Full Day Fernandes Cruise with Lunch

Blue Lagoon time, minus the stress. This all-day Fernandes cruise is a simple way to see Malta from the water, with swimming stops around Gozo and Comino that feel like a full day of vacation, not a rushed checklist. You’ll get onboard comfort, a set schedule, and views that change every hour.

I really like that you’re fed and watered, with a buffet lunch plus a morning snack, so you do not have to hunt for food between swims. The other big plus is the hotel pickup option, which saves you from planning transport on a busy day. One thing to plan for, though, is crowding: the boat can get busy, and seating can run short for everyone at once.

Quick hits before you book

• Gozo swim stop + onboard lunch in a more sheltered bay, with about four hours to enjoy it
• Comino and Blue Lagoon time after lunch, with another four-hour block to explore and swim
• Pickup from selected hotels plus a central departure from Sliema’s waterfront
• Food is handled for you: morning snack, buffet lunch, and a drink and water included
• Maximum 80 people on board, so it can still feel tight when everyone is sunning at once

What this Fernandes cruise is really like

This is an 8-hour outing built around two swim-and-sight stops. The rhythm is straightforward: you depart the Sliema area, cruise toward Gozo first, eat on board during the middle of the day, then head to Comino for the Blue Lagoon. The overall value comes from the schedule doing the hard work for you, so you can focus on time in the water and not on logistics.

The itinerary is also designed for an easy pace. You’re not bouncing between too many places. Instead, each location gives you a few hours to swim, hang out, and take pictures without feeling like you missed your chance after 30 minutes.

That said, this is a popular part of Malta. Expect a social atmosphere on board, and plan for the fact that the most desirable spots can be in high demand when the weather is perfect.

Price and value: what $88.72 buys you

At $88.72 per person for an approximately 8-hour day, you’re paying for a full round-trip setup plus the onboard meal plan. Here’s what that means in plain terms:

• Transport is included, and you may be picked up from selected hotels
• You get morning snack, buffet lunch, and a drink and water
• You also get the experience of a shared boat day that would be harder to assemble on your own, especially if you do not want to coordinate timing and seating

What is not included matters too. Spirits are not part of the package, and any extra food or drinks beyond what is listed are on you. So if you’re planning to spend a lot at the bar, budget for that separately.

When the day runs on time and the weather cooperates, this price usually feels fair because you’re not paying separately for transportation and a proper lunch.

Pickup timing and where the cruise actually starts

Your start time is listed as 9:30 am, and pickup is offered from selected hotels. After you book, you get an email confirming the exact pickup time and place. If that email does not arrive at least 48 hours before the activity starts, you’re expected to contact the operator.

Once you’re in the flow of the day, the cruise itself departs from The Strand, Sliema quay at 10:00. That means you’re usually doing an early check-in for pickup, then rolling right into the harbor.

A simple travel tip: if you’re staying in an area not ideal for public transit, pickup becomes a big deal. It helps you arrive without rushing, and it saves you from trying to fit a boat departure into the rest of your Malta plans.

Also note: this is offered in English, and you’ll use a mobile ticket.

Stop 1: Gozo swim stop with lunch on board

Your first big block is around the Island of Gozo. The boat drops anchor in a secluded bay, and the goal here is clear: get you into the water for a proper swim, then keep the day easy with food onboard.

You’re given about four hours at this stop. That’s long enough to do more than one swim if you want, and it gives you time to actually relax rather than just dip your toes.

What I like about this sequencing is the lunch timing. The buffet lunch is served on board, and it lands right in the middle of the day. So you are not eating at an awkward moment where you have to choose between food and swimming. You can eat, reset, and then head to Comino.

A note on comfort: with a crowded cruise, the bay stop can be the most active part of the day. If you want a better chance at getting comfortable seating or space, plan to move early after you arrive at anchor.

Stop 2: Comino and Blue Lagoon time after lunch

After lunch, you head to Comino for the famous Blue Lagoon. This is the second anchor point of the day, and you also get about four hours here.

That time is the key. With a full four hours, you can do the classic Blue Lagoon swim without it feeling like you’re watching the clock the entire time. You also get time to explore the island area beyond just the first swim spot, depending on what’s practical on the day.

This stop is included as part of the tour and is listed as admission ticket included. In practice, that means you do not have to pay an extra entry fee to have your time on the Comino side during your scheduled hours.

The one thing to plan around is conditions. The tour requires good weather, and the day will run differently if the sea is choppy or visibility is less than ideal. If you tend to get seasick, take it seriously and bring whatever you personally use for that.

Food and drinks: what’s included, and what it means

This cruise takes care of the basics you’d normally spend time planning.

Included:

• Morning snack
• Buffet lunch
• Drink and water

Not included:

• Any additional food and drinks beyond what’s described
• Spirits

The practical takeaway is that you can keep your spending down if you’re content with the included meal and drink plan. If you prefer cocktails or stronger drinks, you’ll need to treat the bar as pay-as-you-go.

Also remember that sun and swimming can make you hungrier than you expect. A buffet lunch with snacks helps, but it’s smart to pace your eating so you do not feel heavy right before or during your best swim windows.

What to pack for a full day on Malta water

You’ll be in bathing gear time at two swim stops, and you’ll be exposed to sun for several hours. The tour asks you to bring:

• Bathing gear
• A towel
• Sunblock

That trio is not optional on a day like this. Add to that personal comfort items you already know you like. For example, if you use face protection, bring it. If you’re sensitive to sun, bring extra.

Also keep your valuables plan simple. You’ll be on and off boat time, so keep phone and keys protected and easy to grab when you’re leaving your swim spot for a bit of exploring.

Seating and crowding reality on an 80-person boat

The tour max is listed as 80 travelers, and even with that cap, this kind of itinerary can still feel crowded during peak photo and swim times. One review specifically flagged a mismatch between how many people are on board and how many places feel genuinely comfortable, especially for those who want to sit rather than stand.

So what should you do with that information? Adjust expectations.

• If your priority is guaranteed seating for the whole day, this may feel stressful.
• If you’re flexible, you can still have a great time. You can alternate between swim time, using open space to rest, and finding a spot as the crowd shifts.

A good mindset for a day like this is: you’re buying time on the water and the lunch plan. Comfort is helpful, but it is not guaranteed to be spa-level on a sunny day when everyone wants the same prime spots.

Fitness level and who should consider this (or skip it)

The activity requires moderate physical fitness. It also says it is not suitable for younger children or for people with mobility difficulties.

You’ll be moving on and off the boat and spending time in swim-ready conditions. Even if the day does not require athletic effort, it does require comfort with the physical rhythm of a boat tour.

If you’re traveling with anyone who needs step-free access or has limited ability to manage changing surfaces, this is likely a mismatch. For everyone else, bringing the right sun protection and wearing swim gear you can handle quickly will help you enjoy the day without hassle.

Where this cruise makes the most sense

I think this is a great fit if you want a low-planning day with major scenery and a swim-focused schedule. It also works well if you want a clean meal plan in the middle of the day and you do not want to think about lunch on your own.

It may not be ideal if:

• You need a lot of uninterrupted, guaranteed seating
• You strongly dislike crowds in shared spaces
• You’re not comfortable with moderate mobility demands

Booking advice: how to get the best day possible

Here are a few ways to make this cruise run better for you.

First, treat the day like it’s two swim sessions plus lunch. Plan your energy around that. If you spend all your time inside the cabin or linger too late for photos, you’ll feel like the best water time slips away.

Second, pack like you’re starting warm and staying warm. Bring sunblock and plan to reapply if you’re in the water. Even short swims can burn you.

Third, arrive mentally ready for peak moments. When everyone is excited about the Blue Lagoon, space gets tighter. The trick is to accept that the crowd will move in waves, so your comfort improves as the boat activity shifts.

Should you book the Full Day Fernandes Cruise with Lunch?

If you want a simple, structured day that combines Gozo swim time, Comino Blue Lagoon time, and an onboard buffet lunch, I think this is a strong choice. The included snack and meal plan is a real value, and the option for hotel pickup makes the day easier from start to finish.

I’d skip it if you are very sensitive to crowding or if you require reliable seating for long stretches. Given the seating concern raised in feedback, you will want flexibility.

If the weather looks good and you’re after a classic Malta water day without heavy planning, this cruise hits the right notes.