Full-Day Catamaran Cruise with Lunch in Island of Malta

Malta looks best from the water. This six-and-a-half-hour cruise aboard Tip Top One keeps numbers to a maximum of 44, giving you more room than the packed boats around Comino. I like the spacious deck and bean bags, and I like that lunch, wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are included. The main tradeoff is that the boat does not stop at Blue Lagoon, and weather can change the route.

You begin at 10:30 a.m. from Sliema and return around 5 p.m. The day combines sightseeing with two swimming opportunities, a Maltese snack, a substantial chicken and pork lunch, and a possible Grand Harbour tour. If you want a quiet boat day rather than a party cruise, this is a strong choice, though you should be comfortable with a full day in the sun and on open water.

Key points to know before booking

• Maximum 44 people: The smaller capacity is the main reason this cruise feels calmer than the large excursion boats around Comino.
• Blue Lagoon is sightseeing only: You see the famous lagoon but do not stop there because the water is usually too crowded.
• Two swimming stops: The first is normally Crystal Lagoon on Comino, weather permitting, and the second is near St. Paul’s Island.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect an early Maltese platter, followed by chicken, pork, salad, potatoes, bread, and drinks throughout the day.
• Comfortable places to sit: You have shaded tables, cushioned seating, and bean bags on the front nets for sunbathing.
• Leave from Sliema: Boarding starts at 10:15 a.m., closes at 10:25, and departure is sharp at 10:30.

Why Tip Top One feels different from Malta’s big boat cruises

The strongest reason to choose this trip is space. Tip Top One can carry up to 44 people, though the number on a particular sailing may be lower. That limit matters in Malta, where popular summer routes can put hundreds of people on a single boat.

You can sit at a table under shade, stretch out on a bean bag, or find a cushioned seat along the side. The front nets are the best place for sun and open views, while the shaded tables make lunch easier and give you a break from the heat. You are not forced to claim one cramped patch of deck for the entire day.

The atmosphere is also intentionally quiet. Music plays, but this is not presented as a loud party boat. The feel is relaxed, social, and easygoing. Families, couples, and older visitors can all find a comfortable place to settle in.

The onboard restrooms are another practical advantage. You do not need to cut short a swim or sightseeing stretch because you are searching for facilities on shore. This is a small detail, but it makes a six-and-a-half-hour outing much easier.

Boarding in Sliema at 10:30 a.m.

The meeting point is the Daycruisemalta.com departure area at Picard Tigné Seafront in Sliema. Boarding begins at 10:15 a.m., boarding closes at 10:25, and the boat leaves at 10:30 sharp.

That timing is worth taking seriously. The boat does not appear to be designed for late arrivals, so give yourself enough time to reach the waterfront. If you are staying in Valletta, the ferry is suggested as the easiest approach. A taxi is the better plan if you have luggage or are staying farther from the ferry route.

Driving your own car is discouraged because parking around the departure point can be difficult. The cruise ends back at the same Sliema meeting point at about 5 p.m., but transport to and from the boat is not included in the price.

Before departure, you can settle into a shaded table or choose a sunny spot on deck. The day starts with a traditional Maltese platter, a useful introduction to local flavors without taking up much of the morning.

Comino and the Crystal Lagoon swimming stop

The first major stop is planned for Crystal Lagoon on Comino, if weather conditions allow. Crystal Lagoon sits near the famous Blue Lagoon, but the boat deliberately avoids stopping in Blue Lagoon itself because its waters become extremely crowded.

That choice is central to the experience. You still get to see the celebrated Blue Lagoon from the water, take in the bright colors, and understand why it draws so many boats. But you are not placed in the middle of its busiest swimming area.

Crystal Lagoon offers a more suitable setting for the first swim when conditions are right. The water is clear and warm during the proper season, and you have time to swim or snorkel rather than simply jump in for a quick dip. The crew may also use a small tender to take groups through nearby caves, adding a close-up look at parts of the coast that the larger catamaran cannot reach.

The cave outing is not described as a guaranteed separate tour at every sailing, so treat it as an extra possibility rather than the main reason to book. Still, it can be one of the day’s most memorable details, especially if you enjoy seeing the coast from a smaller boat.

There is one important limitation: the itinerary is flexible. Rough water, wind, or other poor conditions can move the first stop to Ramla l-Hamra in Gozo. That change may disappoint anyone set on Crystal Lagoon, but it is a sensible safety decision. Malta’s sea conditions can affect both comfort and access to sheltered coves.

Lunch on deck, with drinks available all day

Lunch is served after the first swimming stop. The planned meal includes chicken, pork, fresh green salad, potatoes of the day, and fresh bread. The portions are described as generous, with seconds available when food remains.

This is more substantial than the light snack served earlier. You can eat at a shaded table, which is much more practical than trying to balance a plate on your lap while the boat moves. The included meal also makes the $156 price easier to assess, since you are not paying separately for a waterfront lunch during the cruise.

Wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are available throughout the day. Coffee and cake may also be served later, based on the onboard service described for this cruise. You should still pace yourself, especially in the sun and on moving water. Seasickness can make even good food unappealing, and one sensible option is to eat lightly before the first stop if you are prone to motion sickness.

If you do not eat chicken or pork, or if you need a vegetarian meal, leave a note when booking. The crew has also accommodated gluten and lactose requirements, but you should provide those details in advance rather than waiting until lunch service.

The second swim near St. Paul’s Island

After lunch, Tip Top One cruises toward St. Paul’s Island for a second swimming opportunity. This gives the day a useful rhythm: sightseeing and swimming first, lunch in the middle, then another chance to get into the water before the return trip.

Two stops are better than one if you want a real sea day. You can swim at the first anchorage, dry off, eat lunch, and later decide if you want another swim or simply stay on deck. You are not required to participate in either stop.

St. Paul’s Island also adds a different setting from Comino. The route lets you see more of Malta’s coastal scenery instead of spending the entire day around one famous lagoon. The boat’s captain aims to anchor away from the thickest crowds, though exact conditions depend on the day and the weather.

Bring a towel, since one is not provided. Masks and snorkels can be borrowed, but a €20 deposit is required in case equipment is lost or damaged. If you already have your own gear, bringing it avoids that deposit and gives you a better fit.

Grand Harbour and Malta’s coastal views

Time permitting, the cruise includes a short visit to Grand Harbour. This is especially useful if you are staying in Malta for a short time or have not yet seen Valletta and the Three Cities from the water.

A harbor view explains Malta in a way a street walk cannot. You see the relationship between the fortified waterfront, Valletta, and the historic Three Cities, with the boat offering a broad view instead of a single viewpoint from land. The commentary and harbor passage add some sightseeing value to what could otherwise be only a swimming excursion.

The Grand Harbour portion is not guaranteed. If the boat needs to adjust the route because of wind, sea conditions, or timing, this is one of the elements that may be shortened or omitted. I would treat it as a welcome addition, not the central purpose of the day.

The return to Sliema is scheduled for around 5 p.m. That makes this a full day rather than a quick morning outing. Plan a lighter evening afterward, since six-plus hours on the water can be tiring even when the pace is gentle.

What the $156 price really buys you

At $156 per person, this is not Malta’s cheapest boat trip. The value comes from what is bundled together and, especially, from the lower passenger count.

You receive the catamaran ride, lunch, the Maltese platter, drinks all day, use of shaded seating, two planned swimming opportunities, Blue Lagoon sightseeing, and possibly a cave ride and Grand Harbour tour. You also get onboard restrooms and room to move around. Buying lunch and drinks separately on a full-day outing could quickly narrow the price difference between this and a basic cruise.

The bigger question is what kind of boat day you want. If your only goal is to reach Blue Lagoon at the lowest possible cost, a cheaper ferry or crowded cruise may suit you. If you want a place to sit, shade when needed, room for a bean bag, and a calmer atmosphere, paying more makes sense.

The strongest value is for people who dislike being packed shoulder to shoulder. The boat’s maximum of 44 is not tiny, but it is far more manageable than the very large vessels seen near Comino. Several sailing sizes have been described as around 32 to 40 people, so the actual feel may be even more open than the advertised limit.

Practical drawbacks to consider

The cruise is not a perfect fit for everyone. The itinerary can change because of weather, and Crystal Lagoon is not guaranteed. If visiting Blue Lagoon itself or swimming at a particular cove is your top priority, you may find the flexible route frustrating.

The tour also requires a minimum of 10 people to operate. If the cruise is canceled because that minimum is not reached, you are offered another date, another experience, or a full refund. Poor weather is handled in the same general way.

The experience is non-refundable if you cancel or request a change for your own reasons. That makes travel insurance or careful planning sensible, particularly if your Malta schedule is short.

You also need to bring your own towel. Snorkel equipment is available only with a €20 deposit, and transport to the meeting point is your responsibility. These are minor costs, but they are easy to overlook when comparing prices.

Finally, this remains a boat trip. If you are sensitive to motion, choose a stable shaded seat near the center when possible, eat lightly at first, and avoid treating the all-day bar as a challenge. The crew can make the day comfortable, but no catamaran can remove the movement of the sea.

Who should book Tip Top One

I would recommend this cruise to couples, families, and small groups who want to see Malta from the water without the crush of a giant excursion boat. It is particularly well suited to people who value shade, seating, a proper lunch, and the freedom to swim or remain dry.

It also works for mixed-age groups. The boat has tables, side seating, bean bags, restrooms, food, and a choice between sun and shade. That flexibility is useful when one person wants to snorkel and another wants to read under cover.

You may want a different option if you want a fast-paced party atmosphere, a guaranteed Blue Lagoon swim, or a short trip with little time on open water. This cruise favors comfort and a slow day over ticking off every coastal stop.

Should you book this Malta catamaran cruise?

Yes, if you want a relaxed full-day boat outing and are willing to accept a weather-dependent route. The combination of a 44-person limit, generous food, all-day drinks, two swim stops, and comfortable deck space gives Tip Top One a clear advantage over crowded alternatives.

Book it well ahead if your dates are fixed, since it is commonly reserved about 17 days in advance. Arrive early, use the ferry from Valletta if convenient, bring a towel, note any dietary needs, and remember that the famous Blue Lagoon is for viewing rather than stopping.

For $156, you are paying less for a checklist of landmarks than for a better day on the water. If that is what you want, this is a worthwhile Malta splurge.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The cruise starts at Daycruisemalta.com, Tip Top One, Picard Tigné Seafront in Sliema, Malta. The activity also ends at the same meeting point.

What time should I arrive?

Boarding begins at 10:15 a.m. Boarding closes at 10:25 a.m., and departure is at 10:30 a.m. sharp.

How many people can join the cruise?

The catamaran has a maximum capacity of 44 travelers.

Does the cruise stop at Blue Lagoon?

No. The boat sights Blue Lagoon but does not stop there because the waters are overcrowded. The first swimming stop is normally Crystal Lagoon on Comino, weather permitting.

What food is included?

The cruise includes a traditional Maltese platter, followed by lunch with chicken, pork, fresh green salad, potatoes of the day, and fresh bread. Vegetarian options and alternatives for people who do not eat chicken or pork can be requested in advance.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are included throughout the day. Coffee and cake may also be served onboard.

Are snorkeling equipment and towels provided?

Towels are not included. Masks and snorkels can be borrowed with a €20 deposit in case the equipment is damaged or lost.