Malta: Lazy Pirate Boat Party with Drinks & Food

The Lazy Pirate Boat Party turns a Malta sunset cruise into a floating night out. You board the Fernandes 2 at Sliema, take in the coast as daylight fades, then settle into DJ music, an open bar, snacks, and a moonlight swim. I like the four-hour format and the fact that drinks, food, and music are included.

I also like the social setup. You can dance, meet other adults, and use the boat as a moving view platform before the party picks up. The main drawback is space: the boat can feel crowded, and the swim stop may disappoint if swimming is your main reason for booking.

Key points to know before boarding

• Sliema departure: Meet opposite The Black Sheep at Sliema Ferries.
• Four hours on the water: The boat cruises during sunset and returns to Sliema at about midnight.
• Full open bar: Vodka, tequila, whiskey, rum, beer, wine, and sangria are included.
• Food is simple: Expect snacks, fruit, and sandwiches, rather than a full dinner.
• Moonlight swim: Swimming is offered at an anchor point, but it is not the central focus of the evening.
• Adults only: You must be at least 18, and you should bring a towel.

Sliema Ferries is the starting point

The meeting point is opposite The Black Sheep at Sliema Ferries. That gives you a clear waterfront location, but you still need to allow enough time to find the exact boarding spot and get settled before departure.

The boat is the Fernandes 2, and the evening begins with a cruise away from Sliema. At first, the setting is fairly relaxed. You can look back toward the waterfront, find a place to stand or sit, and get your first drink from the bar.

There is no hotel transfer included, so you must make your own way to Sliema. That is easy enough if you are already staying in Sliema, but it matters if your accommodation is elsewhere in Malta. The activity finishes back at Sliema at about midnight, so plan your return journey before boarding.

The host or greeter may speak English, Italian, Spanish, or French. That helps with basic communication, though this is not a guided sightseeing cruise. You are joining a party on a boat, not a history tour with commentary.

Sunset views before the music takes over

The first part of the trip follows the Maltese coast as the sun goes down. This is the strongest sightseeing portion of the evening, so I would pay attention early rather than assume the best views will still be there later.

You get a different view of Malta from the water. The coastline, waterfront buildings, and fading light provide a pleasant backdrop while the bar opens and people gather. It is a useful pairing: you get some scenery without giving up the social side of the night.

As darkness arrives, the music becomes more important. The DJ supplies the main entertainment, and dancing is a central part of the experience. The atmosphere is aimed at fun-seekers who want a lively night with other adults, not at people looking for silence or a romantic dinner cruise.

I would treat the sunset as a bonus and the party as the main event. If you mainly want coastal views, a daytime boat cruise may suit you better. If you want scenery followed by dancing and drinks, this timing works well.

What the $81 ticket really covers

At $81 per person, the price makes the most sense if you plan to use the open bar and stay for the full four hours. You are paying for the boat, DJ, drinks, snacks, fruit, and the swim stop in one package.

The bar includes vodka, tequila, whiskey, rum, beer, wine, and sangria. That is a broad selection for a boat party, with enough choice for people who prefer spirits, beer, wine, or a sweeter mixed drink. The drinks are a major part of the value, especially if you would otherwise buy several drinks during a night out in Malta.

The food is more modest. You receive snacks and fruit, and sandwiches are also part of the food service described for the evening. This should help take the edge off drinking, but I would not book this expecting a sit-down meal or a carefully planned dinner.

That distinction matters. If you arrive hungry, eat beforehand. The included food is useful party fuel, not a substitute for a restaurant meal. The quality can also feel uneven, so keep expectations sensible.

The open bar does not mean the evening is cost-free. Transfers are not included, and personal expenses are your responsibility. Still, the package is fairly easy to budget because the main party costs are combined in advance.

The Fernandes 2 after dark

Once the boat is fully underway and the sun has dropped, the Fernandes 2 becomes less about sightseeing and more about music, drinks, and movement. The DJ sets the pace, and the open deck gives you a place to dance or watch the water.

You should expect a social crowd rather than a quiet, spacious boat. One practical issue is limited room, especially when many people are dancing or lining up for drinks. That can be part of the fun for an outgoing group, but it may frustrate you if you need personal space.

I like that the experience does not require you to follow a complicated schedule. You can listen to music, talk with people, have a drink, eat a snack, and move between the party area and the edge of the boat. The evening is flexible in that simple way.

Staff friendliness can shape the night. The available feedback includes praise for welcoming and helpful staff, with drinks served by smiling and available team members. It also includes one serious complaint about security staff acting aggressively toward a person trying to find friends. That is not something to ignore. Most of the available feedback is positive, but you should keep track of your group and speak calmly with staff if you need help.

The moonlight swim stop

At some point, the boat anchors for a swim in the sea. Swimming under the night sky is the experience’s most unusual feature, and it adds a clear Malta touch to what could otherwise be a standard boat party.

Bring a towel. You should also use practical judgment around the water, especially after drinking. The stop is optional in spirit: you can swim if you want, but the main party continues for those who prefer to stay aboard.

The swim stop is not ideal if swimming is your top priority. The available feedback describes it as less impressive for people specifically seeking a great swim, though acceptable as part of the wider evening. That makes sense for the format. The boat is stopping to add a short activity to the party, not taking you to a dedicated beach or swimming site.

If you enjoy the novelty of a quick night swim, you may find it memorable. If you want clear water, a long swim, or time to snorkel, choose a dedicated water excursion instead.

Food, drinks, and pacing your night

An unlimited bar can make the evening feel generous, but it also calls for a little self-control. You are on a boat, the music is loud, and the night can move quickly. Eat the snacks and fruit, drink water when available, and pace yourself so you can enjoy the music and swim stop.

The drink list covers the basics well. Premium brands are advertised, but the exact brands are not specified, so I would focus on the range rather than expect a particular bottle or cocktail menu.

Food service is designed for convenience. Snacks, fruit, and sandwiches are easy to eat while standing or dancing, but they are not a culinary reason to book. If you have dietary needs, the provided information does not promise special meals, so you should not assume a suitable option will be available.

Glass objects are not allowed. That is a sensible safety rule on a moving boat, and you should leave glass containers behind. A towel is the one item specifically required for the swim stop.

Who will enjoy this boat party most

This experience is a strong match for adults who want a ready-made night out. You do not need to arrange a bar crawl, find a club, or work out where to swim. The boat supplies the setting, music, drinks, and a group of people looking for a similar evening.

I would especially recommend it for:

• Friends who want dancing and drinks in one place
• Solo adults hoping to meet people in a social setting
• Couples who prefer a lively night to a quiet cruise
• Visitors who like the idea of a moonlight swim
• Anyone who values an included open bar over a formal meal

It is less suitable for children, families, and anyone under 18. It is also a poor fit if you dislike loud music, crowds, alcohol-centered activities, or limited space.

People with a strong interest in Malta’s history should choose a different excursion. There is no guide-led cultural program or sightseeing commentary included. The coast is part of the setting, but the party is the point.

Practical details that can save you trouble

The activity lasts four hours, with the boat returning to Sliema at around midnight. Starting times vary, so check the available departure time when booking rather than relying only on the general evening description.

There are no transfers. You are responsible for reaching Sliema Ferries and making your way home afterward. Since the finish is late, your accommodation location and transport options matter more than they would on a daytime tour.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Malta plans are still shifting.

Wear something comfortable for standing and dancing. Bring a towel, and avoid taking glass items aboard. You may want a small, secure bag for personal essentials, though the supplied information does not specify storage arrangements.

Keep your group together. The boat can be crowded, and it is easy to lose sight of friends when music is loud and people are moving around. This is simple advice, but it can prevent a minor problem from becoming the main story of your night.

How this compares with a regular night out

A normal night out in Malta gives you more control. You choose the bar, the music, the food, and the length of your stay. The Lazy Pirate party gives you less control, but it adds the sea, the sunset, and the moonlight swim.

That trade-off is the heart of the decision. You are not paying only for drinks. You are paying for a fixed four-hour setting where the boat, DJ, bar, and social scene are already organized.

The boat format also makes meeting people easier than it can be in a regular club. Everyone is sharing the same route and the same limited space. For solo adults, that can be a real advantage. For a group that wants privacy, it may feel cramped.

The 3.8 rating from 788 reviews suggests a generally enjoyable experience with some clear limits. The strongest points are the music, friendly staff, range of drinks, and social energy. The weaker points are crowding, simple food, and a swim stop that may not satisfy serious swimmers.

Should you book the Lazy Pirate Boat Party?

Book it if you want an adult-only party with an open bar, DJ music, sunset views, and the option of a moonlight swim. The $81 price is reasonable when you plan to drink, eat the included snacks, and stay for the full four hours.

Skip it if you want a quiet cruise, a proper dinner, a spacious deck, or a dedicated swimming trip. The food is basic, the boat may feel crowded, and the swim stop is an extra feature rather than the main attraction.

My practical call is simple: choose this for the night out, not for the swimming or sightseeing alone. Arrive fed, bring a towel, keep your group close, and expect a lively boat with limited room. If that sounds like your kind of Malta evening, it offers a convenient package with plenty of atmosphere.

FAQ

Where does the Lazy Pirate Boat Party leave from?

The boat leaves from Sliema. Meet opposite The Black Sheep at Sliema Ferries.

How long does the boat party last?

The experience lasts four hours. The boat 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, but specific brands are not listed.

Is food included?

Yes. Snacks and fruit are included, and sandwiches are also provided as part of the food service.

Is the moonlight swim included?

Yes. The boat stops at an anchor point so you can take a moonlight swim. Bring a towel.

Is the activity suitable for children?

No. The boat party is not suitable for children under 18.

Are transfers included?

No. You must make your own way to the meeting point in Sliema and arrange your return after the boat comes back.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve now and pay later option is also available.