Malta: Blue Lagoon, Beaches & Bays Trip by Catamaran

The sea is the real star here. This six-hour catamaran trip gives you a comfortable way to reach Malta’s best swimming bays, with the Blue Lagoon as the main prize. I especially like the roomy modern boat and the chance to swim from the stern instead of fighting for space on a crowded beach. The crew, including a host named Neil who has earned warm praise for looking after people, also adds a friendly touch.

I also like the flexible mood: you can lie on a sun bed, stretch out on the front nets, order a cocktail, or join the music and dancing. The main catch is that this is a lively party-style cruise, not a quiet sightseeing boat. The catamaran never lands, the Blue Lagoon stop is offshore rather than inside the lagoon, and the exact bays depend on weather and sea conditions.

Key points to know before you book

• The Blue Lagoon is viewed from the water: The catamaran anchors slightly offshore, giving you access to turquoise water without docking on Comino.
• You may visit two or three swimming spots: Crystal Lagoon, Anchor Bay, Mellieha Bay, Golden Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, Ramla Bay, Imgiebah Bay, and Half Rock are possible alternatives.
• The boat is made for lounging: Sun beds, open deck space, and catamaran nets offer more room than many small speedboats.
• Music shapes the mood: Expect a social outing with dance music, a cocktail bar, and the option to dance with other adults.
• Lunch costs extra: The optional BBQ includes halal chicken kebabs, side dishes, bread, and one drink. Vegetarian food has also been available.
• Arrive early for the best seats: Sun beds are first come, first served, and the most popular spots go quickly.

From Sirens Quay to Malta’s open water

The trip starts at Sirens Quay, behind Loa restaurant in St Paul’s Bay. You return to the same meeting point after roughly six hours, so the outing is simple to fit into a Malta base in Bugibba, St Paul’s Bay, or nearby areas.

You should arrive early if a good deck position matters to you. The boat has plenty of space, but the best sun beds are claimed first. One useful detail from the experience is that the rear loungers offer more shelter, while the front nets give you the classic catamaran position above the water.

The boat’s size matters. Smaller boats can make a Blue Lagoon trip feel like a race for a patch of deck, especially during the busiest part of the day. This catamaran gives you room to sit, lie down, and move around. It has three separate ladders, so getting into and out of the water is easier than on a boat with one narrow access point.

Shoes are not allowed on board, so wear something you can remove easily. Pack a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, and some cash. Oversize luggage, outside food and drinks, smoking, and shoes are not permitted.

The Blue Lagoon stop: turquoise water without a beach landing

The first stop is the Blue Lagoon, the part most people have in mind when they book this trip. Its bright turquoise water is Malta’s great visual payoff, and the catamaran gives you a chance to swim in it rather than merely photograph it from shore.

There is an important distinction here. The catamaran does not anchor inside the Blue Lagoon and does not take you onto land. It stops slightly farther out, away from the tightest crowding, then lets you swim from the boat. That can be a major advantage if you prefer open water and a clean launch point, but it will disappoint you if your plan is to walk onto Comino or sit on the lagoon’s small beach areas.

Bring your own goggles if snorkeling matters to you. The water is clear, and the main pleasure here is swimming through the bright shallows around the boat. The supplied information does not promise snorkel equipment, so do not assume masks and fins are provided.

The stop is also weather-sensitive. Wind and sea conditions can change the route, and the crew may adjust later locations for safety and comfort. You should see the Blue Lagoon as the reliable focus of the outing, while the other bays are subject to change.

Crystal Lagoon and the caves around Comino

If conditions allow, Crystal Lagoon is one of the strongest possible second stops. Steep cliffs surround this smaller bay, and the water is much deeper than at the Blue Lagoon. That makes it a better place for confident swimmers and for looking around the caves.

This stop has a different feel from the Blue Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon offers famous color and easy visual drama. Crystal Lagoon offers cliffs, dark openings in the rock, and deeper water where swimming feels more adventurous. You can swim around the caves, but you should be comfortable in open water and pay attention to the crew’s instructions.

Crystal Lagoon is also where the optional BBQ may be served. The meal consists of halal chicken kebabs, with a choice of couscous, pasta salad, green salad, bread, and one drink. Vegetarian food has been available, which makes the lunch more useful for mixed groups. The food has received particularly strong praise, with several people finding it better than expected.

The BBQ is not included in the $62 ticket. A recent price noted onboard was €15, though prices can change. If you want lunch, ask the crew about the current cost and menu when you board.

Anchor Bay and Malta’s film-set coastline

Another possible stop is Anchor Bay, where you can look toward Popeye’s Village, the colorful film set tucked into the bay. This is more of a scenic stop than a standard beach visit, especially since the catamaran does not land.

Popeye’s Village is easy to recognize from the water, with its playful collection of buildings set around the cove. Seeing it from a boat gives you a useful view of the bay’s shape and the set’s position against the cliffs. If you have already visited the village by road, the boat view still offers a different angle. If you have not visited it, keep your expectations clear: this cruise provides a view, not entry.

The itinerary may also include Mellieha Bay, Golden Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, Ramla Bay, Imgiebah Bay, or Half Rock. These places are chosen for swimming and snorkeling, but the final route depends on conditions. That uncertainty is part of the deal. You trade a fixed list of stops for a crew-led route that can respond to the day’s sea.

What the six hours feel like on board

The catamaran is not simply transport between swimming spots. Music runs through the day, and the cocktail bar adds to the social feel. You can dance, chat with other adults, or retreat to a sun bed and let the coastline pass by.

This makes the trip a good match for friends, couples who enjoy a social setting, and anyone seeking a full day on the water rather than a formal guided tour. It is not suitable for children under 12, and the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

The music selection will be a matter of taste. Some people have loved the upbeat atmosphere, while one person felt the playlist could be better. That is a fair warning: if you want silence, nature commentary, or a detailed account of Malta’s coastline, this is not the right boat. One useful criticism was that more explanation of the surroundings would improve the ride.

You should also expect no guided land exploration. The English-speaking crew manages the boat and stops, but the main focus is swimming, sun, music, and drinks. Think of it as a sea day with scenic stops, not a history tour.

Sun beds, shade, wind, and practical comfort

Sun beds are included, but they are first come, first served. Arriving about an hour early has been suggested by people who wanted to secure a prime deck position. That is especially useful for the midday departure, when the sun is strongest and the boat may feel busier.

The back of the vessel can be more sheltered. Bring a light wind jacket for the return journey, particularly on an afternoon or sunset sailing. Even a warm Malta day can feel cool once the boat is moving and the sun drops.

Sunscreen is essential. The open decks and nets are excellent for sunbathing, but they offer little protection. A hat and sunglasses will make the ride more comfortable, and a towel gives you a dry place to sit after swimming.

The onboard toilets have been described as clean, another small but meaningful advantage during a six-hour trip. The boat is also described as clean and well maintained. You still need to travel light, since oversize luggage is not allowed.

Food and drinks: good extras, not part of the ticket

The $62 price covers the catamaran, crew, and use of the sun beds. Drinks are extra, and you can buy cocktails at the bar. A price of about €8 per cocktail has been noted, and card payment has been accepted onboard, though bringing cash remains sensible.

The BBQ is also optional. At about €15 when noted, it is reasonably priced for a meal served during a boat excursion, especially because it includes a main dish, several side options, bread, and one drink. The food has been one of the most praised parts of the day, with the chicken and salads receiving especially positive comments.

I would not book this trip expecting a food-focused cruise. The meal is a useful convenience that saves you from packing lunch, and it seems to suit many appetites. If you have dietary needs, ask the crew what is available when you board. Vegetarian options have been offered, but the exact menu should be confirmed on the day.

Outside food and drinks are not allowed. Budget separately for cocktails, lunch, or both. A couple who wants to keep costs down can skip the BBQ and bar, while a group treating the day as a party outing may spend considerably more than the base ticket.

Sunset sailing or daytime swimming

The afternoon option adds a pleasant change of mood. Instead of returning in full daylight, you can watch the sun sink toward the horizon on the way back. The later sailing may also feel less hot, and one sunset experience had fewer people on board, making it easier to relax.

You still need a light jacket for the return. The water and wind can feel fresh in the evening, even after a sunny afternoon.

For swimming, the daytime option gives you longer, brighter conditions. For couples or anyone who prefers a calmer pace, sunset may be the better choice. Check the available starting times carefully, since the six-hour schedule changes with the selected option.

How this compares with a basic Malta boat trip

The strongest value here is the boat itself. You are paying $62 for a large, comfortable catamaran, a crew, several possible swim stops, and six hours on the water. That is more than the cheapest small-boat option, but the extra space can make a big difference.

A low-cost boat may get you to similar water for less. It may also leave you sitting on a plastic chair with little room to stretch out. This catamaran’s sun beds, nets, ladders, toilets, and open deck make the day easier on your body.

The tradeoff is that the ticket does not include drinks or food, and the boat’s social atmosphere will not suit everyone. You also cannot count on every named bay, since the route changes with weather and sea conditions.

The overall rating of 4.7 from 5, based on thousands of ratings, fits the experience’s strongest qualities: a well-kept boat, friendly crew, attractive swim stops, and good value for a full day at sea. The most consistent praise centers on the spacious catamaran and helpful staff. The most useful cautions concern early arrival, changing stops, music taste, and the lack of land access.

Should you book this catamaran trip?

Book it if you want a comfortable, social swimming day with music, sun beds, clear water, and several possible bays. It is especially good for adults, couples, and groups of friends who want more room than a small excursion boat provides.

Skip it if you want to walk around Comino, spend the day on a beach, hear detailed coastal commentary, or enjoy a quiet nature cruise. You should also skip it if you dislike music, bar prices, or the uncertainty of a weather-led route.

For the best experience, arrive early, bring goggles and a wind jacket, pack light, and set aside extra money for the BBQ or cocktails. If you choose the sunset sailing, you trade some heat for softer light and a cooler ride home. At $62, the catamaran space and six-hour format make this a strong choice for a lively day on Malta’s water.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip start?

The departure point is Sirens Quay, behind Loa restaurant in St Paul’s Bay.

Where does the activity end?

The catamaran returns to the same meeting point at Sirens Quay.

How long does the trip last?

The experience lasts six hours. Starting times depend on availability and the option you select.

Does the boat stop inside the Blue Lagoon?

No. The catamaran anchors slightly farther out from the Blue Lagoon and does not anchor inside it.

Does the tour stop on land?

No. The catamaran does not stop on land at any point.

Which bays might the trip visit?

The route includes the Blue Lagoon and may also include Crystal Lagoon, Anchor Bay, Mellieha Bay, Golden Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, Ramla Bay, Imgiebah Bay, or Half Rock. The final route depends on weather and sea conditions.

Is the BBQ included?

No. The optional BBQ can be purchased on the boat on the day of the trip. It includes halal chicken kebabs, side dishes, bread, and one drink. Vegetarian food has also been available.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks can be purchased at the onboard bar.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash. Shoes, oversize luggage, smoking, and outside food and drinks are not allowed.