Fernandes Cruise to Blue Lagoon in Comino and Gozo

The best part of this cruise is its simple promise: one long day on the water, with Gozo, Comino, swimming stops, lunch, drinks, and transport bundled into one trip. The Fernandes leaves Sliema at 10:00 a.m. and returns around 5:30 p.m., giving you time to enjoy the sea without juggling ferries or beach transfers.

I like the 90-minute swim stops because you are not rushed into a five-minute photo stop. I also like the food and drinks included in the price, especially the hot and cold buffet, morning snack, afternoon fruit, and unlimited beer, wine, water, and soft drinks. The main caution is space: with up to 180 people aboard, seating and shade can be limited, and a rough sea can make the long cruise uncomfortable.

Key points to know before you book

• Two proper swimming stops: Spend about 90 minutes in a secluded Gozo bay and another 90 minutes at Comino’s Blue Lagoon.
• A Turkish gulet, not a small yacht: The Fernandes has character and a relaxed feel, but it may feel crowded at full capacity.
• Food and drinks are part of the deal: Morning snacks, a buffet lunch, afternoon fruit, and an open bar are included.
• Hotel pickup covers much of Malta: Transport is offered from more than 80 pickup points, with times usually between 8:00 and 9:30 a.m.
• Blue Lagoon is beautiful but busy: The water is clear and inviting, yet the small beach and surrounding area can be packed in summer.
• Check your return time carefully: The boat docks in Sliema at about 5:30 p.m., which may not work for a cruise ship departure that same evening.

A full day aboard the Fernandes from Sliema

This is a classic Malta sea day, not a quick sightseeing boat ride. You board the Fernandes, a Turkish gulet schooner, at the Sliema quay and spend most of the day moving between Malta, Gozo, and Comino.

The boat leaves at 10:00 a.m. sharp. That fixed departure matters, since your morning pickup may begin as early as 8:00 a.m. depending on where you stay. If your hotel is on The Strand in Sliema, close to the boat, you may be asked to walk to the mooring and arrive by 9:40 a.m.

I would treat this as a full-day commitment. You get a generous amount of time in the water, but you also spend several hours cruising between stops. That is part of the appeal if you enjoy open-water views and the easy rhythm of a boat day. It is less appealing if you want constant sightseeing or prefer to stay on land.

The boat has a restroom, which is a small but useful comfort during a seven-and-a-half-hour outing. An onboard crew serves food and drinks, and the captain points out coastal sights along the way. Some departures have featured Captain David, who has entertained passengers with music and a lively presence, but the exact crew can vary.

Morning pickup and the Sliema departure

The included transport is one of the tour’s strongest practical features. After you provide your accommodation name and address, the operator confirms your closest pickup point and departure time. There are more than 80 pickup locations around Malta, so you do not need to arrange a taxi to Sliema in most cases.

Pickup times run from about 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. The exact time depends on your location, so you should keep your morning free and be ready at the confirmed point. If you are staying on The Strand near the Fernandes mooring, walking directly to the quay may be easier than taking a vehicle.

The meeting point is in Sliema at the quay on The Strand, opposite the Sliema Hotel by ST Hotels at 59 The Strand. The boat returns to the same area around 5:30 p.m., and the included land transport then takes you back to your accommodation or the closest pickup point.

The opening season listed for this experience runs from April 18 through November 15, 2026. It operates Monday through Sunday during that period. Since the cruise depends on good weather, poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund.

Malta’s northwestern coast by boat

Once the Fernandes leaves Sliema, it cruises northwest toward Gozo and Comino. The trip takes you past Malta’s cliffs, coves, and inlets, giving you a view of the coast that is hard to get from a road.

A morning snack is served during this stretch. The food is useful rather than fancy, but it helps make the long crossing more comfortable. Several people have particularly liked the generous amount of included food across the day, so you are not expected to buy lunch or bring a full picnic.

The quality of the ride depends heavily on the sea. On calm days, the cruise can feel relaxed and sociable, with music, drinks, and wide views. On rough days, the Fernandes can move quite a bit. If you are prone to seasickness, bring whatever remedy normally works for you and choose a stable place to sit early.

There is another practical issue: shade. The boat has padded mats and sunbathing areas, but the available seating and covered space may not match the number of people aboard. Arrive early if you want a padded mat or a better spot. At full capacity, some people may need to sit on the floor or along the boat’s edges.

The 90-minute stop in a secluded Gozo bay

The first major stop is a secluded bay in Gozo, where the Fernandes anchors for about 90 minutes. This is the quieter swimming stop and, for many people, the most enjoyable part of the day.

You can swim from the boat, sunbathe on deck, or simply stay aboard with a drink. The stop is not built around a long land excursion, so you will not be touring Gozo’s villages or historic sites. Instead, you get time in the water and a calm setting away from the main crowds.

That distinction is important. If your goal is to see Gozo by road, this cruise will not replace a land tour. If you want to swim in clear Mediterranean water without rushing, the stop works well.

The 90-minute timing is generous enough for a real swim. You can get in, relax, dry off, and still have time to enjoy the boat. Families can use the stop at their own pace. One particularly thoughtful crew interaction involved helping an injured child feed fish from the boat, showing that you do not have to swim to take part in the day.

The sea can be choppy even when the bay looks inviting. If you are uncomfortable in moving water, remain aboard and use the stop as a quiet break. The crew can also point out places to swim, but the experience is more about leisure than instruction.

Comino’s Blue Lagoon for swimming and lunch

After Gozo, the Fernandes anchors at Comino’s Blue Lagoon for about 90 minutes. This is the photo-friendly centerpiece of the cruise, with remarkably clear water and a bright, dramatic setting.

The catch is that the Blue Lagoon is no secret. In summer, it can be crowded, and the beach area is small. You may find the water far more enjoyable than the limited strip of sand. Staying on the boat gives you a place to relax without searching for a patch of beach, and you can swim directly from the vessel if conditions allow.

A hot and cold buffet lunch is prepared, cooked, and served aboard. That is a real advantage. You do not need to queue at a busy Comino snack bar or pay extra for a meal at the most expensive point of the day.

The menu is not presented as fine dining, but it is substantial for a boat excursion. Food can also vary with the day and the number of people aboard. Some departures have served a very good buffet, while others have found the meal plain. I would judge it as convenient and worthwhile rather than a reason to book the cruise by itself.

The open bar serves unlimited beer, wine, water, and soft drinks. In hot weather, the steady supply of water is especially helpful. Keep in mind that the soft drink selection may focus on sugary choices, with no diet or zero-sugar options available on some departures. If that matters to you, bring an alternative if permitted, or plan on drinking water.

A paid Comino caves boat trip may also be offered from June through September. This is not included in the cruise price, so carry some money if you want that extra outing. The supplied information does not give a fixed price for the caves trip.

The ride back to Sliema

After the Blue Lagoon stop, the Fernandes cruises back toward Sliema. A fresh fruit snack is served in the afternoon, which is a welcome change after lunch and sun.

The return leg is where you need to be honest about your energy. You will have spent roughly three hours cruising to the islands, around three hours at the two main stops, and another two hours returning to Malta. That makes the cruise ideal for people who enjoy being on a boat, not just people who want to reach the Blue Lagoon.

On a good day, the journey back feels social and easy. Music may be playing, drinks remain available, and you can watch the coast from the deck. Dolphins have occasionally been spotted from the boat, though that is a lucky extra, not part of the promised program.

The Fernandes docks in Sliema at approximately 5:30 p.m. Return transport then takes you back to your accommodation or pickup point. If you are staying near the Sliema mooring, you can walk back to your hotel.

Do not book this if you need to reach a cruise ship later that afternoon or evening unless the operator has explicitly arranged a different return plan. The standard finish is 5:30 p.m., and missing a ship is a serious risk. One unusual arrangement has allowed passengers with changed ship plans to return by a special boat, but you should never assume that option will be available.

Is the $90.22 price good value?

At about $90.22 per person, this cruise offers a solid bundle. You get transportation, a seven-and-a-half-hour boat trip, two 90-minute swimming stops, two snacks, a buffet lunch, unlimited drinks, and a restroom aboard.

If you paid separately for transport, a boat ride, lunch, and drinks, the total could rise quickly. The value is strongest for you if you plan to spend the day swimming and relaxing rather than buying separate tickets for a ferry and then finding your own way around Comino.

The price also removes much of the day’s guesswork. You do not need to decide where to eat at the Blue Lagoon, arrange a return crossing, or carry enough drinks for a hot day. That convenience is worth more for families and couples who prefer one organized outing.

Still, the value depends on your tolerance for crowds. A small private boat could offer more comfort and shade, but it would cost more. The Fernandes gives you a social, all-inclusive day at a moderate price, with less personal space.

The tour has an overall rating of 3.9 from 30 ratings, which fits the experience well. The strongest praise centers on the friendly crew, good swimming time, generous food, open bar, and beautiful water. The weaker experiences focus on crowding, limited shade, rough seas, smoke, and inconsistent food or drink choices.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A simple way to see Gozo and Comino in one day
• Plenty of swimming time rather than short photo stops
• Lunch and drinks included in the upfront cost
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• A relaxed boat atmosphere with music and social interaction
• A family-friendly day where non-swimmers can stay aboard

It is less suitable if you want a quiet, uncrowded boat, lots of shade, or a detailed tour of Gozo’s towns and sights. It may also be a poor fit if you get seasick easily or dislike cigarette smoke around you. Some passengers have found secondhand smoke noticeable throughout the day.

Children and older adults can participate, and service animals are allowed. Most people can take part, but the boat’s movement, sun exposure, and limited seating are worth considering for anyone with mobility or balance concerns.

The boat can carry up to 180 people. That does not mean every departure will be full, but you should plan for the possibility. Arriving early helps you find a better place to sit, especially if you want a padded mat or some shade.

What to bring for a better day

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat. You will have long periods in the sun, and shade may be limited.

I would also pack a light layer for the ride back, since wind on the water can feel cooler after swimming. If you are sensitive to motion, bring your usual seasickness aid before boarding rather than waiting for the boat to move.

The cruise provides food and drinks, but you may want a reusable water bottle or a preferred non-sugary drink. The open bar includes water and soft drinks, but the selection may not include diet or zero-sugar choices.

Arrive early at the mooring if you are walking to the boat. You cannot count on finding the best seating after everyone has boarded. Keep your confirmed pickup time handy if you are using land transport, since the morning schedule varies by location.

Book it or choose another boat?

Book the Fernandes if you want a good-value, all-day sea outing with two real swim stops, food, an open bar, and transport included. The secluded Gozo bay is a strong feature, and the Blue Lagoon gives you the clear water and striking views that make this route so popular.

Choose another option if comfort and space matter more than price. A boat carrying up to 180 people may feel crowded, especially in full sun. Also skip it if you need to return to a cruise ship before 5:30 p.m. or if rough water and smoke would spoil your day.

For the right kind of person, this is an easy Malta holiday choice: board in Sliema, swim in two beautiful places, eat, drink, watch the coast, and let someone else handle the transport. Just set your expectations correctly. This is a busy public boat with a generous itinerary, not a private sailing trip.

FAQ

How long does the Fernandes cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes. It leaves Sliema at 10:00 a.m. and returns to the quay at about 5:30 p.m.

Where does the cruise depart?

The Fernandes departs from the quay on The Strand in Sliema, Malta. The listed meeting point is WG53+82, Sliema.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Transport from your Malta accommodation or the closest confirmed pickup point is included. There are more than 80 pickup points, and pickup times are generally between 8:00 and 9:30 a.m.

How much time do I get at the Blue Lagoon?

You get approximately 90 minutes at Comino’s Blue Lagoon to swim, sunbathe, relax aboard, or spend time on land.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A hot and cold buffet lunch is freshly prepared, cooked, and served on board. A morning snack and fresh fruit snack in the afternoon are also included.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes unlimited beer, wine, water, and soft drinks. The available soft drinks may not include diet or zero-sugar choices.

Can I cancel the cruise?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time. If poor weather causes the cruise to be canceled, you will be offered another date or a full refund.