Malta: Lazy Pirate Boat Party with Drinks & Food

A party boat at night is a very specific kind of magic. This one in Sliema mixes a DJ soundtrack, unlimited drinks, and a short moonlight swim break while you cruise the Maltese coast.

What I really like is how straightforward the experience feels: you board, you drink, you snack, you dance, and you’re back before you lose the evening to logistics. Second, the vibe is social in the best way, with staff who stay friendly and guests who are there to hang out rather than sit quietly.

One thing to plan for: it can get crowded, and the swim stop is more of a quick dip than a long, swim-friendly session. If you want lots of space or deep water time, this may not be your ideal setup.

Key highlights you’ll feel right away

• Unlimited open bar with vodka, tequila, whiskey, rum, beer, wine, and sangria
• DJ music that keeps the energy up for the full cruise
• Snacks and fruit included, so you are not just drinking on an empty stomach
• Moonlight swim stop at an anchor point for a nighttime water break
• Social atmosphere and friendly staff, the kind that helps strangers bond fast
• Limited space on a party boat, so expect shoulder-to-shoulder moments

Entering the Sliema scene, boarding the Fernandes 2

This party starts in Sliema, with the meeting point opposite The Black Sheep in Sliema Ferries. That matters because you are not dealing with a maze of transfers, you just show up near the pier and get moving.

The boat is the Fernandes 2, and the whole plan is built around an evening cruise. You leave from Sliema as the sun starts dropping, so the first part of your trip feels like “cool evening start,” not “we are already late and the party is in full chaos.”

Once you’re on board, the rhythm is simple: music gets louder as the night comes on, and the drink service keeps you in party mode. If you tend to get chilly at sea, bring a practical layer or just lean into the fact that your glass will keep you warm, at least emotionally.

Sunset cruise with DJ beats and an open bar that keeps coming

The core of the experience is the cruise itself, heading toward the setting sun and out along Malta’s coastline after dark. It’s a good match for travelers who want the views without the effort of planning stops or changing buses mid-evening.

The DJ keeps the momentum going. I like that the music is part of the timeline, not just something happening in the background. You can actually hear it, and it encourages people to dance instead of standing around wondering what comes next.

Then there’s the open bar. You can expect a full spread: vodka, tequila, whiskey, rum, beer, wine, and sangria. That matters for value because you are paying for time on the water plus the drinks, not doing the math every time you order.

If you are the type who wants to taste a variety, this is your setup. If you are a light drinker, it’s also fine, just pace yourself. A four-hour party cruise can feel longer when you keep topping up.

Snacks and fruit: the small inclusion that changes everything

Included with the drinks are snacks and fruit. In practice, this is more important than it sounds, because it keeps the party comfortable. Alcohol on an empty stomach is how a fun night turns into a bathroom break and a bad mood.

You can also count on there being food available throughout the experience, not only at the start. Some people found the food could be better, but the overall takeaway is that you get enough to keep going while the DJ is blasting and you’re chatting with new friends.

A few guests specifically noted the sandwiches as a highlight, and that lines up with the kind of meal that works well on a boat. You want something portable, not delicate. You also want it to taste decent, and it seems the crew delivers at least some solid options.

If food quality is a top priority for you, set your expectations to “included party snacks,” not a dining experience. But for most people, it hits the practical sweet spot: fuel plus convenience.

The moonlight swim stop: fun, but think quick-dip

One of the best-known parts of this trip is the moonlight swim. The boat cruises, then stops at an anchor point where you can jump in and cool off in the evening light.

Here’s the reality check. The swim stop is not described as a long stretch of time, and some guests felt the spot was not ideal if you specifically came for swimming. Others did get in and seemed happy with the moment, especially for the novelty of night water.

So how do you make it worth your while? Pack like it’s a short swim, not a lesson. Bring a towel, and consider quick in, quick out. Also, give yourself a minute to get comfortable in the water. Night swims can feel colder than you expect, and the “thrill” part comes from that first step.

If you’re mainly looking for a beach day or serious water time, you might be happier choosing a different kind of tour. But for many people, this is the best photo moment and the most memorable break during a party evening.

What the crowd does to your comfort level

Party boats are not library quiet. They are energetic, loud, and full of people who are there to have a good time. That’s part of the fun, but it changes the practical feel of the trip.

One repeat theme is crowding. There can be quite a lot of people on board, and that means limited space to move around. You might be standing most of the time, dancing in small bursts, or leaning into the vibe because there simply isn’t room to sprawl.

Another thing to note is group security and boundaries. One guest described a tense moment involving security and a friend who was trying to find the rest of their group. That’s not enough to brand the whole experience as unsafe, but it is a reminder: stay with your people and keep track of where you are supposed to be.

To keep your night smooth, decide early what “meeting back here” means. If you go to the swim area, check in with your group before you break away.

Drinks, service, and the crew’s role in the mood

The biggest praise is for the staff and the overall friendliness. Several people highlighted how welcoming the crew was, and how helpful they stayed throughout the night. That matters on a party boat because you want service that keeps flowing without killing the energy.

The vibe seems to be “keep it moving.” Guests talked about laughing, dancing, and generally feeling like the crew helped the atmosphere stay upbeat. Some also pointed out that servers were available and smiling, which sounds like a small detail, but it’s exactly what separates a chaotic party from a smooth one.

Service style also affects how you experience the open bar. If the bar is stocked but the staff is slow, people get impatient and the mood drops. Here, the flow seems steady enough that you can focus on the music and the coastline.

One more practical note: you cannot bring glass objects. That’s common for boats, but it’s worth knowing so you do not show up with a fancy bottle or glass souvenir and then scramble to store it.

Price and what $81 gets you for a 4-hour night out

At about $81 per person for roughly four hours, the value comes from the combo: boat time plus open bar plus DJ plus snacks and fruit. If you were to recreate that on your own, the drinks alone can add up fast, especially when you include the cost of a dedicated evening activity.

This is a “pay once, party as much as you want” model. That’s why it works well for groups and for people who want to avoid spending the whole night checking prices.

That said, it’s not a luxury cruise. You’re paying for fun and convenience, not a quiet, spacious, first-class ride. And if you’re picky about food quality or swim time, that is where you may feel the trade-offs.

My take: this is good value if you want a social night with a DJ and you’re happy with included snacks as fuel. It’s less good if you want serious swimming or a calmer boat experience.

Who this boat party suits best, and who should skip it

This is a good fit if you:

• Want a ready-made night out in Sliema without planning multiple stops
• Like music and dancing more than sightseeing lectures
• Enjoy meeting other people and keeping a group energy going
• Are comfortable with a crowded setting and short swim breaks

It may not be the best match if you:

• Came specifically for long swimming time or a swim-focused route
• Hate loud music or prefer lots of personal space
• Are looking for a sit-down food experience

It is also explicitly not suitable for children under 18. So this is very much an adult party format.

If you travel as a couple and want something a bit playful, you can still enjoy it. Just remember the vibe is group-first, and you may end up chatting with strangers more than you would on a quieter tour.

Should you book the Lazy Pirate Boat Party in Sliema?

I’d book it if you want a simple, high-energy evening where you can focus on the fun and not the fine print. The open bar variety, the DJ music, and the included snacks and fruit make it feel like a complete night out, not a half-finished idea.

I would hesitate only if your top goal is swimming or comfort. The swim stop is real, but it sounds more like a moonlit dip than a swim session. The boat can also feel crowded, so plan for close quarters.

If you go, pack a towel, skip glass items, and keep your group together so you never lose the thread of the night. Do that, and you’re likely to come away with the kind of story that starts with, we did the pirate boat thing in Malta.

FAQ

How long is the Lazy Pirate Boat Party?

The experience lasts about 4 hours, with the cruise returning to Sliema at around midnight.

Where do I meet for the boat party?

You meet opposite The Black Sheep in Sliema Ferries.

What drinks are included in the open bar?

The open bar includes vodka, tequila, whiskey, rum, beer, wine, and sangria.

Is food included?

Yes. Snacks and fruit are included along with the drinks.

Is there a swim during the cruise?

Yes. There is a moonlight swim stop at an anchor point during the party.

What should I bring, and what is not allowed?

Bring a towel. Glass objects are not allowed.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.