Full-Day Catamaran Cruise with Lunch in Island of Malta

The best reason to book this Malta catamaran cruise is simple: it gives you a full day on the water without packing you onto a floating sardine tin. Tip Top One carries up to 44 people, with shaded tables, restrooms, deck seating, and bean bags spread across the front nets.

I like the two planned swimming stops and the open bar of water, soft drinks, wine, and beer. I also like that the boat avoids stopping in the famously crowded Blue Lagoon, choosing the nearby Crystal Lagoon when conditions allow. The main catch is weather: the route can change, and the boat will not stop at Blue Lagoon itself.

Key points to know before you book

• A quieter alternative to Malta’s crowded boat trips: Tip Top One has room for up to 44 people, with reports of plenty of space for sunbathing and sitting in the shade.
• Two swim stops: The first is usually Crystal Lagoon in Comino or Ramla Bay in Gozo, followed by a second stop near St. Paul’s Island.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Expect a Maltese snack, chicken, pork, salad, potatoes, bread, water, soft drinks, wine, and beer.
• Blue Lagoon is for viewing, not swimming: The boat passes by the famous site but does not stop there because of crowded water.
• A practical Sliema departure: Boarding begins at 10:15 a.m., the boat leaves sharply at 10:30, and returns around 5 p.m.
• Good facilities for a long day: You get shaded tables, onboard restrooms, a broad deck, and soft bean bags for stretching out.

Why Tip Top One works better than a packed excursion boat

Malta’s summer sea trips can become noisy, crowded affairs. Large boats gather around Comino, and the most famous swimming spots can feel more like a public pool than a Mediterranean escape.

Tip Top One takes a different approach. The boat is large enough to give you room to walk around, but the passenger limit is kept to 44. Several accounts describe groups closer to 30 or 40, leaving space on the nets and bean bags. The official capacity still matters, so do not expect a private charter, but the setup should feel more relaxed than the boats carrying hundreds.

I especially like the choice of seating. You can sit at a table under shade when you want a proper meal, move to a side seat for the view, or stretch out on the front bean bags in the sun. That flexibility matters during a six-and-a-half-hour outing. You are not locked into one plastic chair for the entire day.

The mood also leans toward easygoing rather than party boat. Music is provided, but the experience is described as soft and relaxed, with time to read, nap, swim, or simply watch the coast pass by. If you want loud entertainment and constant activity, this may feel too calm. If you want a pleasant day at sea with enough structure to keep things moving, it fits well.

Boarding at Sliema and settling in

The meeting point is the Tip Top One dock at the Picard Tigné Seafront in Tas-Sliema. Boarding starts at 10:15 a.m., closes at 10:25, and departure is scheduled for 10:30 sharp. Take that seriously. This is not a casual arrive-whenever boat trip.

If you are staying in Valletta, the ferry is suggested as the easiest way to reach Sliema. A taxi is the better choice if you have luggage or are staying farther away. Bringing your own car is discouraged because parking around the departure point can be difficult.

Once onboard, you can find a shaded table, settle into a cushioned seat, or claim a bean bag on the front netting. There is no transfer included, so you need to arrange your own way to the dock. The boat returns to the same meeting point at about 5 p.m.

The tour needs at least 10 people to operate. If the minimum is not reached, the operator offers another date or activity, or a full refund. Bad weather can also lead to a changed route or cancellation.

The opening Maltese snack sets the pace

The day begins with a traditional Maltese platter while the boat gets underway. It is a useful start because you can eat something light, take in the coastal views, and settle into the pace of the trip before the main meal.

The snack is not the reason to book the cruise, but it adds a local touch. You are not simply handed a packet of crisps and pointed toward the bar. The boat uses food to introduce the day and give you time to relax before the first swim.

The sea views are the real opening act. From the water, Malta’s rocky shoreline makes more sense than it does from a road. You see the coast as a series of bays, cliffs, coves, and pale stone formations, with the islands opening up around you.

If you are prone to seasickness, use the early part of the trip to find the spot where you feel most comfortable. The front nets may offer fresh air and movement, while a shaded table gives you a more stable place to sit. The boat has plenty of space, so you can change position instead of being stuck in one location.

Comino’s Crystal Lagoon, or Gozo’s Ramla Bay

The first main stop is planned for Crystal Lagoon in Comino, weather permitting. This smaller lagoon sits close to the better-known Blue Lagoon, but the boat does not stop in Blue Lagoon because the water there is too crowded.

That decision is important. Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s most famous sights, and you will still see it as the boat cruises past. But the experience is not built around dropping you into the busiest patch of water. Instead, the crew aims for a nearby swimming area where you have more breathing room.

Crystal Lagoon is valued for clear water, rocky scenery, and access to small coastal openings. Some departures have included a short tender ride through caves, giving you a closer look at the shoreline without requiring everyone to swim there. This cave visit appears to depend on the day and conditions, so treat it as a welcome extra rather than a guaranteed feature.

If wind or sea conditions make Crystal Lagoon unsuitable, the first stop may shift to Ramla Bay in Gozo. That change is not a failure of the trip. Malta’s exposed coast can change quickly, and the crew has to balance scenery with safe swimming conditions.

Bring your own towel, since one is not included. Masks and snorkels can be borrowed, but a €20 deposit is required in case the equipment is lost or damaged. You can also bring your own gear if you prefer, though the provided information does not specify the range or quantity of equipment onboard.

Lunch with a view, not a rushed buffet

Lunch includes chicken, pork, fresh green salad, potatoes of the day, and fresh bread. You are served at a shaded table, which is much more comfortable than trying to balance a plate on your lap while the boat moves.

The meal is practical and filling rather than formal. It gives you enough fuel for the afternoon swim and keeps the day from turning into a search for food at the next harbor. Portions are described as generous, with seconds available on some departures.

Tell the operator in advance if you do not eat chicken or pork or if you need a vegetarian option. Dietary requests should not be left until you are already onboard. One useful detail is that the crew has accommodated gluten and lactose intolerance when notified ahead of time.

Drinks are included throughout the day: water, soft drinks, wine, and beer. That adds real value to the price, especially on a warm day when you would otherwise keep buying bottles and cans. The drinks are not described as limited to one serving, so you can keep hydrated and enjoy a glass of wine or beer without watching a running tab.

You still need to pace yourself. A cold drink in the sun can catch up with you quickly, especially before swimming. Water should be your regular choice, with alcohol saved for when you are settled and finished with the active parts of the day.

The second swim near St. Paul’s Island

After lunch, the boat cruises toward St. Paul’s Island for a second swim. This is a strong feature of the schedule. You are not asked to spend the entire afternoon simply sitting on deck after the first stop.

The second swim gives you another chance to get in the water if the first stop was short, windy, or crowded. It also breaks up the ride home. You can swim, snorkel, or stay aboard and enjoy the views. The choice is yours, and the boat provides space for both active and quiet passengers.

The coast around St. Paul’s Island adds another layer to the sightseeing. You are seeing Malta from a low, open viewpoint, with the rock formations and surrounding sea spread around you. The boat’s tender may be used for a closer look at caves on some trips, though this depends on conditions and the crew’s plan for the day.

Do not treat the swim stops as supervised swimming lessons. The information provided says most people can take part, but you are responsible for judging your own comfort in the water. The crew is attentive to safety, yet sea conditions, currents, and access from a boat can differ from a beach.

Grand Harbour and the return to Sliema

If time allows, the boat includes a short tour around Grand Harbour. This is one of the best sightseeing elements for anyone staying in Malta’s urban centers. The harbor gives you a different view of Valletta and the Three Cities, with fortified shorelines and busy maritime routes seen from the water.

The harbor portion is time permitting, so do not consider it guaranteed. Weather, swimming time, sea conditions, and the day’s route can all affect the schedule. The same applies to the precise order of stops.

The return to Sliema is planned for around 5 p.m. That makes this a full day, not a quick morning outing. You should avoid scheduling a tight dinner reservation, airport transfer, or evening activity immediately afterward. A boat day can run on time, but weather and sea traffic do not always cooperate with a rigid personal schedule.

Is $156 a fair price?

At $156 per person, this is not Malta’s budget boat outing. The value comes from what is bundled into the day and, just as important, from the smaller passenger limit.

You get roughly six and a half hours on the water, a Maltese snack, a substantial lunch, drinks all day, two swim stops, coastal sightseeing, shaded seating, restrooms, and the possibility of a harbor tour or cave visit. Buying food and drinks separately on a similar outing would add up quickly.

The largest value difference is space. Many cheaper boat trips compete mainly on headline price, then load as many people as possible onto the deck. Tip Top One charges more for a calmer setup, with bean bags, tables, room to move, and a stated maximum of 44 people.

I would not call it the best choice for every budget. If you care mainly about reaching Blue Lagoon and getting into the water, you may prefer a simpler trip. Since this boat will not stop at Blue Lagoon, you are paying for comfort, food, drinks, and a less crowded route rather than direct access to the busiest swimming spot.

The tour is usually booked about 17 days ahead, which is a useful signal for planning. If your dates are fixed, reserve before arriving in Malta, especially during the warmer months.

Who will enjoy this boat day most?

I would choose this cruise for couples, families, and mixed-age groups who want time in the sun without constant noise or crowding. The shaded tables and easy seating also help if someone in your party does not want to swim all day.

It suits you if you value:

• A spacious catamaran instead of a tightly packed boat
• Two chances to swim
• Lunch and drinks included in the price
• A relaxed pace with some music and sightseeing
• Restrooms and shade onboard
• The option to sit in the sun or get out of it

It is less suitable if you want a guaranteed Crystal Lagoon stop, a guaranteed Grand Harbour tour, or a stop at Blue Lagoon. The route can change because of weather, and some features depend on time and sea conditions.

The boat is also not a private yacht. Up to 44 people can be onboard, and the trip still follows a set schedule. You get more room than on the packed alternatives, not complete solitude.

Booking details worth keeping in mind

The experience is non-refundable if you cancel or request a change. If the operator cancels because of bad weather or because the minimum number is not reached, you can choose another date or experience, or receive a full refund.

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability. Most people can participate, and the meeting point is near public transportation.

Bring a towel, sun protection, and a swimsuit. If you need snorkel gear, remember the €20 deposit. Give advance notice for vegetarian meals or restrictions involving chicken and pork.

Arrive by 10:15 a.m. for boarding. The 10:30 departure is sharp, and the boat returns to Sliema rather than dropping you at another harbor.

Should you book Tip Top One?

Book it if you want Malta’s coast served with space, swimming, food, and an easy pace. The strongest parts are the passenger limit, two swim opportunities, shaded seating, included drinks, and a crew that takes dietary needs and onboard comfort seriously.

Skip it if your top priority is swimming at Blue Lagoon itself, traveling as cheaply as possible, or following a fixed route regardless of weather. For most people who want a comfortable full day at sea, $156 is a reasonable premium for avoiding the most crowded boats. I would reserve ahead, arrive early, and treat the Crystal Lagoon and Grand Harbour as weather-dependent bonuses rather than promises.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart?

It departs from Daycruisemalta.com, Tip Top One, at Picard Tigné Seafront in Tas-Sliema, Malta.

What time should I arrive?

Boarding begins at 10:15 a.m. Boarding closes at 10:25, and departure is at 10:30 sharp.

What time does the cruise return?

The boat is scheduled to return to the Sliema meeting point around 5 p.m.

How long is the experience?

The cruise lasts approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes.

How many people can join the cruise?

The maximum capacity is 44 travelers.

Will the boat stop at Blue Lagoon?

No. The boat will sightsee around Blue Lagoon but will not stop there because the water is overcrowded.

Where is the first swimming stop?

The first stop is usually Crystal Lagoon in Comino, weather permitting. It may be changed to Ramla Bay in Gozo.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes chicken, pork, fresh green salad, potatoes of the day, and fresh bread.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are included throughout the day.

Can I borrow a mask and snorkel?

Yes. Equipment can be borrowed, but a €20 deposit is required if the set is lost or damaged. A towel is not included.