Comino: Blue Lagoon Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Open Bar

The best part of this Comino cruise is the combination of long swim stops and a proper catamaran deck. You are not rushed through a quick photo stop. You get time to swim, snorkel, eat, sunbathe, and settle into the day. I especially like the generous buffet and the open bar, two inclusions that make the $105 price easier to justify.

I also like the way the mood changes. The morning is quiet and easygoing, while the return trip becomes a music-and-dancing session. The catch is that there is no fixed route. The captain follows the weather, so Crystal Lagoon may be replaced or skipped, and rough water can make the ride uncomfortable for people prone to seasickness.

Key points to know before booking

• Spirit of Malta: A large sailing catamaran with sunbeds, toilets, a shower, and plenty of space to sit or lie down.
• Blue Lagoon stop: Usually the main event, with time to swim toward the shore or nearby caves when conditions permit.
• Weather-led route: Stops can change, and Crystal Lagoon is not guaranteed.
• Food and drinks: Buffet lunch includes cold cuts, cheese, salads, bread rolls, wine, beer, water, and soft drinks.
• Party finish: Music is generally calmer early on, then becomes more dance-focused on the way back to Sliema.
• Arrive early: Many people arrive about 45 minutes ahead to claim a good place in the sun or shade.

A full day at sea from Sliema

This is a seven-hour outing, leaving Sliema at about 10:30am and returning around 5:30pm. The meeting point is easy to identify because the Spirit of Malta is the only catamaran in that part of the bay. Look opposite The Black Sheep bar.

There is no hotel pickup, so you need to make your own way to Sliema. The boat is aimed at people aged 17 and over, and the crew can assist in English, Italian, French, or Spanish.

The catamaran is built for a full day rather than a short transfer. You have places to sit, areas for sunbathing, and indoor and outdoor spaces. Some people prefer the upper deck for the view and sun. Others choose the back of the boat, especially if the sea is rough.

I would arrive early if you care about your position on board. About 45 minutes before departure has been enough for some people to find comfortable spots with access to both sun and shade. That matters on a seven-hour boat day. Malta’s sun can feel stronger than the breeze suggests, and the upper deck can fill quickly.

Sailing toward Comino

The outbound journey is meant to be relaxed, not a narrated sightseeing cruise. You get views of Malta’s coast and bays, but the captain does not follow a set historical route with regular commentary.

That is useful to know before you book. If you want detailed information about Malta’s forts, towns, and maritime history, this is not the right kind of boat trip. I would choose it for swimming, open space, scenery, food, and music instead.

The route changes with wind and sea conditions. On calmer days, the boat may visit more than one attractive swimming area, including the Crystal Lagoon. On rougher days, the captain may skip a stop for safety or comfort. One passenger found Crystal Lagoon more appealing than the Blue Lagoon and was disappointed when it was not included. That is a fair warning: the advertised bays are weather-dependent, not guaranteed checkpoints.

The catamaran itself is a strong part of the experience. It offers a slower, smoother ride than a fast boat, though that does not mean the sea will always be calm. Several people found the ride rough on the way to Comino and recommended seasickness medicine. If you are sensitive to motion, sit near the back rather than at the very front and bring your own medication.

The front can be fun when the water is calm, but it may also get spray. One couple found their belongings and clothes soaked while sitting at the front. Use the hooks above the cabin on the upper deck, or choose the back if you want a drier ride.

Swimming and snorkeling at the bays

The swimming stops are the heart of the day. The boat anchors in scenic water, and you can get in for a swim or snorkel. Pool noodles are available, and there are toilets and a shower on board.

The stops are long enough to feel like real breaks rather than hurried dips. That is important because Comino can be crowded on shore, especially around the Blue Lagoon. From the catamaran, you can enjoy the water without needing to squeeze onto the small beach area.

At the Blue Lagoon, you may swim toward the shore or toward nearby caves, depending on conditions and your comfort in the water. Some people also choose an additional speedboat ride into a cave at Blue Lagoon. This costs extra and is not part of the $105 package, but it was a clear highlight for those who paid for it. The boat used for that option has been described as a powerful 600-horsepower craft.

You should treat the speedboat as an optional add-on, not a promised part of the tour. If you want a completely inclusive day with no extra spending, stay with the catamaran, swimming, snorkeling, and included food and drinks.

Bring a waterproof phone case if you want photos from the water. Snorkeling gear is also worth packing if you have your own, since the package does not list equipment rental. Keep an eye out for jellyfish, which have been spotted in the swimming areas.

The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but it is not peaceful in the way the name might suggest. The shore can be crowded, and the water is shared with other boats. The catamaran gives you a more comfortable base and a better chance to enjoy the color of the water without spending your whole stop on land.

Lunch that is better than basic boat food

Lunch is served during one of the swimming stops. The spread includes turkey, smoked gammon, salami, cheddar cubes, feta, potato salad, bulgur wheat salad, vegetarian rice salad, pasta salad, and a tomato and onion salad. Bread rolls are provided as well.

This is not a restaurant meal, but it is more substantial than the usual packet lunch. You can build a plate with meat, cheese, salads, and bread, and there is enough food for a long day in the sun. Some people found the food much better than expected, while one person thought the pasta was weak. That sounds like the right way to judge it: the buffet is plentiful and practical, with a few dishes likely to suit you more than others.

Vegetarian and vegan choices are available in the salad selection. The listed food does not provide a full allergy menu, so if you have a serious allergy, bring the medicine you need. The boat does not carry an EpiPen.

The open bar is one of the main reasons this costs more than a basic ferry or bus trip. Wine, beer, water, and soft drinks are available throughout the day. There is also a reusable cup for drinks. People who do not drink alcohol can use the water and soft drinks, though the soft drink selection may feel limited if you want juice.

Extra drinks may be available for purchase at a fair price, but the listed package covers wine, beer, water, and soft drinks. I would still drink plenty of water, especially if you are combining alcohol with strong sun and swimming.

From calm sailing to music on the return

The music is part of the appeal, but the timing matters. Earlier in the day, the atmosphere is usually relaxed enough for sunbathing and conversation. Later, after the swimming and lunch, the boat turns more social, with popular music and dancing on the way back to Sliema.

That mix works well for groups. Hen parties and birthday groups have used the lower deck for dancing, while people wanting quieter time have stayed on the upper deck. The crew has also helped groups connect phones to the speakers for personal music requests.

The crew receives unusually strong praise for friendliness and effort. Hector is singled out by name in one account, while Axel and a French crew member who handled the music also receive special mention. Staff keep the bar moving, check on people, help with celebrations, and keep the boat clean.

This is not a silent sailing cruise. If you want seven hours of quiet reading, the party atmosphere later in the day may wear thin. You can usually retreat to the upper deck, but the music remains part of the experience.

One practical drawback is that announcements may be hard to hear from the top deck. If the captain gives important information, move closer or ask a crew member to repeat it.

Is $105 good value?

At $105 per person, this is not Malta’s cheapest way to reach Comino. Cheaper boat trips and bus-and-boat combinations exist, but they generally do not include the same package of food, drinks, deck space, swimming time, and music.

The value is strongest if you plan to drink several included beverages, want lunch provided, and would otherwise pay separately for transport, snacks, and drinks. It is also good value for a group that wants one full social day rather than a short ride to the Blue Lagoon.

The price is less attractive if you only want to see the lagoon for an hour, dislike loud music, or prefer to make your own route. You are paying for the complete day aboard the Spirit of Malta, not just access to Comino.

The comparison with cheaper double-decker trips is useful. Those options may be better for someone who wants a land-based sightseeing day around Gozo and Comino. This catamaran is better for someone who wants to spend most of the day on the water.

What to pack for this catamaran day

Pack a swimsuit, towel, hat, strong sunscreen, and a waterproof phone case. Bring snorkel gear if you have it, plus a dry bag or another way to protect your belongings from spray.

I would also pack seasickness medicine if you know you are prone to motion sickness. The ride can be smooth, but several departures have encountered rough water, especially on the way out.

Arrive early for a better choice of seating. Try to find a position where you can move between sun and shade. If the forecast suggests wind, the back of the boat is a sensible choice.

Do not underestimate the sun. The breeze can make you forget how much heat you are taking in, and people have ended the day badly sunburned. Drink water even if you are enjoying the open bar.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That is useful when your Malta plans depend on weather, though the swimming route itself remains weather-led.

Who should book the Spirit of Malta?

I would recommend this cruise to couples, solo visitors, and groups who want a mix of sea time, swimming, food, and a party atmosphere. Solo visitors can meet people easily because the boat creates a shared social setting without requiring you to join a formal group activity.

It is particularly good for a hen party or birthday celebration. The crew pays attention to special occasions, and the later music makes the return journey feel like a floating party.

I would be more cautious if you suffer badly from seasickness, need a quiet day, or want guaranteed access to Crystal Lagoon. Families with young children should also note the age rule, since the activity is not suitable for anyone under 17.

Should you book this Comino cruise?

Book it if your ideal Malta day includes long swims, a comfortable boat, included drinks, and music after lunch. The strong points are clear: a large catamaran, generous time in the water, a filling buffet, friendly crew, and a better base for seeing the Blue Lagoon than the crowded shore.

Skip it if you want a fixed itinerary, detailed guiding, or a quiet sailing trip. The route can change, the sea can be rough, and the mood becomes lively later in the afternoon.

For most people seeking a full day around Comino, the Spirit of Malta offers good value at $105. Arrive early, sit toward the back if the sea is unsettled, protect yourself from the sun, and treat Crystal Lagoon as a possible bonus rather than a promise.

FAQ

Where does the Comino catamaran cruise leave from?

The Spirit of Malta leaves from Sliema at about 10:30am. It is opposite The Black Sheep bar and is easy to identify as the only catamaran in that area of the bay.

What time does the cruise return?

The catamaran returns to Sliema at approximately 5:30pm, making the experience about seven hours long.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The buffet includes cold cuts, cheeses, salads, bread rolls, and several vegetarian and vegan salad choices.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes wine, beer, water, and soft drinks throughout the day. A reusable cup is provided for drinks.

Is the Blue Lagoon guaranteed?

The Blue Lagoon is visited when weather and sea conditions allow. The route has no fixed program, so other stops, including Crystal Lagoon, can change or be skipped.

Is the cruise suitable for children?

No. The activity is not suitable for people under 17 years old.