Half Day Scenic Catamaran Experience

Comino’s famous water is the star here, but the best part is having room to enjoy it. This four-hour catamaran trip combines two swimming stops with a photo pass by Santa Marija Caves, then brings you back to the same meeting point in St Paul’s Bay.

I like the small group limit of 15 and the generous drinks service. I also like that snorkel gear and two shared paddleboards are included, so you can get in the water without packing much equipment. The main drawback is that two of the four hours are spent getting to and from Comino, and the sea can feel cold or rough.

Key points at a glance

• Small boat, small group: The catamaran carries a maximum of 15 people, giving you more space than the large boats serving Comino.
• Three scenic moments: You pass Santa Marija Caves, then stop at Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon.
• Swimming equipment included: Snorkels, shared paddleboards, and swimming noodles are available on board.
• Drinks are part of the price: Water, unlimited Pepsi and Sprite, plus beer and wine for those aged 21 and over.
• Two hours of travel time: Expect about one hour each way between St Paul’s Bay and Comino.
• Best for a relaxed half day: This suits swimmers, families, couples, and anyone who prefers a quieter boat outing to a packed cruise.

A small catamaran makes Comino easier

Malta’s Blue Lagoon is famous for good reason, but fame brings crowds. A large boat can turn a peaceful swim into a scramble for space. This excursion takes a different approach, using a catamaran for no more than 15 people.

That number matters. You can spread out on the boat, sit toward the front, and move around without feeling packed in. Families have used the open space and water equipment, while couples and smaller groups have enjoyed the calmer feel of the ride.

The crew keeps an eye on drinks and checks what you need during the trip. The captain also gives explanations about the route, with a light sense of humor. You should expect a friendly, informal outing rather than a formal sightseeing lecture.

The boat is described as clean, comfortable, and spacious. Reviews also highlight the smooth ride, though no boat can promise calm seas. If you often get seasick, this is not the right choice. Take that warning seriously, especially if the wind picks up.

Leaving St Paul’s Bay for Comino

You meet at The Boathouse on Triq il-Fekruna in St Paul’s Bay, near public transportation. The activity ends back at this same point, and private transportation is not included.

Arrive early. The catamaran leaves promptly and is not required to wait for late arrivals. That rule is especially important here because the trip must keep to its route and return schedule.

The ride to Comino takes about one hour. That means the advertised four-hour outing includes roughly two hours on the water simply getting there and back. The remaining time is split among Santa Marija Caves, Crystal Lagoon, and Blue Lagoon.

I see this travel time as part of the experience if you enjoy sitting on deck, watching the coast, and letting the boat do the work. If your main goal is a long swim, remember that the actual stops total about two hours.

Santa Marija Caves: a 15-minute photo stop

The first named stop is Santa Marija Bay on the north side of Comino. The Santa Maria Caves are known for their unusual rock formations and clear views into the water.

You do not get out to explore on foot. The boat pauses for about 15 minutes, giving you time to look toward the cave openings and take photographs from the water. This is a quick visual stop, not a cave tour.

That short timing is sensible. The caves are best treated as a scenic introduction to Comino, with the longer stops saved for swimming. Keep your camera ready, but do not expect a guided walk or a lengthy explanation at the shore.

The water and stone around the caves make a strong first impression. On a calm day, the catamaran’s position gives you a comfortable view without the effort of arranging a separate boat trip.

Crystal Lagoon gives you the quietest swim

After the Blue Lagoon, the route heads to Crystal Lagoon, according to the planned schedule. The order may be adjusted by the crew, but Crystal Lagoon receives about 45 minutes.

This is the stop I would value most if you want time in the water without making the entire outing about the busiest part of Comino. The lagoon is known for clear water and a more peaceful setting. You can swim, float, or use the provided snorkel equipment to look below the surface.

Two shared stand-up paddleboards are also available. They are not one per person, so you may need to take turns. Swimming noodles are available as well, which can help if you want to relax in the water rather than swim continuously.

Families can make good use of this stop. Older children and teenagers may enjoy the boards and snorkels, while adults can simply sit on the catamaran and watch. The water may be chilly, particularly outside the hottest summer weeks. October swimmers have found it cool, while others were happy to jump straight in.

Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but expect more people

Blue Lagoon receives about one hour, making it the longest stop. The turquoise water and pale coastal setting explain its popularity. You can swim from the boat, sunbathe on deck, or choose to get off and spend time near the lagoon’s beach.

This is the place for the classic Comino photographs. It is also the stop most likely to feel busy. Even a well-timed boat visit cannot remove the Blue Lagoon’s popularity, so you should not expect complete quiet here.

The small catamaran helps. You have the option to remain on a less crowded boat instead of spending the whole hour on the shore. If the beach feels too busy, stay aboard, swim from the boat, or use the snorkels and paddleboards.

The crew may adjust the exact timing to suit conditions and avoid the worst crowd levels. That flexibility is useful, but it cannot guarantee an empty lagoon. Your best experience will come from treating Blue Lagoon as one part of the trip, not the whole reason to book.

What is included for $59.91

At $59.91 per person, this is not simply a boat transfer to Comino. The price includes a small-group cruise, two swimming stops, water equipment, and a fairly generous drinks package.

You receive bottled still water, unlimited Pepsi and Sprite, and alcoholic drinks for those aged 21 and over. The stated alcohol allowance is four 50-centiliter cans of beer and half a bottle of wine per person. The available wine includes white and rosé.

That is a lot of included refreshment for a half-day boat trip. You are still responsible for drinking sensibly, especially before swimming or using a paddleboard. The crew wants everyone comfortable and safe on the return ride.

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with two paddleboards to share. WiFi and a restroom are also available on board. Towels are not included, so bring your own. Lunch is not part of the standard price, though it can be requested for 30 euros per person with at least two days’ notice.

The value is strongest if you plan to swim and will use the equipment and drinks. If you do not drink alcohol, you still have water and soft drinks, but the package may feel less valuable than it does for a group that wants a fully catered boat outing.

Food, timing, and what to pack

The trip does not include lunch. This matters most on a morning departure, when you may return hungry after swimming. You can request lunch in advance for an extra 30 euros per person, with a minimum notice of two days.

You can also bring your own food if that suits your plans, though the supplied information does not set out a separate food policy. At minimum, plan your meal before booking or ask the operator directly.

Bring:

• A towel
• Swimwear
• Sun protection
• A secure phone case or camera
• Dry clothes for the ride home
• Motion sickness medication if you normally need it

The boat has a restroom, but one person found the toilet arrangement less comfortable than expected. It is useful to have one available, yet you should not expect the space or ease of a shore-based facility.

The crew and the pace on board

The crew is one of the strongest parts of this experience. They serve drinks, check in with people, explain the route, and help with the equipment. The captain adds useful information without turning the ride into a long classroom session.

The pace is relaxed. You are not rushed from one attraction to the next, and the boat has enough room to sit in the sun or find shade as conditions allow. Music may be played during the trip, adding to the casual holiday mood.

The atmosphere depends partly on the group aboard. With a maximum of 15 people, the outing can feel nearly private when the boat is not full. It may feel more social on a fully booked departure, but it should still be far less crowded than a large cruise boat.

This is a good match for people who want service without ceremony. You can ask for a drink, borrow equipment, swim, and return to the boat without following a complicated program.

Who should book this Comino cruise?

I would choose this trip if you want a half day on the water rather than a full sightseeing day. It suits:

• Couples looking for a comfortable coastal outing
• Families with children who can manage boat travel and swimming
• Teenagers who will use the paddleboards and snorkels
• Cruise passengers seeking a Malta highlight during a port stop
• Visitors who prefer a small group to a boat carrying dozens of people
• Anyone who wants drinks and equipment included in one price

You need a moderate level of fitness. You should be comfortable boarding a boat, moving around its deck, and entering the sea for a swim. The activity is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

The trip may not suit you if you want a long stay on land, a full meal, or a quiet visit to an empty Blue Lagoon. It also may disappoint if you expect four hours of swimming, since about half the time is spent travelling to and from Comino.

Weather, water temperature, and seasonal judgment

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

The sea can be cold outside peak summer. October conditions have been comfortable for some swimmers and too cool for others. You can still enjoy the views and the catamaran if you choose not to swim, but much of the trip’s appeal lies in getting into the water.

Wind affects more than temperature. It can make the boat ride less smooth and may influence which bay is safest for swimming. The crew has adjusted stops in windy conditions, finding sheltered places when possible, but the exact experience cannot be guaranteed.

One lucky outing even had dolphins alongside the return trip. That is never promised, of course, but it shows why keeping your eyes on the water during the journey can pay off.

Booking details worth knowing

The experience is offered in English, and confirmation is provided when you book. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that 24-hour window are not refunded. Cutoff times use Malta’s local time.

The trip is often booked well ahead, with an average booking lead time of 18 days. That is useful guidance for summer planning, especially if you care about a particular date or want to avoid a full departure.

Should you book the Half Day Scenic Catamaran Experience?

I would book it if you want a small-group Comino outing with swimming, drinks, and equipment included. The crew service, spacious catamaran, and two different lagoon stops give you more than a basic sightseeing cruise.

The strongest value comes from the all-in format. At $59.91, you receive the boat ride, water, soft drinks, selected alcohol, snorkel gear, paddleboards, WiFi, and a restroom. You also avoid the feel of a very large boat.

Think carefully if you dislike cold water, boat motion, or crowded Blue Lagoon conditions. But if you can accept one hour each way and want a relaxed taste of Comino, this is a well-balanced way to spend half a day in Malta.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start and finish?

It starts and ends at The Boathouse, Triq il-Fekruna, St Paul’s Bay SPB 4813, Malta.

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts about four hours. Roughly one hour is used to reach Comino and another hour to return to Xemxija.

How many people can join the catamaran?

The maximum group size is 15 people.

Which places does the trip visit?

The route includes a photo stop at Santa Marija Caves, a swimming stop at Crystal Lagoon, and a swimming stop at Blue Lagoon. Some sections of the coast are passed by without stopping.

Is food included?

Lunch is not included in the standard price. It can be requested for 30 euros per person with at least two days’ notice.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water and unlimited Pepsi and Sprite are included. Beer and wine are served to people aged 21 and over, with the stated allowance of four 50-centiliter beer cans and half a bottle of wine per person.

Is swimming equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, two shared stand-up paddleboards, and swimming noodles are available. Towels are not included.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If bad weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same choice applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.