Half Day Scenic Catamaran Experience

Comino’s bright-blue water is the star here, but the small catamaran setting makes the trip feel far more relaxed than a packed sightseeing boat. You cruise from St Paul’s Bay, pause at the Santa Maria Caves, and spend real time swimming at the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon.

I like the generous drinks service and the chance to use snorkels and paddleboards without extra charges. I also like the four-hour length: long enough to enjoy Comino, short enough to leave room for another Malta plan. The catch is that about half the outing is travel time, and the water can feel cold outside summer.

At a Glance: What You Get for $59.91

• A small-group boat: The catamaran takes no more than 15 people, giving you room to sit, stretch out, and move around without the crush of a large excursion boat.
• Three Comino stops: You get a photo stop at Santa Maria Caves, followed by time at the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon.
• Swimming equipment included: Snorkeling gear, two shared stand-up paddleboards, and swimming noodles are available at the stops.
• Drinks are part of the fare: Expect bottled water, unlimited Pepsi and Sprite, plus beer and white or rosé wine for those aged 21 and over.
• Four hours door to door: The trip includes about one hour to reach Comino and another hour to return to Xemxija, leaving roughly two hours for the stops.
• A timely departure matters: The catamaran leaves promptly and will not wait for late arrivals.

A Small Boat From St Paul’s Bay

Your meeting point is ABC Diving at The Boathouse on Triq il-Fekruna in St Paul’s Bay. The activity begins and ends there, so you will need to arrange your own way to the departure point. The site is near public transportation, but private transportation is not included.

The boat carries a maximum of 15 people. That number matters. On a catamaran, the difference between 15 people and 50 people is the difference between finding a quiet corner and spending the trip shoulder to shoulder. Here, you should have a fair chance of sitting at the front, stretching out on deck, or finding shade when you need it.

The crew handles drinks throughout the trip and checks in regularly. The tone is friendly and informal, with music, conversation, and explanations about the route. You should not expect a formal lecture or a tightly scripted sightseeing cruise. This is mainly a coastal outing built around swimming, views, and a pleasant few hours on the water.

Arrive early. The boat departs on schedule, and the captain is not required to wait for late arrivals. That is especially important here because the route depends on reaching Comino and returning within a fixed window.

The Ride to Comino Takes About an Hour

The trip out takes about one hour. That is not dead time, but it is worth understanding before you book. The advertised four hours includes both the outward and return journeys, so the actual stop time is divided among Santa Marija Bay, the Blue Lagoon, and Crystal Lagoon.

Use the ride to settle in, enjoy a drink, and watch Malta’s coast recede. The catamaran gives you a better perch than a low ferry for taking in the water and rocky shoreline. If you are prone to seasickness, though, this is not the right outing. The tour specifically warns against booking if motion on the sea affects you.

The catamaran has Wi-Fi and a restroom. One practical note: the restroom arrangement has been described as less favorable than the rest of the boat, so treat it as a basic onboard facility rather than a comfort feature. Use the facilities at the departure point before leaving if you can.

Santa Maria Caves: A Fifteen-Minute Photo Stop

The first scenic pause is at Santa Marija Bay on Comino’s north side. The Santa Maria Caves cut into the rocky coast, with unusual formations and dark openings that contrast with the bright water outside.

This is a photo stop, not a landing or a swimming session. You stay on the boat and look into the caves from the water. Fifteen minutes is enough for photographs and a quick look, but not enough for a long exploration. That is fine. The caves work best as a short visual introduction to Comino before the longer swimming stops.

Bring your phone or camera, but keep it secure. Boats move, sunlight is strong, and sea spray is always possible. The view into the caves is one of the outing’s quieter moments, before the focus shifts to swimming and water sports.

Blue Lagoon: Famous, Beautiful, and Often Busy

The Blue Lagoon is Comino’s best-known stop, celebrated for clear turquoise water and its bright, open setting. You can swim from the catamaran, sit in the sun, or choose to go ashore and spend time near the lagoon’s beach.

The appeal is obvious. The water color is striking, and the boat gives you a comfortable base while you enjoy it. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you can look below the surface without bringing your own mask and fins. The paddleboards are also available here, shared among the small group.

The practical drawback is that the Blue Lagoon can feel crowded, especially in the main season. The catamaran helps by giving you a place away from the shore, but it cannot make the lagoon itself quiet. If you want the most peaceful experience, the timing of your departure may help, but no schedule can guarantee an empty Blue Lagoon.

Allow yourself time to enjoy the view without trying to do everything. A swim, a little snorkeling, and a few minutes on deck may be more pleasant than rushing between every activity. The water can also be cold, particularly in October and outside the warmer summer months. Some people will find it refreshing, while others may prefer to stay aboard and enjoy the scenery.

Crystal Lagoon: The Calmer Swimming Stop

Crystal Lagoon is the more peaceful swimming stop on this route. Its clear water is well suited to snorkeling, and the enclosed setting gives you a quieter place to float, paddle, or swim at your own pace.

This is where the included equipment becomes especially useful. You can take a snorkel, try a shared stand-up paddleboard, or use a swimming noodle without paying another fee. The small group makes it easier to get a turn, though the paddleboards are shared rather than one per person.

Crystal Lagoon is also a good reason to choose this excursion over a simple boat transfer to the Blue Lagoon. You are not just being dropped at Comino. You get a second swimming location, a different setting, and time to enjoy the sea from the catamaran.

The stop is still weather-dependent. Wind can affect where the captain anchors and how comfortable the water feels. The crew may adjust the exact position to find a safer or more pleasant spot, but the route cannot promise identical conditions every day.

Drinks, Snacks, and the Lunch Question

The included drinks add real value to the $59.91 price. You receive bottled still water and unlimited Pepsi and Sprite. Beer and white or rosé wine are served to people aged 21 and over, with four 50-centiliter cans of beer and half a bottle of wine per person.

That is a generous allowance for a four-hour trip. The crew keeps the drinks coming, but you should enjoy alcohol responsibly. You are on a moving boat, and swimming after drinking is not a good idea.

Lunch is not included. It can be arranged for 30 euros per person, but you must request it at least two days before departure. If you book the morning outing, bring your own food or arrange lunch ahead of time. Several people have found that the drinks and small snacks are welcome, but they are not a replacement for a full meal.

Towels are also not included. Pack one, along with swimwear, sunscreen, and a dry change of clothes. The tour supplies the water equipment, not your personal beach kit.

Why the Small Group Changes the Experience

The maximum of 15 people is one of the strongest reasons to book this particular cruise. You are not guaranteed a nearly empty boat, since the actual number depends on the date, but the capacity keeps the outing personal by design.

A small group helps in simple ways. You can ask the crew questions without shouting. You have a better chance of finding a comfortable place to sit. You can use the snorkel gear and paddleboards without waiting behind a large crowd. The crew can also check whether you need a drink or help getting into the water.

The experience is not private, and the route still visits popular places. The Blue Lagoon may be busy, and the shared equipment is limited. Still, the boat itself gives you breathing room, which is valuable in Malta’s high season.

Who Will Enjoy This Catamaran Most?

I would choose this cruise if you want a relaxed half-day on the sea rather than a full-day sightseeing program. It suits couples, families, and small groups who want swimming time without giving up comfort.

Families with older children and teenagers should find plenty to do. The water stops, snorkeling equipment, and paddleboards keep the outing active, while the boat and drinks give adults a chance to relax. The water temperature is the main family consideration, particularly in October.

This is also a sensible choice if you are visiting Malta from a cruise ship and want a memorable shore excursion. The trip ends where it starts, and the four-hour schedule leaves some room around the boat outing, but you still need to allow time to reach St Paul’s Bay and return to your ship.

I would skip it if you dislike boats, get seasick, need a full meal included, or want a quiet, empty beach. I would also think twice if you do not enjoy swimming, since the main purpose of the trip is time in the water.

Timing, Weather, and Cancellation Rules

The catamaran requires good weather. If conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same option applies if the minimum number of people is not reached.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off follows local Malta time.

Service animals are allowed, and the activity is near public transportation. A moderate level of physical fitness is expected, mainly because you are boarding a boat and getting in and out of the water. The information does not describe special assistance for other mobility needs, so ask the operator before booking if that matters for you.

Is $59.91 a Fair Price?

At $59.91 per person, the value is strongest if you use the included extras. You receive a small-group boat, two lagoon stops, a cave photo stop, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, Wi-Fi, a restroom, water, soft drinks, beer, and wine.

The price looks less attractive if you think of it as four full hours of sightseeing. About two of those hours are spent traveling to and from Comino. That leaves around two hours for the stops, including the 15-minute cave visit. Still, the travel time is part of the boat experience, and the catamaran provides a comfortable way to reach places that are not easily enjoyed from land.

Compared with a large, basic transfer, this outing asks more money but gives you a smaller group and more included equipment. Compared with a private charter, it is much less expensive but not exclusive. For most people, the balance is fair, particularly if you plan to snorkel, paddle, and enjoy the drinks.

Should You Book It?

Book this catamaran if you want Malta’s best-known water views in a manageable half-day format. The small capacity, attentive crew, two swimming stops, and generous drinks package make it a strong choice for people who value comfort over the lowest possible fare.

Choose another plan if you want a beach day with lots of dry land, a full lunch, or guaranteed solitude at the Blue Lagoon. Pack a towel, arrive early, bring food if needed, and prepare for cool water. With those details handled, this is a well-balanced way to spend four hours around Comino.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start and finish?

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

How long is the experience?

The outing lasts approximately four hours. About one hour is used to reach Comino and another hour to return to Xemxija.

What stops are included?

The route includes a 15-minute photo stop at Santa Marija Bay and the Santa Maria Caves, plus swimming stops at the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch can be arranged for 30 euros per person with at least two days’ notice before departure.

What drinks are included?

Bottled water and unlimited Pepsi and Sprite are included. Beer and white or rosé wine are served to people aged 21 and over.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with two shared stand-up paddleboards.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If poor weather causes the experience to be canceled, you will be offered another date or a full refund.