Full Day Fernandes Cruise with Lunch

The best part of the Fernandes Cruise is the simple rhythm of a Malta sea day: board in Sliema, leave the city behind, swim from a quiet Gozo bay, eat lunch on deck, then finish at Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon. You get two major swimming stops without arranging ferries, taxis, or a restaurant.

I like the included buffet lunch and morning snack, since food and water are covered during a long day in the sun. I also like the hotel pickup from selected properties, which removes some of the hassle of reaching The Strand in Sliema. The main concern is space: with up to 80 people aboard, seating may feel tight, especially after a busy boarding period.

Key things to know before booking

• Two swimming areas: You first stop at a secluded bay near Gozo, then continue to the Blue Lagoon on Comino.
• About eight hours on the water: The cruise leaves Sliema at 10:00 a.m. and returns after a full day at sea.
• Lunch is included: Expect a buffet meal, a morning snack, water, and one included drink.
• Pickup is available: Selected hotels receive transport, but the exact time and meeting place are confirmed after booking.
• Seating can be limited: A maximum of 80 people may be carried, and not everyone is guaranteed a comfortable sun or shaded seat.
• Bring swimming gear: Pack a swimsuit, towel, and sunblock. Spirits are extra and are not included.

A full Malta sea day from Sliema

This is a boat day rather than a sightseeing tour with a guide explaining every landmark. The appeal is the route, the swimming, the meal, and the ease of having transport and food arranged for you.

Fernandes departs from The Strand, Sliema quay, at 10:00 a.m. Pickup begins earlier, with a listed start time of 9:30 a.m. If you use hotel pickup, wait for the operator to confirm your exact time and place. That detail matters because hotel collection is available only from selected properties.

From Sliema, the boat heads northwest toward Gozo. You spend much of the morning at sea, so this suits you if you enjoy open-water views and a relaxed pace. If you want constant commentary, historical explanation, or several land visits, this is not that sort of outing.

The day lasts about eight hours. That is enough time to make the trip feel worthwhile, but it also means you should prepare for sun, wind, and limited personal space. Comfortable swimwear, a towel, sunblock, and a light cover-up are sensible choices.

The Gozo stop gives you a quieter first swim

The first planned stop is a secluded bay in Gozo. The boat drops anchor, giving you a chance to swim directly from the vessel in a setting that should feel calmer than the later Blue Lagoon stop.

This is a good design choice. You get your first swim before lunch, when you are likely to have more energy and when the day still feels unhurried. The bay is the less famous part of the route, but it may be the more restful water stop.

You should keep your expectations practical. The information provided does not specify a beach landing, a guided walk, or a particular bay name. Think of this as a boat-based swim stop, not a Gozo sightseeing visit. If you want to explore Gozo’s towns, churches, or countryside, you would need a separate excursion.

The boat remains central to the experience. You can swim, return aboard, dry off, and settle in for lunch. Bring a towel that dries reasonably fast, since there may not be a long break between getting out of the water and eating.

Buffet lunch and bar service on the boat

Lunch is served aboard the Fernandes after the Gozo swim. A buffet is included, along with a morning snack, water, and a drink. That makes the $88.72 price easier to assess, since you are not paying separately for a meal while also covering transport and a full day on the water.

The meal also saves time. You do not need to leave the boat, search for a café, or risk losing part of the Blue Lagoon stop. For a day built around swimming, that is useful.

The bar is fully stocked, but the included drinks are limited to the stated drink and water. Additional food and drinks cost extra, and spirits are specifically excluded. If you prefer a particular soft drink, cocktail, or alcoholic beverage, budget for it separately rather than assuming it comes with the lunch.

A buffet is practical, not necessarily a reason to book the trip by itself. Food quality and selection are not detailed here, so I would treat lunch as a convenient inclusion. The real value is having a meal ready during a long cruise.

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the main event

After lunch, the Fernandes continues to Comino for the Blue Lagoon. You are given ample time to explore the island and swim in its famously clear water.

This is the stop most people will have in mind when they book. The Blue Lagoon is Malta’s classic swimming setting, and arriving by boat gives you direct access to the water without arranging another connection. You can swim, spend time ashore, or simply enjoy the view from the boat.

The phrase ample time is useful, but the supplied details do not give an exact number of hours. Your time may be shaped by sea conditions, the operating schedule, and the day’s timing. Keep your plans flexible rather than booking a separate activity immediately afterward.

Comino is also where the cruise may feel busiest. The Gozo bay is described as secluded, while the Blue Lagoon is the better-known stop. You should expect the second half of the day to feel less private, particularly during a popular summer period.

Still, the sequence works well. The first stop gives you a quieter swim, lunch breaks up the cruise, and Comino provides the signature finish. You get variety without constantly packing and unpacking your things.

Seating is the key comfort question

The clearest drawback is seating. One detailed complaint described too many people, with some able to sit or lie in the sun or shade while others had to remain standing because there were not enough seats.

That is important information, not a minor quibble. Eight hours is a long time to spend aboard, and a comfortable seat affects the whole day. The boat can carry up to 80 people, so you should not assume that every passenger will have a lounger or a prime shaded place.

Arrive on time for pickup and boarding, and once aboard, take a moment to understand the available seating before settling into the day. If you need regular access to a seat because of age, discomfort, or reduced mobility, this cruise may not be the right choice. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility difficulties and calls for a moderate level of physical fitness.

The seating issue matters less if you plan to swim often and move between the deck and water. It matters more if you want to lie in the sun for much of the cruise. The product suits an active boat day better than a quiet yacht charter.

What the $88.72 price really covers

At $88.72 per person, the price buys more than a simple boat transfer. You receive transport, an approximately eight-hour cruise, a morning snack, buffet lunch, water, one included drink, and access to both the Gozo and Comino stops.

The value is strongest if you use most of what is included. A visitor who wants a full day at sea, two swimming areas, and no need to organize lunch may find the package convenient. Hotel pickup adds another practical benefit, especially if your accommodation is not near Sliema.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a short trip to the Blue Lagoon. In that case, a full-day cruise may feel longer and more expensive than necessary. You are paying for the full route and onboard meal, not just access to Comino.

The price also does not cover every drink or food purchase. Spirits are excluded, and any additional refreshments cost extra. Bring your own sun protection and swimming supplies, since those are not listed as provided.

Who will enjoy the Fernandes Cruise

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a straightforward day on Malta’s water with the major arrangements handled in advance. It suits people who enjoy swimming, boat views, a buffet meal, and a relaxed schedule with two stops.

It also works well for first-time visitors who want to see Gozo and Comino from the sea without building a complicated island-hopping plan. You do not need to arrange separate transport to the quay if your hotel is included in the pickup area.

The cruise may suit couples, groups of friends, and active adults who are comfortable climbing aboard, using a swimming stop, and spending a long day outside. The moderate fitness requirement is worth taking seriously.

I would be cautious about booking it for younger children or anyone with mobility difficulties. The operator specifically says it is not suitable for those groups. I would also think twice if your ideal boat day means guaranteed shade, a reserved lounger, or a quiet atmosphere.

Timing, pickup, and what to pack

The boat departs The Strand in Sliema at 10:00 a.m., while the listed activity start time is 9:30 a.m. That earlier time relates to pickup and meeting arrangements, so do not treat 9:30 as an optional arrival time if you are using hotel transport.

After booking, the operator contacts you with the exact pickup time and location. If you have not received those details at least 48 hours before departure, contact the provider. This is one of the few pieces of administration worth handling before the morning of the cruise.

Pack:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunblock
• Comfortable clothing for an exposed boat deck
• Money or another payment method for extra food, drinks, and spirits
• Any personal items you need during an eight-hour outing

Keep your belongings compact. You will want your towel and sunblock close at hand, not buried under a large bag.

The activity requires good weather. If poor weather cancels the cruise, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but cancellations or changes made inside that window are not refunded or accepted.

My verdict on this Malta boat day

Book the Fernandes Cruise if you want a convenient, all-day swimming trip with lunch included and both Gozo and Comino on the route. The quieter Gozo swim, buffet meal, hotel pickup, and Blue Lagoon stop create a useful one-day package for a visitor who prefers one organized outing.

Skip it if you need guaranteed seating, easy accessibility, a small group, or detailed cultural sightseeing. The capacity of up to 80 people and the reported lack of seats are the main points to weigh before paying.

For most suitable customers, the decision comes down to comfort rather than attractions. The route gives you Malta’s best-known swimming areas and removes much of the planning. Just book with realistic expectations: this is a busy, active boat day, not a private cruise.

FAQ

Where does the Fernandes Cruise depart from?

The Fernandes departs from The Strand, Sliema quay, at 10:00 a.m.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is offered from selected hotels. The exact pickup time and place are confirmed after booking.

What food and drinks are included?

The package includes a morning snack, buffet lunch, water, and a drink. Additional food and drinks cost extra, and spirits are not included.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately eight hours.

Can I swim during the cruise?

Yes. You can swim at a secluded bay near Gozo and later at the Blue Lagoon on Comino. Bring bathing gear, a towel, and sunblock.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded.