Half Day Scenic Catamaran Experience

Malta’s best swimming spots arrive by catamaran. I like the small maximum group of 15, which gives you room to stretch out, and I like the generous drinks service, snorkeling gear, and paddleboards included in the $59.91 price. The main catch is simple: about half the outing is spent reaching Comino and returning, and the water may feel cold outside summer.

This is a relaxed, scenic cruise rather than a packed sightseeing boat. You visit Santa Marija Bay for cave views, then stop at Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon for swimming. The Blue Lagoon can be crowded, but the catamaran gives you a quieter way to enjoy Malta’s coast than arriving by a large ferry.

Key points to know before you book

• Small-group sailing: The catamaran carries no more than 15 people, so you should have more room than on large group boats.
• Two swimming stops: You get 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon and one hour at Blue Lagoon.
• Cave photo stop: Santa Maria Caves are viewed from the water during a 15-minute stop.
• Drinks included: Bottled water, unlimited Pepsi and Sprite, beer, and wine are provided.
• Water gear onboard: Snorkeling equipment, two shared stand-up paddleboards, and swimming noodles are available.
• Bring food and a towel: Lunch costs €30 if ordered at least two days ahead, while towels are not supplied.

Setting off from St Paul’s Bay

You meet at ABC Diving, The Boathouse, Triq il-Fekruna, St Paul’s Bay SPB 4813. The boat returns to the meeting point at the end, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride home.

Arrive early. The catamaran leaves promptly and is not required to wait for late arrivals. That rule matters here because the boat has a planned route and timed stops. I would allow extra time for finding the meeting point and getting settled, especially if you are coming by bus or taxi.

The cruise lasts about four hours, but the actual time near Comino is closer to two hours. One hour is used to reach the island and another hour to return toward Xemxija and the starting area. That is not wasted time. The ride gives you open-water views and a chance to settle into the boat, but you should know that this is not four full hours of swimming.

The boat has a restroom and WiFi. The restroom received one negative mention, so I would use facilities before departure and treat the onboard toilet as a backup rather than a feature to count on.

A comfortable boat with room to breathe

The strongest part of this trip is the feel of the boat. The catamaran is described as clean, attractive, and spacious, with enough room to lounge in different areas. With a maximum of 15 people, you are unlikely to feel packed in the way you might on a boat carrying dozens of passengers.

That smaller size also helps the crew stay attentive. You can expect regular drink service, friendly conversation, and explanations about the route. The captain adds humor while explaining the trip, which gives the ride some personality without turning it into a formal lecture.

The mood is easygoing. Music plays, drinks are available, and you can sit back when you are not swimming. This suits you if you want a social afternoon without a loud party atmosphere. It is less suitable if you want a silent sailing trip, since music and conversation are part of the experience.

Included drinks add real value. Each person aged 21 and over receives four 50-centiliter cans of beer and half a bottle of wine, with white and rosé available. Pepsi and Sprite are unlimited, and bottled water is provided. Enjoy the alcohol sensibly, since swimming, sun, and a moving boat are a poor mix with too much drink.

Santa Marija Bay and the cave-lined coast

The first listed stop is Santa Marija Bay, on Comino’s north side. You spend about 15 minutes near the Santa Maria Caves, looking at the rock formations from the water and taking photographs.

This is a viewing stop, not a swimming stop. You will not leave the boat to explore the caves, and no underwater activity is planned here. Still, it breaks up the journey nicely and gives you a different view of Comino’s coast.

The caves are known for their unusual shapes and clear views into the blue water. Keep your camera ready, but also look beyond the lens. The best part is seeing how the boat’s position changes the shape of the openings and cliffs.

Fifteen minutes passes quickly. Think of Santa Marija Bay as a scenic pause rather than a major section of the tour. If cave exploration is your main reason for visiting Comino, this cruise will not provide that. If you want attractive coastal views without a long stop, the timing works well.

Crystal Lagoon: the quieter swimming stop

Crystal Lagoon receives about 45 minutes, and this is likely the most peaceful swimming section of the day. The water is clear, and the setting feels more sheltered and calm than the better-known Blue Lagoon.

You can swim, float, snorkel, or use one of the two stand-up paddleboards. The paddleboards are shared, so they are a fun extra rather than guaranteed private equipment for every person. Snorkeling equipment is also supplied, which saves you from packing your own mask and fins.

Families can make good use of this stop. Children and teenagers can alternate between swimming, snorkeling, and trying the boards, while adults can stay near the boat and enjoy the view. One family with four children found Crystal Lagoon especially appealing for underwater exploring.

The main limitation is time. Forty-five minutes is enough for a good swim, but not enough to linger, paddle far, and snorkel at length. You will want to decide quickly what you most want to do. I would change into swimwear before the stop and keep cameras, sunscreen, and personal items organized.

The water temperature also depends heavily on the season. October can be cool, and some people may prefer to stay on deck. Others find the cold water refreshing. Do not book this trip expecting warm water year-round.

Blue Lagoon: famous, bright, and often busy

The Blue Lagoon gets the longest stop, about one hour. This is your main chance to swim in Malta’s famous turquoise water, and you can either stay on the catamaran or disembark to spend time near the lagoon’s beach.

The color is the star here. On a clear day, the water looks almost unreal, particularly from the raised deck or the front of the boat. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or simply sit with a drink and enjoy the setting.

The drawback is popularity. The Blue Lagoon may be crowded, especially during the main summer season. The catamaran helps because you have a comfortable base away from the thickest shore activity, but you should not expect complete solitude.

The crew may adjust the exact swimming locations if wind conditions affect the bays. That flexibility is useful. It means the route is not simply a rigid checklist, and a good captain can choose a more comfortable anchorage when conditions change.

An hour is enough to enjoy the lagoon without making the stop drag. You can get in the water, use the snorkeling gear, try a paddleboard, and return to the boat for refreshments. If you prefer not to swim, the scenery is still worthwhile from deck.

What is included, and what is not

At this price, the included extras make the outing stronger than a basic boat transfer. You receive:

• Bottled still water
• Unlimited Pepsi and Sprite
• Beer and white or rosé wine for eligible adults
• Snorkeling equipment
• Two shared stand-up paddleboards
• Swimming noodles
• WiFi
• An onboard restroom

Lunch is not included. You can request it for €30 per person, but you must give at least two days’ notice before departure. If you skip the paid lunch, bring food with you, particularly for a morning departure. Several people specifically found packing lunch useful.

Towels are also not provided. Bring your own, along with sunscreen, a swimsuit, sunglasses, and a dry bag for phones or wallets. The boat supplies the water equipment, but you are responsible for the basics that make a swimming day comfortable.

Private transportation is not included. You make your own way to the St Paul’s Bay meeting point. Public transportation is nearby, but the available information does not specify a particular bus route, so check your connection before departure.

Is $59.91 good value?

I consider $59.91 per person fair for this trip, particularly if you use the swimming equipment and have a few included drinks. You are paying for a small boat, two lagoon stops, cave views, crew service, and a more spacious setting than a large public cruise.

The value improves if you want an easy half-day with no need to rent snorkeling gear or buy soft drinks and water onboard. The included beer and wine also reduce extra spending for adults who plan to drink.

The value is weaker if you mainly want transportation to the Blue Lagoon. A cheaper boat transfer may get you there, but it will not provide the same onboard space, service, or second swimming stop.

Keep the timing in mind. Since roughly two hours are spent underway, you are not buying four hours at the lagoons. You are buying a complete cruise that combines the ride, the scenery, and the stops.

Who will enjoy this catamaran most?

I would choose this outing for couples, families, small groups of friends, and cruise passengers looking for a manageable Malta shore activity. It is especially good for you if you like swimming but also want a comfortable place to sit, drink, and watch the coast.

Families with older children and teenagers should find plenty to do. The paddleboards and snorkeling gear provide activity without requiring a separate rental, while the crew can help make the day feel relaxed.

This is also a good pick for people who dislike large tour boats. The maximum of 15 people is one of the clearest reasons to book it. The smaller group gives you more room and makes it easier to ask the crew questions or request another drink.

I would think twice if you are prone to seasickness. The tour operator specifically warns that the trip is not suitable for people who get motion sick. You should also reconsider if you dislike swimming, cold water, music, or a schedule with fixed stop lengths.

A moderate level of physical fitness is expected. You need to manage a boat outing and get in and out of the water if you choose to swim. Service animals are allowed, and the activity is near public transportation.

Weather, seasons, and the best timing

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

Summer should bring the best chance of warm swimming, but it also brings more people to Blue Lagoon. October may offer a calmer atmosphere and less crowding, though the sea can feel cold. One October outing was praised for its quieter feel and comfortable space, but the water was not warm for everyone.

If you want the best balance, consider a date outside the busiest summer period while accepting that swimming may be cooler. If warm water matters most, choose the warmest season available and prepare for a busier Blue Lagoon.

The schedule also seems designed to avoid the worst peak periods on some departures, though conditions and crowd levels can change. Do not count on having the lagoon to yourself.

Booking and cancellation details

Confirmation is provided when you book, and the ticket is mobile, so you can use your phone rather than print paperwork. The activity is offered in English.

Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off follows local Malta time, so check the clock carefully if your plans change.

Suncat Malta Charters runs the experience. The trip has a 4.8 rating from 36 ratings, with 94 percent recommending it, which matches the main pattern of the experience: strong crew service, a clean boat, appealing swim stops, and a small-group setting.

Should you book the Half Day Scenic Catamaran Experience?

I would book it if you want a comfortable route to Comino with two attractive swimming stops, useful water equipment, and attentive service. The small group, included refreshments, and roomy catamaran give it a clear advantage over a basic high-capacity cruise.

I would skip it if you want a full day on land, a guaranteed quiet Blue Lagoon, or warm water outside summer. Bring lunch if needed, carry a towel, arrive early, and be ready for the boat to leave on time.

For a relaxed half-day on Malta’s coast, this is a strong choice. The best moments are not limited to the famous lagoon. They come from having space on deck, swimming at Crystal Lagoon, viewing Santa Maria Caves from the water, and letting the crew handle the rhythm of the day.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour begin?

The tour begins at ABC Diving, The Boathouse, Triq il-Fekruna, St Paul’s Bay SPB 4813, Malta.

Where does the experience end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the catamaran experience last?

It lasts approximately four hours, including about one hour traveling to Comino and one hour returning toward Xemxija.

How many people can join the tour?

The catamaran carries a maximum of 15 travelers.

What swimming stops are included?

The tour includes a 45-minute stop at Crystal Lagoon and a one-hour stop at Blue Lagoon.

Is Santa Marija Bay a swimming stop?

No. Santa Marija Bay is a 15-minute photo stop near the Santa Maria Caves.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water, unlimited Pepsi and Sprite, beer, and white or rosé wine are included. Beer and wine are served to people aged 21 and over.

Is lunch included?

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

Are towels provided?

No. You need to bring your own towel.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.