Full Day Fernandes Cruise with Lunch

The best part of this day is the simple rhythm: board the Fernandes in Sliema, watch Malta’s coast slide by, swim from the boat near Gozo, then finish at Comino’s Blue Lagoon. It gives you a broad taste of Malta’s sea without making you arrange boats, lunch, and transport separately.

I like the included hotel pickup and the fact that lunch, a morning snack, water, and a drink are part of the price. I also like the two different swimming settings: a quieter bay near Gozo and the famous Blue Lagoon, where you have time to explore Comino.

The main caution is space. The boat can carry up to 80 people, and one review described too few seats, with some people standing while others took the best places in the sun or shade. If you want a quiet, personal boat trip, this may feel crowded.

Key points to know before booking

• Two swimming stops: Swim in a secluded Gozo bay, then spend time in the Blue Lagoon at Comino.
• Lunch is served on board: The package includes a buffet lunch, morning snack, water, and a drink.
• Pickup is available: Selected Malta hotels can receive round-trip transport, but the exact time and place are confirmed after booking.
• The boat leaves Sliema at 10:00 a.m.: The listed meeting time is 9:30 a.m., so allow time for pickup and boarding.
• Plan for a full day at sea: The outing lasts about eight hours and requires a moderate level of physical fitness.
• Seating may be limited: With up to 80 people on board, arrive ready to claim a comfortable place and expect a shared-boat atmosphere.

A full day on the water from Sliema

The Fernandes departs from The Strand at Sliema quay at 10:00 a.m. This matters because the tour is sold from Mellieha, yet the actual boat departure point is in Sliema. If you are staying elsewhere in Malta, check the pickup details carefully instead of assuming the boat leaves near your hotel.

Selected hotels receive pickup, with the exact time and place confirmed after booking. The general meeting time is 9:30 a.m., so keep your phone and email handy before the day begins. If you have not received the pickup information at least 48 hours before departure, contact the operator.

Once on board, the day is built around views, swimming, food, and unhurried time at sea. You are not rushing between a long list of monuments. That is the appeal. This is a coastal day for seeing Malta from the water and making the most of its clear swimming spots.

The boat can take a maximum of 80 people. That is not a small sailing trip. It is a shared cruise, and the atmosphere will depend on how full the departure is. I would treat the seating issue seriously, especially if you need shade, prefer to sit rather than stand, or hope to stretch out in a prime sunny spot.

Cruising northwest toward Gozo

The first part of the route heads northwest toward Gozo. From the water, you get a different view of Malta than you would from a road. The coast becomes the scenery, and the cruise itself is part of the day rather than just transport between stops.

The exact coastal sights are not specified, so you should not expect a narrated sightseeing tour with a detailed list of landmarks. Instead, the value comes from the open-water setting and the chance to see Malta’s coast while moving toward Gozo.

The cruise then drops anchor in a secluded bay near Gozo. This is the quieter swimming stop and a useful counterpoint to the Blue Lagoon later in the day. You can get into the water from the boat and enjoy a less urban setting before lunch is served.

Bring a towel, bathing gear, and sunblock. You should also think about how comfortable you are getting in and out of the water from a boat. The tour requires moderate physical fitness and is not suitable for people with mobility difficulties. It is also not recommended for younger children.

The Gozo stop is scheduled for roughly four hours, including the time spent cruising and eating. That gives the day a relaxed pace, but it also means you are committing a large block of time to one boat. If you prefer short stops and frequent changes, this will feel slow. If you want a proper day away from roads and cities, the length works in your favor.

Buffet lunch and drinks on the Fernandes

Lunch is served on board during the Gozo portion of the cruise. The package includes a buffet lunch, a morning snack, water, and a drink. That makes the $88.72 price easier to judge, since you are not paying for the boat and then adding a separate meal at midday.

The food is practical rather than a reason to book the cruise by itself. The supplied details do not list the buffet menu, so I would not book this expecting a particular dish or a special dietary spread. If you have food restrictions, confirm what is available before you go.

There is a fully stocked bar, but the included offer is limited. Additional food and drinks cost extra, and spirits are not included. Keep some money available if you want anything beyond the provided drink and water.

Eating on board also saves you from giving up swimming time to find a restaurant. You can have lunch without leaving the route or arranging a meal on Gozo. That convenience is one of the stronger practical points of the package.

The tradeoff is that the boat becomes busier around mealtime. Seating may be especially important then. The one detailed review raised a clear concern about too few seats, with some people able to sit or lie in the sun or shade while others had to remain standing. I would board with the expectation that the best seating may go quickly.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon

After lunch, the Fernandes continues to Comino. The main stop is the Blue Lagoon, one of Malta’s best-known swimming locations. The water is the visual highlight of the trip, and you get ample time to swim and explore the island rather than making only a brief photo stop.

The Blue Lagoon is likely to feel more social and active than the secluded Gozo bay. Its fame brings attention, and this cruise is designed to give you time there, not solitude. That contrast is useful: Gozo offers a calmer swimming setting, while Comino provides the iconic Malta experience.

You should bring sunblock and apply it often. A full day on the water means long exposure, even when a breeze makes the heat feel manageable. A towel and bathing gear are essential, and comfortable footwear is sensible if you plan to walk around Comino.

The Comino portion is also listed as about four hours. That includes the cruise from Gozo and your time on or around the island. The schedule gives you room to swim rather than forcing you straight back on board, but you will need to pay attention to the return instructions and time.

Do not assume all of this time is spent swimming. The description allows time to explore Comino as well, so you can mix the water with a walk. Still, the tour’s central purpose is a sea day. Anyone hoping for a detailed island tour should choose a different excursion.

Is $88.72 a fair price?

At $88.72 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the Blue Lagoon. But the price covers a lot in one package: transport, an approximately eight-hour cruise, a morning snack, buffet lunch, a drink, water, and selected hotel pickup.

The value is strongest if you want convenience. You do not need to plan a separate route to Sliema, find a boat to Comino, arrange lunch, or work out how to return to your hotel. You pay more than you would for a simple ferry or self-guided outing, but you receive a full day with food and transport built in.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a short swim at the Blue Lagoon. In that case, eight hours may be more time and money than you need. It is also less appealing if you dislike shared boats or want a guaranteed quiet seat.

I would compare the price against your own priorities. For a first Malta visit, the combination of Gozo views, two swimming areas, lunch, and hotel transport makes the package reasonably easy to justify. For repeat visitors who already know Comino or prefer independent travel, the all-day format may feel restrictive.

What the 80-person limit means

The maximum group size is important because the experience is not marketed as an intimate cruise. Up to 80 people can share the boat, and the seating complaint gives you a practical warning: there may not be enough places for everyone to sit, lie down, or choose between sun and shade.

If comfort matters, arrive early for boarding and be ready to settle in once you find a suitable place. The available information does not promise reserved seats, so do not count on a particular location on deck.

This point matters most for anyone with back problems, limited stamina, or a strong need for shade. The activity already requires moderate physical fitness and is not suitable for people with mobility difficulties. A crowded deck can make a long day more tiring than the schedule suggests.

For active adults who are happy moving between the deck and the water, the group size may be manageable. The cruise is more about the route and swimming stops than personal service. Set your expectations at a shared excursion, not a private charter.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend this day to you if you want Malta’s main sea sights in one outing. It suits people who like swimming, open-water views, and a clear schedule. The included lunch and hotel pickup are especially useful if you prefer to have the practical details handled.

It is also a good fit for visitors who want both Gozo and Comino without trying to plan two separate trips. You get a Gozo swimming stop first, then the Blue Lagoon, with the boat acting as your base throughout the day.

Families with younger children should look elsewhere because the activity is not considered suitable for younger children. People with mobility difficulties should also avoid it. The combination of a boat, swimming access, extended duration, and possible seating pressure can be demanding.

You may want a different experience if you dislike crowds, need a quiet itinerary, or want a guided cultural tour. No guide names or detailed commentary are provided, so the focus is clearly on the sea, not on formal interpretation of Malta’s history.

Practical preparation for the day

Pack lightly, but do not forget the basics. Your essential kit is:

• Bathing gear
• Towel
• Sunblock
• Money for extra food and drinks
• Any personal items you need for an eight-hour outing

Wear something comfortable for moving around a boat. Keep valuables limited and secure, since you may be switching between swimming and time on deck. The supplied information does not specify changing facilities, storage, or shower arrangements, so avoid relying on those services.

Eat enough before pickup to start the morning comfortably. A morning snack is included, but the timing and size are not specified. Lunch comes later during the Gozo portion.

Check the weather before departure. This activity requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund. The cruise also requires a minimum number of participants, so an insufficient booking level can lead to a rescheduled experience, an alternative activity, or a refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded or accepted, and the cut-off uses Malta local time.

Should you book the Fernandes cruise?

Book it if you want a complete, convenient sea day with two swimming stops, lunch, drinks, and selected hotel pickup. The Gozo bay gives you a quieter break before the better-known Blue Lagoon, and the $88.72 package can be fair value when you use the included transport and meal.

Think twice if you need plenty of seating, dislike shared boats, or want a peaceful and personal cruise. The possible crowding is the biggest concern, and eight hours is a long time if the boat feels full.

My practical call: choose this for an active Malta day centered on swimming and scenery, not for privacy or deep sightseeing. Bring your towel and sunblock, arrive ready to claim a seat, and confirm your pickup details before the 48-hour mark.

FAQ

Where does the Fernandes cruise depart?

The Fernandes departs from The Strand at Sliema quay. Departure is scheduled for 10:00 a.m.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is provided from selected hotels. The operator confirms the exact pickup time and place after booking.

What time should I be ready?

The listed meeting time is 9:30 a.m. The boat departure from Sliema is at 10:00 a.m., so your exact pickup time may vary by hotel.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts about eight hours.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The cruise heads toward Gozo first, then continues to Comino for the Blue Lagoon stop.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The price includes a buffet lunch, a morning snack, water, and a drink.

Are additional drinks included?

No. Additional food and drinks cost extra, and spirits are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring bathing gear, a towel, and sunblock. You should also be prepared for a moderate level of physical activity.

Is the tour suitable for young children or people with mobility difficulties?

No. The activity is not suitable for younger children or people with mobility difficulties. It requires a moderate level of physical fitness.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of participants may also result in a different date or a full refund.