Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Review of the Full Day Fernandes Cruise with Lunch in Malta
If you’re looking for a relaxed day on the sea with a taste of local charm, the Full Day Fernandes Cruise with Lunch might be on your radar. This tour offers a chance to sail along Malta’s north coast on a traditional Turkish gulet, with stops at gorgeous spots like Gozo and the Blue Lagoon. While it promises a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and good food, it’s not without its quirks—most notably, the crowds and the pace of the day.
One thing we appreciate about this experience is how it combines beautiful scenery with a hassle-free setup. The included transfers from your hotel mean you won’t have to worry about logistics, and the buffet lunch and drinks onboard make it easy to relax without constantly reaching for your wallet. However, a potential downside is the crowd factor, with some reviewers mentioning that the boat can get quite busy, leading to limited space and comfort.
This trip suits travelers who want a guided, all-in-one day out without the stress of organizing transport or meals. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere and don’t mind sharing space with fellow travelers. If you’re after a more intimate or quiet experience, you might find this tour a bit hectic. Still, for a snapshot of Malta’s stunning coastlines and turquoise waters, this cruise offers solid value.
Key Points
- Convenient Transfers: Hotel pickup and drop-off make logistics simple and stress-free.
- Scenic Stops: Visit Gozo’s secluded bay and the iconic Blue Lagoon for swimming and exploration.
- All-Inclusive Meals: Buffet lunch and drinks are included, making the day easy and enjoyable.
- Crowd Levels: Expect a busy boat, which might impact comfort, especially for those sensitive to large groups.
- Duration & Timing: Around 8 hours, starting at 9:30 am, with plenty of time at each stop.
- Group Size: Up to 80 travelers, so it’s lively but can feel crowded.
Looking for more options in Mellieha? Here are some other experiences worth considering.
Exploring the Itinerary in Detail
Departure and First Stop: Island of Gozo
The tour begins bright and early at 9:30 am, with pickup from your Malta hotel—assuming you’re staying in a location covered by the service. The boat departs from The Strand in Sliema, heading northwest toward the lesser-visited island of Gozo. The first stop is a secluded bay in Gozo, perfect for a swim in calmer waters.
From the comments, we know some travelers found the boat quite crowded, especially during peak season. One reviewer mentioned, “there wasn’t enough space to sit, and some folks just lay on the deck in the sun or shade,” highlighting how busy it can get. Still, the chance to swim in Gozo’s tranquil bay while enjoying a buffet lunch onboard feels quite special. The onboard buffet lunch is described as delicious, with a variety of snacks and drinks to keep you energized. A fully-stocked bar also means you can indulge in a drink as you soak up the sun.
Second Stop: The Blue Lagoon in Comino
After about four hours, the cruise moves toward Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon, where you’ll have ample time to explore, swim, and take photos of the stunning waters. The Blue Lagoon is often the highlight for visitors, with its bright turquoise hues drawing everyone in. Reviewers appreciated the opportunity to swim in such clear waters, but some noted the large crowds, which can make finding a comfortable spot a challenge.
Here, the tour offers enough leisure time—roughly four hours—to relax, explore the island, or simply lounge on the boat. The waters are perfect for a refreshing swim or just floating around with a snack and drink in hand. The clarity of the water means you’ll probably want to bring your snorkeling gear to see the underwater life.
What to Expect on the Day
Transfers and logistics are clearly an advantage here. The tour provider, Destination Services Malta, takes care of hotel pickups, so your day begins hassle-free. Once on board, you’ll notice the large group size—up to 80 travelers—meaning the atmosphere can be lively and energetic, but also quite bustling.
The turkish gulet, the boat itself, provides a traditional feel and gives the experience a more authentic touch compared to modern speedboats. While some guests might find the deck space limited during the busy times, the overall ambiance tends to be festive.
The meals are served on board, with a buffet lunch that reviewers like Cristian_O described as “delicious,” which is impressive considering the short time they have to prepare it. Included snacks, drinks, water, and a fully-stocked bar ensure you won’t go hungry or thirsty during the cruise. However, spirits are not included, so if you’re craving a tipple, you’ll need to pay extra.
You might also want to explore these Mellieha activities
On the Boat
Expect a moderate physical fitness level to be comfortable with the boat’s movement and the walking involved. The tour isn’t suitable for very young children or guests with mobility issues, which is important to note. Also, packing bathing gear, a towel, and sunblock is essential given the time spent in the water and the sun-drenched deck.
Timing and Duration
The entire day lasts approximately eight hours, starting at 9:30 am with the pickup, and wrapping up around 5:30 pm. This duration balances sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing, but keep in mind that the crowd levels and pace might make it feel a bit rushed to some.
Authentic Experiences and Practical Tips
While the tour offers a well-organized day, it’s important to go in with realistic expectations. Some reviews highlighted the busyness of the boat—Cristian_O remarked that “there were too many people, and not enough seats,” which might affect your comfort. If you prefer a quiet, meditative experience, this might not be the best fit.
However, the inclusive transfers and the chance to visit both Gozo and the Blue Lagoon in one day create a good value for travelers looking to tick these highlights off their Malta itinerary. The delicious food, refreshing drinks, and scenic spots make it a worthwhile outing.
Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?
This Full Day Fernandes Cruise is ideal if you enjoy lively group atmospheres and want a convenient, all-in-one day out. It suits travelers who value a guided experience with included meals and are happy to share space with others. If your priority is comfort and solitude, the crowds and busy schedule might be less appealing.
The tour wonderfully captures Malta’s coastal beauty—from the peaceful waters of Gozo to the iconic Blue Lagoon—making it a good option for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview. The price point of around $86.82 per person is reasonable considering the included transfers, meals, and multiple stops, though the crowd levels could detract from the perceived value for some.
In summary, this tour offers a lively, scenic experience with good food, but be prepared for a bustling day and a shared space. It’s perfect for those who want a fun, guided adventure and don’t mind a bit of busy company while enjoying Malta’s stunning coastline.
FAQ
Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour includes round-trip transfers from your hotel in Malta, simplifying your day.
What should I bring? Bring bathing gear, a towel, and sunblock—the time in the water and sun exposure calls for these essentials.
Is there a limit on group size? The tour can host up to 80 travelers, meaning it’s lively but can also feel crowded.
Are drinks included? Snacks and a buffet lunch are included, but spirits are extra and not part of the package.
Can I cancel the tour? Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Is this tour suitable for children? It’s not ideal for younger children or guests with mobility difficulties due to the boat’s movement and walking involved.
The Sum Up
The Full Day Fernandes Cruise with Lunch offers a comprehensive and scenic way to explore Malta’s north coast, combining beautiful stops, delicious food, and effortless logistics. Its large group size and busy atmosphere may not suit everyone, but if you’re after a fun and social day in the sun with easy access to top spots like Gozo and the Blue Lagoon, this tour delivers.
The included hotel transfers and buffet lunch add significant value, reducing planning stress and making it a convenient option for visitors who want to maximize their time. While it’s not perfect for those craving tranquility or privacy, it’s a solid choice for travelers who enjoy being part of a lively group and want a taste of Malta’s stunning waters without any fuss.
This cruise is a great introduction to Malta’s coastlines, especially if you’re open to sharing a boat and soaking up the lively, social atmosphere onboard.
