Fernandes Cruise to Blue Lagoon in Comino and Gozo (VTT)

A Practical Guide to the Fernandes Cruise to Blue Lagoon and Gozo

If you’re eyeing a day trip that combines scenic beauty, a splash of adventure, and some relaxing moments on Malta’s crystal-clear waters, the Fernandes Cruise offers a compelling option. This 7.5-hour tour transports you from Malta’s coast to the shimmering Blue Lagoon in Comino and a serene bay in Gozo — with plenty of opportunities to swim, sunbathe, and soak up the sun. It’s a popular choice for travelers looking for an easy, all-in-one experience that hits Malta’s most iconic spots.

What we particularly appreciate about this cruise is the value packed into a single day — especially with the generous buffet lunch, open bar, and included transport. Plus, the chance to see Malta’s rugged coastline from the water offers a different perspective on the island’s natural beauty. That said, the tour does involve a fair amount of boat time, and the overall experience might not suit those who prefer quieter, less structured excursions. It’s best for travelers seeking a lively, social atmosphere with plenty of scenic and culinary highlights.

If you love stunning views, swimming in turquoise waters, and discovering Malta’s smaller islands without the hassle of organizing your own boat trips, this tour could be a highlight of your Maltese adventure. Families, groups, and solo travelers who enjoy a mix of sightseeing, socializing, and good food will find plenty to love here.

Contents hide

1 A Deep Dive into the Experience

2 Practical Details & Value

3 Who Should Consider This Tour?

4 FAQs

5 Final Thoughts

Key Points

All-in-One Experience: Combines sightseeing, swimming, and dining with transport included.
Beautiful Stops: Blue Lagoon in Comino and a secluded bay in Gozo.
Gourmet Meal & Drinks: Hot/cold buffet lunch, open bar with beer and wine, plus snacks.
Scenic Views: Panoramic cliffs, coves, inlets, and Malta’s rugged coast.
Convenient & Easy: Pickup and drop-off from 80+ locations in Malta.
Authentic Atmosphere: Friendly crew, relaxed vibe, and plenty of time for relaxation or exploration.

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A Deep Dive into the Experience

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Valletta.

Starting Your Day: Easy and Flexible Pickup

The tour begins with a pickup from over 80 locations across Malta, which makes it straightforward whether you’re staying in Sliema, St. Julian’s, or many other spots. The coach or minivan, typically an Oasis bus, arrives promptly — as one reviewer noted, “Pickup at the booked time was perfect.” Travelers should plan to be ready at least 10 minutes early to ensure a smooth start. If you’re staying near The Strand in Sliema and prefer to make your own way to the boat, the mooring is directly opposite the Sliema Hotel by ST Hotels at 59 The Strand.

The Cruise: Scenic Views and Highlights

Once onboard the Fernandes Turkish gulet schooner, the cruise sets sail along Malta’s north-east coast. Expect panoramic views of cliffs, coves, and inlets that highlight the island’s rugged beauty. The boat itself offers a comfortable setting to enjoy the scenery, with amenities like restrooms and plenty of space to relax or mingle.

The first stop is the iconic Blue Lagoon in Comino, famed for its bright, crystal-clear waters and soft sandy seabed. Here, you’ll have about 90 minutes to swim, sunbathe, or simply float around with a drink in hand. According to a review, “the Blue Lagoon is a highlight — a perfect spot for relaxing or taking photos,” and most visitors find the water refreshingly cool on a hot day.

Afterward, the boat heads to a secluded bay in Gozo, where you’ll spend another 90 minutes. This quieter location offers a peaceful setting to unwind, with some travelers noting that while the bay isn’t as spectacular as the Blue Lagoon, it’s still worth the stop if you want to enjoy a less crowded swimming spot.

Food & Drinks: A Feast at Sea

The onboard dining experience is one of the tour’s standout features. The hot and cold buffet lunch is freshly prepared and served on the boat, with a selection of Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Many guests rave about the quality of the food, describing it as “delicious” and well worth the price.

The open bar is equally generous — unlimited beer, wine, water, and soft drinks keep everyone refreshed throughout the day. A reviewer appreciated the “good wine selection,” which added a touch of luxury to the relaxing cruise.

Along With the main meal, a morning snack and a fruit-based afternoon snack keep energy levels high. These small touches make the day more enjoyable and help you stay comfortable in the sun.

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Additional Stops & Scenic Views

Beyond the main destinations, the cruise takes you past Malta’s striking coastline, with scenic views that are perfect for photographs or just soaking in the natural beauty. The itinerary also includes time at Crystal Lagoon and San Blas Bay, both known for their inviting waters and tranquil surroundings.

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The Return & Transport

After a full day at sea and on the islands, the cruise returns to Malta. The drop-off locations are numerous, making it easy to get back to your accommodation or a nearby spot. However, reviews mention that the return transport can be chaotic, especially for those heading to Valletta or other less-populated stops, with some travelers experiencing long waits or confusion about where their bus was headed.

Authentic Feedback & Real Experiences

One reviewer summed it up: “Booking and information before the trip were very good… staff very friendly, food delicious.” Yet, another pointed out that “the hidden bay in Gozo is a bit boring after the Blue Lagoon,” highlighting that expectations can vary depending on personal preferences.

Practical Details & Value

At around 7.5 hours, this tour offers a significant chunk of your day, but the included transport, meals, snacks, and drinks contribute to its value. The price reflects the convenience, the quality of the food, and the chance to see Malta’s top coastal sights without the hassle of organizing multiple boat trips or transport.

For travelers who enjoy engaging with a lively crew, socializing with other travelers, and having all the logistics handled for you, this tour delivers a satisfying experience. Families and solo travelers alike will appreciate the mix of scenic beauty, good food, and relaxed atmosphere.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is well-suited for those who want a comprehensive, all-inclusive day at sea with plenty of opportunities to swim, relax, and enjoy Malta from a different perspective. It’s ideal if you’re keen on meeting other travelers and don’t mind a bit of boat time. If quiet, less structured trips are your preference, you might find the stops a bit crowded or busy.

Active swimmers and sunbathers will particularly enjoy the ample time at the Blue Lagoon and Gozitan bays. Meanwhile, food lovers will appreciate the fresh buffet and open bar, which adds a sense of celebration to the day.

FAQs

Is the pickup service included?
Yes, pickup from over 80 locations across Malta is included, and you’ll be picked up in a comfortable minivan or bus. If staying near The Strand in Sliema, you might prefer to go directly to the mooring.

How long is the boat trip?
The total duration is approximately 7.5 hours, with about 3 hours of stops for swimming and relaxing at the Blue Lagoon and Gozitan bay, plus travel time.

What’s included in the meal and drinks?
A hot and cold buffet lunch, morning and afternoon snacks, and unlimited beer, wine, water, and soft drinks are included. Liquors or spirits are not.

Can I purchase additional excursions on board?
Yes, boat trips to explore the caves in Comino are available for purchase from June to September but are not included in the price.

What are the main attractions of this tour?
The Blue Lagoon in Comino, a secluded Gozitan bay, scenic coastline views, and Malta’s rugged cliffs are the key highlights.

Is there any free time at the stops?
Yes, there’s around 90 minutes at each major stop for swimming, relaxing, or exploring the beaches and land sites.

What should I bring?
Swimwear, sun protection, a towel, and perhaps a waterproof camera. Sun hats and sunglasses are also recommended.

Final Thoughts

The Fernandes Cruise to Blue Lagoon and Gozo offers a well-rounded day of sightseeing, swimming, and indulgence at a fair price point. It’s a good pick for travelers wanting everything sorted for them — from transportation to meals — and eager to see some of Malta’s most famous coastal spots in one go. Be prepared for a lively, social atmosphere, and don’t forget your swim gear and appetite.

If you value scenic beauty, good food, and convenient logistics, this tour will serve you well. Just be ready for some boat time, a bit of chaos on the return, and plenty of chances to relax in the sun. It’s a day that captures Malta’s essence—stunning waters, dramatic coastlines, and the warm camaraderie of fellow travelers.

In summary, this cruise is best for those who want a fun, immersive day on the water with excellent amenities and picturesque stops. If you’re seeking peaceful solitude or a quiet retreat, you might want to consider other options. But for a lively, scenic adventure with good food and friendly service, the Fernandes cruise fits the bill comfortably.