St. Paul’s Bay: Half-Day Scenic Catamaran Tour with Drinks

The best thing about this Malta boat trip is its small group size. With room for up to 20 people, you can stretch out on the catamaran, get a drink without fighting through a crowd, and reach the Blue Lagoon without feeling packed onto a floating bus. I love the clean, comfortable boat and the two proper swim stops.

I also like the easy half-day format. You get caves, turquoise water, snorkeling, paddleboards, and a generous drinks package, then return with time for lunch or another afternoon plan. The main catch is that food is not included, and the sea can be rough enough to change the route or cancel one of the swimming stops.

Quick take

• Small boat, big advantage: The catamaran carries up to 20 people, often fewer, giving you space to sit, sunbathe, and move around.
• Two swimming stops: Blue Lagoon usually gets about an hour, while Crystal Lagoon gets about 45 minutes.
• Santa Maria Caves up close: The boat passes close to the cave formations for photographs and sightseeing.
• Drinks included: Water and soft drinks are unlimited. Each person also receives four 50-centiliter cans of beer and half a bottle of white or rosé wine.
• Useful water gear: Snorkel masks, two shared SUP boards, a swimming ladder, shower, and toilet are provided.
• Weather controls the day: Choppy conditions can change the order, move the swimming stop, or replace Crystal Lagoon with calmer water near St. Paul’s Bay.

Why the 20-person catamaran matters

Malta has no shortage of boat trips, but the difference between 20 people and a much larger crowd is plain once you are on the water. On this catamaran, you are not simply assigned a narrow patch of deck. You can find a padded seat, lie in the sun, or move toward the rail for a better look at the coast.

The official capacity is 20, though some departures have carried 15, 16, or 18 people. One particularly quiet outing had only three passengers, making it feel close to a private charter. You should not book expecting that every time, but the small-group design is the point of the experience.

I like the balance. The boat still has enough people for a friendly atmosphere, yet it avoids the loud, crowded feel of the large party boats around Comino. You may hear music through the onboard sound system, and some groups have been allowed to play their own music, but this is mainly a relaxed cruise with swimming rather than a full-day party.

The catamaran is described as clean, modern, and well maintained. It has a toilet, freshwater shower, swimming ladder, and plenty of deck space. Those details matter more than they might seem. After saltwater swimming, a shower is welcome, and a proper toilet is a major comfort during a nearly four-hour outing.

Leaving Fekruna Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay

Your meeting point is Fekruna Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. Arrive early. The boat leaves promptly, and it is not required to wait for late passengers. One passenger who arrived at the stated time felt the departure was almost too close for comfort, so I would give yourself more than the minimum suggested arrival window.

Once on board, expect a short safety briefing of about 10 minutes. The crew speaks English and handles the practical side of the trip, from explaining the boat to helping with swimming equipment. Crew members named in feedback include Dustin or Dustan, Fernando, Bim, and Idola, though the exact team can vary by departure.

The first 45 minutes are mainly a transfer across the water. This is not wasted time. You get open views, a chance to settle into the boat, and time to start a drink. The crew has been praised for checking on passengers often without being pushy, and drinks are generally offered soon after boarding.

Keep your belongings sensible. You will want sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, beachwear, and a towel. Towels are not supplied. A phone or camera is useful, but protect it from spray, especially if the water is choppy.

Santa Maria Caves from the water

The Santa Maria Caves are the first major sight, with about 15 minutes set aside for viewing. The catamaran moves close to the rock formations, giving you a good angle from the water rather than a distant coastal glimpse.

This is a sightseeing stop, not a long shore visit. You will not have time to wander through the caves or treat this as a cave-exploration trip. The value is the close view of the pale rock, openings, and clear water around Comino.

The amount of commentary can vary. Some crew members have shared facts about Malta, Comino, and the surrounding caves, while some passengers wanted more explanation at the sights. The crew may help take photographs, but you should not count on a full guided talk at every formation.

If you want a photo, have your camera ready before the boat reaches the caves. Fifteen minutes passes quickly, and the best view may be on the side away from your seat.

Blue Lagoon: one hour for swimming

Blue Lagoon is the main swimming stop, with roughly an hour available for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on the boat. The water is the star here, with the bright color and sheltered setting that make this one of Malta’s most popular stops.

The small catamaran helps in two ways. First, you are not trying to squeeze onto a huge vessel with hundreds of other people. Second, you can swim directly from the boat using the ladder, then return to a comfortable deck without carrying beach gear across a crowded area.

Snorkel masks are included, and the boat carries two SUP paddleboards for shared use. These are especially useful for people who want to look around the water without committing to a long swim. You may also find foam noodles or similar floatation items available, though the supplied details specifically confirm the snorkel masks and two paddleboards.

There is an important limitation. Blue Lagoon is scenic, but it is not primarily a serious snorkeling site. The underwater life can be sparse, with no reef and relatively few fish. If your main goal is marine wildlife, this is not the right boat trip. If you want a beautiful place to cool off, float, and take photographs, it works much better.

You may or may not be able to go ashore. Some departures have allowed a beach visit, while other passengers stayed on the boat for the swimming stop. Do not book this trip on the assumption that beach time is guaranteed. The reliable feature is access to the water from the catamaran.

Crystal Lagoon and the quieter swim

Crystal Lagoon follows Blue Lagoon, with about 45 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. Many people prefer this stop because it can feel calmer and less crowded, and the clear water makes it a pleasant place to float or paddle.

The lagoon also offers the chance to use a SUP board toward a cave and beach area. That gives the stop a little more variety than simply jumping off the stern. Still, conditions and boat positioning determine exactly how close you can get.

The route is weather dependent. Strong wind or rough water can make Crystal Lagoon unsafe or uncomfortable, in which case the captain may substitute a calmer swimming area near St. Paul’s Bay. This is not a failure of the trip. A good captain should protect the schedule and the people on board rather than force a pretty route in poor conditions.

One outing skipped Crystal Lagoon because of choppy water but replaced it with a longer swim in St. Paul’s Bay. That is a useful example of what you are really buying: time on a well-run small boat, with scenic stops adjusted to the sea, rather than a rigid promise that every name on the route will be visited.

Drinks, snacks, and what to eat before boarding

The drinks package is one of the stronger value points. Unlimited still water and soft drinks are included, along with beer and white or rosé wine. The stated allowance is four 50-centiliter beer cans and half a bottle of wine per person.

The crew generally keeps the drinks moving, and several departures had passengers holding refreshments soon after boarding. Please drink responsibly. Alcohol, sun, and a moving boat can catch up with you quickly, especially if you are swimming.

Food is not part of the included package. Optional menus can be requested for an extra fee, but you should eat before boarding unless you have arranged otherwise. Some trips have offered crisps, nibbles, or light snacks, and that can be a pleasant bonus. It is not consistent enough to replace breakfast or lunch.

The half-day timing helps here. A morning trip may return around lunchtime, leaving you free to find a proper meal afterward. An afternoon trip can finish with a sunset view, giving you a pleasant end to the day, but you should still plan food before departure.

How the timing works

The stated duration is three to four hours. A typical schedule adds up to close to four hours:

• About 10 minutes for the safety briefing
• Roughly 45 minutes to reach the sightseeing area
• Around 15 minutes at Santa Maria Caves
• About one hour at Blue Lagoon
• Around 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon
• About one hour for the return transfer

The exact sequence can shift with wind, waves, and local conditions. The transfer periods are long enough that you should be comfortable sitting on the boat without constant activity. This is a scenic cruise with two major water stops, not a nonstop attraction program.

I think the length is right for most people. You get enough time in the water to make bringing swimwear worthwhile, but you do not lose an entire day. One possible exception is a person who wants a long beach visit or extended snorkeling. For that, a full-day outing may suit you better.

Is $59 a fair price?

At $59 per person, this costs more than the biggest, most basic boat trips. The price makes sense if you care about space, a smaller group, drinks, and a cleaner, more comfortable boat.

You are paying for more than transport to Comino. The package includes an experienced crew, beer, wine, soft drinks, water, snorkel masks, paddleboards, a shower, a toilet, and the use of a swimming ladder. Transportation to Fekruna Jetty is not included, though it can be arranged for an added fee.

The value is strongest for couples, friends, and small family groups who would rather spend a little more to avoid a packed deck. If you only want to see the coastline from the water and do not care about personal space, a cheaper large boat may do the job.

I would also factor in the drinks separately. Four large cans of beer and half a bottle of wine per person, plus soft drinks and water, add real value for people who will use them. For someone who does not drink alcohol, the spacious boat and equipment still need to justify the price.

Who should book this trip?

I would choose this catamaran for:

• Couples who want a calm half-day at sea
• Friends who want swimming and drinks without a giant party boat
• Families with older children who can manage a ladder and open-water swimming
• People with only one morning or afternoon available
• Anyone who values a clean boat, working facilities, and room to sit comfortably

I would think twice if you have back problems, limited mobility, visual impairment, or a strong tendency toward seasickness. The experience involves boat transfers, open water, ladders, and possible movement from waves. It is also not the best choice if your top priority is a reef, abundant fish, or a guaranteed walk ashore at Blue Lagoon.

The crew’s style is another reason to book. Several departures have had attendants who were attentive, friendly, and willing to take photographs or explain local sights. The level of commentary is not guaranteed to be a formal guided tour, but the atmosphere is personal rather than anonymous.

Practical tips for a better morning or afternoon

Arrive early at Fekruna Jetty and do not cut it close. A boat that leaves on time will not necessarily wait for you.

Bring a towel, since one is not provided. Add sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and swimwear. A waterproof phone pouch is sensible, though it is not listed as required equipment.

Eat before boarding. Snacks may appear, but the package does not include food. If you need a meal during the trip, ask about an optional menu before departure.

If you are sensitive to motion, sit near the center of the catamaran and keep an eye on the forecast. The route may be changed for safety, and a calmer substitute stop can be more enjoyable than forcing the original plan.

Do not judge the day only by whether every named lagoon appears. The captain may replace Crystal Lagoon or move the swimming time when the sea turns rough. The better measure is whether you receive a comfortable boat, safe swimming, and a well-paced half-day.

Should you book the St. Paul’s Bay catamaran?

Yes, if you want a small-group Malta boat trip with two swim stops, included drinks, and enough deck space to relax. At $59, it is a sensible upgrade from the crowded boats, especially for a couple or small group that values comfort.

I would not choose it for serious snorkeling, guaranteed shore time, or a full meal. But for a polished half-day of caves, clear water, paddleboarding, and easygoing service from Fekruna Jetty, this is one of the more balanced ways to see the Comino area without giving up your whole day.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour depart?

The tour departs from Fekruna Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts about three to four hours, depending on the departure and sea conditions.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited still water and soft drinks are included. Each person also receives four 50-centiliter cans of beer and half a bottle of white or rosé wine.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included, though optional menus may be available for an additional fee. Snacks or light nibbles may be offered on some departures, but you should eat before boarding.

Can I swim and snorkel during the tour?

Yes. Swimming and snorkeling are planned at Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, though the route may change because of weather or sea conditions. Snorkel masks are provided.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, beachwear, and a towel. Towels are not provided.