St. Paul’s Bay: Half-Day Luxury Catamaran Tour with Drinks

The big selling point here is simple: only 20 people share the catamaran. That gives you room to stretch out, reach the rail for cave views, and get into the water without feeling packed onto a floating bus. Captain Dustan and the crew also add local stories about Malta, Comino, and the coast.

I like the well-chosen route, especially the quieter Crystal Lagoon stop, and I like that drinks, snorkel masks, paddleboards, and light snacks keep the day easy. The tradeoff is that snorkeling is not the main event. Expect clear water and a pleasant swim, but not reefs or a large variety of fish.

Key points to know

• Small boat, small group: The catamaran carries up to 20 people, with a more personal feel than Malta’s larger excursion boats.
• Three very different coastal stops: You’ll see the Santa Maria Caves, then have swimming time at Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon.
• Drinks are included: Bottled water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, and rosé are available throughout the trip.
• Water gear is provided: Snorkel masks are available with a €10 deposit, and two shared SUP paddleboards are included.
• Four hours is a sensible length: You get a proper boat outing without giving up an entire day.
• Weather can change the plan: Wind and choppy water may alter the route or require a transfer to calmer water.

A small catamaran instead of a crowded day boat

From Fekruna Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay, this four-hour outing heads toward Comino and its famous lagoons. The catamaran is designed for no more than 20 people, though a smaller group is possible. That number matters more than it might sound. You can move around, find a padded place to sit or lie down, and enjoy the coast without competing for every inch of deck space.

I see this as a relaxed sightseeing cruise with swimming stops, not a serious sailing lesson or a specialist snorkeling trip. The crew handles the route and safety while you enjoy the sea, sun, and views. You are free to listen to your own music, according to the information provided, which adds a casual feel for groups and families who want something less formal.

The price is about $74 per person. That is more than the cheapest large-boat trip around Comino, but the comparison is not quite fair. Here you are paying for a limited-capacity boat, drinks, water equipment, crew service, and a less crowded setting. Food is not part of the standard price, though optional menus can be arranged for an extra charge.

Leaving Fekruna Jetty with a clear plan

Meet at Fekruna Jetty and arrive early. The catamaran leaves promptly, and it is not required to wait for late arrivals. One person reported arriving at the stated time rather than 15 minutes early and nearly missing the departure, so I would treat the suggested arrival time seriously.

The first ten minutes are used for a safety briefing. This is short but useful, particularly if you plan to use the paddleboards or swim away from the boat. The crew speaks English, and the booking information lists an English-speaking driver.

The opening transfer takes about 45 minutes. That is not dead time. It gives you a chance to settle in, take photographs, choose a place on deck, and watch Malta’s rocky coast pass by. If the water is choppy, the route may change. On one outing, the crew moved to calmer water and arranged a bus transfer, a practical response that kept the day going instead of forcing an uncomfortable ride.

Santa Maria Caves from the water

The first stop is Santa Maria Caves, with about 15 minutes for sightseeing. The catamaran approaches close enough for you to see the rock formations from the water, rather than simply spotting the caves from a distant viewpoint.

This is a short stop, so keep your camera ready. It is mainly about the angle from the sea and the shape of the cliffs. You should not expect a long shore visit or a detailed cave walk. The appeal is seeing the coast at water level, where the pale rock and clear sea make a stronger impression than they do from a road or overlook.

The SUP boards can also give you a closer look in suitable conditions, though use depends on the crew, weather, and water safety. Since only two boards are available, they are shared rather than guaranteed private equipment for every person.

One hour at Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about an hour and combines sightseeing with time to swim, use a snorkel mask, or head toward the beach. Its bright turquoise water is the visual centerpiece of the route, and the color is most impressive when seen from the boat.

The boat may position itself away from the thickest crowds. That can make a major difference at this famous spot, where the shore and water can feel busy during popular periods. Still, you should not expect complete solitude. Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s best-known swimming places, and the number of boats and people can vary with the day and weather.

This is the best stop if you want a little of everything. You can get into the water, stay aboard with a drink, or explore toward the beach if the crew allows disembarkation at the time. Bring a towel because none is supplied. You will also want sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and beachwear.

The snorkeling here is pleasant but modest. The water is clear, yet the underwater life is limited, with no reef environment and relatively few fish. If you are choosing this trip for tropical-style snorkeling, adjust your expectations. If you want a cool swim in striking water with the option to look below the surface, it fits well.

Crystal Lagoon for a quieter swim

After Blue Lagoon, the catamaran heads to Crystal Lagoon for roughly 45 minutes. I find this stop more appealing for people who want calm water and a little breathing room. The setting is quieter, and the clear sea makes it a good place to float, swim, or use one of the shared paddleboards.

The lagoon also offers nice views toward caves and the surrounding rock. The SUP boards can be especially useful here, giving you a way to move gently along the water and look toward places that are not easy to reach from the catamaran. Again, the equipment is shared, so you may need to take turns.

Crystal Lagoon is not a major wildlife site. Its strength is the setting and the chance to enjoy the water at an unhurried pace. If you have only a short time in Malta and want photographs, swimming, and a taste of the Comino coast, this stop delivers more than a rushed photo pause.

Drinks, snacks, and the practical comforts

Bottled still water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, and rosé are included. The crew keeps drinks available during the trip, which is valuable in Malta’s strong sun. You do not need to plan around finding a shop at the lagoons.

Light snacks are also available during the outing, but food is not included as a formal meal. If you need lunch, eat before boarding or ask about an optional menu in advance. This is an important point because four hours on the water can feel long if you start hungry.

Towels are not supplied. Bring your own, along with sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and swimwear. A snorkel mask is available for a €10 deposit. The boat also carries two SUP paddleboards for shared use.

The crew’s service is a major part of the experience. The information provided describes staff who top up drinks, help with swimming equipment, take photographs and videos, and explain local sights and Maltese culture. Captain Dustan is specifically noted for sharing information about Malta, Comino, and the nearby caves.

How the timing works

The planned schedule totals four hours:

• Safety briefing: 10 minutes
• Transfer to the first sights: 45 minutes
• Santa Maria Caves: 15 minutes
• Blue Lagoon: 1 hour
• Crystal Lagoon: 45 minutes
• Return transfer: about 1 hour

The transfers take a large share of the day, but that is normal for a route from St. Paul’s Bay to the Comino area. The boat ride itself is part of the experience, with open water, coastal views, and time to relax between stops.

The itinerary can change with wind and sea conditions. That is not a flaw specific to this trip. Small boats must work with the water they have. A flexible crew may replace a stop, move to calmer water, or arrange a transfer if conditions are uncomfortable. The priority should be a safe, pleasant swim rather than sticking rigidly to a map.

Who will get the most from this boat trip

I would choose this for couples, friends, and families who want a polished half-day on the water without committing to a full-day cruise. It also suits people who value quiet space, a smaller group, and attentive service more than the absolute lowest price.

It is a good fit if you want to:

• Swim in clear Maltese water
• See the coast from a comfortable catamaran
• Have drinks included
• Use a paddleboard without paying an extra rental fee
• Avoid the largest excursion boats
• Enjoy local information from the crew
• Keep the outing to four hours

It is not the right choice if you are prone to seasickness, need step-free access, have back problems, or have a mobility or visual impairment. The activity information also specifically advises against it for people prone to motion sickness. Anyone with those concerns should choose a land-based activity or confirm suitability before booking.

Serious snorkelers should also look elsewhere. The water is attractive and good for cooling off, but the underwater wildlife is limited. This is a social boat outing with swimming, not a marine-life expedition.

Is $74 a fair price?

The value depends on what you would otherwise book. A large public boat may cost less, but you will likely give up deck space and personal attention. This trip includes the catamaran, crew, drinks, snorkel masks with deposit, two SUP boards, and three coastal stops.

The included alcohol also matters if you would normally buy several drinks during a half-day boat outing. The value is strongest for people who will use the water equipment and appreciate a smaller group. It is less compelling if you do not drink, do not swim, and mainly want a quick view of the coast.

The four-hour length helps the price feel reasonable. You get enough time for two proper swimming stops, yet you still have much of the day free for Valletta, Mdina, or a relaxed dinner. Food costs extra, so factor that in if you are booking around lunchtime.

Book it or skip it?

Book this catamaran if your ideal Malta outing is small-group, social, and easygoing, with clear water, coastal scenery, drinks, and a crew that stays involved. The limited capacity is the strongest reason to choose it over a cheaper large boat.

Skip it if your priority is snorkeling with abundant fish, a long beach stay, or a full day of sailing. Also skip it if you dislike open-water movement or need accessibility support. For most able-bodied visitors who want a comfortable half-day around Comino, this is a well-balanced choice, especially when the smaller group and included drinks are worth paying for.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start and finish?

The tour starts at Fekruna Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay and returns to the same meeting point at the end.

How long does the activity last?

The catamaran outing lasts four hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

How many people can join the catamaran?

The catamaran accommodates up to 20 people, creating a smaller group than many large boat excursions.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled still water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, and rosé are included.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included, although optional menus are available on request for an additional fee. Light snacks may be available during the trip.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, a towel, and beachwear. Towels are not provided. Snorkel masks are available with a €10 deposit, and two shared SUP paddleboards are included.