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

A day on a Turkish gullet in Malta is interesting because you are not just hopping between places, you are living on the water, with the day paced by swim stops and scenery. I like the traditional wooden-gullet vibe on The Fernandes, and I especially like that the ticket includes unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and mineral water plus a proper buffet lunch onboard. The main drawback to plan for is that Comino can be crowded, and seating on the boat can get tight, especially if the sea is rough.

One more thing that matters for your day: since May 2025, getting off at the Blue Lagoon requires an access pass you must request online in advance. If you want a smooth day, you will plan ahead for that, arrive early for the best deck spots, and pack for lots of sun and swimming.

Key things to know before you go

• Turkish gullet on the water all day: you cruise northern Malta, not just “arrive and leave.”
• Two planned swim stops: Comino Blue Lagoon first, then a secluded bay near Gozo.
• Unlimited drinks with meals: beer, wine, water, and soft drinks all day, but not spirits.
• Blue Lagoon access pass required (May 2025 rule): limited daily slots, apply ahead for the morning slot.
• Seats are not guaranteed: arrive early to grab a lounge or better deck spot.
• Optional Comino cave speedboat add-on: you can book it on location if you want more adventure.

Sliema to Comino and Gozo by Turkish gullet: the big-picture plan

This is a classic “do it in one day” Malta cruise: you start in Sliema, slide along Malta’s northern coast by boat, spend time in Comino at the iconic Blue Lagoon, then head toward Gozo for a quieter swim in a secluded bay. The feel is relaxed. You are not racing a checklist across the island. The day is paced by when you want to be in the water, when you want shade, and when you feel like eating.

The boat, The Fernandes, is the kind of vessel that makes the whole experience feel like a day out, not a bus with a view. There is space to sit outside, and there is enough downtime between activities that you actually have time to enjoy the scenery instead of constantly listening to instructions.

The value angle here is strong because the ticket bundles a lot of the expensive parts of a day on the sea. You get a buffet lunch plus morning and afternoon snacks, and the drinks are not just a tiny glass at lunch. Unlimited beer and wine are included, along with water and soft drinks. For $84 per person (about there, depending on date and availability), that can save money compared to booking lunch and drinks separately.

The Fernandes and the ride from Sliema Ferries

Your trip starts at Sliema Ferries, at Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema, on the promenade side of the road. You’ll look for the Turkish gulet The Fernandes when you get there. Plan to arrive about 30 minutes before departure. This is not just a “nice to have.” It directly affects whether you land a good deck spot.

Pickup is optional and based on your location. The cruise departure time shown is the boat’s departure, not your hotel pickup time. Pickups typically fall between 8:15 AM and 9:30 AM, and you need to contact the operator a few days before to confirm your exact pickup point and time. If your hotel is within walking distance of Sliema Ferries, you may be expected to make your own way to the boat.

On board, the day is pretty informal in a good way. The rhythm is simple: get onboard, cruise for a bit, then swim. You’ll have music onboard too, and a few reviews call out a lively party atmosphere, with the captain described as an energetic DJ type. That matters if you are looking for absolute quiet. If you like background music and a fun vibe, it is a plus.

Blue Lagoon on Comino: the main event and what to expect

The first swim stop is the Blue Lagoon on Comino, the famous stretch of turquoise water with a pale, sandy bottom that looks postcard-clean from above. This is the moment most people picture when they plan a Malta day at sea.

Practically, expect a mix of relaxation and “in, out, repeat.” You’ll have a window to swim, float, and soak up sun. If you want to snorkel, bring or rent gear (more on that later). The water is clear enough that you will enjoy it even if you are not a hardcore snorkeler.

Time on location matters, and here you have to know the pattern: the cruise includes two swim stops, and some sailings allocate about 2 hours at one stop and around 1 hour at the other. Your exact timing can vary, and the order of visits can change with weather or operational constraints, so don’t assume you can plan a landing ashore for a specific minute.

Crowd reality is the one thing that can surprise people. Comino is famous, and it gets busy. The good news is that you do not just stare from the boat. You get time in the water, and that is what makes the stop feel worth it even when the shore is packed.

Gozo swim stop and why it often feels calmer

After Comino, the cruise heads to Gozo and anchors in a peaceful, secluded bay near the island. This is the quieter counterweight to Comino. Even when Comino is busy, Gozo’s side-bay vibe tends to feel more open and less “everyone photo-shoot in one place.”

This stop is where you can slow down. Think: float a while, swim when you feel like it, and then go back to deck time. It also works well for people who want a break from the crowds but still want a genuine water experience.

You’ll also find that the boat itself becomes part of the appeal here. As you cruise between spots, you can relax with a drink. When you come back from the water, you’re not scrambling to find lunch or a restaurant. Food and drinks are handled onboard.

Lunch, snacks, and unlimited beer and wine: what you actually get

Let’s talk food and drinks, because this cruise makes a clear promise there. You get:

• A hot and cold buffet lunch served onboard
• Morning snack and afternoon snack
• Unlimited wine, beer, mineral water, and soft drinks

Liquors and spirits are not included, so if you want hard spirits, you’ll need to buy them separately.

The lunch is not described as gourmet, but it is described as tasty and plentiful, and that is what you want on a boat day. One review notes lunch is served within a specific time window (and that it can affect how much time you feel you have to swim and eat). So if you are the type who likes to swim first and eat second, try to plan your swim timing so you do not feel rushed.

There are also fruit snacks mentioned on the way back, plus the snacks before and after lunch. In practice, this means you can keep your energy up without turning the day into a hangry cycle.

One small practical tip: sun can hit hard even if you feel fine in the morning. Keep sipping water. The drinks are unlimited, which is great, but water helps your day feel good instead of just “fun now, rough later.”

Timing, seating, and seasickness: how to avoid the common annoyances

This is a full 7.5-hour day on the water. That’s why the little practical stuff matters.

Seating and deck space

Most people love the boat and the vibe, but several reviews mention seating can be a challenge. Some say there were mats on deck, and others mention harder bench-type seating that is less comfortable, especially for older travelers. The takeaway is simple: arrive early, grab a comfortable area, and be flexible if you do not get a prime sun lounge spot.

Seasickness reality check

This cruise is not suitable for people prone to seasickness. That’s an important label, not a soft suggestion. One review describes a day with rougher seas where many people got sick. Another describes how crowded seating may have contributed because not everyone could comfortably lie down.

If you are even slightly sensitive, take it seriously:

• bring motion sickness remedies if you use them
• consider sitting where the boat movement feels less intense
• avoid overdoing food right before a bumpy section

Crowds at the swim stops

Comino is famous, so it can feel busy. A lot of the crowd stress is avoidable because you spend time in the water, not stuck behind a railing. Still, if you want more breathing room, Gozo’s bay usually feels better.

Blue Lagoon access pass rule for May 2025: do this before you go

Here’s the rule you need to treat like part of the itinerary. Starting May 2025, anyone who wants to disembark ashore at the Blue Lagoon must obtain a government access pass in advance. Passes are acquired through blcomino.com, and daily allocation is limited.

For this cruise, you should apply for the morning slot, because that aligns with the cruise schedule you are likely operating under. This is not optional or a “maybe.” If you plan to step off, do it ahead of time.

If you do not secure the pass, you may still enjoy the water from the boat and during the swim stop, but you could lose the option of going ashore.

Optional Comino cave speedboat add-on: the extra you might want

If you want more than the standard day, there is an optional add-on: a motorboat trip to the Comino Caves and the Crystal Lagoon. This is not included in the price and needs to be booked and paid on location.

This is worth considering if you love caves, photos, or quick jumps to smaller areas. If you prefer a slower, straightforward day with minimal decisions onboard, you can skip it and still have a great time with just the two included swim stops.

Snorkel gear and little upgrades that save hassle

Snorkeling can be a big part of why people love Comino and Gozo. One review mentions renting snorkels on board for €5 cash only, but warns the snorkels were not great and leaked. The best practical advice from that is: if you care about snorkeling, consider buying a mask or snorkel in Sliema before you board.

Even if you do not snorkel, bringing your own towel and using sunscreen matters. Another review bluntly emphasizes sunscreen because the deck time stacks fast.

Who this cruise suits best, and who should skip it

This cruise is a strong fit if you want:

• a one-day Malta plan that includes swimming time, not just a view from the boat
• a relaxed day where food and drinks are handled
• a lively onboard vibe, especially if music and atmosphere make the day better for you

It may not be your best match if:

• you have seasickness risk or rough-water sensitivity
• you need guaranteed comfortable seating for the entire day
• you expect a quiet, library-like experience

Also consider the age and vibe mix. Some people mention a “younger crowd” with louder music. Others mention the trip still works well for adults. If you like lively energy, you will likely enjoy it. If you want silence, you might be happier with a calmer charter.

One more note: the tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, but it also says it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. That contradiction means you should check directly with the operator if mobility needs are part of your plan.

Price and value: is $84 a smart deal?

At about $84 per person, the value mostly comes from bundling three things that add up fast on a day trip:

1. Boat time around Comino and Gozo
2. Two swim stops with time in the water
3. Buffet lunch plus snacks, with unlimited drinks

If you tried to replicate this on your own, you would likely pay separately for boat transport and for food and drinks. Here, you get a packed day for a single price and you can focus on enjoying the sea.

The main “hidden cost” is not money. It is planning. You may need to handle the Blue Lagoon access pass online, and if you want cave speedboat extras, that is extra. But those are choices, not surprises.

Should you book this 7.5-hour Gozo and Comino cruise?

Book it if you want the Malta highlights in one day and you like a social onboard vibe with unlimited beer and wine and real swim time. You’ll likely love it most if you:

• arrive early to lock in deck comfort
• plan for the Blue Lagoon access pass ahead of time
• bring swim essentials like sunscreen and a towel
• are comfortable with crowds at Comino, then enjoy Gozo’s calmer bay

Skip or rethink if you:

• get seasick easily
• need guaranteed comfortable seating for the full day
• only want quiet, off-the-grid nature time without busy hotspots

If you’re flexible and treat it like a fun sea day with a plan, this cruise is a solid buy. It’s simple, it’s scenic, and it feeds you well enough that you can spend your energy on the water instead of the logistics.