Full Day Fernandes Cruise with Lunch

If you want a Malta day that feels like a mini escape from shore, this Fernandes cruise is a practical way to see the waterline and actually swim. The itinerary hits Gozo first, then shifts to the Blue Lagoon area in Comino for that classic turquoise-water break.

I really like the simple, food-and-water rhythm: morning snack, then a buffet lunch onboard with drink and water included. The main thing to watch is space, since one clear downside is that the boat can feel crowded, with seating sometimes at a premium.

Key highlights worth planning for

• Gozo swim stop in a secluded bay, with time set aside for getting in the water
• Comino Blue Lagoon time after lunch, with exploration and swimming built into the schedule
• Onboard buffet lunch plus morning snack, drink, and water included in the price
• Round-trip hotel pickup from selected hotels, so you do not have to figure out transport
• Max 80 travelers which helps keep the day manageable, even if the deck can still be busy

Fernandess Cruise from Mellieha: Why this day feels like a vacation

This is one of those Malta experiences that makes your day easier, not harder. You’re picked up from a selected hotel area, taken to the quay, then you spend the day moving between two of the best-known swimming spots in the region.

What I like most is the balance of time at sea versus time in the water. You get a full stretch at each location, rather than a quick photo stop. That matters because Malta’s coasts can look gorgeous from land, but the real payoff is when you’re floating and breathing salty sea air for a few hours.

And yes, there’s a fully stocked onboard bar. Just remember: the included part is snacks, buffet lunch, and a drink plus water. Spirits are not included, so if you’re the type who orders cocktails, plan on paying extra.

Getting to the boat: Sliema departure and hotel pickup

Even though the tour is marketed around Mellieha, the boat ride itself starts in Sliema. Fernandes departs from The Strand, Sliema quay at 10:00hrs, so you should treat the pickup as your real start time.

Pickup is offered from selected hotels. When you book, you’ll get an email confirming the exact pickup time and place, and the provider suggests checking your inbox. If you have not heard anything at least 48 hours before departure, contact them.

This is a good setup for a cruise day because it removes the stress of parking, buses, and timing your own route. The tradeoff is that you’re on their schedule. If you like to sleep in and then improvise, you might feel the day starts earlier than you planned.

Onboard basics: What’s included, and what you’ll likely pay for

The included meal plan is one of the big reasons this trip holds up value-wise. You get a morning snack, then a buffet lunch onboard with a drink and water included.

What is not included is the extra stuff: additional food and drinks, plus spirits. One person mention of deck comfort also suggests you might spend long stretches moving between standing and sitting, depending on the crowd level. That makes it even more important to come prepared, especially with sunscreen and a towel.

The boat limits the group to a maximum of 80 travelers. That sounds reasonable on paper, but sea days can still get tight when everyone is trying to get a sun spot, a shade spot, or a place to drop their bag while you swim.

Stop 1: Gozo swim in a secluded bay, plus lunch at sea

You cruise northwest toward Gozo, then anchor in a secluded bay. This is the first real highlight because it sets a calmer tone right away. Instead of just viewing the island coastline, you’re given time to swim where the water feels protected from the open sea.

Stop time here is about 4 hours, and the day is structured so lunch happens during this section. A delicious buffet lunch is served onboard, so you’re not dealing with finding a restaurant or syncing your meal around a tour group.

Two practical tips for this first stop:

• Bring your bathing gear and have it easy to access. You do not want to be that person rummaging through a bag while everyone else is already in line.
• If you care about sitting, the best chance is early. Once the boat fills up with people ready to swim, the deck can get busy quickly.

Potential drawback: deck space can be tight during peak times. One review noted there can be too many people with not enough seating, so if you’re hoping for a guaranteed comfortable spot, plan to adapt. Think in terms of flexible seating, shade-hunting, and a towel-based comfort strategy.

Stop 2: Comino and Blue Lagoon time after lunch

After lunch, the cruise heads to Comino and gives you ample time to explore the island and swim in the Blue Lagoon area. This is the “do not skip” portion for most people because it’s the classic Malta swim moment: crystal-clear water with that famous look.

Your time here is also about 4 hours. That time block is ideal because you can choose how you want to spend it. Some people will want to swim right away and stay in the water in chunks. Others will use the time to wander a bit around Comino and then return for another swim window.

A quick reality check: the Blue Lagoon is popular. Even with a smaller group cap, you will likely feel the crowd energy during the busiest swim hours. If you can, arrive in the water early and you’ll have an easier time enjoying the water before the area fills up.

Also, remember spirits are not included. If your post-swim routine involves a cocktail, budget for it. You will get a bar onboard, and you might find it tempting after a long sun-and-water morning.

Timing that works: Why 8 hours feels right for Gozo plus Comino

The total tour duration is about 8 hours. That’s long enough to feel like a full day, but short enough that you still keep your evening free for dinner in Malta.

This structure works because:

• Gozo comes first while you’re fresh from pickup and early-morning energy.
• Lunch is built into the sea time, so you do not lose half the day switching locations.
• Comino follows with another full chunk for swimming and exploring.

When tours are overly rushed, you spend the day deciding where to sit and when to eat. Here, the schedule is built around water time, which is exactly what you came for.

What to bring for a smooth swim day (and a happier boat ride)

This is the kind of day where a small packing mistake becomes annoying fast. Malta sun is no joke, and you’re on the water for hours.

Bring:

• Bathing gear
• A towel
• Sunblock

Also, if you get seasick easily, you might want to take your usual precautions in advance. The tour info does not spell out seasickness supports, so you’ll want to handle that yourself.

For your bag, think simple and dry-first. Keep things that you’ll need right away close, and stash the rest where it won’t be a wet mess. On a boat, you do not want to spend your limited “in-between” time reorganizing.

How much comfort should you expect on deck?

Let’s talk honesty. Sea days are popular, and popularity brings crowding. One review specifically called out that there can be too many people and not enough seats, with some people managing by lying in the sun or shade while others stayed standing.

That means your comfort level will depend on timing and your willingness to adapt. If you’re okay with standing at times, using a towel for comfort, and grabbing shade when you can, you’ll probably enjoy the day.

If you need steady seating for the whole ride, you might find this less comfortable than a private boat charter. The max group size helps, but it does not magically create a lot of extra space.

Who this cruise is best for (and who should skip it)

This tour fits best if you want:

• A full day on the water with planned swim breaks
• A simple meal solution with buffet lunch onboard
• A stress-free start thanks to round-trip transfers from selected hotels

It’s not a great match for everyone. The tour is described as requiring moderate physical fitness and it is not suitable for younger children or guests with mobility difficulties. Boat days also tend to involve stepping around, standing in lines, and moving between deck and swimming areas.

If you’re traveling as a couple or a small group, this is a fun way to see two major spots without organizing your own day trip. If you’re traveling with someone who needs lots of accessible seating or limited walking, you may want to look for a different style of cruise.

Price and value: Is $88.72 per person a fair deal?

At $88.72 per person, you’re paying for a full-day package: transport, snack, buffet lunch, a drink plus water, and the two swim stops. You’re also getting hotel pickup from selected locations, which can be worth a lot in practice.

Where the value really shows is that lunch is included, and it happens onboard while you’re already enjoying the sea time. For many visitors, that removes one major cost and one major planning problem.

The tradeoff is that extras add up. Additional food and drinks are not included, and spirits are not included. If you plan to drink heavily, the final cost can jump. If you mostly stick to the included drink and water, the price stays closer to what you expected.

Also, weather can change plans. The tour requires good weather. If the day is canceled due to poor weather, you’re offered a different date or a full refund, which adds comfort when you’re budgeting around Malta’s coastal conditions.

Should you book the Full Day Fernandes Cruise?

I’d book it if you want an easy, structured sea day with real swim time and a no-fuss meal. The mix of Gozo’s secluded bay and Comino’s Blue Lagoon area gives you variety, not just one stop and done.

I would pause before booking if you strongly depend on having guaranteed seating for long periods. One review flagged seating as an issue, and that aligns with what sea days often feel like when lots of people are on deck at the same time.

Bottom line: if you’re flexible, bring your towel and sunblock, and you’re excited about swimming, this is a solid value way to spend a day between Gozo and the Blue Lagoon.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Full Day Fernandes Cruise with Lunch?

The duration is approximately 8 hours.

How much does the tour cost per person?

The price is $88.72 per person.

Is hotel pickup included?

Transport is included, and pickup is provided from selected hotels. You will receive an email confirming the exact pickup time and place.

Where does the cruise depart?

Fernandes departs from The Strand, Sliema quay at 10:00hrs.

What are the main stops during the day?

The cruise visits the Island of Gozo for swimming and lunch, then goes to Comino for time at the Blue Lagoon.

How long do you spend at each stop?

Gozo stop time is about 4 hours, and the Blue Lagoon/Comino time is about 4 hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. There is a buffet lunch served onboard, along with a morning snack, a drink, and water.

Are spirits included in the price?

No. Spirits are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring bathing gear, a towel, and sunblock.

Can I cancel for free, and what weather requirements apply?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.