Malta: Lazy Pirate Boat Party with Drinks & Food

The most memorable part of this Malta night out is the change from sunset cruise to moonlit party. You leave Sliema with the coast glowing in the evening light, then the music picks up as the Fernandes 2 heads to its swimming stop and carries on into the night.

I like the unlimited bar with several drink choices, and I like that snacks, fruit, and a DJ are included rather than added one by one. The main caution is space: this is a popular party boat, so you may spend much of the evening standing close to other people. The swim stop can also feel brief or secondary if swimming is your main reason for booking.

Key points to know before booking

• Four hours from Sliema to around midnight: You get a full evening on the water, not a short harbor ride.
• The Fernandes 2 is an adults-only party boat: Children under 18 cannot join.
• The open bar covers vodka, tequila, whiskey, rum, beer, wine, and sangria: Premium brands are advertised, with drinks included throughout the cruise.
• A moonlight swim is part of the plan: Bring a towel, but do not expect a dedicated swimming excursion.
• DJ music drives the evening: This suits people who want dancing and a social night more than quiet coastal sightseeing.
• The boat can feel crowded: Food quality and the swimming stop may not satisfy everyone, even when the music and staff hit the mark.

Setting sail from Sliema as the sun goes down

You meet opposite The Black Sheep at the Sliema Ferries. Transfers are not included, so you need to make your own way to the departure point. That location is useful if you are staying around Sliema, but allow enough time to find the exact meeting spot before the group gathers.

The boat heads out along Malta’s coast as the sun drops. This first part gives you a chance to settle in, find a place to stand or sit, and take in the shore before the party reaches full volume. The changing light is one of the strongest reasons to choose the evening departure instead of treating this as simply a floating nightclub.

You will be on the Fernandes 2 for about four hours. The boat returns to Sliema at around midnight, so this is a complete night activity rather than something to squeeze into an early dinner slot. Plan your evening around it, especially if you have an early tour the next morning.

The host team can assist in English, Italian, Spanish, or French. No individual guide is named, and this is not a guided history cruise. You are here for music, drinks, views, and company, not a running commentary on Malta’s coastline.

What the open bar really adds to the price

The price is $81 per person. That is not cheap for a four-hour boat outing, but the value depends heavily on how much you use the included bar and how much you want the party setting.

The bar includes vodka, tequila, whiskey, rum, beer, wine, and sangria. The advertised selection also includes premium brands. Since drinks are available throughout the cruise, the cost can compare favorably with paying separately for several drinks at a waterfront bar, especially in a group that plans to spend the whole evening dancing and socializing.

I would not book this solely as a way to get a bargain dinner and drinks. The food is best treated as useful party fuel, not the main meal of the night. The snacks and fruit help, and sandwiches have been served, but the food may feel basic. One account found it could be better, so eat something beforehand if you want a proper dinner.

There is also a practical safety point. With an unlimited bar, it is easy to drink faster than you intended, particularly in the heat of the music and dancing. Pace yourself, drink water when you can, and remember that the boat’s main attraction is the entire evening, not simply the amount of alcohol included.

Dancing, DJ music, and the social mood

The DJ sets the tone. Music and dancing receive some of the strongest praise, and the evening is built around joining in rather than sitting quietly with a view. You can expect a social atmosphere where people come to meet others, laugh, dance, and spend several hours in close company.

That makes the boat a good match for solo adults, couples who want a lively night, and groups of friends. It can also work well for a birthday or a holiday night when you want an activity that brings everyone together without planning several venues.

The same setup will not suit everyone. The boat may feel crowded, with limited room when many people are dancing or moving between the bar, seating areas, and deck. If you want a calm cruise, a romantic sunset with quiet conversation, or plenty of personal space, this is the wrong boat.

The party atmosphere is also shaped by the crowd on your particular night. The DJ, staff, and other people aboard all matter. Feedback has praised friendly staff and a strong DJ, but one incident involved security behaving aggressively toward a person trying to find friends. That is a serious concern, even if it does not describe every night. Keep your group together, follow staff instructions, and take any uncomfortable interaction seriously.

Snacks, fruit, and the food question

Food is included, which is convenient when you are spending the evening on the water. Snacks and fruit are served during the party, and sandwiches may be part of the offering. This keeps you from needing to leave the dance floor in search of a meal.

Still, I would call the food a supporting feature. It is not presented as a full dinner, and the quality can be uneven. One person found the sandwiches very good, while another thought the food needed improvement. That difference is a useful warning: your enjoyment of the food may depend on expectations more than on the menu itself.

Have a meal before boarding if you are hungry at the start. Then use the snacks and fruit as a top-up during the night. This approach lets you focus on the cruise and avoids expecting an $81 party ticket to deliver a restaurant meal as well as a boat, bar, DJ, and swim stop.

Glass objects are not allowed. That rule makes sense on a moving party boat, especially around a swimming area. Bring your towel, but leave glass containers behind.

The moonlight swim at anchor

At some point, the Fernandes 2 stops at anchor for a moonlight swim. This is the evening’s break from dancing and one of its more distinctive details. Malta’s coast takes on a different character after dark, and stepping into the water under the night sky can be a memorable part of the outing.

You should keep your expectations in check. The stop is designed as an added party feature, not as a long swimming session at a carefully selected beach. You may find that the swimming window feels short, or that the location is less appealing if your main goal is time in the water.

That does not make the stop pointless. It gives you a chance to cool off, get away from the speakers for a while, and do something you cannot do at a regular bar. But if you are booking because you want Malta’s best swimming spot, choose a daytime boat trip or a dedicated swim excursion instead.

Bring a towel, as requested. Wear clothing that is easy to manage after swimming, and keep your belongings secure. No details are provided about changing facilities, so do not assume you will have a private place to change on board.

Returning to Sliema around midnight

After the swim and more music, the boat heads back to Sliema. The return is scheduled for around midnight, giving you a full evening rather than a quick sunset sail. By then, the boat’s mood may be more relaxed for some people and louder for others, depending on how the night develops.

This timing matters when planning your return. Transfers are not included, and the activity does not provide a guide or transport after the boat docks. Make sure you know how you will get back to your accommodation before you board.

The trip’s simple rhythm works well: sail, drink, eat, dance, swim, then sail back. You are not rushing between several attractions, and there is no long speech or formal tour program to follow. The value comes from having one organized night on the water.

Who will enjoy the Lazy Pirate most

I would point this experience toward adults who want a ready-made night out. It is especially suitable for:

• Friends who want music, dancing, and drinks in one place
• Solo adults hoping to meet people in a social setting
• Couples who prefer a lively evening to a quiet dinner
• Groups celebrating a holiday or special occasion
• People who like the idea of swimming but do not need a full swim-focused tour

I would be more cautious if you dislike crowds, loud music, or alcohol-centered activities. The open bar is a major part of the ticket, and the boat’s limited space may make the evening feel intense.

It is also not suitable for children under 18. The adults-only rule is clear, so families should choose another Malta activity.

Staff, languages, and the overall feel

The staff can communicate in English, Italian, Spanish, and French, which helps on an international boat. Friendly and available servers are a real advantage when the bar is busy, and good service can make a major difference during a party night.

The strongest positive impressions focus on staff warmth, drink variety, the DJ, and the fun of meeting people. Those details matter because this is not a scenic cruise where the coastline does all the work. The human side of the night is central.

Still, service can vary. The reported security incident is not something to brush aside. Most of the available feedback is positive about the staff, but anyone booking should understand that a crowded boat can produce moments of confusion, especially when people are trying to locate friends. Stay aware of your group and speak up if something feels wrong.

Is $81 a fair Malta night out?

At $81, this is a mid-to-high priced evening activity. The ticket covers the party boat, open bar, snacks, fruit, DJ, and swimming stop. If you would otherwise spend money on drinks and entertainment in Sliema, the package can be reasonable.

The cost is harder to justify if you mainly want a boat ride or a swim. You are paying for the party format, not just the view. A person who drinks little may find the price steep, while someone who stays for the full four hours and uses the included drinks may see better value.

The rating of 3.8 from 788 reviews suggests a generally enjoyable but not flawless experience. That fits the details: the music and social mood can be excellent, while crowding, food, the swim stop, and occasional staff handling may reduce the score for some people.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms provide some flexibility, but check the available start time before booking because the activity lasts four hours and finishes around midnight.

Practical advice for a smoother night

Eat a light meal before meeting at Sliema Ferries. You can enjoy the included snacks and fruit without depending on them as your only food.

Bring a towel. Do not bring glass objects. Keep your phone and other valuables secure, particularly during the swimming stop, and make a clear plan with your friends in case you get separated on a crowded deck.

Wear clothes and shoes that suit dancing and possible swimming. The exact onboard facilities are not specified, so choose practical clothing rather than assuming you will have a full changing area.

If you want a quiet seat with a view, arrive prepared for the possibility that space will be limited. If you want to dance, stay flexible and expect the boat’s mood to change as the evening moves from sunset sailing to the late-night party.

Should you book this boat party?

Book the Lazy Pirate if you want one organized adults-only night with Malta’s coast, an open bar, DJ music, snacks, and a moonlight swim. The best parts are the easy all-in-one format, the broad drink selection, and the chance to meet people without arranging several separate venues.

Skip it if you want a peaceful cruise, a serious dinner, lots of swimming time, or generous personal space. At $81, the experience makes the most sense when you value the party itself and plan to stay for the full four hours.

For the right person, it is a lively and memorable addition to a Malta trip. Just eat first, bring a towel, pace your drinks, and think of the swim as a fun extra rather than the main event.

FAQ

Where does the Lazy Pirate Boat Party depart from?

Meet opposite The Black Sheep at the 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. Premium brands are advertised.

Is food included?

Yes. Snacks and fruit are included, and sandwiches may be served during the party.

Can children join the boat party?

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

What should I bring?

Bring a towel for the moonlight swim. Glass objects are not allowed on board.