Malta: Lazy Pirate Boat Party with Drinks & Food

The party starts as the sun sets. From Sliema, you board the Fernandes 2 for four hours of drinks, DJ music, coastal views, and a late swim under the night sky. It is less a sightseeing cruise than a floating night out, which makes it a good fit if you want to meet people and keep the evening moving.

I especially like the unlimited open bar and the simple route along Malta’s coast as daylight fades. The DJ, dancing, snacks, and fruit give the trip a relaxed party rhythm rather than a formal boat excursion.

The main drawback is crowding. The boat can feel full, and the swim stop may disappoint you if swimming is the main reason you book. One recent account also described an unpleasant encounter with security, so the experience may depend partly on how the crowd and staff handle a busy night.

Key points at a glance

• Four hours from Sliema: The boat leaves from the Sliema Ferries area, opposite The Black Sheep, and returns around midnight.
• Unlimited drinks: Vodka, tequila, whiskey, rum, beer, wine, and sangria are included in the open bar.
• Fernandes 2 sets the scene: You spend the evening on a dedicated party boat rather than moving between bars.
• Music drives the night: A DJ provides the soundtrack for dancing and socializing.
• Moonlit swim stop: The boat anchors during the evening, giving you time for a swim if conditions and your comfort allow.
• Adults only: You must be at least 18, and you should bring a towel. Glass objects are not allowed.

Leaving Sliema as the sun goes down

Your evening begins at the meeting point opposite The Black Sheep in Sliema Ferries. Transfers are not included, so you need to make your own way there. The location is useful if you are already in Sliema, but you should allow time to find the exact boarding spot before departure.

The boat heads out along the Maltese coast as the sun sets. This is the prettiest part of the trip for me because the light changes while the party is getting started. You can take in the coastline, settle into the boat, and get your first drink before the louder part of the night begins.

The timing gives the evening a natural shape. You are not thrown straight into a dark nightclub. Instead, the first stretch lets you watch Malta fade from evening light into night. If you want photographs or a calmer drink, use this early period before the music and dancing take over.

The route is not presented as a guided sightseeing cruise. There is no guide included, and the host or greeter may speak English, Italian, Spanish, or French. You should book this for the boat party itself, not for detailed commentary about Malta’s coast.

The Fernandes 2 party setting

The Fernandes 2 is the center of the experience. You spend the evening on board with other adults who have come for music, drinks, and a social night out. That setup makes it easier to meet people than a quiet dinner cruise, especially if you are traveling alone or with a small group.

The tradeoff is space. A recent account from a group of five friends praised the music and dancing but warned that there were many people on board. You may need to accept limited room around the dance area, crowded paths to the bar, and fewer quiet corners than you would find on a sightseeing vessel.

I would not choose this boat if you need a peaceful, spacious setting. I would choose it if you enjoy being around a lively crowd and do not mind standing for much of the night. The boat works best when you treat the crowd as part of the party rather than as an inconvenience to escape.

The social side is one of the strongest reasons to book. One recent experience described friendly people and consistently kind staff. Another praised the welcoming crew, available servers, and the fun of dancing and laughing through the night. Those details point to a warm, easygoing atmosphere when the boat is running well.

Still, keep your expectations sensible. Busy party settings can bring moments of confusion, especially when people are looking for friends or moving between areas. One account described security becoming aggressive during such a moment. That does not define every departure, but it is a fair reason to stay aware of your group and remain calm when moving around the boat.

What is included at the open bar

The open bar is a major part of the $81 price. Included drinks cover vodka, tequila, whiskey, rum, beer, wine, and sangria. The experience describes the selection as including premium brands, so you are not limited to one basic spirit or a single type of beer.

You can drink throughout the party, which changes the value calculation. If you would otherwise spend the evening buying several drinks at bars in Malta, the package may be good value. If you drink little or choose soft drinks, the price becomes harder to justify because much of the cost is tied to the open bar.

You should pace yourself. The boat runs for four hours, and the combination of alcohol, dancing, warm weather, and a swim can catch up with you quickly. The smartest approach is to eat, drink water when available, and avoid treating unlimited service as a challenge.

The bar also helps the evening stay in one place. You do not need to leave the dance floor to search for a second venue or pay separately for every drink. That convenience is part of what you are buying, along with the setting and music.

Snacks, fruit, and the food question

Snacks and fruit are included, so you are not expected to party for four hours with an empty stomach. One recent account specifically described good sandwiches, while another found the food less impressive. I would treat the food as useful party fuel rather than a full dinner.

That distinction matters. If you arrive hungry, you may be disappointed by the amount or selection available. Eat something before boarding, then enjoy the snacks and fruit as they appear during the evening. The included food helps, but it should not be the main reason you book.

Food quality may also feel less important once the DJ gets the crowd moving. Several accounts praised the music, dancing, and fun more than the meal. That tells you where the experience puts its energy: this is a party with food, not a food cruise with background music.

The DJ, dancing, and changing pace

The DJ provides the main entertainment, and music is one of the most praised parts of the night. One recent group described the music and dancing as very enjoyable, while another praised the DJ and called the evening memorable.

The sound and mood should build as the boat moves away from Sliema. Early on, you can watch the coast and settle in. Later, you are more likely to spend your time dancing, talking, and finding a place near the music.

The experience suits you if you want a night with a clear social focus. You can come with friends, but you do not need a large group to enjoy it. The open bar and shared dance space create natural chances to meet other people.

It is less suitable if you want to choose your own music, sit quietly, or move between several different bars. The DJ sets the pace, and the boat gives you limited control over the setting. That is both the appeal and the limitation.

The moonlight swim stop

At some point, the Fernandes 2 anchors for a moonlight swim. This is the evening’s most distinctive break from dancing. You can step into the water, cool off, and see the party boat from a different angle before returning on board.

Bring a towel. It is the one item specifically called out for the trip, and you will want it after swimming. Glass objects are not allowed, so leave glass bottles and similar items at home.

The swim stop needs a realistic reading. One recent group enjoyed the overall night but said the stop was not great if swimming was the main goal. That suggests you should see it as a bonus, not the centerpiece of your booking decision.

The stop may be brief, and the space around the water may be busy. You could find yourself sharing the moment with many other people rather than enjoying a quiet midnight swim. If you are comfortable with that, the stop adds a fun change of pace. If you want a serious swim or a calm sea experience, choose a dedicated swimming trip instead.

Do not feel pressured to swim. The party, music, and coastal ride remain the main event. You can stay on board, watch the activity, or use the pause to catch your breath.

Returning to Sliema around midnight

After the swim and the later part of the party, the boat returns to Sliema at about midnight. The late return makes this a full evening rather than an early sunset outing. Plan the rest of your night around that timing.

Because transfers are not included, you are responsible for getting to the meeting point and arranging your onward travel after the boat returns. The supplied details do not promise transport back to your accommodation, so do not assume it is part of the package.

The four-hour length feels appropriate for the format. A shorter trip might feel rushed, while a much longer party could become tiring, especially with standing, dancing, and drinking. You get enough time for the sunset cruise, open bar, music, and swim without committing to an all-night outing.

Is the $81 price good value?

At $81 per person, the price is fair if you plan to use the open bar and want a complete night of entertainment in one place. You are paying for four hours on the Fernandes 2, unlimited listed drinks, snacks and fruit, a DJ, the coastal cruise, and the swim stop.

The value drops if you are a light drinker, dislike crowds, or mainly want a scenic boat ride. Malta offers many ways to see the coast, and this package is aimed at nightlife rather than quiet views or cultural explanation.

I would compare the cost with what you might spend on several drinks, music venues, and a separate evening activity. The boat combines those elements, though you give up the freedom to leave when you wish or choose a quieter bar.

The price also makes more sense for a social night out with friends. You can split the evening between dancing, talking, drinking, and swimming without paying for each piece separately. For a solo visitor, the social setting may help justify the cost if meeting people is important to you.

Who should book this boat party?

I would recommend it for adults who enjoy music, dancing, open-bar packages, and meeting new people. It is particularly well suited to friend groups, couples who want a lively night, and solo visitors who are comfortable joining a crowd.

You should also be comfortable with alcohol-focused entertainment. The open bar is not a side feature. It is one of the main reasons the trip costs what it does and one of the main ways the party keeps its energy.

I would hesitate to recommend it if you want a quiet cruise, a guided account of Malta, a spacious boat, or a strong food experience. Families cannot book because the activity is not suitable for children under 18.

The staff and DJ receive strong praise in the available feedback, and those are important positives. At the same time, the crowded conditions and one report of rough security behavior mean I would keep personal space and group communication in mind. A little practical awareness goes a long way on a busy boat.

Practical tips for a smoother night

• Arrive at the Sliema meeting point early enough to identify the boat opposite The Black Sheep.
• Bring a towel for the moonlight swim.
• Eat before boarding if you need a proper dinner.
• Pace yourself with the unlimited drinks.
• Keep your group together, especially when moving around the boat.
• Leave glass objects behind.
• Wear clothing that works for both dancing and getting wet.
• Plan how you will get back after the return to Sliema around midnight.

Cancellation is flexible if your plans change: you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is useful if you are still arranging your Malta schedule.

Should you book the Lazy Pirate Boat Party?

Book it if you want a lively, adults-only night with unlimited drinks, DJ music, dancing, and a sunset-to-midnight boat ride. The moonlight swim is a pleasant extra, and the friendly staff and social setting can make the night feel special.

Skip it if your priority is spacious seating, quiet scenery, a substantial meal, or a serious swimming session. For the right person, $81 buys a convenient full evening of entertainment. For the wrong person, it buys a crowded boat and more alcohol than you wanted.

FAQ

Where does the Lazy Pirate Boat Party depart from?

The meeting point is opposite The Black Sheep at Sliema Ferries in Sliema, Malta.

How long does the boat party last?

The activity lasts four hours and returns to Sliema at around midnight.

What drinks are included?

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

Is food included?

Yes. Snacks and fruit are included. Sandwiches have also been served during the experience.

Is there a swimming stop?

Yes. The boat anchors during the evening for a moonlight swim.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, especially if you plan to swim.

Can children join the boat party?

No. The activity is not suitable for children under 18.

Are transfers included?

No. Transfers and personal expenses are not included, so you must arrange your own transport to the meeting point and after the boat returns.