Reviewed · GOZO ISLAND HOPPING
Fernandes Gozo & Comino
Two stops, one long sail, lots of sun. This Gozo and Comino trip has the classic Malta water-day rhythm, but with a full-service boat setup, from pickup to snacks to onboard lunch. I like the fact that you can lean back, because the crew handles the flow of the day and you simply follow along to the best swim time.
You’ll also enjoy the onboard food and drinks, with unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and water plus hot and cold buffet meals. One thing to consider, though, is that when the boat is full, space can feel tight and lunch seating may be limited.
In This Review
- Key highlights at a glance
- A day on Gozo and Comino, run by the crew
- Price and what your $85.98 includes
- How the day runs from Valletta at 9:00 am
- Stop 1 in Gozo: anchored in a secluded bay for a first swim
- Stop 2 in Comino: Blue Lagoon swimming, snorkeling, and extras
- Food and drinks onboard: more than just a snack
- The boat experience: Turkish gulet comfort and real teamwork
- Weather, refunds, and what happens if the sea turns
- Who should book this Fernandes Gozo and Comino sail
- Should you book Fernandes Gozo and Comino?
- FAQ
- How long is the Fernandes Gozo and Comino tour?
- What time does the tour start in Valletta?
- Is pickup offered from accommodations in Malta?
- What food and drinks are included onboard?
- What is not included during the day?
- How many swim stops are included and where do they go?
- What is the maximum group size for this tour?
- Does the tour depend on weather?
- Can I get a full refund if I cancel?
Key highlights at a glance

- Round-trip pickup in Malta to make a long day feel easier
- Gozo first, then Comino Blue Lagoon for two different swim settings
- Unlimited drinks onboard plus morning and afternoon snacks
- Snorkeling support available if you want to head in near the boat
- A well kept gulet that many people describe as newer and cared for
- Group size up to 180 (great energy, but expect crowds on the water)
A day on Gozo and Comino, run by the crew

This is the kind of Malta day trip that works because it feels simple. You start in Valletta at 9:00 am, you spend about 7.5 hours on the water, and you get two anchored swim breaks that are the whole reason to come: Gozo first, then the Blue Lagoon in Comino.
The biggest value is how little you have to manage. You are not charting schedules, hunting for meeting points, or timing water taxis. Instead, you get a plan, meals appear through the day, and the crew runs the sailing and anchoring so you can focus on one job only, swim when it is swim time.
I also like how this tour gives you variety without being exhausting. Gozo can feel more relaxed and local, while Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the famous splash zone. You get both in one day, without the stress of hopping between services.
The only real drawback I’d flag is crowding. With a maximum of 180 people, it can get busy, and a few comments point to limited room for everyone to eat comfortably at once. If you hate feeling boxed in, bring patience, and treat lunch as a “grab and settle” moment rather than a long sit-down.
More of Gozo, by boat and by road:
Price and what your $85.98 includes

At $85.98 per person, this isn’t a bare-bones boat ride. It’s built around feeding you and keeping you hydrated while you float, swim, and switch locations.
Here is what your money typically buys:
- Round-trip transfers from your accommodation in Malta (pickup offered)
- Unlimited drinks including beer, wine, soft drinks, and water
- Hot and cold buffet meals during the day
- Morning and afternoon snacks
- A buffet lunch
- Two set swim stops: Gozo and Blue Lagoon
It also helps that the swim access is not nickel-and-dimed. Both anchor stops are listed with free admission ticket status, so your main “spend” becomes your own choices, like snacks between meals or extra activities you may want at the Blue Lagoon.
What costs extra:
- Coffee and ice cream
- Cave speed boat ride (a common add-on option at Comino)
So where’s the value? For many people, it’s the all-day format plus the drinks. A typical day out can add up quickly once you pay for ferry crossings, individual food stops, and drinks. Here, the structure is there, and you just follow it.
If you are on a tight budget and you only want a short swim stop, this might feel like a lot. If you want a full sun-and-water day with minimal decision making, it is easier to justify.
How the day runs from Valletta at 9:00 am
The tour starts at 9:00 am. That matters because water days can be better when you are early rather than chasing midday crowds. You get moving while the air and water are still fresh, and that can make those first swim moments feel much more pleasant.
You also get the comfort of pickup offered. That helps a lot in Malta, where parking and timing can be annoying when you are trying to coordinate a day on the water. Being near public transportation is listed as a plus too, but the real win is that transfers are part of the deal.
On a group sailing day, there are usually two rhythms:
1) The boat is “on its way” and people are settling, eating, and finding their spots.
2) You hit the swim windows, and it becomes movement-heavy for a while.
This itinerary follows that rhythm. You first anchor in Gozo for a swim break, then head to Comino for Blue Lagoon swimming.
Stop 1 in Gozo: anchored in a secluded bay for a first swim
The first stop is the Island of Gozo, with about 1 hour 30 minutes on the water at an anchored location described as a secluded bay. That “secluded” part is the vibe you want here. It’s not just a photo stop, it’s a real swim break where you can look around and actually enjoy the surroundings before the day shifts to the more famous Comino scene.
Why this stop works:
- You start with water time while you are still fresh from the morning.
- The bay setting gives a calmer feeling than jumping straight into a headline attraction.
- You get a chance to swim and regroup before the bigger Blue Lagoon crowd scene.
A practical tip: bring your swimsuit ready to go. It’s the kind of day where every minute counts, and you’ll want to jump in as soon as you’re ready.
One consideration is logistics on a group boat. During swim time, you will share space with everyone else on board. That’s normal, but it’s one reason I recommend being flexible. Swim, enjoy, take a breath, then do it again.
Stop 2 in Comino: Blue Lagoon swimming, snorkeling, and extras
Next comes the Blue Lagoon in Comino, with about 2 hours listed for this stop. This is the famous water, the reason many people book the day in the first place.
The trip description emphasizes swimming while you are aboard the Turkish gulet, and the overall day is framed as all-inclusive. In practice, that means your time at Blue Lagoon is not just “watch from the deck.” It’s swim-focused.
If you want more than just floating, you might like that snorkeling gear is available if you need it. Some people mention snorkeling off the boat and confirm that equipment is provided. That can be a big deal if you are traveling light and don’t want to rent gear.
Expect other things to choose from while you are there. The information we have says coffee and ice cream are not included, and a cave speed boat ride is also not included. That is a helpful clue: if you want to go beyond swimming, you’ll likely be paying for it during the stop.
Blue Lagoon can be visually crowded during peak times, so plan to treat it as:
- a place for swims and photos,
- plus some optional add-ons,
- not a place to expect quiet, empty water.
If you are sensitive to crowds, the Gozo stop becomes even more important since it offers a different, more relaxed feel.
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Food and drinks onboard: more than just a snack
This is where the tour earns a lot of goodwill. The day is built around food breaks, and it shows.
You’ll get:
- Morning and afternoon snacks
- A hot and cold buffet
- A buffet lunch
- Unlimited drinks, including beer, wine, soft drinks, and water
In other words, you are not rationing yourself. Come hungry. That’s not just marketing language. Multiple comments highlight that the food and drink were helpful for an all-day outing, and that the onboard setup made the trip feel worry-free.
One thing I like about the menu approach is the variety. Hot and cold buffet style means you can find something fast even if you are not in a “big meal” mood right away. And unlimited drinks make it easier to keep energy up without hunting for purchase points.
Two balanced notes to keep you realistic:
- On a full boat, lunch seating can be tight. Some people mention a lack of tables when the group is large.
- Food quality is not described as perfect by everyone. Most feedback is positive, but there are a few negative notes about food being lower quality.
My advice: approach lunch like buffet lunch on a boat. You’ll enjoy it more if you focus on getting fed and keeping the day moving, not if you expect restaurant precision.
The boat experience: Turkish gulet comfort and real teamwork

This tour is on a luxury Turkish gulet named Fernandez. Multiple comments describe the vessel as newer and well cared for, and they also emphasize friendly crew service.
That matters because on a day with two swim stops, the crew’s job is practical:
- timing the anchoring,
- guiding everyone during swim windows,
- keeping the food and drinks moving,
- handling safety steps so the day stays relaxed.
Some people mention snorkeling equipment being available if you want it, which is a sign that the crew and setup are geared for active water time rather than just sightseeing.
Comfort is generally positive, but again, capacity is real. With a maximum of 180, you may notice crowding on board, especially in the moments when everyone gathers for lunch and drink refills. If you are prone to motion sickness, keep your expectations in check for any sea movement. (The tour does require good weather conditions, which helps.)
A practical mindset helps: treat this as a social sailing day. If you want personal space and quiet corners, you may find the group energy a bit much.
Weather, refunds, and what happens if the sea turns
This experience is listed as requiring good weather. That’s not a small detail, it’s the backbone of water days in Malta.
If conditions are not suitable, the trip can be canceled. In that situation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. That is the standard “sea safety first” approach.
So, if you are traveling with only one fixed day on the island, I suggest building in flexibility. Water tours are always weather dependent, and while most days run fine, you don’t want to trap yourself with no alternatives.
Who should book this Fernandes Gozo and Comino sail
This tour fits best if you want:
- a full sun-and-water day without planning,
- two swim stops rather than one,
- included meals and unlimited drinks,
- a group atmosphere that makes the day feel easy and social.
It is also a good match if you like snorkeling or you want the option. You don’t have to do it, but gear is available if you need it, and that can turn the day from “swim and sun” into “swim and explore a bit.”
If you are traveling with kids, it can be appealing because you are not paying for food separately and the day is structured. But keep in mind that boat space and crowding can be a factor when the group is large.
If you are the type who hates tight quarters, wants a quiet meal on a quiet boat, or is very picky about food quality, you might feel disappointed. In those cases, look for smaller craft or a more flexible itinerary with fewer people.
Should you book Fernandes Gozo and Comino?
If you want a low-stress Malta day focused on two swimming stops, included snacks and meals, and unlimited drinks, this tour is strong value for the money. The crew friendliness and the sense that the day runs smoothly are repeatedly the kind of details that make a trip feel worth it.
Book it if:
- you like swimming and want Gozo plus Comino in one go,
- you want transfers to handle the hassle of getting to the water,
- you’re happy with a buffet lunch, not a plated dining experience.
Skip or rethink it if:
- you are very sensitive to crowding and limited seating on a large boat,
- you expect restaurant-level food quality,
- you need a guarantee that the boat will go out on your exact date, since weather can force changes.
FAQ
How long is the Fernandes Gozo and Comino tour?
The tour is about 7 hours 30 minutes.
What time does the tour start in Valletta?
The start time is 9:00 am.
Is pickup offered from accommodations in Malta?
Yes, round-trip transfers are offered, and pickup is included.
What food and drinks are included onboard?
You get a hot and cold buffet, morning and afternoon snacks, and a buffet lunch, plus unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and water.
What is not included during the day?
Coffee, ice cream, and the cave speed boat ride are not included.
How many swim stops are included and where do they go?
There are two stops, one in Gozo (about 1 hour 30 minutes) and then the Blue Lagoon in Comino (about 2 hours).
What is the maximum group size for this tour?
The tour has a maximum of 180 travelers.
Does the tour depend on weather?
Yes. It requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.
Can I get a full refund if I cancel?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
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