St. Paul’s Bay: Half-Day Luxury Catamaran Tour with Drinks

A small catamaran, limited to just 20 people, makes this four-hour trip feel far calmer than Malta’s big party boats. You cruise from St. Paul’s Bay to Santa Maria Caves, Blue Lagoon, and Crystal Lagoon, with room to stretch out, swim, and sit in the sun.

I like the generous drinks service and the free use of two paddleboards. I also like the crew’s hands-on approach, from keeping glasses topped up to helping with water activities and sharing stories about Malta. The main caution is simple: this is better for swimming and scenery than serious snorkeling, since the lagoons have limited underwater life.

Key points at a glance

• Small-group sailing: The catamaran carries no more than 20 people, so you get more deck space and a quieter feel.
• Three coastal highlights: See Santa Maria Caves, then stop at Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon for swimming and snorkeling.
• Drinks included: Bottled water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, and rosé are available during the trip.
• Useful water gear: Snorkel masks are available with a 10 EUR deposit, and two paddleboards are shared among the group.
• Four hours, not a full-day marathon: The schedule gives you time on the water without taking over your entire day.
• Weather can change the route: Choppy conditions may shift the swimming location or require a transfer to calmer water.

Why the 20-person limit matters

The best reason to choose this catamaran is the group size. With space for only 20 people, you are not fighting for a seat, squeezing past rows of sunbathers, or waiting behind a crowd to climb back aboard.

That smaller scale changes the mood. You can lie on the padded seats and sun loungers, move around the deck, or find a quieter corner when the boat is under way. It also makes it easier to ask the crew for help, hear the safety briefing, and get advice about the swimming stops.

I would not call this a private charter in every case, since the boat may be full. Still, the group limit gives you much of the comfort that people seek in a private trip without paying private-charter prices. At $74 per person, that is the central value of the experience.

The crew also makes better use of a small group. The staff can offer drinks regularly, help with paddleboards, take photos and videos, and talk about Malta, Comino, and the surrounding caves. Captain Dustan is specifically praised for explaining the area and pointing out places worth noticing along the coast.

Leaving Fekruna Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay

You meet at Fekruna Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. Arrive early. The catamaran leaves promptly, and it is not required to wait for late arrivals.

Once on board, you receive a safety briefing of about 10 minutes. This is a useful moment to learn where to sit, how to move around the deck, and how the swimming equipment works. You then spend roughly 45 minutes cruising toward the first sightseeing stop.

That transfer is part of the attraction, not dead time. Malta’s coast is best appreciated from the water, where the cliffs, inlets, and pale rock formations form a changing backdrop. You can settle in with a drink, take photographs, or listen to the crew’s local information.

The boat has a relaxed social feel. You may listen to your own music, and the crew keeps the atmosphere friendly rather than formal. That will suit you if you want a pleasant outing with a little conversation. If you want a silent sailing trip, music and a small-group setting may feel less private.

Santa Maria Caves from the water

The catamaran spends about 15 minutes at Santa Maria Caves. This is a sightseeing stop rather than a long swimming session, so keep your camera ready.

The value here is the close view. From the water, you can look into the rock formations and see how the clear sea meets the pale stone. The catamaran gives you a better angle than a distant coastal lookout, and the crew can explain the formations and nearby points of interest.

The two paddleboards are especially useful at this part of the route. If conditions are calm and the crew permits it, you can paddle closer to the caves instead of viewing them only from the main boat. The boards are shared, so you may need to take turns, and use depends on the sea and the available time.

This is not a cave expedition. The planned viewing time is short, and you should think of Santa Maria as a scenic pause before the longer swimming stops. That is enough for photographs and a close look, but not enough for extensive exploration.

Blue Lagoon gives you the classic Malta swim

Blue Lagoon is the longest stop, with about an hour for sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling. The turquoise water is the star here, and you can choose how active you want to be.

You can swim from the catamaran, float near the boat, use a snorkel mask, or stay on deck with a drink. There is also an option to go ashore and spend time on the beach, giving you a change from the boat and access to the lagoon from another angle.

The small group helps here. The crew can guide you through the water activities, hand out equipment, and keep an eye on the schedule. You are not left to work out every detail alone.

Still, Blue Lagoon is a famous stop, so it may not feel isolated. The catamaran aims for a less crowded position, and conditions can make a big difference, but you should not expect complete solitude. The water is excellent for cooling off and taking photographs. It is less rewarding if your main goal is marine wildlife.

The snorkeling is modest. There are no reefs described on this route, and the underwater wildlife can be limited, especially with many people in the water. I would bring a mask because looking beneath the surface is still enjoyable, but I would book this trip for the color of the water and the swimming experience rather than for a major snorkeling session.

Crystal Lagoon is the calmer second swim

After Blue Lagoon, the boat continues to Crystal Lagoon for around 45 minutes. This stop is shorter, but it may be the most peaceful part of the day.

Crystal Lagoon gives you another chance to swim in clear water, and the setting can feel less hectic than the better-known Blue Lagoon. You can use the paddleboards, snorkel, or simply float and enjoy the view. Some passengers use the boards to reach a nearby cave and beach area when conditions allow.

I like the way this stop balances the first lagoon. Blue Lagoon delivers the famous Malta image, while Crystal Lagoon gives you time to slow down. If you are choosing between the two for swimming, Crystal Lagoon may appeal more if you prefer a quieter setting.

Again, do not expect a coral reef or a large variety of fish. The water is beautiful, but the appeal is mainly swimming, light snorkeling, and the scenery around the rock walls. Bring a towel and sunscreen, since neither is supplied.

Drinks, snacks, and what is actually included

The drink service is one of the strongest parts of the price. You receive bottled still water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, and rosé. The crew keeps drinks available during the cruise, and the setup removes the need to buy refreshments at every stop.

Light snacks are also available during the trip. Food is not formally included as a meal, however, and optional menus can be arranged for an extra charge. Eat before boarding if you need something substantial, especially since the tour lasts four hours and includes active swimming.

The included equipment is useful but limited. Snorkel masks are available with a 10 EUR deposit, and two paddleboards are provided for the group. Because the boards are shared, you should not expect uninterrupted paddle time.

Towels are not provided. Pack one along with beachwear, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. The deck can be bright and exposed, so sun protection matters even when you spend part of the cruise sitting under shade or inside the cabin.

A closer look at the timing

The complete outing lasts four hours. The rough schedule looks like this:

• About 10 minutes for the safety briefing
• About 45 minutes cruising toward Santa Maria Caves
• About 15 minutes viewing the caves
• About one hour at Blue Lagoon
• About 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon
• About one hour returning to Fekruna Jetty

The timing gives you a good half-day plan. You get two proper swimming stops and still have time before or after the trip for other Malta plans.

The transfers can feel long if you only want to swim. I see them as part of the coastal sightseeing, but you should know that nearly two hours of the four-hour tour are spent moving between locations. Bring a book, music, or simply settle into the scenery.

Weather can alter the schedule. Choppy water may make the planned route uncomfortable or unsafe, and the crew may move the group to calmer water. One practical example is a bus transfer used when rough conditions made it necessary to begin elsewhere. This kind of change protects the experience, but it means you should treat the advertised route as flexible rather than guaranteed.

Is $74 a fair price?

At $74, this tour costs more than a basic crowded boat trip, but the comparison is not quite like for like. You are paying for a maximum of 20 people, a more spacious catamaran, drinks throughout the trip, crew assistance, paddleboards, and a shorter format.

The price makes the most sense if you value comfort. A cheap boat can take you to the same general waters, but you may spend much of the trip surrounded by a large crowd. Here, the extra money buys personal space and easier access to the crew.

It is also good value for a four-hour outing if you plan to drink on board. Water, soft drinks, beer, wine, and rosé are included, which can add up quickly on a resort-area boat trip. The paddleboards and snorkel masks add practical value, though the deposit for the masks is separate.

I would not pay $74 solely for snorkeling. The underwater scene is not the main strength. I would pay it for a comfortable boat, attractive swimming stops, a friendly crew, and a manageable half-day schedule.

Who should book this catamaran

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, small groups of friends, and anyone who wants Malta’s famous lagoons without spending a full day on a packed vessel. It also suits you if you like a social setting but still want room to sit, swim, and move around.

The tour is a good fit if you want:

• Swimming more than serious snorkeling
• Coastal views and cave sightseeing
• Drinks included in the price
• A relaxed four-hour outing
• Crew support with paddleboards and water activities
• A smaller group instead of a large excursion boat

I would be cautious if you suffer from seasickness or motion sickness. The tour is not suitable for people with back problems, mobility impairments, or visual impairments. It is also not a good choice if you need step-free access or cannot comfortably board and move around a boat.

The sea can be choppy, and the itinerary can change. Take any motion-sickness precautions you normally use, and do not skip breakfast or lunch simply because drinks and snacks are available.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Transportation to the jetty is not included, though it may be arranged for an extra fee.

Should you book it?

Book this catamaran if you want the Blue Lagoon experience with fewer people, more comfortable seating, and drinks already handled. The small group, friendly crew, and two swimming stops give the outing a polished feel without turning it into a full-day commitment.

Skip it if your priority is serious snorkeling, a long beach stay, or the lowest possible price. For most people, though, $74 is a sensible trade for space, service, and a well-paced look at Malta’s best-known waters. Arrive early, bring a towel, eat beforehand, and treat Crystal Lagoon as a chance to slow down rather than another box to tick.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start and finish?

The tour starts at Fekruna Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay and returns to the same meeting point at the end.

How long does the catamaran trip last?

The activity lasts four hours. Starting times vary, so you need to check availability when booking.

What drinks are included?

Bottled still water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, and rosé are included. Light snacks may also be available, but a full meal is not included.

Are snorkeling equipment and paddleboards provided?

Snorkel masks are available with a 10 EUR deposit. Two stand-up paddleboards are provided for the group to share.

Can I visit the beach at Blue Lagoon?

Yes. At Blue Lagoon, you can swim from the catamaran or choose the option to disembark and spend time on the beach.

Can the route change because of the weather?

Yes. The itinerary may be modified due to weather conditions. Choppy water can require the crew to move to calmer waters or adjust the planned route.