Malta: Lazy Pirate Boat Party with Drinks & Food

The best part of this Malta night out is the change of scene: you leave Sliema in daylight, watch the coast fade into evening, then party on the water beneath the night sky. The Fernandes 2 combines a full open bar with DJ music, snacks, and a swim stop, so you get more than a simple sunset cruise.

I like the easy social setup and the range of included drinks, from beer and wine to vodka, tequila, whiskey, rum, and sangria. I also like that the four-hour schedule gives you time for music, coastal views, food, and a moonlight swim without taking up your whole evening. The main drawback is crowding. The boat can feel tight when everyone is dancing, and the swim stop may disappoint you if swimming is your main reason for booking.

At a glance

• Sunset departure from Sliema: Meet opposite The Black Sheep at the Sliema Ferries and cruise as daylight gives way to night.
• Open bar with several choices: Included drinks cover beer, wine, sangria, vodka, tequila, whiskey, and rum.
• Food is simple and useful: Snacks, fruit, and sandwiches help balance the drinking, though the food is not the main attraction.
• DJ-led party: Music and dancing take priority once the boat gets underway.
• Moonlight swim stop: You can swim at anchor, but the stop is better treated as an optional extra than the centerpiece.
• Adults only: The experience is for people aged 18 and over.

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. That is worth noting if you are staying outside Sliema or planning a dinner beforehand.

The departure time can vary, so check the available start times when booking. The cruise lasts about four hours and returns to Sliema at around midnight. That late finish suits a party night, but it is less convenient if you have an early morning tour the next day.

The first stretch has a useful rhythm. You can find a place on board, get a drink, and take in Malta’s coastline while there is still some daylight. The boat heads toward the setting sun, and the views gradually change from a coastal outing into a night party.

I would use this early part of the cruise to settle in rather than rush straight to the dance area. You can collect a drink, have some food, and work out how the boat is arranged before the music becomes the focus. Since the boat may feel crowded later, this is also your best chance to enjoy the view without standing shoulder to shoulder.

What the open bar really adds

The open bar is a major part of the $81 price. You are not paying only for a boat ride and a DJ. You are also paying for several hours of included drinks, which can make the total cost reasonable if you planned to spend an evening drinking and dancing anyway.

The selection includes vodka, tequila, whiskey, rum, beer, wine, and sangria. That is a wider choice than a basic beer-and-wine package, and it works well for a mixed group where everyone wants something different. You can keep your drink simple or choose from the spirits and mixed options available on board.

Still, I would not treat unlimited alcohol as a challenge. The boat moves, the evening runs late, and the swim stop adds another factor. Drink slowly, eat early, and keep track of your own limits. The value is in having drinks included, not in trying to consume as much as possible.

There is no guide leading a sightseeing talk, so this is not the right cruise if you want detailed information about Malta’s coast. The host or greeter service is available in English, Italian, Spanish, and French, but the evening is organized around hospitality, music, and socializing rather than commentary.

Snacks, fruit, and sandwiches on board

Food is included, with snacks and fruit available during the cruise. Sandwiches have also been served, which gives you something more substantial than bar snacks. That matters on a four-hour boat party, especially when drinks are flowing and the night extends toward midnight.

I would set your expectations correctly. The food is practical, not a reason to book the cruise. It helps take the edge off hunger, but the quality may feel basic, and the food does not replace dinner for everyone. If you need a full meal, eat beforehand or plan around the cruise.

The timing of the food is useful. You can have something before the music reaches full volume, then return for fruit or snacks later. On a crowded boat, it may be easier to take food when it is available rather than wait for a quieter moment.

Bring a towel. You will need it if you use the swim stop, and there is no reason to rely on finding one after you reach the boat.

The DJ, dancing, and limited room

Once the boat moves farther along the coast, the DJ and dancing take over. Music is one of the strongest parts of the experience, and the party atmosphere is aimed at adults who want a social night rather than a quiet cruise.

The sound of the music, the open bar, and the changing view create a setting you cannot get at a normal club. You are out on the water as Malta’s coastline slips into darkness, and the party has a clear sense of occasion.

The tradeoff is space. The boat can hold a lively crowd, but that means there may not be much room to sit, walk around, or dance freely when everyone is gathered in the main areas. I would choose comfortable clothes and shoes that work on a moving boat. Do not expect a private table or a calm corner throughout the evening.

This is also a setting where group dynamics matter. It can be easy to meet people because everyone is sharing the same music, drinks, and boat. At the same time, keep track of your friends, especially if you move between areas. The event has security, and one incident involved a security interaction that became overly forceful when someone was trying to find her group. That does not define the entire evening, but it is a good reason to stay aware and use calm, clear communication if you need help.

The moonlight swim stop

At the anchor point, you get time for a swim under the night sky. This is the most unusual part of the itinerary, and it gives the party a welcome change of pace. You can step away from the music, cool off, and see Malta from the water rather than from the deck.

The swim stop is not a full beach visit. You remain at anchor, so there is no shore, promenade, or place to wander. The stop can also feel less impressive if your main goal is a long swim in clear, calm water. Some people may find it too brief or not especially scenic in the darkness.

I would think of the swim as a bonus rather than the central reason to book. If you enjoy the idea of a quick nighttime swim, bring a towel and take part when conditions suit you. If you want a serious swimming session, a daytime boat trip will probably fit better.

You should also consider your comfort with entering the water at night. There is less visual detail than during the day, and the party atmosphere continues around you. You do not have to swim, so you can stay on board and enjoy the music if that sounds better.

Is $81 good value?

At $81 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend an evening in Malta. The price makes more sense when you use the included drinks. A four-hour boat party with an open bar, DJ, food, and a coastal cruise can compare well with paying separately for a club, drinks, and transport between venues.

The value is strongest for you if you already want a social drinking night. You get the setting, music, food, and drinks in one package, with no need to move from a bar to a club. The boat adds the sunset and moonlit setting, which is the feature you cannot reproduce on land.

The value is weaker if you drink little, dislike crowds, or want a quiet view of the coastline. In that case, much of the price goes toward the open bar and party production. You may get more from a calm evening cruise or a daytime coastal outing.

There are no included transfers, a guide is not part of the package, and personal expenses are extra. Factor in the cost and time of reaching Sliema Ferries, particularly if you are staying elsewhere in Malta.

Who will enjoy the Lazy Pirate most?

I would recommend this for adults who want a ready-made night out and do not want to plan each part themselves. It suits friends, couples who enjoy loud music, solo people hoping to meet others, and anyone who likes the idea of a club that moves along the coast.

It is especially good for you if these points sound appealing:

• You want several hours of included drinks.
• You enjoy DJ music and dancing.
• You are comfortable in a busy social setting.
• You like the idea of a short night swim.
• You prefer one organized evening to several separate venues.

I would choose something else if you want quiet conversation, a polished dinner, a detailed coastal tour, or a spacious boat with plenty of personal room. Children under 18 cannot join, and the experience is clearly designed for an adult party crowd.

The multilingual host and greeter support in English, Italian, Spanish, and French is helpful for an international group. Still, the lack of a sightseeing guide means you should not expect a narrated tour of Malta’s coast.

Practical tips for a smoother night

Arrive ready to spend the whole evening on the boat. Wear clothes that can handle a drink, sea air, and possible splashes, and bring a towel for the swim stop. Glass objects are not allowed, so leave glass bottles and similar items behind.

Eat something before boarding if you want a proper meal. The included snacks, fruit, and sandwiches are useful, but food quality is not the main selling point.

Keep your phone and other valuables secure. You will be moving between music, drinks, and the swim area, and a boat is not the place to casually set important items down. Also keep an eye on your group, since the boat can become crowded once the party is underway.

If your plans are uncertain, you can reserve now and pay later. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Those terms give you some flexibility, but you still need to check the exact departure time and make your own arrangements to reach Sliema.

Should you book this boat party?

Book it if you want an adults-only party night with drinks, music, and a different view of Malta. The open bar has a good range, the DJ gives the evening energy, and the sunset-to-moonlight timing makes the cruise more memorable than a standard club night.

Skip it if you are mainly looking for swimming, sightseeing, or a comfortable dinner. The boat may feel crowded, the food is simple, and the anchor stop is not designed as a major swimming excursion.

My call: the Lazy Pirate is a good fit for a social night out, with a fair chance of becoming one of your more memorable Malta evenings if you enjoy the party itself. Go for the music, drinks, and setting. Treat the swim and food as useful extras, not the main event.

FAQ

Where does the Lazy Pirate Boat Party depart from?

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

How long does the boat party last?

The experience lasts about 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, and sandwiches may be served on board.

Is there a swimming stop?

Yes. The boat stops at an anchor point for a moonlight swim.

Can children join the boat party?

No. The experience is not suitable for anyone under 18.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel if you plan to swim. Glass objects are not allowed on board.