Fernandes Cruise to Blue Lagoon in Comino and Gozo

Fernandes Cruise to Blue Lagoon in Comino and Gozo: An Honest Review

If you’re dreaming of a day on Malta’s waters, soaking up sun and marveling at crystal-clear waters, this cruise might be just what you’re after. While we haven’t personally been on this specific tour, we’ve gathered plenty of info to help you decide if it fits your travel style. This nine-hour boat trip offers a good mix of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing, making it one of the more popular options around the island.

What we really like about this experience is how comprehensive it is — you’re visiting not just the Blue Lagoon in Comino, but also the island of Gozo. Plus, the all-inclusive aspect with meals and drinks sweetens the deal. However, there’s a notable downside that could influence your comfort or expectations, especially if you’re sensitive to crowds or rough waters.

This tour would suit travelers looking for a hassle-free, all-in-one day on the water — especially those who appreciate good food, drinks, and scenic stops. It’s also a solid pick if you want a balance of structured sightseeing and free time for swimming or relaxing.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Combines visits to Gozo, Comino, and the Blue Lagoon with meals, drinks, and transport included.
• Comfortable amenities: Restroom onboard and pickup offered from many Malta locations.
• Relaxed pace: Plenty of time at each stop for swimming, sunbathing, or just unwinding.
• Food and drinks: Hot and cold buffet lunch plus unlimited beer, wine, water, and soft drinks make for a laid-back day.
• Crowd considerations: Some reviews mention overcrowding and limited seating, so if space or shade is a priority, keep that in mind.
• Flexible cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, which is helpful if weather or plans change.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Starting Point and Pickup

Your adventure begins in Sliema, with pickup from over 80 locations or the option to make your own way to the mooring if staying nearby. The actual meeting spot is at the Fernandes Turkish gulet schooner moored on The Strand, which is easy to reach, especially if staying in Sliema or Valletta.

Morning Departure and Scenic Cruise

The boat departs sharply at 10:00 am, sailing northwest toward Comino and Gozo. During the cruise, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Malta’s rugged cliffs, secluded coves, and inlets. The crew serves a morning snack, giving you time to settle in and get comfortable. Many travelers appreciate the smooth ride and the chance to relax on deck before the busy stops.

Stop at Gozo

The first main stop is a secluded bay on Gozo, where you’ll anchor for about 90 minutes. Here, you can swim, sunbathe, or explore the shoreline — many reviews mention the serenity and beauty of this spot. One guest shared, “The stops are great for swimming, and we even saw dolphins on the way back,” which highlights the potential for unexpected delights.

The Blue Lagoon in Comino

Next up is the famous Blue Lagoon, where you’ll spend around 90 minutes. This turquoise paradise is the highlight for most visitors. The water is clear enough to see the seabed, perfect for swimming or just floating and soaking up the scenery. Onboard, a hot and cold buffet lunch is served, along with the open bar, offering unlimited drinks including beer, wine, and soft drinks.

Return to Malta

After the Lagoon, the boat heads back toward Malta, stopping in a bay in Gozo before cruising back to Sliema. A fresh fruit snack is served during this return journey, giving you a final taste of Malta’s flavors. You’ll dock around 5:30 pm, with transportation back to your accommodation provided — unless you’re staying on The Strand, where you can walk back.

What Travelers Say

Positive notes often mention the stunning scenery, the friendliness of staff, and the all-inclusive setup. For instance, one reviewer called it “an absolutely fantastic trip,” praising the crew’s hospitality and the chance to see “some of the most beautiful spots in Malta.” Others highlighted the value for money — a full day of food, drinks, swimming, and sightseeing for just under $90.

However, some reviews point out issues that are worth considering. Overcrowding is a recurring theme, with some guests saying there was limited seating and that the boat felt quite full. One review noted, “The boat was crowded, and most of us had to sit on the gunwales or on the floor, which wasn’t very comfortable.” The lack of shade and the long hours under the sun can also be a concern, especially if you’re sensitive to heat.

A few travelers also mentioned that the quality of the boat’s cleanliness could be better, and some felt that the soft drinks selection was limited, with no diet options available onboard. But overall, many found the experience enjoyable and worthwhile.

Practical Details and Considerations

Duration, Price, and Value

This tour lasts approximately 7.5 hours, a solid chunk of the day that balances sightseeing and relaxation. At $89.01 per person, it falls into the moderate price range for Malta excursions, especially considering meals and drinks are included. The value largely depends on how much you enjoy being on the water and swimming; for water lovers, it’s good value. For those seeking a quieter, less crowded experience, it might feel a bit hectic.

Group Size and Comfort

With the maximum of 180 travelers, this is a sizable group, which can sometimes lead to overcrowding. Some reviews mention limited seating and the need to arrive early to secure a spot or a sunbed. If you prefer a more intimate experience, options with smaller groups might be worth exploring.

Food and Drinks

The buffet lunch is described as freshly prepared and generous. Guests seem to appreciate the quality and quantity. The open bar offers unlimited beer, wine, water, and soft drinks, which helps keep everyone refreshed. However, some noted a lack of non-sugary soft drinks, which could be disappointing if you don’t drink alcohol or prefer non-sweet options.

Transportation and Accessibility

Pickup from many locations makes it easy to join this tour without extra hassle. The boat is equipped with a restroom onboard, and the crew is generally friendly and accommodating. The return transportation to your hotel or pick-up point is included, simplifying logistics.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise is ideal for travelers who want a full, relaxed day on the water with minimal hassle. It’s well-suited for those who enjoy swimming, scenic views, and good food and drinks in a lively environment. If you’re okay with larger groups and don’t mind some crowding, you’ll find this a fun, convenient way to see some of Malta’s most iconic spots.

It’s less perfect if you’re seeking a quiet, private experience, or if you’re sensitive to spending long hours in the sun without much shade. The potential for overcrowding and discomfort of limited seating might bother some, but for many, the vibrant atmosphere and beautiful scenery outweigh these downsides.

The Sum Up

If you’re after a straightforward, all-inclusive way to explore Malta’s coastline and its famous Blue Lagoon, this cruise offers a lot for the price. The combination of scenic stops, swimming opportunities, and hearty meals make for a satisfying day out, especially if you love being on the water. The crew’s friendliness and the chance to see dolphins or enjoy a lively atmosphere add extra charm.

However, keep in mind that it’s a large group experience — so if peace and quiet are your priorities, or if you’re looking for a more personalized trip, this might not be your best fit. The overcrowding and limited shade are potential drawbacks, but many travelers find these minor inconveniences don’t detract too much from the overall fun.

In all, this tour is best suited for water lovers, foodies, and those who appreciate a lively, social vibe with scenic views. It’s a practical, enjoyable way to spend a day in Malta, especially if you want everything taken care of in one go.

FAQs

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, transportation from your Malta accommodation or the closest pick-up point (over 80 locations) is included, making it easy to join the trip without extra planning.

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts around 7.5 hours, starting early in the morning and returning in the late afternoon.

Are meals provided?
Yes, a hot and cold buffet lunch is included, along with a morning snack and a fresh fruit snack in the afternoon.

Is unlimited alcohol included?
Yes, the tour offers an open bar with unlimited beer, wine, water, and soft drinks. However, some reviews mention limited soft drink options, especially no diet sodas.

What are the main stops during the tour?
You’ll visit the Blue Lagoon in Comino for swimming and relaxing, a secluded bay in Gozo, and cruise along Malta’s coastlines with scenic views and photo opportunities.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. If weather cancels the trip, a full refund or reschedule is available.

This cruise is a straightforward way to see Malta from the water, with plenty of opportunities to swim, relax, and enjoy good food. Whether it’s your first time or you’re just looking for a fun, stress-free day, it’s worth considering — just keep in mind the potential for crowds and the long hours under the sun.