Comino: Blue Lagoon Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Open Bar

Malta looks best from the water. This seven-hour cruise aboard the Spirit of Malta combines swimming stops, Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon, a generous buffet, and an open bar into one easy day out. I especially like the comfortable catamaran, the long swim breaks, and the friendly crew, including a bartender praised for keeping drinks moving even when the boat is lively.

The main catch is that this is not a sightseeing cruise with a running commentary. The route changes with the weather, the Blue Lagoon can be crowded, and the ride may feel rough on the way out. Still, at $105 per person, the included food, wine, beer, soft drinks, water, deck space, and seven hours on the sea make it a strong value for the right kind of day.

Key points at a glance

• A full seven hours on the water: Leave Sliema at 10:30am and return at about 5:30pm, with time for swimming, lunch, sunbathing, and music.
• The Blue Lagoon by boat: You can swim from the catamaran toward the lagoon and nearby caves, avoiding the crowded shore for much of your visit.
• Lunch is better and more plentiful than expected: Cold cuts, cheeses, salads, bread rolls, and drinks make this more than a light snack stop.
• The cruise changes with conditions: Crystal Lagoon and other bays may be included, but no fixed route is promised.
• A quiet start turns into a party: The day begins with relaxed sailing and finishes with music, dancing, and a sociable atmosphere.
• Arrive early for the best place: Sunbeds and shaded spots are limited, and early arrivals have more choice.

Boarding the Spirit of Malta in Sliema

The Spirit of Malta leaves Sliema at 10:30am. Finding it should be simple: it is described as the only catamaran in that part of the bay, opposite The Black Sheep bar. There is no hotel pickup, so you need to make your own way to the departure point.

I would arrive early. Several people found that getting there around 45 minutes before departure helped them claim a good place, especially a sunbed or a shaded section. The catamaran has several areas for sitting and sunbathing, but the most desirable spots go first.

The boat is large enough to offer a choice of settings. The upper deck suits you if you want sun, open views, and a good place to watch Malta slide past. The lower deck is useful when you want shade or when the music becomes the main event. One practical warning: announcements may be hard to hear from the upper deck, so if instructions matter to you, stay within earshot of the crew.

The catamaran has toilets, and the boat is generally kept clean. One account also mentions a shower and pool noodles, though you should treat those as onboard extras rather than the central reason to book. The overall setup is more comfortable than a basic transfer boat, which matters on a seven-hour outing.

The morning sail: smooth when conditions cooperate

The first part of the day is built for taking it easy. The Spirit of Malta is a sailing catamaran designed for cruising rather than a fast crossing, so you get wide views and room to settle in.

That said, a catamaran is not a guarantee of calm seas. Several people found the ride to Comino rough, and some advised bringing sea-sickness medication. The return was often easier, though conditions can change. If you are sensitive to motion, sit toward the back near the captain, keep water nearby, and avoid treating the open bar as a challenge before the boat reaches its first stop.

The route is not fixed. The crew chooses bays according to the weather and sea conditions, with stops for swimming and snorkeling. This flexibility is sensible around Malta, where a windy day can make one bay unpleasant and another perfectly inviting. It also means you should not book this expecting a precise list of stops in a guaranteed order.

That is an important distinction. The experience is about a day on the sea, not a tightly scripted tour. You will get scenic views of Malta and Comino, but the exact bays and the time spent at each one depend on the day.

Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and the swimming stops

The swimming stops are the heart of this cruise. The water around Comino is clear and striking, and the catamaran lets you enjoy it without spending the whole day on a crowded beach.

When conditions allow, the boat visits Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon. Crystal Lagoon is often the more appealing stop for people who want a quieter setting, but rough water can make it unsafe or impractical. On some days, the captain may replace it with another bay or simply visit it without allowing a full stop.

The Blue Lagoon is the famous one, and it is easy to understand why. The water is bright and clear, and you can swim from the boat toward the shore or toward nearby caves. The beach area itself can be very crowded, but staying on the catamaran gives you more space and a better view of the water.

Bring snorkeling equipment if you have it. The cruise includes opportunities to snorkel, but the supplied information does not promise rental gear. A waterproof phone case is also a smart addition if you want pictures from the water.

Pay attention to the sea around you. One person specifically warned about jellyfish, so check with the crew if you are unsure about conditions before swimming. You should also listen for instructions about reboarding and keep track of the catamaran’s position if you swim away from it.

At Blue Lagoon, you may also find an optional high-speed boat trip into a cave for an additional charge. This is not part of the $105 package, but it can add a burst of excitement and a closer look at the rocky coast. Ask the crew about the current arrangement and price before committing.

Lunch on board: simple food, generous portions

Lunch is served during one of the swimming stops, which is a practical arrangement. You can eat when the boat is anchored, then return to the water without losing a separate sightseeing hour.

The buffet includes turkey, smoked gammon, salami, cheddar cubes, feta cheese, summer potato salad, bulgur wheat salad, vegetarian rice salad, pasta salad, and a tomato and onion salad. Bread rolls round it out. The tomato and onion salad is vegan, and the bulgur wheat and vegetarian rice salads provide meat-free choices.

I would describe the meal as a generous cold buffet rather than a restaurant lunch. Portions appear to be plentiful, and the food has been a pleasant surprise for many people who expected something basic. The strongest choices seem to be the cold cuts, salads, bread, and cheese. Some found the pasta less impressive, so keep your expectations sensible.

The open bar includes wine, beer, soft drinks, and water throughout the day. Several people appreciated the quality of the beer and wine, while others wanted more soft-drink choices, such as juice. A reusable cup may be provided, which is handy on a moving boat.

Food allergies require extra planning. The available information does not promise a specialist allergy menu or onboard medical supplies, so bring any medication you need and ask the crew about ingredients before filling your plate.

The afternoon change of mood

The day usually begins with relaxed sailing, swimming, and conversation. After lunch, the mood shifts. Music and dancing become a bigger part of the experience, with popular songs and more energetic rhythms on the way back to Sliema.

That change is one of the cruise’s strongest features if you like a social day. The crew may take requests, and music can be adjusted for special occasions. Hen parties have had songs played for them, and the lower deck has become a dance floor for groups and solo visitors alike.

You can still avoid the party. The upper deck and sunbeds offer a quieter place to sit, read, or watch the coast. This split personality makes the cruise more flexible than a dedicated boat party. You can spend the first half resting and join the dancing later, or stay in the sun while the music gets louder below.

Do not expect a quiet, educational sailing trip all day. If you want detailed information about Malta’s history, geology, or landmarks, this is not the right format. The crew’s role is mainly to keep the day running, serve food and drinks, manage the stops, and create a good atmosphere.

The staff receive especially strong praise for being friendly, attentive, and willing to help. Hector is singled out by name in one account, while another praises the French crew member handling the music. The personal service is a real part of the appeal, particularly when the boat is full and the bar is busy.

Is $105 a good value?

At $105, this is not Malta’s cheapest way to reach Comino. You can find simpler boat trips and land-based excursions for less. But the comparison changes once you count what is included.

Your price covers seven hours aboard a comfortable catamaran, several scenic bays subject to weather, swimming and snorkeling time, a buffet lunch, wine, beer, soft drinks, and water. You also get toilets, deck space, music, and the freedom to spend the day without arranging separate transport, lunch, and drinks.

The value is strongest if you expect to eat, have several drinks, and spend a long time at sea. It is less compelling if you do not drink, dislike loud music, or only want a quick look at the Blue Lagoon. In that case, a cheaper transfer may suit you better.

The catamaran also gives you an advantage over the crowded shore at Blue Lagoon. You can swim in the same clear water while keeping your belongings and lunch on the boat, and you are not tied to a packed beach for the whole stop.

For a birthday, hen party, group outing, or sociable day with new people, the package makes good financial sense. Solo visitors can also fit in well because the music, shared tables, and swimming stops create easy chances to meet people.

What to pack for a better day

The essentials are straightforward:

• Plenty of sunscreen, applied often. The breeze can hide how strong the sun is, and more than one person ended up badly sunburned.
• A hat and sunglasses, especially if you plan to use the upper deck.
• Swimwear, a towel, and a waterproof phone case.
• Snorkeling gear if you prefer to use your own.
• Sea-sickness medication if rough water affects you.
• Any allergy medication or other personal medicine you may need.
• A cover for your bag and a secure place for valuables. The front of the boat can get wet when the sea is choppy.

Arrive early if you care about your seat. The back of the catamaran may be more comfortable in rough water, while the front can be fun if you do not mind spray. The upper deck gives you more sun and views, but it may be harder to hear announcements there.

Drink water even though the bar is open. Wine and beer are included, but this is a long day under the Maltese sun, and water is the sensible companion to both swimming and alcohol.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

This cruise suits you if you want a full day rather than a quick transfer. It works particularly well for couples, friend groups, solo visitors, birthday groups, and hen parties looking for swimming, drinks, music, and a little dancing.

You should be comfortable in the sea and willing to accept a changing route. The experience is not suitable for anyone under 17, and it may not suit you if you need a fully predictable schedule or detailed commentary at every stop.

It is also a good choice if you want both sides of a boat day: calm time to sunbathe and swim, followed by a lively finish. The crew can create a friendly atmosphere, but you are not forced to dance or drink.

Practical details before booking

The cruise runs for about seven hours, leaving Sliema at 10:30am and returning at approximately 5:30pm. The crew can assist in English, Italian, French, and Spanish.

The Blue Lagoon visit is weather permitting, and the route may change. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later under the stated booking terms.

The overall rating is 4.6 from 934 reviews, which fits the pattern here: high praise for the crew, boat, swimming time, food quantity, drinks, and music, with the main cautions being rough seas, sun exposure, crowded Blue Lagoon conditions, and an itinerary that cannot be guaranteed in advance.

Should you book the Spirit of Malta?

I would book this cruise if you want a generous, social day on Malta’s water and like the idea of swimming at Comino without spending the whole day on its crowded shore. The included lunch and open bar add real value, and the catamaran gives you more room and comfort than a basic boat transfer.

I would skip it if you want a quiet sailing trip, a history lesson, or a guaranteed visit to every named lagoon. Arrive early, bring sunscreen and sea-sickness medication, and keep your plans flexible. For the right mood, the Spirit of Malta turns the Blue Lagoon into more than a photo stop: it becomes a long, sunny day with swimming first and dancing later.

FAQ

Where does the Comino catamaran cruise depart from?

It departs from Sliema, opposite The Black Sheep bar. The vessel should be easy to identify because it is the only catamaran in that area of the bay.

What time does the cruise leave and return?

The Spirit of Malta departs at 10:30am and returns to Sliema at approximately 5:30pm.

Is the Blue Lagoon always included?

The cruise visits the Blue Lagoon when weather and sea conditions permit. The route is not fixed, so the crew may change the stops according to conditions.

Does the cruise stop at Crystal Lagoon?

Crystal Lagoon may be included, but it is not guaranteed. Rough water can prevent a stop, and the captain may choose another bay.

What food is included?

The buffet includes turkey, smoked gammon, salami, cheddar, feta, potato salad, bulgur wheat salad, vegetarian rice salad, pasta salad, tomato and onion salad, and bread rolls.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes wine, beer, soft drinks, and water throughout the day.

Is hotel pickup provided?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to reach the Sliema meeting point yourself.

Can children join the cruise?

The activity is not suitable for people under 17 years old.