around the water. You’re not bouncing between multiple bus rides and viewpoints. Instead, you’re out on open sea with anchored swims and a couple of key moments that feel like postcards come to life.

Price and value: what you get for about $86 per person

At $85.98 per person, you’re paying for a full half-day plus sea time, guided boat handling, two swim stops, and a lot of included extras. The value gets clearer when you look at what would normally cost extra on a day out: drinks, lunch, and the shipboard time itself.

This package includes hot and cold food (buffet style), unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and water, plus morning and afternoon snacks. The drinks are not limited to a token glass either. You’re free to keep ordering on board.

One more value point: round-trip transfers from accommodation in Malta are offered. That can save you stress, especially if you do not want to figure out timing and routes on a tight schedule.

So when is it worth it? If you want a single-ticket day that covers the big pieces (boat, swims, food, drinks, and ease) without hunting down lunch plans or paying separately for every little comfort, this fits. If you’re the type who prefers a more spacious setting or a quieter, smaller group, you’ll want to think about the capacity point discussed later.

The day plan: Gozo swim first, then Comino’s Blue Lagoon

This tour is built around two anchor-and-swim moments. That’s the heart of it.

Stop 1 in Gozo: secluded bay swim time

You begin with Gozo. The boat drops anchor in a secluded bay, giving you a chance to swim and enjoy the surrounding scenery before heading on toward Comino. The scheduled time here is about 1 hour 30 minutes.

What makes this stop work is the rhythm. You get water time early, so you’re not waiting half the day to finally relax. It also gives you a change of scenery without any complicated transfers.

Practical note: with bay swim time, you’ll want to be ready for how the boat anchors and how getting in and out can feel with waves. If you’re comfortable in the water, this part is pure fun. If you’re not, the bay is still a scenic break, and you can hang on deck for the views.

Stop 2 in Comino: the Blue Lagoon swim window

Then you move to Comino’s Blue Lagoon. This is your bigger splash moment, with around 2 hours for swimming. The whole experience is designed so you’re on the boat for the travel and then in the water for the main event.

The Blue Lagoon stop is where most people picture their ideal day. The water time is the point, and you can typically make it work with a swim, a bit of snorkeling, and then time to relax back on the boat after.

Possible drawback: this stop is also the most “active” portion of your day. If the boat is busy, it can feel like everyone has the same idea at the same time. Plan to pace yourself and remember that you do not need to rush your swim to get your money’s worth.

Onboard comfort and the “fed and watered” advantage

Here’s the big reason this cruise gets repeat praise: it keeps you comfortable and supplied.

You’ll get a hot and cold buffet, plus morning and afternoon snacks during the day. On top of that, drinks are unlimited: beer, wine, soft drinks, and water. That matters because it changes how you experience a sea day. You can focus on swimming and relaxing instead of thinking about where you’ll eat or how much you’ll spend.

Many people are also pleasantly surprised by how the food works in practice. Buffet-style meals on boats can go either way, but the overall feedback tends to be that the lunch is more than just filler. You should still go in with realistic expectations for buffet food on a moving vessel, but it’s not usually a deal-breaker.

One small caution from the vibe of the day: if you find you need a table to settle in for lunch, the boat can feel crowded at meal time. That is the trade for having a full group and a smooth, all-in-one day format.

Snorkeling time, plus what you should not expect included

This cruise is primarily about swimming, but there’s also room for snorkeling from the boat. Many guests mention that they snorkeled off the boat and that equipment is provided if you need it.

What to remember: snorkeling gear availability is typically “if required,” not a guarantee that you’ll always be handed everything instantly. If you know you want to snorkel, treat that as a “bring your enthusiasm, and ask onboard” situation.

You should also know what is not included. Coffee, ice cream, and a cave speed boat ride are listed as not included. That cave add-on comes up because Comino is a place where extra experiences sometimes run alongside the main stop. If that matters to you, plan on paying separately.

Crowds, seating, and the reality of a max 180 group

A max group size of 180 travelers is big. Even on a “luxury” boat, that number affects the day, especially around lunch.

If your idea of the perfect day includes lots of breathing room and spare tables, this might feel hectic. One of the most consistent considerations is that seating can be limited, and you may sometimes have to adapt your meal plan.

How to handle it:

• Eat a little earlier or later than you think you should, if the flow allows it.
• Expect to move between deck spots rather than claiming one seat all day.
• Treat lunch as fuel for swimming later, not a long slow restaurant experience.

This is the main reason I call it out as the likely drawback. The rest of the experience tends to be smooth, and a lot of the comfort comes from the crew keeping things organized.

What to pack for a Gozo and Comino swim day

This is a water day first, sightseeing second. So pack like you’re going swimming, not like you’re going to a museum.

Bring:

• Swimsuit (you will likely want to use it at both stops)
• Sun protection (sunscreen and something to shade your face)
• Towels if you prefer your own comfort, since the included items focus on food and drink rather than beach gear
• Any basic water-friendly essentials you like (lip balm with SPF, small bag, etc.)

Also consider how you’ll handle the boat steps and getting in and out. The tour experience is designed for most travelers to participate, but comfort in the water and at sea still depends on your own ease level.

Who this cruise suits best

This is a strong fit if you want:

• A single-day plan that covers transport, food, and major swim time
• A relaxed group atmosphere where the crew runs the schedule
• Enough inclusions that you can spend your attention on views, water, and photos

It also works well if you’re traveling with friends or want to meet people without forcing it. Group sailing naturally mixes small groups of conversation. People often leave with a few new names and stories.

Who might hesitate:

• If you need a quieter, uncrowded boat experience, the size of the group can be a concern.
• If your idea of lunch is comfort-table dining with lots of space, you may want to go in ready to be flexible.

Should you book Fernandes Gozo and Comino?

Yes, if you want a value-heavy boat day with real swim time, lots of included food and drinks, and a crew that keeps it feeling easy. The best part of this tour is that it removes decision fatigue. You show up, you snack, you eat, you swim, and you’re done.

If you’re very sensitive to crowding or seating, take the boat capacity seriously and plan your expectations around a busier lunch scene. For most people, that trade is worth it for the amount of water time and all-inclusive style meal setup.

One last tip: pick this tour as your “big day” early in your Malta trip if you can. After a day like this, you’ll appreciate the easy pace.

FAQ

What time does the Fernandes Gozo and Comino tour start?

The tour starts at 9:00 am.

How long is the tour?

It runs for approximately 7 hours 30 minutes.

Is pickup offered from hotels or where I’m staying?

Yes, pickup is offered from accommodations in Malta.

What food and drinks are included?

You get hot and cold buffet food, unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and water, plus morning and afternoon snacks.

Do you stop for swimming at both Gozo and Comino?

Yes. There is a stop in Gozo for a swim in a secluded bay, then another stop at Comino’s Blue Lagoon for swimming.

Can I snorkel, and is equipment provided?

You can go snorkeling off the boat, and equipment is provided if you need it.

What is not included in the tour price?

Coffee, ice cream, and a cave speed boat ride are not included.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?

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