Reviewed · BLUE LAGOON & COMINO
Comino Blue Lagoon Prime Catamaran Tour with All Inclusive
The main appeal here is simple: you get a full day on the water without being pushed from one stop to the next. The crew chooses bays based on the weather, then gives you time to swim, snorkel, eat, listen to music, or simply stretch out on the catamaran. Comino and the Blue Lagoon provide the scenery, while the cold buffet and open bar keep the day easy.
I like the generous swimming time and the unhurried pace. I also like that lunch, wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are included, so the $107.23 price is easier to judge than a cheaper boat trip with add-ons. The main drawback is the lack of a fixed route. Weather may change the stops, and the Blue Lagoon itself may be viewed from the boat rather than reached directly.
Key points to know before booking

- Weather decides the route: The captain may change the bays and anchorage points according to conditions.
- Three hours are spent sailing: The journey from Valletta and back takes about three hours, so this is as much a boat day as a Comino visit.
- Swimming time is the star: One stop can allow about two hours in the water, with no forced snorkeling route.
- Lunch and drinks are included: Expect cold cuts, cheeses, salads, bread rolls, wine, beer, soft drinks, and water.
- The boat can hold up to 80 people: That is a moderate-sized group, not a private cruise.
- The Blue Lagoon may be viewed nearby: One person specifically wished the catamaran had pulled into the beach area instead of anchoring close by.
A relaxed catamaran day from Sliema

You meet the Spirit of Malta Catamaran on Triq Ix-Xatt in Sliema at 10:30 a.m. The activity returns to the same meeting point, making the day straightforward if you are staying around Sliema or using nearby public transport.
The total outing lasts about seven hours. That sounds like plenty of time at Comino, but remember that roughly three hours are used for sailing to Comino and back. I would book this for the pleasure of being on the water, not as a quick transfer to one beach.
The group limit is 80 people. That is large enough for a social atmosphere, yet smaller than the packed party boats that can make a swim stop feel like a queue. The experience can feel calm when the boat is not full, and one of the strongest themes in the feedback is that the day allows people to do their own thing.
You are not assigned a strict snorkeling path. You are not rushed out of the water for lunch. You can choose your own pace while the boat is anchored. That freedom is valuable, especially for families and mixed-age groups where some people want to swim and others would rather sit in the shade with a drink.
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Sailing toward Comino and Malta’s northern bays

The route is not locked in advance. The crew sails according to prevailing weather conditions, so the exact bays can change. This is practical seamanship, not a flaw by itself. Wind and sea conditions matter when a catamaran is choosing a safe and pleasant anchorage.
The trade-off is that you cannot build your day around a guaranteed list of coves. If you have your heart set on one exact bay, this may frustrate you. If you care more about finding calm water and good swimming conditions, the flexible route makes sense.
The trip also gives you time to look back toward Malta from the sea. The movement between Sliema, Comino, and the northern bays is part of the experience. Music is played onboard, and the tone seems to range from easygoing to lively. One person found the music too loud later in the day, so I would not choose this cruise if you want a silent sailing trip.
Swimming and snorkeling around Comino
The best part of the day is the time spent anchored for swimming and snorkeling. The boat stops in different bays, and the crew may include the famous Blue Lagoon if weather permits. You can get into the water, snorkel independently, or stay onboard.
A reported swimming period of about two hours gives you enough time to swim properly rather than take a quick dip before being called back. That matters at Comino, where a short stop can feel rushed once you account for getting changed, finding your belongings, and moving between the boat and the water.
The lack of a compulsory snorkeling route is another advantage. I prefer this arrangement because it lets confident swimmers explore at their own pace while less confident swimmers remain close to the boat. Still, the supplied information does not promise snorkeling equipment, guided instruction, or a lifeguard service. Bring only what you need and follow the crew’s directions when the catamaran is preparing to move.
The Blue Lagoon deserves a small warning. The tour includes a visit when conditions allow, but anchoring near it does not always mean stepping onto the beach. One piece of feedback specifically wished the boat had pulled into the Blue Lagoon beach area rather than stopping nearby. If standing on the beach is essential to your plan, ask the operator about the expected anchorage before booking.
St. Mary’s Tower and the Count of Monte Cristo connection
Weather permitting, the catamaran anchors in front of St. Mary’s Tower on Comino. The tower is known as a filming location for The Count of Monte Cristo, giving the stop a bit of screen history as well as a striking view from the water.
The scheduled time here is about one hour, though the final route depends on conditions. The tower admission is not included, and the supplied details do not say that passengers go ashore. Treat this as a scenic boat stop and photo opportunity unless the crew tells you otherwise.
This is also where the lack of onboard commentary may matter. One unhappy customer felt the crew did not explain where the boat was going or what people were seeing. If you want a running history lesson, this is probably not the right product. You will get more from the stop if you already know why St. Mary’s Tower matters or if you ask the crew a question.
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What lunch and the open bar really add
The included lunch is a cold buffet rather than a hot meal. It features turkey, smoked gammon, salami, cheddar cubes, feta, summer potato salad, bulgur wheat salad, vegetarian rice, pasta salad, tomatoes with onion, and bread rolls.
That is a useful spread for a day of swimming. It offers meat, cheese, vegetarian choices, and a vegan salad, though the details do not promise that every item is suitable for a specific dietary need. If you have allergies or strict dietary requirements, check before you go.
The open bar includes wine, beer, soft drinks, and water. Some feedback praised the quality and variety of the food and the steady drink service. Another person wanted sugar-free drinks and noncarbonated options such as orange juice. The menu as provided does not confirm those choices, so bring your expectations down to the listed drinks.
Alcohol is limited by age, but the supplied booking details conflict slightly: one section says alcoholic drinks are for people aged 18 and over, while another says 17 and over. Check the current rule with the operator before booking for anyone under 18.
The food and drinks are important to the value of this outing. A $107.23 ticket is not just paying for transport to Comino. It covers the catamaran, lunch, and an open bar, which can make the price reasonable for a seven-hour day. The value drops if you do not drink alcohol or would rather spend most of the day on land, but water, soft drinks, and lunch still remain part of the package.
The mood onboard: easygoing, with a social edge
The catamaran is described as comfortable, and the crew is generally seen as professional, courteous, and attentive. One especially positive account praised the friendly Indonesian crew, good food, drinks, and music at a pleasant volume. Another noted that a crew member gave instructions in Spanish when English was not fully understood.
That points to a casual service style rather than a formal guided cruise. The crew appears focused on operating the boat, serving lunch and drinks, and keeping the day moving. You should not expect a full lecture about Malta or a guide beside you at every stop.
The mood can change as the day progresses. Many people enjoy the music and social atmosphere, while one person found it became too loud and seemed aimed more at the staff than the passengers. If you like a lively boat with background music, this should suit you. If you want quiet conversation, pack patience and choose a seat away from the speakers if possible.
The most appealing feature is personal freedom. You share the boat with other parties, but you are not forced into a group walking route or a timed snorkeling lesson. That makes the outing feel less like a supervised excursion and more like a day charter with shared facilities.
Timing, group size, and practical value

The tour starts at 10:30 a.m. and lasts about seven hours. That late-morning start works well if you do not want an early alarm, but it also means you should have breakfast before boarding. The activity ends back at the Sliema meeting point.
The catamaran can carry up to 80 people. On a quiet day, the boat may feel pleasantly open. On a busy departure, the swimming area, buffet line, and best seating spots will feel more competitive. The feedback is notably better from people who experienced a less crowded sailing, so your enjoyment may depend partly on the date and demand.
The experience is booked about 19 days ahead on average. That gives you a useful planning clue. You do not need to reserve a year out, but popular summer dates may deserve attention well before your trip, especially if your Malta schedule is short.
The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.
Tips are not included. The booking details do not set an amount, so tipping is optional and should reflect the service you receive.
Who will enjoy this Comino cruise most
I would recommend this boat day to you if you want a relaxed way to see Comino without planning every swim and meal yourself. It suits couples, families, and groups of friends who enjoy a social boat but still want control over their own time.
It is especially good for:
- People who want a long swim stop rather than several rushed photo stops
- Families with different energy levels
- Visitors who like having lunch and drinks included
- Anyone who prefers weather-based route changes to a rigid schedule
- People who want a comfortable day on the water without booking a private charter
I would be more cautious if your main goal is to walk onto the Blue Lagoon beach, receive detailed commentary, or visit several sites on land. The tour may anchor near the Blue Lagoon rather than pull directly into its beach area, and the route can change.
It is also not ideal if loud music bothers you or if you dislike sharing a boat with up to 79 other passengers. The setting is easygoing, but it is still a group excursion.
Should you book the Spirit of Malta catamaran day?
Book it if you value time in the water, included food and drinks, and a flexible pace more than a fixed sightseeing checklist. The strongest reasons to choose it are the long swimming period, the freedom to snorkel without a forced route, and the practical all-inclusive setup.
At $107.23, I see fair value for a seven-hour outing with lunch and an open bar. You are paying for a full boat day, not only the Comino crossing. Just remember that the journey itself takes about three hours, the Blue Lagoon is weather-dependent, and commentary may be limited.
My advice is to confirm the likely Blue Lagoon anchorage and the alcohol age rule before paying. If you can accept those uncertainties, this is a good choice for a relaxed Malta day at sea. If you need guaranteed beach access or a quiet, highly guided tour, choose another option.
FAQ
Where does the catamaran tour start?
It starts at the Spirit of Malta Catamaran on Triq Ix-Xatt in Sliema, Malta.
What time does the tour begin?
The scheduled start time is 10:30 a.m.
How long does the experience last?
The tour lasts about seven hours.
Where does the activity end?
It ends back at the meeting point in Sliema.
Is lunch included?
Yes. Lunch includes cold cuts, cheeses, salads, and bread rolls.
What drinks are included?
The open bar includes wine, beer, soft drinks, and water.
Is alcohol available to everyone?
No. Alcohol is restricted by age. The supplied details give both 18 and over and 17 and over, so confirm the current rule with the operator.
Will the boat definitely stop at the Blue Lagoon?
No. The route follows weather conditions, and the Blue Lagoon visit is weather permitting.
Can the tour be canceled because of bad weather?
Yes. If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund.
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