Malta: Blue Lagoon, Beaches & Bays Trip by Catamaran

Malta’s Blue Lagoon is famous for its bright turquoise water, but the best way to enjoy it is from the sea, away from the packed shoreline. This six-hour catamaran trip combines swimming stops, music, sunbathing, and a bar, with possible visits to Crystal Lagoon and Popeye’s Village.

I like the large, stable catamaran, which gives you more room than the small boats that crowd Comino’s coves. I also like the freedom to choose your mood: swim and snorkel, stretch out on a sun bed, or join the music and cocktail-bar atmosphere. The trade-off is that this is a lively party-style boat, not a quiet sightseeing cruise, and the route can change with the weather.

Key things to know before you book

• The Blue Lagoon stop is offshore: You swim into the famous water, but the boat does not anchor inside the lagoon and does not dock on land.
• The route changes with sea conditions: Crystal Lagoon, Anchor Bay, Mellieha Bay, Golden Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, Ramla Bay, Imgiebah Bay, or Half Rock are all possible.
• The boat is built for comfort: Sun beds, open deck space, three water ladders, clean toilets, and nets make this more comfortable than a basic excursion boat.
• The atmosphere is social: Expect dance music, a cocktail bar, and a young, outgoing crowd rather than guided cultural commentary.
• Food costs extra: The optional barbecue includes halal chicken kebabs, salads, couscous or pasta salad, bread, and one drink.
• Come early for the best seats: Sun beds are first come, first served, and the most popular spots disappear well before departure.

A six-hour catamaran from Sirens Quay

You meet behind Loa restaurant at Sirens Quay, the departure point for this sailing from St Paul’s Bay. The activity lasts about six hours and returns to the same area, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride back from another harbor.

The English-speaking crew keeps the day moving, but this is not a formal guided tour with a running commentary. The focus is the sea, the music, and the swim stops. If crew member Neil is working your sailing, you may find him especially active in making sure people are looked after. The crew also handles the practical details, such as helping people use the ladders and keeping the boat organized.

The catamaran has several areas for sitting or lying down. Sun beds are included, but they are not reserved. If you want a prime place on the deck, arrive early and queue before boarding. The rear loungers offer more shelter, which is useful when the boat is moving or when the evening breeze picks up.

You may not bring food or drinks aboard, and smoking is not allowed. Bring cash for convenience, although payment by card is possible on board according to the practical experience of the trip. Pack a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Shoes are not allowed on the boat, so expect to go barefoot once aboard.

Swimming at the Blue Lagoon without stepping ashore

The first major stop is the Blue Lagoon, between Comino and Cominotto. Its clear, pale water is the visual star of the day, and the catamaran gives you a direct way to swim in it without spending hours searching for a patch of sand.

There is an important catch. The boat does not anchor inside the Blue Lagoon. It stops slightly farther out, away from the thickest crowd, and you enter the water from the catamaran’s ladders. That means you get the color and clarity of the lagoon without walking onto the island.

The three separate ladders make getting in and out easier than on a small boat with one narrow exit. This matters after a long swim, especially if the water is moving or several people are returning at once. You can snorkel around the boat, but bring your own goggles if you want a better fit, since personal equipment is not listed as included.

Do not expect a peaceful private cove. The Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s busiest sights, and the wider area can still feel busy even when your boat anchors away from the main shore. The advantage here is comfort and access, not solitude.

Crystal Lagoon, caves, and the optional barbecue

When sea and wind conditions allow, the next stop may be Crystal Lagoon. This area has steep cliffs and clear, deeper water. It is a better choice for confident swimmers who want to explore around caves and snorkel in water that feels less shallow than the Blue Lagoon.

The depth is worth noting. If you prefer to stand in the water, Crystal Lagoon may not suit you as well as a beach stop. If you enjoy swimming from a boat, the extra depth gives you more room and makes the caves and rock walls the main attraction.

This is also where the optional barbecue may be served. The meal includes halal chicken kebabs, a choice of couscous or pasta salad, green salad, bread, and one drink. It is purchased on the day rather than included in the base fare. Vegetarian food is available, with enough non-meat choices for a vegetarian meal, but ask the crew about the exact serving options before you order.

The barbecue costs extra, listed by one practical account at €15. That is a reasonable add-on if you plan to spend the full six hours aboard and do not want to carry lunch, but you should include it in your budget. Drinks from the bar also cost extra, with cocktails reported at about €8.

Anchor Bay and Malta’s movie-set coast

Another possible stop is Anchor Bay, home to the colorful film set known as Popeye’s Village. From the water, you get a view of the village tucked into its small bay. The catamaran does not stop on land, so this is a viewpoint rather than a chance to walk through the film set.

That distinction matters. If Popeye’s Village is a top priority, you need a separate land visit. Here, it is one part of a broader coastal trip, best enjoyed as a scenic stop between swims.

Other possible locations include Mellieha Bay, Golden Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, Ramla Bay, Imgiebah Bay, and Half Rock. Each offers the basic appeal of a swim, a snorkel, or a look at Malta’s rugged coast. You should treat the list as a set of possibilities, not a guaranteed route.

Weather controls the day. Wind and waves may make one bay unsafe or uncomfortable, so the crew can switch to another location. This flexibility is sensible, but it also means you should not book this trip solely because you want one specific secondary stop.

What the boat is like between stops

The catamaran is the strongest part of the experience for many people. It is new, clean, well cared for, and spacious enough to stretch out rather than sit shoulder to shoulder on plastic chairs. The wide deck and sun nets give you several ways to enjoy the ride.

The boat feels steady, even when the sea is somewhat rough, but no catamaran can remove all motion. If you are prone to seasickness, choose a sheltered seat, keep your eyes on the horizon, and avoid overdoing the cocktails before the boat reaches open water.

Music plays throughout the trip. Depending on the sailing, the mood may range from relaxed background music to dancing and a more energetic party. One fair criticism is that music taste is personal, and not every song selection will suit everyone. Still, the sound system and social setup make this a good choice for people who want company and movement rather than a quiet voyage.

The bar sells cocktails and other drinks, but there is no complimentary first drink. That is a small detail worth knowing when comparing the $62 price with other boat trips. The base price covers the catamaran, crew, and sun beds, not lunch or drinks.

Sunset sailing and the return to Bugibba

If you select an afternoon departure, the return leg can include sunset views across the horizon. The later timing has two practical benefits: the light changes as the boat moves along the coast, and the heat is usually easier than during the middle of the day.

Bring a light wind jacket for the trip back. Even on a warm Maltese day, the breeze can feel cool once the sun drops. The sunset option may also feel less crowded than a peak daytime departure, though you should still arrive early if securing a good lounger matters to you.

After the final swim or scenic stop, the catamaran heads back to Sirens Quay near Bugibba. There is no land stop during the activity, so plan to spend the whole six hours aboard, apart from entering the water.

Is the $62 price good value?

At $62 per person, this is not Malta’s cheapest way to see the Blue Lagoon. Small boats and basic ferries may cost less, but the comparison is not simply boat versus boat.

Here, you are paying for a six-hour outing on a spacious catamaran with an English-speaking crew, several possible swim locations, included sun beds, three water ladders, toilets, music, and a bar. You also avoid spending the entire day packed onto a small vessel. If you want room to lie down and a more social onboard setting, the price is fair.

Your final cost rises if you add the barbecue and drinks. A cocktail at about €8 and a barbecue at about €15 can turn the day into a noticeably more expensive outing. For value, bring only the money you expect to spend and decide in advance whether lunch aboard is worth it to you.

The best value comes when you use the boat fully. Swim at more than one stop, enjoy the deck between locations, and make use of the sunset option if you prefer a cooler, slower-feeling trip. If you only want a quick look at the Blue Lagoon, a shorter ferry or boat ride may make more sense.

Who should choose this Malta boat trip?

This trip suits adults and children aged 12 or older who want a social day at sea. It is a particularly good fit for friends, couples who enjoy music, and solo visitors who like meeting other outgoing people. You can be active in the water or simply lie in the sun, but the general mood remains lively.

Choose it if you value:

• A large boat with room to lounge
• Several swimming and snorkeling opportunities
• Music, dancing, and a cocktail bar
• The option of a barbecue without bringing your own meal
• A sunset return from the sea
• A crew that helps keep the day friendly and organized

Think twice if you want a quiet nature cruise, a detailed history lesson, or time ashore at the Blue Lagoon and Popeye’s Village. The trip is not suitable for wheelchair users, and it never docks on land. It also may not suit very young children because the minimum age is 12.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the current start time when booking, since departure times vary.

My verdict: book it for the boat, not just the lagoon

I would book this catamaran if I wanted a full, sociable day on Malta’s water with a comfortable base between swims. The spacious boat, clean facilities, multiple ladders, and flexible route give it an edge over cramped low-cost alternatives.

Book the sunset departure if you dislike the strongest midday heat, want changing light on the coast, or prefer a calmer feel. Choose a daytime sailing if swimming time and bright water are your main goals.

The main warning is simple: do not expect a private Blue Lagoon visit or a quiet cruise. Expect music, paid drinks, an optional paid meal, shifting stops, and a full day aboard. For the right mood, this is a strong-value way to see Malta’s bays from the water.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran depart from?

The departure point is Sirens Quay, behind Loa restaurant. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the boat trip?

The experience lasts six hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Does the boat stop on land?

No. The catamaran does not stop on land at any point during the trip.

Does the catamaran anchor inside the Blue Lagoon?

No. It anchors slightly farther out from the Blue Lagoon, allowing you to swim into the famous turquoise water away from the main crowds.

What swimming stops are included?

The first stop is the Blue Lagoon. Other possible stops include Crystal Lagoon, Anchor Bay, Mellieha Bay, Golden Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, Ramla Bay, Imgiebah Bay, and Half Rock.

Is the route guaranteed?

No. The route depends heavily on the weather and sea conditions on the day.

Is lunch included?

No. An optional barbecue can be bought aboard on the day. It includes halal chicken kebabs, couscous or pasta salad, green salad, bread, and one drink.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks, including cocktails, can be purchased from the onboard bar.

Are sun beds included?

Yes. Sun beds are included, but they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early if you want a particular spot.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, and cash. Shoes, food, and drinks are not allowed on the boat. Smoking and oversize luggage are also not allowed.