Fernandes Gozo & Comino

The best part of this day is the easy combination of two swimming stops and a full boat service. You can leave the planning to the captain and crew, settle into the Fernandez, and spend the day with Gozo’s coast and Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon in front of you. I especially like the included hot and cold buffet and unlimited drinks, which make the $85.98 price easier to justify.

I also like that you get a quiet bay in Gozo before the more famous lagoon stop, plus pickup from accommodation in Malta. The main caution is crowding. The boat can carry up to 180 people, and that may mean limited personal space, not enough tables at lunch, and a less peaceful ride than the word luxury might suggest.

Key points to know before booking

• Two proper swim stops: You get about 1 hour 30 minutes in a secluded Gozo bay, followed by two hours at Comino’s Blue Lagoon.
• Food and drinks are built into the fare: A hot and cold buffet, morning and afternoon snacks, beer, wine, soft drinks, and water are included.
• The boat can be very busy: Capacity is listed at 180 people, so do not expect an intimate sailing trip.
• Snorkeling is possible from the boat: Equipment may be provided if needed, according to the onboard service details.
• The cave boat ride costs extra: Coffee, ice cream, and the cave speedboat ride are not included.
• Weather matters: Rough seas can lead to cancellation, with a different date or full refund offered.

What a 7.5-hour day on the Fernandez feels like

This is a long, social day on the water rather than a short sightseeing cruise. The point is not a guided walk through Gozo or a detailed tour of Comino. You are paying for time at sea, swimming, food, drinks, and a simple day where the crew handles the practical work.

The Fernandez is described as a Turkish gulet, a traditional-style sailing boat with a broad shape and open areas for sitting. The boat has been described as new and well cared for, but its size also matters. With space for up to 180 people, this is a group outing. You will likely meet other people, share the general mood, and hear plenty of conversation around you.

The listed start time is 9 a.m. Pickup is offered from accommodation in Malta, which can save you the trouble of finding a marina or meeting point on your own. Confirm the exact pickup details when you book, since the information supplied gives the start time but not a single universal pickup address.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and something to protect your head from the sun. You will want to move easily between the shaded and sunny parts of the boat. The day is long enough that a dry change of clothes can also be useful, though it is not specifically listed as a requirement.

Leaving Valletta with food already covered

One practical strength of this outing is that you do not need to build a day of meals around the cruise. Morning and afternoon snacks are included, along with a hot and cold buffet lunch. Unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and water are also part of the price.

That matters on a seven-and-a-half-hour boat trip. Buying food and drinks separately at tourist stops can quickly push the cost upward, and you do not need to keep checking your wallet every time you want water or a soft drink. If you enjoy a casual drink in the sun, the included beer and wine add real value.

The food receives mixed impressions. Some people found it much tastier than expected, while another person found the quality poor. I would set your expectations at solid group-catering food, not a special restaurant meal. The buffet should keep you fed, but it is not a reason to book the trip by itself.

Lunch logistics may be less smooth on a crowded sailing. Limited tables were a specific concern, so you may need to eat where space allows rather than expect a formal seated meal. If you care about a quiet lunch with your own table, this is one of the clearest drawbacks.

Coffee and ice cream are not included. Those are small exclusions, but they are worth knowing if you normally expect every onboard refreshment to be covered. Water, soft drinks, beer, and wine are included, which covers the main needs of a hot day.

Gozo’s secluded bay, 1 hour 30 minutes in the water

The first planned stop is a quiet bay in Gozo. The Fernandez anchors there for about 1 hour 30 minutes, giving you time to swim and enjoy the coast before the boat continues to Comino.

This is a smart first stop. Gozo gives you a calmer setting before the famous Blue Lagoon, and the longer stay means you are not simply jumping into the water for ten rushed minutes. You can swim from the boat, sit in the sun, or stay aboard and take in the rocky coast.

The stop is free to enter because you are enjoying it from the boat. There is no separate admission ticket for the bay. The supplied details do not name the bay, give a guided shore walk, or promise that you will go ashore, so plan on this being an anchored swimming stop rather than a Gozo sightseeing visit.

People who want snorkeling may find this part especially useful. Snorkeling equipment is available if required, according to the onboard service information, and a direct account of the trip says snorkeling took place from the boat. Ask the crew about equipment early in the day if you need it.

The secluded setting can also be affected by the group size. A quiet bay does not mean a quiet boat. The water may be peaceful while the deck remains busy, especially when many passengers choose to swim at once.

Comino’s Blue Lagoon, a two-hour main stop

After Gozo, the boat heads to Comino’s Blue Lagoon for about two hours. This is the headline stop, and the schedule gives you enough time to swim rather than simply take a quick photograph from the deck.

The lagoon is known for clear blue water and dramatic coastal scenery. From the Fernandez, you can swim, snorkel, or remain on board with a drink. The supplied details specifically allow you to enjoy the lagoon as part of the all-inclusive day, so there is no separate admission charge for this stop.

The key thing to understand is that Blue Lagoon is famous, and famous places are rarely empty. Even if the boat anchors in a good position, you should not expect private water or a secluded beach. The group setting is part of the bargain. You get access and time in a celebrated spot, but not solitude.

A cave speedboat ride is available as an extra, but it is not included. The same applies to coffee and ice cream. If the cave trip interests you, budget for it separately and ask the crew about the price and timing on the day. Do not assume the two-hour stop is only for swimming if you plan to add that option.

The Blue Lagoon is also the place where sun protection becomes most important. Two hours in direct sun, followed by the rest of a full day at sea, can catch you out. Reapply sunscreen after swimming and drink water even if you are also enjoying the included beer or wine.

Why the all-inclusive setup helps with the $85.98 price

At $85.98 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Gozo or Comino. It is also not a simple boat transfer. You are paying for roughly 7.5 hours, accommodation pickup, the boat, two swimming stops, snacks, buffet lunch, and unlimited listed drinks.

That package can offer good value if you would otherwise pay for transport, lunch, drinks, and a separate boat outing. The price is easier to defend for someone who wants a full day with very little planning. You can board, find a place to settle, swim when the boat anchors, and return after the scheduled cruise.

The value drops if you do not drink, prefer to eat lightly, or mainly want independent time on Gozo. You are not getting a long land visit on the island, and there is no promise of a guided tour through Gozo’s villages or historic sites. If your priority is seeing Gozo by road, this is the wrong format.

Booking patterns suggest people reserve this outing well ahead, with an average booking point around 36 days before departure. That does not guarantee that every date sells out, but it is a useful sign for planning. If your Malta dates are fixed, booking earlier gives you more choice.

The crowd question: luxury boat or floating group party?

The word luxury needs a little context here. The Fernandez is described as new and well cared for, and the crew is often praised for being friendly, helpful, and funny. That points to a pleasant onboard atmosphere and a boat that is in good condition.

It does not mean you should expect a private yacht. The maximum group size is 180, and specific complaints focus on too many people, limited room, and too few tables for lunch. Another person found the boat uncomfortable because there was not enough space for everyone.

I would book this as a friendly group sailing day, not as a romantic escape or a quiet luxury charter. If you like meeting people, sharing a deck, and having a drink after a swim, the social side may be a plus. If you need wide-open space, calm dining, or a reserved seat in a peaceful corner, you may feel cramped.

Arrive ready to claim a comfortable spot without treating it as your private area for the whole day. People will move around for swimming, meals, shade, and photographs. The crew can manage the main logistics, but they cannot change the boat’s capacity.

The crew and the pace of the day

The captain and crew are a major part of the outing. Their role is to handle the route, anchoring, food service, drinks, and basic needs while you enjoy the water. The strongest praise focuses on a friendly and helpful crew, with some light humor along the way.

That style suits a day built around relaxation. You do not need to study a schedule every few minutes. The two major stops are clear, and the crew takes care of getting you between them.

The pace is not ideal for someone who wants constant activity. There are long periods of sailing and sitting between the swim stops, and the tour does not list a full program of guided entertainment. One person found the day heavy and boring, which is a fair warning if you need regular sightseeing or structured activities.

For me, the best approach is to treat the sailing time as part of the day, not dead time. Use it to eat, talk, read, watch the coast, and rest between swims. That works well if you enjoy being on a boat. It works less well if your only goal is to reach the water.

Snorkeling, swimming, and optional extras

Swimming is central to the day. At Gozo, you have about 90 minutes in a secluded bay. At Comino, you have about two hours. That gives you a good amount of water time compared with a cruise that only pauses for a short photo stop.

Snorkeling is also possible from the boat. Equipment is provided if required, based on the available tour details. Still, ask the crew before the boat anchors if you need gear, rather than waiting until everyone else is already in the water.

The cave speedboat ride is the main paid extra listed. It can add variety to the Blue Lagoon stop, but you should think of it as optional. The core fare already gives you two swimming locations, so you do not need to buy the extra to get the main point of the outing.

A simple plan works best: swim early in each stop, then take time to dry off, eat, and enjoy the view. If you stay in the water for the entire stop, you may tire quickly in the sun.

Who should book this sailing day?

This tour suits you if you want:

• A full day on the water without arranging separate transport
• Swimming at Gozo and Comino in one outing
• Food, snacks, and drinks included in one price
• A social boat atmosphere
• Pickup from accommodation in Malta
• A simple way to add snorkeling to your day

It is a weaker match if you want a small boat, a quiet deck, a private meal, or a detailed visit to Gozo on land. It is also not the best choice if you dislike fixed group schedules. The boat decides when you leave each stop, and the group moves together.

Families may appreciate the food, drinks, and organized schedule, though the operator says trips can be canceled when sea conditions are not suitable for families. Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed. The tour is near public transportation, but pickup is offered, which may be easier than arranging your own route to the departure point.

Weather, cancellation, and sensible planning

This trip requires good weather. Rough seas or conditions considered unsuitable for families can lead to cancellation. If the operator cancels for poor weather, you are offered another date or a full refund.

That policy is sensible for a sea outing, but a cancellation can still disrupt a short Malta holiday. The strongest practical advice is to avoid placing this trip on your final possible day if you can. A weather backup gives you room to move the booking.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the local start time. Changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded. Keep the weather rule in mind when planning, since the sea, not just the forecast on land, controls the decision.

Should you book the Fernandez?

Book it if you want an easy, food-and-drink-included day at sea with two strong swimming stops. The Gozo bay gives you a quieter opening, while Comino’s Blue Lagoon supplies the famous setting. Friendly crew service, snorkeling access, and accommodation pickup add useful comfort.

Skip it if your idea of luxury means space, silence, and a private table. A boat carrying up to 180 people can feel crowded, and the food receives mixed marks. At $85.98, the package is fair for a long day with meals, drinks, transport, and swimming, but it is not a bargain for anyone who wants only a quick trip to the lagoon.

My call: book it for a relaxed social outing, especially if you value convenience and plan to make full use of the included lunch and drinks. Choose another style of boat trip if personal space and quiet matter more than an all-day package.

FAQ

Where does the Fernandez tour start?

The tour starts from Valletta, Malta, at 9 a.m. Pickup is offered from accommodation in Malta.

How long does the tour last?

The scheduled duration is approximately 7 hours 30 minutes.

Which places does the boat visit?

The boat stops at a secluded bay on Gozo for about 1 hour 30 minutes, then continues to Comino’s Blue Lagoon for about two hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A hot and cold buffet is included, along with morning and afternoon snacks.

Which drinks are included?

Unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and water are included. Coffee and ice cream are not included.

Is the cave speedboat ride included?

No. The cave speedboat ride is an extra cost.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund.