Turkish Gullet Cruise to Gozo and Comino with Lunch and Transfers

This is one of those Malta days that feels like a mini-vacation plan already done for you. You sail a traditional-style wooden Turkish gullet past the northern coast, then spend real time floating in the water around Comino and Gozo.

I really like the combination of stress-free transfers plus the simple structure: two swim stops, onboard meals, and enough time to actually enjoy the water instead of constantly moving. I also appreciate the all-day value add with unlimited wine, beer, soda, and water, not just a tiny toast.

One consideration: the Blue Lagoon now has a government-run access pass rule (starting May 2025). If you skip that step, you may not be allowed to disembark, and there are no refunds for that.

Key Things I’d Book This For

• Pick-up and drop-off from selected hotels or meeting points, so you spend less time figuring out buses and ferries
• Unlimited drinks (wine, beer, mineral water, soft drinks) plus morning and afternoon snacks
• Real swimming time with a lagoon that’s boat-only access
• A classic sailing day on a Turkish gullet, with music and relaxed pacing
• A quieter Gozo water stop for lunch and swimming nearby, without the hassle of wandering ashore

Turkish Gullet To Gozo And Comino: The Kind Of Day That Feels Effortless

If you’re picturing Malta as “more than just driving to one viewpoint,” this cruise fits the bill. You start in Sliema, then shift into cruise mode fast, with time to settle in while the boat glides along the coastline.

The gullet itself matters more than people expect. It’s not a sterile ferry experience. You’re on a wooden, traditional-style boat that creates that laid-back, holiday feel. The day is built around water time, not museum time. And with a maximum group size of 180, you still get some social energy without the vibe of a packed shore excursion bus.

The best part is the pace. Two full swim-stop blocks let you actually swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and take breaks, instead of doing quick stop-and-run tourism.

From Sliema Ferries To The Fernandes: How The Morning Really Works

Your cruise departs from Sliema Ferries, and the big timing detail is this: the website ticket time is the cruise departure time, not the exact pickup time.

If you booked transfers, pickup can happen between 8:15 AM and 9:30 AM, depending on where you’re staying. The departure is at 10:00 AM. That means you should plan to be ready well before 10:00, then you’re not rushing at the last second.

If you’re lodging within walking distance of Sliema Ferries, you make your own way and you should be at the departure point 20 to 30 minutes early. That early arrival matters because the deck can get crowded, and you’ll want to grab a good spot.

For self-arrivals, look for the Turkish gullet named The Fernandes. If you’re arriving using the tour’s meeting point instead, the start point is near Captain Morgan – I See Malta Cruises at St Luke’s Garrison Chapel on Triq Censu Xerri, Sliema.

The Blue Lagoon Access Pass Rule You Need To Plan For

Starting May 2025, Malta requires an access pass in advance for disembarking at the Blue Lagoon. The pass is acquired through the official site, blcomino.com, and the key point is that daily allocations are limited.

If you don’t have the official pass, you won’t be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. The tour also notes that you must book the morning timeslot when applying for the pass for this trip. And if you cannot disembark because you didn’t get the pass, there are no refunds.

This is the one part of the experience that feels like paperwork, not relaxation. So do it early. It’s also smart to double-check the timeslot you choose matches the morning window connected to this cruise.

Blue Lagoon: Why This Stop Is The Headliner

The Blue Lagoon stop is the star of the show, centered on Comino’s famous turquoise water and pale sand. The cruise gives you about 2 hours there, which is enough time to get in the water, float around, and still have time for a proper break in the sun.

The lagoon is boat-access only, which is why it stays that special, postcard-style water. That also means you can expect crowds, especially in peak season.

A couple of practical tips from the overall experience patterns: bring a towel and aim to get on board early if you want shade. One consistent theme is that seating and shaded areas can be tight. If you wait too long, you might spend more time sun-facing than you planned.

If you’re prone to sea sickness, be aware this is not a “smooth-gliding only” kind of day. The cruise can get rough at times, and that can affect how enjoyable the swim stops are.

Optional Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon Speedboat: Worth It Or Skip It?

There’s an optional extra that’s easy to miss on first read, because it’s not part of the main included stops. The motorboat excursion to Comino Caves and the Crystal Lagoon costs €15 per person, for about 30 minutes, and it’s not included.

Is it worth doing? If your ideal Malta day is more sightseeing by water than just floating, it can be a nice add-on. If you’d rather spend your time relaxing and swimming where you are, you can skip it and stay with the main schedule.

Also note the price can change without prior notice. If you’re the type who likes a fixed budget, keep that in mind.

The Gozo Water Stop: Lunch On Board And A Quiet Bay Without The Crowds On Shore

After Comino, the itinerary shifts toward Gozo. The cruise anchors in a quiet, secluded bay near the island of Gozo, with about 1 hour for a swim.

Here’s the key detail that keeps expectations realistic: you will not disembark in Gozo. So you’re not walking around the island or touring villages. Instead, you’re anchored offshore, and the main activity is swimming in open water near Gozo when conditions allow.

This part of the day often feels calmer than Blue Lagoon. You get a break from the busier crowd energy, and you’re paired with onboard lunch.

Lunch is a buffet served on the boat, and it’s paired with morning and afternoon snack stops earlier in the day. One thing I like about this setup is that you’re already in “vacation mode,” so food feels like part of the rhythm, not a stressful hunt for somewhere to eat.

Malta Sailing Back: The Part Where You Stop Thinking About Time

On the way back, you get a longer sail segment, about 2 hours across the Mediterranean. This is where you can slow down, watch the coastline slide by, and let the rest of the day become just… time on the water.

The day includes music on board, and the experience is designed to end feeling relaxed rather than rushed. Drinks and snacks are part of that steady, no-fuss vibe.

If you tend to get restless on half-day tours, this return sail is a big reason to book. It gives you a gentle landing after the swim stops.

Food and Drinks: Unlimited On Board, With One Clear Limitation

You get a lot included for the money. The cruise offers unlimited wine, beer, mineral water, and soft drinks for the duration of the cruise. There are also morning and afternoon snacks plus a buffet lunch.

There’s one important limitation: liquors and spirits are not included. So you’re not ordering top-shelf cocktails all day. It’s wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options, plus food.

Alcohol is also restricted by age, with a minimum drinking age of 17.

One downside that shows up in the feedback pattern is crowding, sometimes tied to how people experience the deck and the dining flow. If the boat feels packed to you, the smell and noise can be a turn-off. The practical fix is simple: come early for your deck spot, and treat the day like it’s popular, because it is.

Comfort On Deck: Shade, Seating, And Sea Legs

This cruise is not a quiet, low-capacity yacht experience. The boat can be crowded, and seating and shade can fill up. A recurring piece of advice is to get on the boat early if shade matters to you.

Also bring a towel, because you’ll want one for the swim time. If you forget, you’ll be stuck improvising, and that ruins the easy mood.

Then there’s the weather and motion side. This trip is not recommended if you’re prone to sea sickness. Even when the weather is good, a gullet cruise can still feel bumpy, depending on wind and sea conditions.

If you know you get motion sickness, don’t gamble. Pick a gentler itinerary on land, or plan medication in advance if it’s something you can take safely.

Price and Value: What $90.02 Really Buys You

At around $90.02 per person, you’re paying for a lot of structure in one ticket.

What’s strong value:

• Boat cruise on a traditional Turkish gullet
• Two swim stops built into the schedule
• Buffet lunch plus morning and afternoon snacks
• Unlimited wine, beer, mineral water, and soft drinks
• Transfers included from selected hotels or meeting points (when you book that option)

What costs extra or requires prep:

• The Blue Lagoon access pass required for disembarking (government rule)
• The optional speedboat add-on to Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon at €15
• Tips are optional
• Liquors and spirits are not included
• There is no tour guide included

So the value question becomes: do you want a day that’s mostly water time, with meals and drinks handled, and minimal logistics? If yes, this is a fair deal.

If you’re hoping for a more “walk around and sightsee on land” style day, you might feel like you’re paying for time on a boat and swimming. This cruise is designed for those who want the water.

Who Should Book, And Who Should Skip This One

This cruise is a great fit if you:

• Want an easy Malta day with swim stops and food handled
• Like meeting other people, since you’re on a group boat (max 180)
• Care more about views and water than walking tours
• Want value in drinks plus meals

Skip or rethink it if you:

• Get sea sick easily, because the cruise is not recommended for that
• Have mobility impairments, since it’s not recommended
• Don’t want to deal with the Blue Lagoon access pass requirement

If you love planning and juggling tickets, you might find the pass rule annoying. If you’re the type who prefers one plan, one ticket, and then relaxing, it fits.

My Booking Checklist Before You Go

Do these and the day stays smooth:

• Get your Blue Lagoon access pass in advance at blcomino.com and pick the morning timeslot linked to this trip
• If you’re using transfers, confirm your pickup location and pickup time since pickup happens between 8:15 AM and 9:30 AM
• If you’re walking to the boat, arrive 20 to 30 minutes early at Sliema Ferries
• Bring a towel
• Pack for sun and splash, since you’ll be in and out of the water
• If you’re sensitive to motion, take that seriously before booking

Should You Book This Turkish Gullet Cruise To Gozo And Comino?

I’d book it if your idea of a perfect Malta day is sailing, swimming, eating on board, and not having to figure out transportation between three different places. The included buffet lunch, snacks, and unlimited beer, wine, water, and soda make it feel like a true “pay once, relax” outing.

I’d hesitate if the Blue Lagoon access pass is something you might forget, because that rule is non-negotiable. I’d also hesitate if you know you dislike boat motion, since the cruise is not recommended for sea sickness.

If you plan the pass, show up early for deck comfort, and treat it as a water-focused day, this Turkish gullet route is a very solid choice in Malta.

FAQ

What time does the cruise leave, and when will I be picked up?

The cruise departure time is 10:00 AM. If you booked transfers, pickup can be any time between 8:15 AM and 9:30 AM, depending on where you are staying.

Where do I meet the tour, and what if I’m walking to the boat?

If you are using the meeting point, the start is at Captain Morgan – I See Malta Cruises, near St Luke’s Garrison Chapel in Sliema. If you’re walking to Sliema Ferries, you should arrive 20 to 30 minutes early and look for the Turkish gullet named The Fernandes.

Do I need a pass to get off at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, you must obtain an official access pass in advance through blcomino.com. You must book the morning timeslot for this trip, and you will not be allowed to disembark without the pass.

Is lunch and drinks included?

Yes. You get a buffet lunch plus morning and afternoon snacks. Wine, beer, mineral water, and soft drinks are unlimited for the cruise duration.

Is there an extra trip to Comino Caves and the Crystal Lagoon?

There is an optional motorboat trip. It costs €15 per person and is not included. The duration listed is about 30 minutes.

Will we disembark in Gozo?

No. You will not disembark in Gozo. The stop is a swim stop in open waters near the island of Gozo when conditions allow.