A day on a gullet in Malta is hard to beat for simple fun. This one pairs Comino’s Blue Lagoon with a Gozo swim stop, plus snacks and lunch already taken care of. It’s built for people who want the highlights without planning every ferry and beach entrance.

I especially like the stress-free pick-up and drop-off from selected areas. I also like that the sailing is the main event: two swim breaks, plus a buffet lunch and unlimited wine, beer, mineral water, and soft drinks during the cruise.

The main thing to watch is logistics around Comino: to disembark at the Blue Lagoon, you must have the government access pass in advance, and there’s no alternative if you don’t.

Key things to know before you go

• Transfers can be included, but you must confirm your exact pick-up time and place since the cruise departs at 10:00 AM.
• Blue Lagoon disembarkation requires a pass under Malta’s May 2025 rule (limited daily slots).
• You get two swim opportunities and a calm cruising day on a traditional wooden sailing vessel.
• Lunch and snacks are part of the deal, not an add-on, and drinks are included up to wine/beer/water/soft drinks.
• Optional speedboat time costs extra if you want the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon side trip.

Turkish Gullet to Comino and Gozo: why this route works

This is a classic Malta day out: you start in Sliema, sail up the northern coastline, then spend time in the Comino area before heading toward Gozo for a quieter swim break.

The Turkish gullet part matters more than it sounds. These wooden sailing boats tend to feel slower and more relaxed than fast ferry hopping. Even with a full group (up to 180), the rhythm of a gullet cruise helps the day feel like a sea day, not a checklist.

Also, this is not a “jump off, rush back” kind of trip. The day is structured around swim stops and food/drinks onboard, so you can pace yourself. If you like having your day mapped out but still want free time to swim, this fits.

Price and value check: what $90.02 includes (and what doesn’t)

For about $90.02 per person, you’re buying a lot of built-in comfort.

Here’s what’s included:

• Round-trip transfers from selected hotels/meeting points (when you choose that option)
• Turkish gullet sightseeing cruise
• Unlimited wine, beer, mineral water, and soft drinks during the cruise
• Morning snack, buffet lunch, and afternoon snack
• Two swim stops (Comino Blue Lagoon and a swim anchorage near/around Gozo, weather permitting)

What’s not included:

• The government-issued Blue Lagoon access pass (required to step ashore at Blue Lagoon)
• Optional motorboat to Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon (€15 per person, subject to change)
• Liquors/spirits
• A tour guide (the listing doesn’t include one; you’ll rely on the captain/crew for information)
• Tips (optional)

Two extra value notes that matter:

1. Drinks inclusion is a real cost saver. If you know you’ll want wine/beer, this kind of “all day onboard” setup reduces spending surprises.
2. The day is timed well for a single outing. At roughly 7.5 hours, you get multiple water experiences without losing half your vacation to travel planning.

If you do the optional speedboat, budget an extra €15 per person. That’s small compared to the overall package, but it is still an add-on.

Getting to the boat in Sliema: 10:00 AM departure isn’t your pick-up time

In Malta, timing is everything. This trip shows 10:00 AM as the cruise departure, but your pick-up (if included) can be earlier or later depending on where you’re picked up.

Key practical details:

• If you have transfers, you need to confirm your pick-up time and location with the operator a few days before. Pick-up can fall anywhere from 8:15 AM to 9:30 AM.
• If you’re staying within walking distance of Sliema Ferries, you’re expected to make your own way to the boat.
• For self-transfer, arrive 20–30 minutes before the scheduled departure so you’re not sprinting across the harbor with everyone else.

Where you meet:

• Start: Captain Morgan – I See Malta Cruises, at St Luke’s Garrison Chapel, Triq Censu Xerri, Sliema, Malta
• The boat departs from Sliema Ferries (66, Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema).
• When you arrive, look for the Turkish gullet named The Fernandes.

If you want to reduce stress, give yourself extra minutes. A crowded departure area is normal on popular Comino days.

Blue Lagoon access pass: the May 2025 rule you can’t ignore

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is famous for a reason, but the big new detail is the access system.

Under a Malta government directive effective May 2025, you must have an official government access pass in advance to disembark at the Blue Lagoon. The pass is available through blcomino.com. Daily allocations are limited, so you can’t assume you’ll get one last minute.

Practical advice that will save you frustration:

• Book the morning timeslot when you apply for the pass, as that’s what the trip requires.
• If you don’t have the pass, you won’t be allowed to go ashore at the Blue Lagoon.
• There are no refunds for people who can’t disembark due to missing the required pass.

This rule matters even if the cruise still stops at the area. The difference is step ashore vs. stay on the water. If your ideal day is walking on the beach, plan the pass first.

Cruising Comino waters: swims, crowds, and how long you’ll be in the action

Once you’re out on the water, the day follows a simple pattern: sail, then swim, then eat, then sail again, then swim.

At the Blue Lagoon stop, you’ll have around 2 hours in the Comino area. The listing also notes that the stop is set up so you can swim, rest, and enjoy the water. Expect busy conditions there—this is one of Malta’s most photographed zones—so if you want more quiet, treat the water time as the priority rather than chasing a perfect beach spot.

What helps:

• Get on deck early if you want the best spot for sunbathing.
• Bring a towel (especially if you plan to move between swims and food areas).
• If you get seasick easily, this is not the type of trip to “tough out.” The boat can feel bumpy at times, and crowding can make it feel worse.

There’s also an important note: the trip is not recommended for travelers with mobility impairments. Water access and the boat layout can be difficult.

Crystal Lagoon and Comino Caves: the optional €15 speedboat reality

There’s an optional add-on that’s easy to overlook until you’re standing there deciding.

The motorboat trip to Comino Caves and the Crystal Lagoon costs €15 per person and is listed as optional. The fee can change without notice, so treat it as a “check on the day” amount.

Is it worth it? That depends on what you want from Comino:

• If your priority is big cave views and a more structured “explore the caves” feel, you’ll likely enjoy it.
• If your priority is simply swimming and relaxing, you can skip it and keep your energy for onboard time and the Gozo swim.

One more practical factor: your time and deck space on the main boat can get busy. If you’re someone who likes shade, going early to claim it helps.

Gozo swim anchorage and onboard lunch: the calmer part of the day

After the Comino stop, the day shifts toward Gozo for a quieter swim moment.

Here’s what you can expect:

• There’s a lunch buffet served onboard.
• Then the boat anchors in a quiet, secluded bay on (or near) Gozo.
• You’ll have about 1 hour for swimming, with time spent in open waters near Gozo depending on conditions.

One important thing: you will not be disembarking in Gozo. So think of this as a swim-and-relax segment, not a walking excursion.

Why I like this setup for most people:

• It keeps the experience simple. No separate bus, no timed “get back by this hour” pressure in a town.
• It gives you variety. Comino can feel like a crowd magnet. Gozo-on-the-water tends to feel calmer.

If the goal of your vacation is water time plus good food, this is the segment that often delivers.

Food, drinks, and the onboard pace (with shade advice that matters)

This cruise is built around onboard comfort.

You’ll get:

• Morning snack
• Buffet lunch
• Afternoon snack
• Unlimited wine, beer, mineral water, and soft drinks for the cruise duration

Liquors and spirits are not included, so if you want hard alcohol, plan to pay extra.

Also note the drinking age: the minimum age for alcoholic beverages is 17.

A word on the vibe:

• Music and a friendly captain/crew seem to be part of the formula, and the day is designed to feel relaxed.
• Your main challenge might be space. With a boat that can feel crowded, shade can become a hot commodity.

Practical “bring this and you’ll thank yourself” advice:

• Bring a towel.
• Arrive early so you can find deck shade or a good sitting spot.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring what works for you. This trip is not the best match for sensitive stomachs.

How rough is it on the water? Sea legs, crowding, and comfort fixes

This is a real boat day. Even when the weather is good, it can still feel a bit bouncy, and that can hit some passengers harder than others.

The listing says it’s not recommended for sea-sickness prone travelers, and that aligns with how these short, choppy stints can feel for people without strong sea legs.

If you’re on the fence:

• Consider skipping if you know you react to waves.
• If you’re fine with mild motion, plan to sit where you feel the least movement (often mid-boat, though you’ll have to adapt to how the deck is set up).

Crowding is the other comfort variable. The group limit is 180, and some seating can be tight. Your best strategy is simple: get on early and treat shaded deck space as first-come, first-served.

Who should book this Turkish gullet cruise (and who should skip it)

This cruise is a strong match if you want:

• A single-day taste of Comino and Gozo without complicated logistics
• Swim time as the main activity
• Included food plus drinks so you don’t spend the day budgeting
• A laid-back group setting where you can relax between stops

It may be a poor match if:

• You rely on easy access for mobility and walking
• You get sea sick easily
• You want a long, fully guided “see the island” land tour (this is water-first, with no listed tour guide)

If you’re traveling as a couple, with friends, or even solo, you’ll likely enjoy the structure. If you’re traveling with kids, the all-day snack and lunch setup can be a plus, but you still need to be realistic about boat conditions.

Should you book? My take on the decision

I’d book this if you want Malta’s most famous sea highlights in one smooth block of time and you’re willing to handle one key task: the Blue Lagoon access pass.

Book it if:

• You’re okay with swimming being the main activity
• You can plan ahead for blcomino.com and get the right morning timeslot
• You’ll actually use the included drinks and buffet lunch value

Skip or rethink it if:

• You can’t get the Blue Lagoon pass in advance
• You’re very sensitive to boat motion
• You need a more land-based sightseeing program

One last practical tip: if you choose the transfer option, do the “two-minute job” of confirming pick-up and return details a few days before. That’s where stress usually sneaks in on day trips.

FAQ

FAQ

Does the cruise include hotel pickup?

Yes, pickup and drop-off transfers are included for select hotels/meeting points if you book that option. If you’re walking distance from Sliema Ferries, you make your own way to the boat.

What time should I arrive for the 10:00 AM departure?

If you’re taking a transfer, 10:00 AM is the cruise departure time. Your pick-up time is earlier (between 8:15 AM and 9:30 AM). If you’re going on your own, arrive at Sliema Ferries 20–30 minutes before departure.

Where does the boat depart and what is it called?

The boat departs from Sliema Ferries, and you should look for the Turkish gullet named The Fernandes.

Do I need a pass to go ashore at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Due to Malta’s May 2025 rule, you must obtain an official government access pass in advance to disembark at the Blue Lagoon.

How do I get the Blue Lagoon access pass?

You can get the pass through blcomino.com, and for this trip you need to book the morning timeslot. Pass allocation is limited.

Is there an optional trip to the Comino Caves and Crystal Lagoon?

Yes. There’s an optional motorboat trip to Comino Caves and the Crystal Lagoon for €15 per person, subject to change.

What food and drinks are included?

The cruise includes a morning snack, a buffet lunch, and an afternoon snack. Unlimited wine, beer, mineral water, and soft drinks are also included. Liquors and spirits are not included.

Is there a tour guide onboard?

A tour guide is not listed as included. You’ll rely on the captain/crew onboard for information.

Is this trip good if I get sea sick?

It’s not recommended for travelers who are prone to sea sickness, since the boat can be rough at times.