Malta: Lazy Pirate Boat Party with Drinks & Food

Dance first, swim when the moon is up. The Lazy Pirate boat party combines a four-hour cruise from Sliema with an unlimited open bar, DJ music, snacks, and a stop for swimming after sunset. I like the easy mix of coastline views and social fun, and I also like that food is included rather than leaving you to pay for every snack on board.

The main catch is space. The Fernandes 2 can feel crowded, especially once dancing starts, and the swim stop may disappoint if swimming is your main reason for booking. One report also described security handling a group member too aggressively, so the crowd-control side of the evening deserves a little caution.

Key Points to Know Before You Book

• The boat leaves Sliema at sunset: You cruise along Malta’s coast as daylight fades and the party grows louder.
• The open bar runs throughout the evening: Vodka, tequila, whiskey, rum, beer, wine, and sangria are included.
• The swim stop is brief and atmosphere-driven: It adds a fun break, but it may not satisfy serious swimmers.
• Food is simple but useful: Expect snacks and fruit, with some people receiving sandwiches during the evening.
• The mood is social and music-led: A DJ, dancing, and a shared boat create a lively night rather than a quiet sightseeing cruise.
• This is strictly for adults: Children under 18 cannot join, and a towel is the one essential item to bring.

Setting Off From Sliema Ferries

Your evening begins opposite The Black Sheep at Sliema Ferries. This is a practical meeting point in a busy waterfront area, but you should allow enough time to find the exact boarding spot. Transfers are not included, so you need to make your own way to Sliema.

The boat is the Fernandes 2, and the setting matters as much as the drinks. Instead of spending the whole night inside a club, you get open views of Malta’s coastline and changing light as the boat moves away from shore. The cruise heads toward the setting sun, giving the first part of the evening a calmer feel before the music takes over.

I would arrive ready for a full night out, not a formal sightseeing trip. Wear something comfortable, bring a towel, and leave glass objects at home. Since this is a boat party, practical clothing matters more than dressing up. You may want to bring a layer for the ride back, although no specific clothing advice is provided.

The published duration is four hours, with the boat returning to Sliema at around midnight. Check the available start time when booking, since the exact departure can vary.

Malta’s Coastline as Daylight Fades

The first stretch gives you a chance to see the coast before the party reaches full speed. The boat cruises along the Maltese shoreline while the sun goes down, so you get a natural change of mood without needing a separate sunset excursion.

This is one of the strongest parts of the experience for me. The coastline gives the party a sense of place, while the moving boat keeps the night from feeling like an ordinary bar session. You can listen to the DJ, have a drink, and still look out across the water as the light fades.

Do not expect a narrated coastal tour. No guide is included, and the host or greeter languages are English, Italian, Spanish, and French. The focus is music, drinks, and socializing, not historical explanation or detailed information about Malta’s shore.

That distinction is important. If you want stories about forts, bays, and landmarks, you should choose a sightseeing cruise instead. If you want scenery as a backdrop to an evening party, this format makes more sense.

An Open Bar With Vodka, Rum, Beer, and Sangria

The open bar is the biggest part of the price. You can order vodka, tequila, whiskey, rum, beer, wine, and sangria throughout the party, with premium brands advertised as part of the selection. Drinks are included rather than charged one by one, which makes the $81 price easier to judge.

I would think about the value this way: if you plan to drink several beverages and want a DJ party on the water, the cost may be reasonable. If you drink little or do not care about the music, the price becomes harder to justify because the main attraction is the combination of alcohol and atmosphere.

An unlimited bar also changes the mood of the boat. The party may become louder and less orderly as the night continues. That can be exactly what you want, but it is worth knowing before you book. You are choosing a nightlife event, not a quiet cruise with a drink included.

The selection is broad, but the available information does not give specific brand names or describe premium cocktail service. Keep your expectations at the level of a stocked party bar rather than a craft cocktail lounge.

Snacks, Fruit, and Simple Food on Board

Food is included along with the drinks. The stated offering is snacks and fruit, and one account describes very good sandwiches being served during the evening. That makes the food more substantial than a bowl of crisps alone, though the experience does not present itself as a full dinner.

This is useful because four hours is a long time to drink without eating. The food gives you something to have between drinks and dancing, and the fruit is a welcome lighter option. Still, one account found the food could be better, so I would not book this as a dining experience.

If you need a full meal, eat beforehand. The included food is best treated as party fuel. It may help you avoid buying dinner during the event, but you should not assume a set menu, a restaurant-style meal, or special dietary choices.

The food also helps explain the mixed value of the tour. You are paying for several elements at once: transport by boat, the open bar, DJ entertainment, snacks, fruit, and the chance to swim. None of those parts alone makes $81 an obvious bargain, but together they can make sense for the right kind of night.

The DJ, Dancing, and Crowd

The DJ supplies the main entertainment, and music is central from the moment the boat gets moving. Strong feedback focuses on the music, dancing, friendly staff, and the easy chance to meet people from different places. This is an event where joining the mood matters more than sitting quietly at the rail.

Several details point to a warm, social atmosphere. Staff have been praised for being welcoming, available, and smiling, while the DJ has received especially positive attention. If you enjoy dancing and meeting new people, you will likely get more from the evening than someone who prefers a calm drink with a view.

Space is the main physical drawback. The boat can hold a large party, and there may not be much room once people gather around the music. You might need to give up the best spot, move around the crowd, or accept that dancing will feel close-quarters.

The crowd may also affect how relaxed the night feels. The event is for adults only, and the unlimited alcohol can make the mood rowdy. One reported incident involved security swearing at and pushing someone who was trying to find friends. That does not define every outing, but it is a relevant warning. Stay aware of your group, agree on a meeting point, and ask staff for help calmly if you become separated.

The Moonlight Swim Stop

At the anchor point, the music and drinking pause long enough for a moonlight swim. This is the experience’s most unusual feature. You get a chance to leave the dance floor, enter the sea at night, and see Malta from the water rather than from the deck.

Bring a towel, as required. You should also decide in advance how important the swim is to you. The stop is part of a party cruise, not a dedicated swimming excursion, and one account found it underwhelming for anyone specifically hoping to swim.

That criticism makes sense. The boat may be crowded, the time in the water may feel limited, and the stop is designed to add atmosphere rather than provide a long, quiet swim. It can be memorable if you like the novelty of swimming under the moon, but it should not be the sole reason you spend $81.

You also need to be comfortable with night swimming and the general conditions of a busy boat party. The supplied details do not specify the exact anchorage, water temperature, swim duration, or whether swimming aids are provided. Treat the stop as an optional highlight rather than a carefully structured water activity.

Returning to Sliema Around Midnight

After the swim, the party continues as the boat heads back to Sliema. By then, the sky is dark, the music is established, and the evening has shifted fully from sunset cruise to nightlife outing.

The return time is around midnight, so plan the rest of your evening around a late finish. Transfers are not included, which means you are responsible for getting back from Sliema after the boat docks. The experience information does not provide a return transfer or hotel drop-off.

This is another reason the location matters. Sliema Ferries is a clear meeting point, but your onward arrangements are your own responsibility. If you are staying elsewhere in Malta, check your transport options before drinking and before the cruise begins.

The end of the trip may feel more like the final hour of a club night than a scenic cruise. That is fine if you want the party to last, but less appealing if you hoped to wind down quietly after the swim.

Is the $81 Price Fair?

At $81 per person, this is not a cheap boat ride. The price includes a four-hour party cruise, an unlimited open bar, snacks and fruit, DJ entertainment, and a moonlight swim. It also saves you from paying separately for drinks throughout the evening.

For a person who would otherwise spend heavily on drinks and nightlife, the package can offer fair value. The coastline and boat setting give you more than a standard bar, while the food adds practical value. Positive feedback has focused on the drinks, staff, music, dancing, and overall sense of fun.

The price is less attractive if you drink little, dislike crowded spaces, or want a proper meal. You may also feel shortchanged if the swim is your priority and the stop does not give you enough time or room.

The overall rating is 3.8 from 788 ratings, which fits the experience well. This is a strong choice for the right audience, but it is not a polished luxury cruise that will suit everyone. Think lively group night, not private yacht evening.

Who Will Enjoy the Lazy Pirate Most?

I would recommend this party to adults who want an easy night out with music, drinks, and a changing view. It works particularly well for friends, solo people who enjoy meeting others, and anyone who wants a different setting for Malta’s nightlife.

You should be comfortable with:

• Loud music and dancing
• An open bar and a drinking-focused atmosphere
• Limited personal space
• A late return around midnight
• A swim stop that may be short or less appealing than expected

I would not choose it for children, quiet sightseeing, a romantic low-key evening, or a serious swimming session. Children under 18 are not allowed, and the lack of a guide means you will not receive a detailed introduction to Malta’s coast.

The most useful tip is simple: eat beforehand, bring a towel, keep glass items out of your bag, and stay close to your group. Agree on where to meet if someone gets separated, especially since the boat can become crowded.

FAQ

Where does the Lazy Pirate boat party meet?

Meet opposite The Black Sheep at Sliema Ferries in Sliema, Malta.

How long does the boat party last?

The experience 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 included in the advertised selection.

Is food included?

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

Is there a DJ on the boat?

Yes. A DJ provides the music for the party and dancing.

Is swimming part of the experience?

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

What should I bring?

Bring a towel. You should not bring glass objects.

Are children allowed?

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

Are transfers included?

No. You need to make your own way to the meeting point and arrange your return after the boat docks.

Can I cancel the booking?

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

Should You Book This Boat Party?

Book it if you want a social adult night with an open bar, DJ music, dancing, a sunset cruise, and a moonlight swim. The staff, drinks, music, and friendly party mood are the strongest reasons to go.

Skip it if you want plenty of space, a proper dinner, detailed coastal commentary, or a long and relaxing swim. At $81, the value depends heavily on how much you enjoy the party atmosphere and the included drinks.

My practical verdict: this is a fun, fairly priced nightlife package for people who want Malta after dark from the water, but it needs realistic expectations. Treat the swim as a bonus, the food as snacks, and the boat as a lively shared space. If that sounds like your kind of evening, the Lazy Pirate is worth considering.