Comino: Blue Lagoon Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Open Bar

Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon is best enjoyed from the water, and this seven-hour trip gives you a comfortable base while the shoreline gets crowded. The Spirit of Malta sails from Sliema to scenic bays around Malta and Comino, stopping for swimming and snorkeling when conditions allow. The day finishes with music, dancing, and a lively ride back.

I like the large sailing catamaran, which offers sunbeds, shaded areas, toilets, and room to move around. I also like the practical value: lunch, water, wine, beer, and soft drinks are included, so the $105 price covers far more than transport to Comino.

The main caution is the sea. The crew changes the route to suit the weather, and some departures have had rough water on the way to Comino. The Blue Lagoon can also be very crowded from shore, even if your boat gives you a more pleasant view of it.

At a glance

• A seven-hour sailing day: Leave Sliema at 10:30am and return at about 5:30pm.
• Two moods in one trip: Expect a calm, easygoing ride early on, followed by music and dancing later in the day.
• Swimming from the boat: Stops can include the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and other bays, depending on weather.
• A useful open bar: Wine, beer, water, and soft drinks are served throughout the day.
• A better view of the Blue Lagoon: You can swim near Comino without spending the whole visit packed onto its small beach.
• Arrive early for the best place: The most desirable sunbeds and shaded spots go first.

A full day on the Spirit of Malta

The Spirit of Malta leaves from Sliema at 10:30am. Finding it should be simple: it is the only catamaran in that part of the bay, opposite The Black Sheep bar. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own way to Sliema and allow enough time to board without rushing.

The boat is built for cruising rather than speed. That matters. You are not being whisked to Comino on a small, jolting craft and then sent away again. The catamaran gives you a place to settle in, stretch out, eat lunch, and return to the water between stops.

Arriving early is one of the best practical tips for this trip. Several people found that coming 40 to 45 minutes before departure helped them claim a good place in the sun or shade. The upper deck has sunbeds, while the boat also offers lower areas where you can get out of the sun and join the music later.

The route has no fixed order. The captain chooses the stops according to wind and sea conditions. That flexibility is useful in Malta, where a calm bay can feel very different from the open water just a short distance away. It also means you should not treat every named stop as guaranteed.

The ride to Comino and its changing route

The early part of the cruise is usually the quieter section. You can watch Malta’s coast pass by, settle into a sunbed, and order a drink from the bar. Music plays, but the mood is generally more relaxed before lunch and the main party atmosphere.

The sea can be smooth, but it can also be rough on the route to Comino. Several people found the outward ride uncomfortable, even though the trip became calmer once the boat reached sheltered water. If you are prone to seasickness, bring the medication you normally use and choose your seat carefully.

A place toward the back of the boat, near the captain, can be more comfortable when the water is choppy. The front is fun if you want spray and a more exposed ride, but bags and loose belongings can get wet there. Hooks on the upper deck can help keep your things off the floor and away from the spray.

The sailing plan may include the Crystal Lagoon, the Blue Lagoon, and another beach or bay. Crystal Lagoon is a favorite for its clear water and dramatic setting, but rough conditions can make it unsafe or impractical to stop there. The captain may pass it or change the plan, so book this for a day on the sea rather than a strict checklist of bays.

Swimming and snorkeling in Malta’s clearest water

Swimming is the heart of the day. The catamaran anchors at selected bays, and you can enter the sea directly from the boat. There is plenty of time at the stops for a proper swim, rather than a quick splash before moving on.

At the Blue Lagoon, the advantage of arriving by catamaran is clear. The shore can be crowded, but from the boat you can stay in the water or relax on deck without having to squeeze onto the small beach. You may also swim toward the caves and explore the coast from the sea.

The Blue Lagoon water is striking, but do not expect solitude. Comino is one of Malta’s most popular stops, and other boats gather in the same area. The catamaran gives you space and a comfortable place to return to, but it cannot remove the crowds from the wider lagoon.

Crystal Lagoon offers a different feel when conditions permit. Its appeal is the clear water and rock formations, and it can be a better swimming stop for people who want a less shore-focused experience. Still, its inclusion depends on the weather, so avoid treating it as a promise.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a hat. A waterproof phone case is useful if you want photos from the water. The sun can feel less intense because of the sea breeze, but that breeze does not prevent sunburn. One July departure left people badly burned because they underestimated the exposure on deck.

Some swimmers have also encountered jellyfish in the lagoons. That is not a reason to skip the water, but it is a good reason to pay attention before entering and to follow any advice from the crew.

The boat has pool noodles for swimming, and there is a shower on board. Toilets are available and were described as clean, which makes the long day much easier than a basic boat transfer.

What lunch actually includes

Lunch is served during one of the swimming stops. It is a cold buffet rather than a restaurant meal, but the spread is more substantial than the word snack might suggest.

The food includes turkey, smoked gammon, salami, cheddar, feta, bread rolls, summer potato salad, bulgur wheat salad, vegetarian rice salad, pasta salad, and a tomato and onion salad. The vegetarian and vegan choices are useful, though anyone with serious allergies should bring the medicine they need. The boat does not carry an EpiPen.

The meal is designed for a hot day on the water. Cold cuts, salads, bread, and cheese are easy to eat between swims and do not require a long sit-down service. Several people found there was more food than expected, and the crew encouraged people to have seconds.

Food quality is generally a strong part of the experience, but it is not perfectly consistent. The salads, bread, cold cuts, and cheese tend to be the safer choices. One person found the pasta disappointing, while others specifically liked the tuna pasta and vegetable pasta. Think of lunch as a generous picnic buffet, not a gourmet meal.

The crew has also served fruit such as watermelon after lunch on some departures. That is a welcome touch in the heat, though it is not part of the stated menu and should not be counted on.

Open bar, music, and the change in mood

The open bar includes wine, beer, water, and soft drinks. The selection is not described as a full cocktail bar, and one person would have preferred more soft drink choices, such as juice. Still, the included drinks add real value to a seven-hour day.

A reusable cup may be provided, and the bar is kept busy throughout the cruise. The crew works hard during the busiest periods, especially when everyone returns from swimming and orders at once. You can also buy extra drinks at a fair price if the included selection does not suit you.

The music changes as the day goes on. The ride out is generally more relaxed, with music that allows you to sunbathe and talk. After lunch and the swimming stops, the return becomes more energetic, with top hits, dancing, and a party atmosphere.

This is not a quiet sightseeing vessel with a running commentary about Malta’s history. The focus is swimming, scenery, food, drinks, and social fun. Announcements may be difficult to hear from the upper deck, so sit closer to the captain or listen for instructions when the crew makes them.

The staff often help shape the mood. On some trips, music was adjusted for hen parties, and one crew member linked a passenger’s phone to the speakers on the way back. The crew members Hector and Axel received particular praise for being friendly and involved, while a French crew member was remembered for DJ duties. Names and staff assignments can change, but the service is clearly a major part of the experience.

If you prefer peace all day, use the upper deck and stay near the sunbeds. If you want to meet people and dance, the lower deck and return sailing are better choices.

Is $105 good value?

At $105 per person, this costs more than a simple boat trip to Comino. The comparison is not quite fair, though. A basic transfer may get you to the Blue Lagoon, but it will not normally provide seven hours on a large catamaran, several swimming stops, a buffet lunch, an open bar, sunbeds, toilets, and music.

The value is strongest if you will make use of the inclusions. Someone who wants a full day at sea, several drinks, a generous lunch, and a social atmosphere can get good value from the price. It is also useful for a birthday, hen party, or group day when you want the activity to provide its own entertainment.

The value is weaker if you do not drink, dislike loud music, or only want a short visit to the Blue Lagoon. You are paying for the whole boat experience, not simply for access to Comino.

There may also be an optional high-speed boat ride into a cave near the Blue Lagoon for an extra charge. It is not part of the $105 price. The experience has been described as a memorable add-on, but you should decide on the day if weather and your budget allow.

Who should book this catamaran cruise?

This trip suits adults aged 17 and over who want a social day with plenty of time in the water. It works especially well for couples, solo visitors who enjoy meeting people, friend groups, and celebrations.

Solo passengers can find an easy social setting because the boat combines shared tables, swimming stops, music, and dancing. Groups can enjoy the open bar and the ability to move between relaxed sunbathing and a livelier party.

It is less suitable for young families because people under 17 are not permitted. It is also not the best choice for anyone who needs a guaranteed quiet boat, a fully fixed route, or detailed commentary about the places along the coast.

The catamaran is comfortable, but this is still a day on open water. If rough seas affect you, take sensible precautions. If you want the smoothest possible ride, stay toward the back when conditions turn choppy and avoid drinking heavily before the boat reaches calmer water.

Small details that make the day easier

Bring a hat, high-factor sunscreen, swimsuit, towel, and a waterproof phone case. Add seasickness medication if you normally need it, and keep allergy medicine with you.

Arrive early for better access to sun and shade. The front can get wet, while the rear is a smarter choice in rough conditions. Keep bags secured, especially near the exposed upper deck.

The route depends on weather, so treat the Blue Lagoon as the main aim and Crystal Lagoon as a possible bonus. If the captain skips one bay for safety, that is a sensible trade for a better day at sea.

The departure is from Sliema opposite The Black Sheep bar, and you need to arrange your own transport there. The advertised return is around 5:30pm, so leave room in your evening plans for a little variation.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The host or greeter may speak English, Italian, French, or Spanish.

Should you book the Spirit of Malta?

I would book this if you want a complete Malta sea day, not just a ride to Comino. The catamaran, swimming time, lunch, included drinks, and friendly crew create a strong package, and the boat gives you a much more comfortable base than the crowded Blue Lagoon shore.

I would skip it if your priority is silence, a guaranteed Crystal Lagoon stop, or a formal sightseeing talk. For most adults who like swimming, sun, music, and a little dancing after lunch, the $105 price is reasonable. Arrive early, protect yourself from the sun, prepare for possible rough water, and let the captain adjust the route to the day’s conditions.

FAQ

Where does the cruise leave from?

The Spirit of Malta departs from Sliema at 10:30am. It is opposite The Black Sheep bar and is the only catamaran in that area of the bay.

What time does the cruise return?

The boat is expected to return to Sliema at approximately 5:30pm.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The buffet includes cold cuts, cheeses, salads, bread rolls, and pasta dishes. Vegetarian and vegan salad options are included.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes wine, beer, water, and soft drinks. Extra drinks may be available for purchase.

Will the boat definitely stop at Crystal Lagoon?

No. The route changes with prevailing weather conditions. The cruise visits the Blue Lagoon when weather permits, while Crystal Lagoon and other stops depend on sea conditions.

Are children allowed on the cruise?

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