Malta: Lazy Pirate Boat Party with Drinks & Food

The main attraction here is simple: you board in Sliema, watch Malta’s coast slip by at sunset, then dance under the night sky with a drink in hand. The moonlight swim gives the evening a memorable break from the music, though it is a short stop rather than a serious swimming outing.

I like the full open bar, which includes vodka, tequila, whiskey, rum, beer, wine, and sangria. I also like the social setup. The DJ, shared boat, snacks, and late return make it easy to meet people and settle into a party mood. The main drawback is crowding. The boat can feel packed, and the food is basic rather than a proper dinner.

Key points to know before boarding

• Sunset sailing from Sliema: The boat leaves from opposite The Black Sheep and follows Malta’s coast as daylight fades.
• Open bar with several drink choices: Premium-brand spirits, beer, wine, and sangria are included.
• A short moonlight swim: You stop at anchor, but the swimming portion may not satisfy anyone seeking a long swim.
• DJ-led party atmosphere: Music and dancing are central to the night, not an optional extra.
• Snacks and fruit included: Food is provided, with sandwiches served on at least some departures, but do not expect a full meal.
• Adults only: This party is for people aged 18 and over.

Boarding at Sliema for a four-hour night out

You meet the boat opposite The Black Sheep at Sliema Ferries. That location puts the start right on the waterfront, which is convenient if you are already staying in or visiting Sliema. Transfers are not included, so you need to make your own way there.

The boat used for the party is the Fernandes 2. The evening follows a clear rhythm: departure from Sliema, a coastal cruise toward the setting sun, music and drinks as darkness arrives, a stop at anchor for swimming, then more partying before the return to Sliema at about midnight.

The advertised duration is four hours. Check the departure time when booking, since the starting time can vary. You should arrive ready for a late evening, not a quick harbor ride. A towel is essential if you plan to enter the water, and glass objects are not allowed on board.

There is no guide leading a historical tour. The host or greeter may speak English, Italian, Spanish, or French, but the point is the party rather than commentary about Malta. That distinction matters. If you want facts about forts, ports, and coastal villages, choose a sightseeing cruise. If you want music, drinks, and company, this format makes more sense.

Sunset views from Fernandes 2

The first part of the evening is the most scenic. As the boat leaves Sliema, you sail along the Maltese coast while the sun goes down. The changing light gives you a chance to take in the shoreline before the DJ and nightlife take over.

This is one of the better features of the timing. You get two moods in one outing. Early on, you can stand outside and watch the coast. Later, the boat becomes a floating nightclub. The sunset portion adds a sense of place that you would not get in a land-based bar.

Still, keep your expectations sensible. The boat party is not designed as a narrated coastal tour, and there is no guide included. You may get good views, but nobody is promising a detailed account of what you are seeing. I would treat the scenery as a valuable extra, not the main reason to book.

The boat can become crowded once everyone gathers around the music, bar, and dance area. One useful tip is to take in the views early, before the night reaches its busiest point. You will have more room to look around and take photos before the party settles into full swing.

The open bar and the food on board

The price includes an unlimited open bar with vodka, tequila, whiskey, rum, beer, wine, and sangria. That is a broad selection for a boat party, and it gives you more choice than a setup limited to one beer or one mixed drink.

I see this as the strongest value point. At $81 per person, the cost is not low, but the included drinks can make the price reasonable for someone who plans to drink throughout the four hours. You are also paying for the boat, DJ, coastal cruise, and swimming stop, so the comparison should be with a full evening out rather than a simple ferry ride.

The word unlimited needs a practical footnote: drink responsibly. A moving boat, stairs, a crowded dance area, and a swim stop are not a good mix if you overdo it. You will enjoy the evening more if you pace yourself and keep some attention on your footing and belongings.

Food is included as snacks and fruit. The food is useful because it gives you something to eat during a long evening, but it is not presented as a full meal. Sandwiches have been served on some departures, and the general quality may feel plain compared with a restaurant dinner.

If you need a substantial meal, eat before boarding. That is especially sensible because the activity lasts until late evening. Think of the food as party fuel, not a dining event. Fruit and snacks help, but they should not replace dinner if you arrive hungry.

Music, dancing, and the social side

The DJ is central to the night. You can expect music, dancing, and a group atmosphere from the time the cruise gets underway. The boat works best for people who enjoy meeting new people and sharing a loud, informal setting.

The social setup is one of the reasons this can be a memorable night. You are not sitting quietly at separate tables. People gather around the same music and bar, and the shared setting makes conversation easier than it might be in a standard nightclub.

At the same time, the social energy is not for everyone. You may find it difficult to get personal space, especially once dancing begins. One party group described the boat as having little room because of the number of people on board. That is a fair warning for anyone who prefers a relaxed cruise or dislikes crowded venues.

The atmosphere also depends on the crowd and the DJ’s style on your particular night. The music was praised warmly by several people, and the staff were described as friendly and available. One serious complaint involved aggressive behavior from security during an argument about finding a friend. I cannot treat that as the normal experience, but it is worth noting that the event has a firm party-security side, and the mood can change if people become disruptive.

Keep your group together where possible. In a crowded boat, losing sight of a friend is easy, and searching through a packed dance area can create stress. Agree on a meeting point before the music gets loud.

The moonlight swim stop

At some point, the Fernandes 2 anchors and gives you time for a swim. This is the night’s signature break from dancing. With the coast around you and the light low, getting into the water can feel like a real change of scene rather than just another bar activity.

Bring a towel, and expect wet floors and people moving between the deck and the water. The provided information does not specify the exact swimming location, water temperature, or length of the stop, so you should not book this expecting a carefully planned swimming session.

The stop may also feel brief or less appealing if your main goal is to swim. One group found it underwhelming specifically as a swimming opportunity, while still considering it acceptable as part of the party. That is the right way to judge it. The swim adds atmosphere and variety, but it is not the whole product.

If you are not interested in swimming, you can use the stop as a pause from the dance floor. You may prefer to stay on board, enjoy a drink, watch people get in the water, and take in the nighttime setting. The key point is that swimming is included as an option, not the sole purpose of the cruise.

What the $81 price really buys you

At $81 per person, this is a midrange to fairly expensive night out, depending on how much you drink. The price includes the party boat, DJ, open bar, snacks, fruit, and the swim stop. It does not include transfers or personal spending.

For a person who would otherwise pay separately for a nightclub, several drinks, and a boat outing, the package can be good value. The sunset cruise and open bar give you more than a standard club ticket. I especially see the value for a social group that wants one organized evening without deciding where to go next.

The value is weaker if you drink little, want a full dinner, or mainly want quiet coastal views. In that case, you are paying for features you may not use. A sightseeing cruise or a restaurant evening could suit you better, though neither would provide the same DJ-led party.

The overall rating is 3.8 out of 5 from 788 ratings. That suggests a generally enjoyable but uneven night. The most praised elements are the music, friendly staff, drink range, dancing, and social atmosphere. The repeated cautions are crowded conditions, basic food, and a swim stop that may not feel substantial.

Who will enjoy the Lazy Pirate most

I would recommend this for adults who want an easy, social night with drinks and music already arranged. It suits solo visitors who like meeting people, groups of friends, and anyone who wants something more unusual than a bar in Paceville or Sliema.

It also works well for a group celebrating a birthday or enjoying a holiday night together. You do not need to organize a venue, reserve several tables, or plan transport between bars. Once you reach the meeting point, the evening has a simple structure.

This is less suitable for children because it is adults only and anyone under 18 cannot join. It is also a poor match for a quiet evening, a serious meal, a history-focused cruise, or a swimming trip with lots of time in the water.

Couples should think about the mood they want. If you both like loud music and social crowds, it could be fun. If you want a private sunset cruise, the shared party format will probably disappoint.

Practical advice for a smoother night

Eat before you arrive, then use the snacks and fruit as a top-up. Wear something comfortable for dancing and bring a towel if you plan to swim. Do not bring glass objects, which are not allowed.

Keep valuables to a minimum. The supplied details do not describe storage arrangements, so it is safer not to arrive with items you would worry about on a wet, crowded boat. You should also be prepared for limited personal space.

Pace your drinks, especially before the swim stop. The open bar is generous, but the combination of alcohol, water, darkness, and a moving party environment calls for common sense.

Check the departure time carefully and allow enough time to reach Sliema Ferries. Since transfers are not included, you are responsible for getting to the meeting point and making your own arrangements after the return.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is useful if your Malta plans are still shifting. Those policies are helpful, but they do not change the main decision: you need to want a crowded, alcohol-centered party.

Should you book this Malta boat party?

Book it if you want sunset scenery followed by a proper boat party, with drinks, a DJ, snacks, and a chance to swim at night. The open bar and social setting give the $81 price a fair chance of being worthwhile, especially for a group that plans to stay for the full four hours.

Skip it if you want quiet views, a good dinner, lots of swimming time, or a calm and spacious boat. The most useful expectation is this: you are buying a floating nightclub with a coastal cruise attached. For the right mood, it can be one of Malta’s more memorable evenings. For the wrong mood, the crowd and basic food will be hard to ignore.

FAQ

Where does the Lazy Pirate Boat Party leave from?

Meet opposite The Black Sheep at Sliema Ferries in Sliema, Malta.

How long does the boat party last?

The activity lasts about four hours. The boat returns to Sliema at around midnight.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes vodka, tequila, whiskey, rum, beer, wine, and sangria. The drinks are included throughout the party.

Is food included?

Yes. Snacks and fruit are included. Sandwiches have also been served on some departures, but this is not presented as a full dinner.

Is there a DJ on the boat?

Yes. A DJ provides the music for the party and dancing.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The boat stops at anchor so you can take a moonlight swim. Bring a towel if you plan to get in the water.

Can children join the boat party?

No. The activity is not suitable for children under 18.

What languages are available?

The host or greeter may speak English, Italian, Spanish, or French. There is no guide included for a sightseeing commentary.

Are transfers included?

No. You must make your own way to the meeting point in Sliema, and personal expenses are not included.

Can I cancel my booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.