Turkish Gullet Cruise to Gozo and Comino with Lunch and Transfers

Blue water, zero planning stress. This Turkish gullet day trip from Sliema takes you to Comino’s Blue Lagoon plus quiet waters near Gozo, with snacks, buffet lunch, and unlimited wine, beer, and soda included. It is built for relaxation, not checklists.

I especially like the pick-up and drop-off from select hotels. It removes the “where do we meet?” hassle, and you spend more of the morning looking at Malta, not your phone. I also like the two swim stops, because you get the famous Comino color and then a calmer, anchored-water break for a second swim.

One possible drawback: the day can feel crowded, and the boat ride can be a bit bumpy. If you get sea sick easily, or you hate being in sun without shade, plan carefully.

Key takeaways before you go

• Sliema to Comino by a Turkish gullet: a classic wooden sailing-boat feel, with time to just hang out
• Blue Lagoon access pass is mandatory (May 2025 rule): you need it to step ashore
• Unlimited onboard drinks: wine, beer, mineral water, and soft drinks are included, spirits are not
• Food is covered: morning snack, buffet lunch, and afternoon snack all come with the ticket
• Crowding is possible: max 180 people, so early deck positioning helps

Turkish gullet style: what the boat day feels like

This cruise is all about doing it the easy way. You sail out from Sliema by turkish gullet, a traditional wooden boat type that feels more “holiday” and less like a mass transfer. The schedule gives you time on the move, plus two planned chances to get in the water.

The vibe is group travel, not private luxury. With a maximum of 180 people, you can expect a lively mix of ages and nationalities. From what you can see in the mood of the day, the folks who enjoy it tend to be the ones who come for the views, the swims, and the social energy.

If you are sensitive to motion, take the warning seriously. The trip is listed as not recommended if you are prone to sea sickness. Even when conditions are decent, a sail through open water plus anchoring can feel rough to some people.

Sliema promenade departure: timing and first impressions

Your day starts at 10:00 am, but the pickup is not at 10:00. If you booked transfers, they can pick you up between 8:15 and 9:30 am depending on where you are staying. A key move is to contact the operator a few days before travel to confirm your exact pick-up time and location.

If you are within walking distance of Sliema Ferries, you likely will not get the transfer. In that case, you need to make your own way and show up 20 to 30 minutes before the scheduled departure.

The official meeting point is listed as Captain Morgan, I See Malta Cruises, by St Luke’s Garrison Chapel in Sliema. And if you find the boat on your own, look for the Turkish gullet named The Fernandes at Sliema Ferries.

Blue Lagoon: the swim stop that comes with a paperwork step

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the headline stop for a reason. You get a full two hours there to swim, float, and soak up that signature turquoise look people travel for.

But here is the big modern change you must plan around. Malta requires an official access pass to disembark at the Blue Lagoon, effective May 2025. The pass is obtained through the official site: blcomino.com. Your pass needs a morning timeslot.

This matters because the rules are strict. You will not be allowed to disembark at the Blue Lagoon without the official pass, and no refunds are issued if you cannot get ashore for that reason. If you only plan to “watch from the boat,” you may still be fine, but if your goal is sand time, lock in the pass early.

Also, note the inclusion detail: the Blue Lagoon access pass is not included in your ticket price. Unlimited drinks and onboard food do not override the access requirement.

Sailing along Comino and toward Crystal Lagoon

Between swim breaks, the day is set up to keep you on the water and relaxing. You cruise along Malta’s northern coastline in the morning, then continue around Comino.

Crystal Lagoon is handled a bit differently. There is an optional motorboat add-on to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon, and it costs €15 per person. It is not included, and the fee can change without notice. So treat it as a “maybe” upgrade, not a guaranteed part of the main day.

This is where the trip’s value is really about matching your expectations. The main ticket covers the two swim stops and a full food-and-drink day. The caves and extra speedboat time are a separate choice.

Gozo swim stop: what you do, and what you do not do

After Comino, the cruise continues toward Gozo. You do not land and walk around Gozo. Instead, the boat anchors in a quiet, secluded bay on or near the island, then you get time for swimming from the boat.

The key detail is weather-dependent wording: one of the swim stops is in open waters near Gozo, weather permitting. So think of this as “swim and chill near Gozo,” not “explore Gozo.”

You get about an hour here. That time is often best used for a second dip, relaxing on deck, and cooling down before the sail back. The lunch timing also helps, because it breaks up the day nicely and keeps you from burning energy right when you might be hungry.

Lunch and snacks: included means included

This is one of the strongest practical parts of the trip. Your ticket includes:

• a morning snack
• a buffet lunch served onboard
• an afternoon snack
• unlimited wine, beer, mineral water, and soft drinks for the duration

Liquors and spirits are not included, so do not expect mixed hard drinks. Alcohol has an age rule too: the minimum drinking age is 17.

Lunch is a buffet, and based on what people say afterward, the spread is solid and practical for a boat day. You can typically find options like fish and or chicken, with plenty of salad and bread. Fruit may show up at the end, which is a nice touch if you end up sunburned.

The big advantage here is reducing your daily costs. Malta boat trips can turn into pay-as-you-go if you are not careful. Here, the onboard basics are covered, so you can focus on swims instead of spending.

Drinks, shade, and the crowd reality check

Yes, it is a “booze cruise” in the sense that drinks are part of the setup. But it is not a party bus, either. You get a steady flow of unlimited beer, wine, water, and soft drinks, and the music is usually kept pleasant enough to talk and relax.

Still, crowding shows up in real-life ways. The boat can be full, and some people report not enough seating and shade for everyone. The practical fix is simple: get up early and find a deck spot before the crowd fully sets in.

Also, deck comfort depends on weather. If it is hot and sunny, expect people to cluster in shade, if there is any. If you want a sun-forward day, that is easy. If you want to be mostly out of the sun, arrive ready with a towel and plan to move around the deck.

Transfers back to Valletta and the “gotcha” to avoid

The return is not always as smooth as people expect. If you booked transfers, you should be okay, but the trip data notes that if you are in areas that do not get picked up or if timing changes, you may have to handle your way back.

The itinerary ends back at the meeting point, and transfers are from select hotels or meeting points. If you are staying in Valletta or nearby, confirm your exact drop-off location in advance so you do not end up stranded on the wrong corner.

A good habit for this kind of tour: do not wait until the last minute to think about your return. Check where you will be dropped, and plan a simple backup route if needed.

Price and value for a 7.5-hour Comino and Gozo day

At $90.02 per person, this cruise is priced like a budget-friendly day out, not a splurge. The value is strongest if you take the inclusions seriously:

• transfers (if you are eligible)
• Turkish gullet sailing
• two swim opportunities
• morning snack, buffet lunch, afternoon snack
• unlimited wine, beer, mineral water, and soft drinks

That mix matters because boat days in the Mediterranean add up fast when you buy drinks and meals separately. Here, your predictable spending is mostly focused on optional add-ons like the speedboat excursion, plus the Blue Lagoon access pass, which is required and not included.

So the real “cost” decision is not only the ticket price. It is also whether you want the optional caves speedboat and whether you will disembark at the Blue Lagoon (meaning the access pass).

Who should book this, and who should skip it

This cruise is a great fit for you if:

• you want a relax-and-swim day with food and drinks included
• you prefer a simple start in Sliema with optional hotel transfers
• you want to see Comino’s Blue Lagoon without planning a ferry schedule
• you like sailing with a group, with plenty of company and a laid-back feel

It is not the best match if:

• you are prone to sea sickness (the tour is not recommended)
• you have mobility impairments (also not recommended)
• you need guaranteed shade or lots of personal space on deck
• you are not willing to handle the Blue Lagoon access pass requirement

Should you book this Turkish gullet cruise to Gozo and Comino?

I think this is worth booking if your main goal is an easy, good-value day at sea with two swimming breaks, a buffet lunch, and unlimited drinks. The Turkish gullet format plus the included meal-and-drink package is exactly the kind of “pay once and relax” setup that makes a day like this feel fair.

If you do book, do two things early: get your Blue Lagoon access pass for the morning timeslot, and confirm your pickup details if you chose transfers. Then bring your sea legs or your patience, pick your deck spot early for shade if you need it, and treat the Gozo portion as a swim-and-chill stop, not a walking tour.

FAQ

How long is the Turkish gullet cruise?

The duration is about 7 hours 30 minutes.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Sliema Ferries. The meeting point is listed as Captain Morgan, I See Malta Cruises, by St Luke’s Garrison Chapel in Sliema.

What time does the cruise start?

The start time is 10:00 am. Pickup time, if included, can be between 8:15 am and 9:30 am depending on your location.

What stops are included?

The main stops are Sliema Promenade, the Blue Lagoon on Comino, and a swim stop near Gozo (weather permitting). The Crystal Lagoon stop is tied to an optional motorboat trip.

Is the Blue Lagoon access pass included?

No. You must obtain a government-issued access pass in advance to disembark at the Blue Lagoon.

Is the optional motorboat trip to Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon included?

No. It costs €15 per person and is optional. The fee can change without notice.

What food and drinks are included?

A morning snack, buffet lunch, and afternoon snack are included. Unlimited wine, beer, mineral water, and soft drinks are included. Liquors and spirits are not included.

Do I need a transfer to get to the boat?

If you live within walking distance from Sliema Ferries, you must make your own way to the boat and arrive 20 to 30 minutes before departure. If you booked transfers, you should confirm your pickup time and location.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.