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

The best thing about this Malta boat trip is its small size. With room for only 20 people, the catamaran gives you space to stretch out, swim, and enjoy a drink without being packed shoulder to shoulder. The route also covers three of Comino’s prettiest sights in four hours.

I like the friendly, attentive crew, who keep drinks topped up and share local information. I also like the two swimming stops, especially Crystal Lagoon, where you can use a paddleboard to reach a cave and beach. The main drawback is that the snorkeling is modest, with few fish and no reef, so serious underwater explorers should choose another outing.

Quick points to know

• Small boat, maximum 20 people: You get more room and a calmer feel than on Malta’s large excursion boats.
• Three scenic stops: The route includes Santa Maria Caves, Blue Lagoon, and Crystal Lagoon.
• Drinks are included: Water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, and rosé are available during the cruise.
• Water gear is provided: Snorkel masks are available with a €10 deposit, and two SUP paddleboards are shared among the group.
• Four hours is a useful length: You get a proper morning or afternoon on the water without giving up the whole day.
• Weather can change the route: The captain may move the boat to calmer water or adjust the plan when conditions are rough.

This is a relaxed half-day on the Maltese coast, not a high-speed sightseeing race. You leave from Fekruna Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay, spend time at the Santa Maria Caves, then stop at the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon before returning.

The $74 price makes more sense when you compare the boat size. Malta’s famous lagoons attract plenty of large excursion boats, and a cheaper cruise can mean limited deck space, crowded swimming areas, and a noisier ride. Here, the group is capped at 20, with padded seating and sun loungers described as available on board.

That does not make the trip private by default. One departure had only three people, turning it into something close to a private charter, but you should plan on sharing the boat with up to 19 others. The small capacity is the value: more room, easier access to the crew, and a better chance of finding a quiet place on deck.

Meeting at Fekruna Jetty

Your day starts at Fekruna Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. The catamaran leaves promptly, so arriving early matters. The operator specifically warns that the boat is not required to wait for late arrivals, even if your delay is brief.

Once aboard, expect a safety briefing of about 10 minutes. This is followed by roughly 45 minutes of travel toward the Comino area. That first stretch gives you time to settle in, claim a comfortable place, and watch Malta’s shoreline recede.

Bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, and beachwear. Towels are not supplied. You should also eat before boarding, or ask about an optional food menu in advance, because food is not part of the stated package.

The trip is in English. The crew includes an experienced captain and staff who help with swimming equipment and drinks. Captain Dustan is named in the trip feedback as someone who shares information about Malta, Comino, and the caves along the route.

Santa Maria Caves from the water

The first sightseeing stop is Santa Maria Caves, with about 15 minutes for viewing. The catamaran moves close enough for you to see the rock formations and clear water from the deck.

This is a short photo stop rather than a long cave visit. You will not have a great deal of time to explore on foot, and the boat does not turn this part into a separate shore excursion. Still, seeing the caves from the water gives you a useful sense of Comino’s rough coastline and narrow inlets.

The exact approach depends on sea conditions. When the water is calm, the two shared paddleboards may let you get closer to a cave or beach. Use them with care and follow the crew’s instructions, since there are only two boards for the whole group.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful, busy, and good for a swim

The Blue Lagoon is the headline stop, and the catamaran spends about an hour here. Its pale, clear water is ideal for a swim, a float, or a short snorkeling session. You can also choose to go ashore and spend time on the beach, if that option is available during the departure.

The lagoon is famous for a reason, but fame brings crowds. The advantage of this trip is not that you will have the entire Blue Lagoon to yourself. The smaller catamaran can give you a more comfortable base away from the most crowded boats, and one departure found a quieter position with space to enjoy the water.

Your hour passes quickly. Allow time to climb in and out, rinse off if facilities are available, collect a mask, and give the paddleboards to other people. If swimming is your priority, head into the water early rather than waiting until the end of the stop.

The water is the star here, not the marine life. The snorkeling is pleasant for a look beneath the surface, but conditions are not suited to serious reef snorkeling. Expect clear water, rock, and a refreshing swim rather than a large variety of fish.

Crystal Lagoon for a quieter second swim

After Blue Lagoon, the boat continues to Crystal Lagoon for about 45 minutes. This stop is often the more peaceful of the two, with clear water, dramatic rock, and a less commercial feel.

Crystal Lagoon works well if you prefer a swim without spending the entire stop on a busy beach. You can float, snorkel, or use one of the foam noodles mentioned in the trip feedback. The two SUP boards can also be taken toward a cave and beach when the conditions allow.

The lagoon’s setting gives you a different experience from Blue Lagoon. Blue Lagoon is the recognizable showpiece, while Crystal Lagoon is better for slow swimming and views of the surrounding rock. If you want to take photographs, this is a good time to remain on deck and watch the water shift around the cliffs.

Again, keep your expectations realistic about snorkeling. There are few fish and no reef system highlighted for this outing. I would rate the water activities as swimming and casual surface exploration, not as a dedicated snorkeling tour.

Drinks, snacks, and the onboard feel

Drinks are one of the strongest practical features. Bottled still water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, and rosé are included, so you do not need to budget for every drink after boarding.

The crew is described as proactive with refills, and the small group makes that level of service possible. You can ask for a drink without leaving your place on deck, and the crew can help with water activities when needed. They have also been described as taking photographs and videos for people on board.

Food is different. The stated inclusions do not cover a meal, and optional menus are available at an extra charge upon request. Some departures have included light snacks, such as nibbles, but you should not treat those as a guaranteed lunch. Eat beforehand if you need a proper meal.

Music may also be part of the mood. The trip feedback notes that people were allowed to play their own music. That can make the cruise feel informal and social, though anyone seeking a silent sailing should remember that the atmosphere is not designed as a quiet charter.

How the four hours are divided

The timing is useful because it gives you both travel and water time:

• Safety briefing: about 10 minutes
• Travel from St. Paul’s Bay: about 45 minutes
• Santa Maria Caves: about 15 minutes
• Blue Lagoon: about 1 hour
• Crystal Lagoon: about 45 minutes
• Return travel: about 1 hour

The listed times add up to the full half-day, including the return to Fekruna Jetty. You should not expect extra time at each stop if the boat leaves late, so arrive early and be ready when the crew calls people back aboard.

The long return journey is part of the trip, not wasted time. It gives you a chance to dry off, sit in the sun, enjoy another drink, and view more of Malta’s coast. If you are prone to seasickness, though, that hour on open water may feel long.

Weather and route changes

The sea decides how this outing works. The route can change with the weather, and rough conditions may mean moving to calmer water or altering a planned stop. One departure used a bus to transfer people when choppy water made the original arrangement unsuitable, and the day continued successfully.

This flexibility is a safety benefit, but it also means you should not regard every stop as guaranteed in exactly the advertised order. Blue Lagoon may be less enjoyable in strong wind, and the captain’s judgment matters more than a fixed schedule.

People with back problems, mobility impairments, visual impairments, or motion sickness are advised not to book. The catamaran involves boarding, moving around a marine setting, swimming stops, and several hours on the water. If you regularly feel unwell on boats, take that warning seriously.

What makes the small group worth the price

At $74 per person, this is not Malta’s cheapest way to reach the lagoons. The extra cost buys a less crowded boat, more deck space, included drinks, and a crew that can pay closer attention to the group.

That value is strongest if you care about comfort. You can lie on a padded seat, move around the deck, and swim without returning to a packed vessel. The crew can also help you with masks, paddleboards, photos, and drinks in a way that is harder on a much larger boat.

The value is weaker if your main goal is a long snorkeling session or a full meal. Snorkel masks are available, but a €10 deposit is required, and the underwater wildlife is limited. Food is extra, and the paddleboards are shared rather than one per person.

For couples, small groups of friends, and families who want a polished outing without a full-day commitment, the balance is good. It also suits anyone who finds large party boats tiring. If you want total privacy, ask about availability, but do not assume the standard booking is a private charter.

Small details that improve the day

Arrive before the stated meeting time at Fekruna Jetty. The catamaran departs on schedule, and being on time protects you from starting the day with a stressful chase.

Wear swimwear under comfortable clothes. You will have two proper swimming stops, and changing on a moving boat may not be convenient. Pack a towel since none is provided, plus sun protection for the deck.

Keep some flexibility in your plans. The tour lasts four hours, but sea conditions can affect the route and the order of stops. The free cancellation policy allows cancellation up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option may help if your Malta schedule is still changing.

Do not expect a guided cultural tour in the usual sense. The crew shares information about Malta and Comino, but the main attraction is the coastline, the water, and the easy pace. You get local context without giving up most of the day to formal commentary.

Who should book this catamaran tour?

I would choose this trip if you want to see the Blue Lagoon and nearby caves while avoiding the feel of a crowded excursion boat. The small capacity, comfortable deck, drinks, and two swim stops create a pleasant middle ground between a basic ferry ride and a costly private charter.

It is especially well suited to you if:

• You want a four-hour outing rather than a full day at sea.
• You value space and personal service.
• Swimming matters more than serious snorkeling.
• You like having beer, wine, soft drinks, and water included.
• You want some local information from the crew.
• You are comfortable with a flexible route shaped by the weather.

I would look elsewhere if you need guaranteed access to every site, a full lunch, intensive snorkeling, or a boat with no motion at all. The water around Comino can be choppy, and the trip is not recommended for people prone to seasickness.

Should you book it?

Book it if the idea of a small, comfortable boat appeals more than saving the last few dollars. The route covers Malta’s most famous swimming areas, but the real advantage is having room to enjoy them, with a helpful crew and drinks already covered.

Skip it if underwater wildlife is your main reason for going, or if you need a fully accessible activity. For most people seeking a polished half-day on the water, $74 is fair value, particularly when the alternative is a crowded boat with fewer comforts.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start and finish?

The tour starts at Fekruna Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay and returns to the same meeting point at the end.

How long does the activity last?

The catamaran trip lasts four hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

How many people can join the catamaran?

The catamaran accommodates a maximum of 20 people, creating a smaller group than many large boat excursions.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled still water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, and rosé are included.

Is food included?

Food is not included in the stated price. Optional menus can be requested for an additional fee, and light snacks may be available on some departures.

What equipment is provided for swimming?

Snorkel masks are available with a €10 deposit. Two SUP paddleboards are provided for the group to share. Towels are not included, so bring your own.