Half Day Scenic Catamaran Experience

The best part of this half-day catamaran cruise is its small size. With a maximum of 15 people, you get room to stretch out, enjoy the front of the boat, and reach Comino without the feel of a floating crowd. The route includes a photo stop at Santa Marija Caves, then swimming at the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon.

I like the generous drinks service, with bottled water, unlimited Pepsi and Sprite, plus beer and white or rosé wine for adults aged 21 and over. I also like the useful gear: snorkels, two stand-up paddleboards, and swimming noodles are available at no extra cost. The main drawback is that the two-hour round-trip sail leaves roughly two hours for stops, and the Blue Lagoon can be very busy, especially in high season.

Key points to know before you book

• Small-group sailing: The catamaran carries no more than 15 people, a major advantage over larger Malta boat trips.
• Three scenic Comino stops: See Santa Marija Caves, swim at the Blue Lagoon, and spend longer at Crystal Lagoon.
• Drinks are included: Expect bottled water, unlimited soft drinks, and a set amount of beer and wine for eligible adults.
• Water gear is provided: Snorkeling equipment, two shared paddleboards, and swimming noodles are available.
• Allow two hours for sailing: The extra hour each way is travel time between Xemxija and Comino.
• Lunch is not automatic: You can request lunch for €30 per person with at least two days’ notice, or bring your own.

Why this small catamaran works so well

Malta has no shortage of boat trips to Comino. Many use large vessels, and the famous Blue Lagoon can feel crowded once you arrive. This outing takes a quieter approach. The boat carries up to 15 people, so you have a better chance of finding a comfortable spot, moving around the deck, and getting attention from the crew when you need a drink or a piece of equipment.

That small group also matters at the swimming stops. You are not trying to launch a paddleboard among dozens of people or waiting in line for a snorkel. The crew can explain the route, help with the gear, and keep an eye on the timing without turning the trip into a formal guided tour.

The catamaran leaves from ABC Diving, The Boathouse, on Triq il-Fekruna in St Paul’s Bay. The activity ends at the same point. You need to arrive before the scheduled departure because the vessel leaves promptly and cannot wait for late arrivals.

The advertised price is $59.91 per person. That is a fair value if you plan to swim and make use of the onboard extras. You are paying not only for the boat ride, but also for two lagoon stops, bottled water, soft drinks, adult drinks, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, WiFi, and a restroom. A basic boat transfer may cost less, but it will not necessarily include this level of service or such a small group.

The two-hour sail between Malta and Comino

The route includes about one hour sailing out to Comino and another hour returning to Xemxija. That timing is important. The experience lasts about four hours, but approximately half of it is spent moving between Malta and the island.

I see this as part of the appeal, provided you enjoy being on the water. The outward journey gives you time to settle in, find a good place on deck, and take in the coast. The return trip is a relaxed finish, with drinks, music, and open views. It also means this is not a rapid stop-and-go excursion. You get a proper boat ride rather than a short shuttle to the lagoons.

The catamaran has a restroom and WiFi, which make the longer sail easier. Still, you should bring sun protection and a towel. Towels are not included. If you are prone to seasickness, this trip is not a good choice, since the boat spends a substantial amount of time at sea.

The crew’s style is one of the experience’s strongest points. They explain the route, add humor, check what you would like to drink, and help with the swimming equipment. The service is attentive without needing to feel formal. That is especially useful for families and anyone who is not fully confident in the water.

Santa Marija Caves, a 15-minute photo stop

The first Comino stop is at Santa Marija Bay, on the island’s north side. The Santa Maria Caves are known for their natural rock formations and clear views into the sea. You do not go ashore or enter the caves here. Instead, the catamaran pauses for about 15 minutes so you can take photos from the water.

This is a short stop, but it adds something different to the trip. The lagoons are about swimming and color. The caves give you a chance to look at Comino’s rocky coastline and see how the sea has shaped it over time.

Keep your camera ready, but do not expect a long sightseeing visit. Fifteen minutes passes quickly, and the boat’s position may depend on sea conditions. The value is in the view from the water, not in an extended cave tour.

Blue Lagoon, Malta’s famous swimming stop

The Blue Lagoon receives about one hour of the schedule. Its turquoise water and bright setting explain why it is one of Malta’s best-known coastal stops. You can swim from the catamaran, relax on deck, or choose to get off and spend time near the lagoon’s beach.

This is the place for the classic Comino experience. The water is striking, and you can snorkel, float, or simply sit in the sun. The provided equipment means you do not need to pack your own mask and snorkel, though you do need to bring a towel.

The catch is popularity. The Blue Lagoon may be crowded, particularly during the main summer season. A small catamaran makes the journey feel more personal, but it cannot empty the lagoon itself. If you dislike busy places, treat this stop as a quick look and save your longer swim for Crystal Lagoon.

Water temperature is another consideration. Conditions vary by season, and the sea can feel cold, especially in October. Some people may prefer a short swim, while others will happily get in at both stops. The crew can provide equipment and help you prepare, but the decision to swim is yours.

Crystal Lagoon, the better place for a quiet swim

After the Blue Lagoon, the catamaran heads to Crystal Lagoon for about 45 minutes. This stop is often the more peaceful part of the route. The water is clear and bright, and it is well suited to snorkeling, paddleboarding, or an unhurried swim.

I would plan to use the snorkeling gear here. Crystal Lagoon gives you time to look beneath the surface instead of rushing through a quick dip. The two shared stand-up paddleboards add another option, though they are shared among the group, so you may need to take turns.

Swimming noodles are also available, which is a small but useful touch. They help you relax in the water if you do not want to swim continuously. Families can use the stop in different ways, with stronger swimmers exploring farther and younger children staying close to the boat.

The lagoon is described as tranquil, but sea conditions and seasonal crowds can change the mood. Even so, the 45-minute stop is long enough to feel worthwhile. If you have only limited time for swimming, I would save your energy for this bay rather than trying to spend the full hour at the Blue Lagoon.

Drinks, snacks, and the missing lunch

Drinks are a major part of the value here. Bottled still water is provided, soft drinks such as Pepsi and Sprite are unlimited, and adults aged 21 and over receive beer and wine. The stated adult allowance is four 50-centiliter cans of beer and half a bottle of wine per person.

You can enjoy a drink while the boat is underway or after swimming. The crew regularly checks what you want, which keeps the service friendly and personal. Please drink responsibly, since the boat is moving, the sun is strong, and swimming after too much alcohol is not sensible.

Lunch is not included. You can request it for €30 per person, but you must give at least two days’ notice before departure. Several details point to a practical choice: bring your own lunch, or arrange the paid option in advance. Do not assume that the drink service replaces a meal.

The tour is particularly easy to enjoy in the afternoon, when a full lunch may be less important. For a morning departure, pack food unless you have already arranged the €30 lunch. The provided drinks and any snacks available onboard are helpful, but they should not be treated as a guaranteed lunch.

What the boat feels like onboard

The catamaran is described as clean, comfortable, and spacious, with room to sit or stretch out. The small passenger limit is the key feature. You can move between the seating areas, enjoy the front, and return to a calmer spot after swimming.

The boat also has WiFi and a restroom. The restroom has drawn at least one criticism, so I would treat it as a basic convenience rather than a feature you would want to rely on for comfort. Use it when needed, but do not expect land-based facilities.

Music may be played during the trip, adding a casual holiday mood. The overall tone is relaxed rather than academic. You will get explanations about the route and the area, but this is mainly a scenic cruise with swimming time, not a history-focused excursion.

The crew receives especially strong praise for being friendly, attentive, and helpful. They serve drinks, explain the trip, assist with equipment, and adapt when wind affects the best anchoring points. That flexibility is valuable around Comino, where the most comfortable swimming location can depend on conditions.

Who will get the most from this cruise

I would recommend this catamaran to you if you want Malta’s coast without spending a full day on a boat. Four hours is long enough to reach Comino, enjoy two proper swimming stops, and still leave part of your day free.

It suits couples looking for a calm outing, families with older children, and small groups who prefer personal service. Teenagers have plenty to do with snorkeling and paddleboarding, while less active passengers can sit on deck and enjoy the views.

It is also a sensible choice for cruise passengers stopping in Malta. The activity returns to its starting point, and the half-day format leaves time for other plans, although you must allow enough time to reach St Paul’s Bay and return to your ship.

You should think twice if you dislike boats, suffer from seasickness, or want a long beach visit. The experience has two hours of sailing, no included towels, and only about one hour at the Blue Lagoon. It also may not suit anyone hoping for an empty lagoon in July or August.

The minimum physical fitness level is moderate. You do not need to be a strong swimmer to enjoy the ride, but getting on and off the boat, using a paddleboard, and swimming from the vessel require some mobility. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation.

Timing, weather, and cancellation details

The catamaran requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded or accepted. Since the operator requires prompt departure, arrive early rather than trying to reach the boat at the last moment.

The trip is often booked about 18 days in advance, so I would not leave it until your final day in Malta if the schedule matters. Booking ahead is especially sensible for the small-group format, since only 15 places are available.

Should you book the Half Day Scenic Catamaran Experience?

I would book this trip if your priority is a comfortable small-group boat ride with two good swimming stops and drinks included. The crew service, clean catamaran, and access to snorkels and paddleboards give it more substance than a simple cruise past Comino.

The best plan is to bring a towel, sun protection, and lunch unless you arrange the €30 meal ahead of time. Expect the Blue Lagoon to be busy, and save your main swimming time for Crystal Lagoon. If the sea is cold, you can still enjoy the scenery and use the deck, but this trip delivers its best value to people who want to get in the water.

Skip it if you are prone to seasickness, want a full-day beach outing, or prefer a large party boat with lots of onboard activity. For everyone else, this is a well-paced way to see Comino, enjoy Malta’s bright coastal water, and avoid spending the whole day in a crowded vessel.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran experience last?

The experience lasts approximately four hours. About one hour is used to travel from Xemxija to Comino, and another hour is used for the return journey.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at ABC Diving, The Boathouse, Triq il-Fekruna, St Paul’s Bay SPB 4813, Malta. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How many people can join the catamaran?

The maximum group size is 15 people.

What stops are included?

The route includes a 15-minute photo stop at Santa Marija Bay and the Santa Marija Caves, a one-hour stop at the Blue Lagoon, and a 45-minute swimming stop at Crystal Lagoon.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water and unlimited Pepsi and Sprite are included. Adults aged 21 and over are served four 50-centiliter cans of beer and half a bottle of white or rosé wine.

Is lunch included?

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

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included. Two shared stand-up paddleboards and swimming noodles are also available.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, you will receive the same options.