Half Day Scenic Catamaran Experience

Comino’s famous lagoons are best seen from the water, and this small-group catamaran trip gives you plenty of room to enjoy them without joining a party boat packed with dozens of people. You’ll cruise from St Paul’s Bay, stop for swimming at the Blue and Crystal Lagoons, and pause by Santa Maria Caves for photos.

I especially like the generous drinks service, the included snorkel gear and paddleboards, and the fact that the catamaran carries no more than 15 people. The main catch is that two hours of the four-hour trip are spent getting to and from Comino, and the water can feel cold outside high summer.

Key points at a glance

• Small group: The catamaran takes a maximum of 15 people, leaving room to spread out on deck.
• Three scenic stops: You get a photo stop at Santa Maria Caves, about an hour at the Blue Lagoon, and 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon.
• Drinks included: Unlimited Pepsi and Sprite are available, along with bottled water, beer, and white or rosé wine for adults aged 21 and over.
• Useful water gear: Snorkels and two shared stand-up paddleboards are included, with no towel supplied.
• Realistic timing: The advertised four hours includes about one hour sailing out and one hour returning.
• Best for a relaxed outing: This suits people who want swimming, views, music, and friendly service more than a packed sightseeing schedule.

A small catamaran with room to breathe

The biggest appeal here is the scale. A maximum of 15 people makes a great difference on a boat day. You can usually find a comfortable place to sit or stretch out, move between the shaded and sunny parts of the deck, and get help from the crew without waiting in a long line.

The boat itself is described as clean, comfortable, and spacious. That matters in Malta, where a full day on the water can feel tiring if you spend it shoulder to shoulder. This is a half-day outing, but it has enough breathing room to feel calm rather than rushed.

The captain gives information about the route, sometimes with a bit of humor, while the crew checks on drinks and helps with the water equipment. The tone is friendly and attentive, not formal. You should expect a social boat ride, but not a loud party cruise.

Leaving St Paul’s Bay for Comino

The meeting point is ABC Diving, The Boathouse, on Triq il-Fekruna in St Paul’s Bay. The catamaran returns to the same place at the end, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride back from Comino.

The boat departs promptly. This is not the sort of outing where you can arrive a few minutes late and expect the captain to wait. The vessel has a planned route and must keep to its timing, so arrive early enough to check in without stress.

The ride to Comino takes about an hour. That may sound long for a four-hour trip, but the crossing is part of the pleasure if you enjoy sitting on deck, watching Malta’s coast pass by, and settling into the day. It also means the actual swimming time is limited, so do not book this expecting four hours at the lagoons.

The return crossing takes about another hour. Occasionally, wildlife can add a memorable touch. One family had dolphins accompany the boat on the way back, though this is clearly a lucky possibility rather than something you should count on.

Santa Maria Caves, a quick photo stop

Santa Maria Caves sit on the north side of Comino. The catamaran pauses here for about 15 minutes, giving you time to look into the openings and photograph the pale rock against the dark blue water.

This is a sightseeing stop rather than a swimming stop. You remain on the boat, and the short visit works well because it adds variety without taking too much time from the lagoons. The cave walls and clear water are especially attractive from deck level, where you get a broad view rather than the close-up perspective of a small excursion boat.

Bring your phone or camera, but keep it secure. A boat deck is no place for a loose device, particularly when everyone shifts around for a better view. A waterproof phone pouch is useful for the entire outing, not just this stop.

The Blue Lagoon, beautiful and busy

The Blue Lagoon is the headline stop. You get about an hour here for swimming, floating, sunbathing, or, if conditions allow, stepping ashore to enjoy the beach area.

The water is famous for its bright turquoise color, and seeing it from a catamaran gives you a better sense of the setting than simply arriving on foot. You can swim directly from the boat or explore from shore if the captain allows disembarkation during the stop.

The drawback is simple: the Blue Lagoon can be crowded. The water may be gorgeous, but the surrounding area is one of Malta’s most popular sights. If you are hoping for silence and an empty cove, this is unlikely to be the most peaceful part of the trip.

The boat schedule may help avoid the busiest periods, but crowd levels are never fully under the crew’s control. I would treat the Blue Lagoon as the iconic photo and swimming stop, then look forward to Crystal Lagoon for a quieter water break.

The sea can also feel cold, especially in October or during cooler weather. Some people will happily swim and snorkel, while others may prefer to sunbathe on deck. Pack your swimwear, but do not assume that every season will feel like a warm bath.

Crystal Lagoon, the better water stop for many people

Crystal Lagoon gets about 45 minutes and is often the more peaceful place to swim. Its clear water is well suited to snorkeling, and the shorter stop still gives you enough time for a proper swim rather than a quick dip.

The included snorkel equipment lets you look below the surface without paying an extra rental fee. Two stand-up paddleboards are also available to share. These are a nice bonus for confident swimmers, although you may need to take turns if several people want to use them at once.

You can also expect swimming noodles and other floating aids to be available, based on the equipment carried on the boat. Ask the crew before jumping in if you are unsure what is available or where it is safest to enter the water.

Crystal Lagoon is a good place to slow down. After the more famous Blue Lagoon, this stop gives you time to float, paddle, snorkel, or simply sit on the catamaran and look at the water. The 45-minute limit is still firm, so keep an eye on the boat and return promptly when asked.

What is included on board

The drinks policy is unusually generous for a half-day boat trip. You receive bottled still water and unlimited Pepsi and Sprite. Each adult aged 21 and over is also served four 50-centiliter cans of beer and half a bottle of wine, either white or rosé.

That amount of alcohol is more than many people will want during a sunny boat ride. Enjoy it slowly, drink water as well, and remember that the sea can make alcohol feel stronger. The crew asks people to drink responsibly, which is sensible on a moving vessel with swimming stops.

Lunch is not included. You can request it at least two days before departure for 30 euros per person. If you take the morning sailing, bring your own food or arrange the lunch option, since the boat’s included drinks do not replace a meal.

Snacks are available on some trips, but you should not rely on that as a full lunch. I would bring something simple and tidy to eat, especially if you know you get hungry after swimming.

WiFi and a restroom are available on board. One practical warning: a small number of people found the toilet less comfortable than they hoped. Use it when needed, but do not expect the facilities of a large ferry or hotel.

Towels are not included. Bring your own, along with sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a cover-up for the ride back. A light layer can also help if the wind picks up after you leave the lagoons.

How the four hours really work

The advertised duration is about four hours, but the time divides into three parts:

• About one hour sailing from St Paul’s Bay to Comino
• About two hours at the scenic stops
• About one hour sailing back

The stops add up to roughly two hours: 15 minutes at Santa Maria Caves, one hour at the Blue Lagoon, and 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon. The exact order or timing may shift with wind, sea conditions, and the captain’s judgment, but you should expect a clear focus on swimming rather than a long list of coastal sights.

This schedule is a good fit if you want a taste of Comino without giving up an entire day. It is less suitable if you want long, leisurely swims at every stop or time to explore Comino on foot.

The value of $59.91

At $59.91 per person, the price is reasonable for a small boat outing that includes the catamaran, crew, water, soft drinks, adult beer and wine, snorkel equipment, WiFi, and paddleboards. A larger boat may offer a lower base price, but the smaller group can make the day feel much more comfortable.

The drinks add real value, particularly if you would otherwise buy several beverages during a four-hour trip. The included water gear also saves you from arranging rentals at the lagoons.

Still, compare the price with your plans. Lunch costs an additional 30 euros per person if requested, towels are extra, and you must make your own way to the St Paul’s Bay meeting point. The trip is strongest as a compact, all-in-one boat afternoon, not as a cheap transport service to Comino.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would choose this outing for couples, families with older children, and anyone who prefers a relaxed boat with attentive service. The small capacity helps families keep track of children, while teenagers are likely to enjoy the paddleboards, snorkeling, and swimming stops.

It also works well for cruise passengers with a Malta stop, since the outing returns to its starting point and does not require a full day away from the port area. You must still allow enough time to reach St Paul’s Bay and get back to your ship, as private transportation is not included.

People with moderate physical fitness should manage the activity. You will need to board the catamaran, move around the deck, and get in and out of the water. It is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, and anyone concerned about swimming should speak with the crew before entering the water.

This is not the right pick if you want a private charter, a long historical tour, a meal included in the price, or guaranteed solitude at the Blue Lagoon. It is also not ideal for someone who dislikes sitting through a one-hour crossing each way.

Weather, cancellation, and practical planning

The trip depends on good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that window are not accepted for a refund, and all cut-off times follow Malta’s local time.

Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation. The activity is offered in English, and confirmation is provided when you book.

For the most comfortable day, arrive early, pack lunch or arrange it two days ahead, and bring a towel. I would also carry a waterproof bag for electronics and a dry layer for the ride home. If you are prone to motion sickness, think carefully before booking, since the crossing is a major part of the outing.

Should you book the Half Day Scenic Catamaran Experience?

Book it if you want Malta’s best-known water stops with a small group, useful swimming equipment, and drinks included. The strongest reasons are the maximum of 15 people, the clean and roomy catamaran, and the friendly crew that keeps the day easy without turning it into a nonstop party.

Skip it if you need a quiet, empty Blue Lagoon, a full meal, or several hours on land. For everyone else, this is a well-priced way to see Comino, with enough swimming time to feel worthwhile and a manageable half-day schedule.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran experience last?

The experience lasts about four hours. About one hour is used to reach Comino and another hour to return to Xemxija, leaving roughly two hours for the stops.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at ABC Diving, The Boathouse, Triq il-Fekruna, St Paul’s Bay SPB 4813, Malta. The catamaran returns to the same meeting point.

Which places does the catamaran visit?

The route includes a photo stop at Santa Maria Caves, about one hour at the Blue Lagoon, and about 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water and unlimited Pepsi and Sprite are included. Adults aged 21 and over receive beer and white or rosé wine, with four 50-centiliter cans of beer and half a bottle of wine per person.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch can be requested for 30 euros per person, with at least two days’ notice before departure.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of participants may also lead to a new date or a full refund.