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

The best thing about this Malta boat trip is its small 20-person limit. You get room to stretch out, talk with the crew, and reach the Blue Lagoon without the packed-boat feeling that can spoil a day on the water. I also like the two swim stops: Blue Lagoon for the famous turquoise water, and Crystal Lagoon for a quieter, more scenic break.

The crew keeps drinks coming, offers paddleboards and snorkel masks, and can adjust the route when the sea turns rough. Captain Dustan has shared useful stories about Malta, Comino, and the caves. The main catch is simple: this is better for swimming, sun, and scenery than for serious snorkeling, since the underwater life is limited.

Key things to know before you book

• Only 20 people aboard: You have more space than on Malta’s large party boats, with padded seating and sun loungers.
• Three-waterfront highlights: See Santa Maria Caves, swim at Blue Lagoon, and spend another 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon.
• Drinks are included: Bottled water, soft drinks, beer, and white or rosé wine are available throughout the trip.
• Paddleboards come with the fare: Two SUP boards are shared among the group, and snorkel masks are available with a 10 EUR deposit.
• Food is limited: Snacks may be available, but a proper meal is not included. Eat before boarding.
• Weather can change the plan: The crew may move the swimming stops or arrange a transfer if wind and waves make the original route unsafe.

Why the small catamaran matters in Malta

Malta’s famous swimming spots are no secret. On a busy summer day, the Blue Lagoon can feel like a crowded public swimming pool, with boats, swimmers, and noise filling the view. A catamaran limited to 20 people gives you a better chance to enjoy the water without being packed shoulder to shoulder.

At $74 per person, this costs more than the cheapest large-boat cruises. I think the extra money makes sense if you care about space, attentive service, and a calmer onboard mood. You are paying for fewer people as much as for the route itself.

The catamaran has room to lie down, padded seats, and sun loungers. That matters on a four-hour trip. You can swim, use a paddleboard, sit in the shade, or simply watch Malta’s rocky coastline slide past without feeling trapped in one seat.

The atmosphere is social but not frantic. With 20 people or fewer, you may get to know the others onboard, and the crew has time to help with swimming gear, take photos, or answer questions. On some departures, the group can be much smaller, making the boat feel close to a private charter.

Starting at Fekruna Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay

The trip begins at Fekruna Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. Arrive early. The boat leaves promptly at its scheduled time, and it is not required to wait for late arrivals.

The first ten minutes are given to a safety briefing. This is useful rather than ceremonial, since you will be moving around the deck, entering the water, and sharing paddleboards. Listen carefully to the crew’s instructions about swimming areas and equipment.

After that comes roughly 45 minutes of travel. This is part of the experience, not dead time. You can settle into the catamaran, take in the coastal views, and order a drink before the main stops begin.

Transportation to the jetty is not included. It can be arranged for an additional fee, but you should plan your own way to Fekruna Jetty unless you add that service. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, and a towel. Towels are not supplied.

Santa Maria Caves from the water

The first major sight is Santa Maria Caves, where the catamaran moves close to the rock formations for about 15 minutes of sightseeing. This is a viewing stop rather than a long swimming session.

From the water, the caves give you a good sense of Malta’s coast as a place shaped by wind and sea. You see the openings, cliffs, and clear water from a much better angle than you would from land. Keep your camera ready, since the boat may not linger for long.

The small group helps here. Everyone can move around the deck and find a clear view, rather than competing with a large crowd. The crew can also point out features along the coast and share local information. Captain Dustan has been particularly good at explaining Malta, Comino, and the surrounding caves.

If you want a full cave tour with long stops inside each formation, this is not that kind of outing. Santa Maria Caves are part of a wider half-day route, so the focus is on seeing them from the sea before moving on.

One hour at the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon gets the longest stop, about one hour. This is the main swimming break and the place most people picture when they think of a Malta boat day.

The water is clear and intensely blue, and the setting gives you plenty to do. You can swim from the catamaran, float near the boat, use a snorkel mask, or take a paddleboard when one is free. There is also an option to go ashore and enjoy the beach.

That last choice gives the stop some flexibility. You can stay on the catamaran and enjoy the less crowded space onboard, or head toward the beach if you want to see the lagoon from land. The beach can be busy, so do not assume that leaving the boat will make the experience quieter.

The crew may position the catamaran away from the thickest crowds when conditions allow. That can make a big difference. You still see the famous lagoon, but you may have more room to swim and a better view of the water.

Snorkeling here is pleasant for a quick look beneath the surface, but it is not the main reason to book this trip. There are no reefs, and the amount of fish can be limited, especially with many people in the water. Bring a mask if you own one, but set your expectations around swimming and scenery rather than marine life.

A quieter 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon

Crystal Lagoon follows with about 45 minutes for sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling. For many people, this is the more relaxing stop.

The water is clear, and the surroundings feel more sheltered and calm. You can swim at your own speed, float near the boat, or take one of the shared SUP boards. The paddleboards are especially useful here, since they let you look back at the rocky coastline from a higher viewpoint.

There is also a cave and beach area that you may be able to reach by paddleboard, depending on conditions and availability. With only two boards for the group, you may need to share, but the smaller group makes that manageable.

Crystal Lagoon is a good reminder that the two swim stops offer different moods. Blue Lagoon is the famous name and the longer stop. Crystal Lagoon can feel less hectic and may be the better place for a calm swim.

As with Blue Lagoon, do not expect a major snorkeling site. The clear water looks inviting, but the underwater wildlife is not especially abundant. I would bring a mask for the experience, not because this is a specialist snorkeling excursion.

Drinks, snacks, and what you actually get

The fare includes bottled still water, soft drinks, beer, and white and rosé wine. Drinks are available throughout the trip, which adds real value to a warm morning or afternoon at sea.

The crew is attentive about topping up drinks and helping with swimming activities. Light snacks may be provided, but food is not formally included as a meal. Optional menus are available on request for an extra fee.

My practical advice is to eat before you board. A few snacks can keep you comfortable, but they should not replace breakfast or lunch. This is particularly important because the trip includes travel time and active swimming.

Snorkel masks are available with a 10 EUR deposit. Two paddleboards are included, but they are shared. There are no towels, so pack your own and bring a dry change of clothes if you dislike sitting in wet swimwear on the ride home.

When the weather changes the route

The sea controls this trip. Wind and choppy water can force the crew to alter the route or move the swimming stop to calmer water.

That is not a flaw. It is the sensible way to run a boat trip. One departure had to move to calmer water, with a bus transfer arranged so the group could continue safely. The important point is that the exact order and location of the stops are not guaranteed.

You should also know that people prone to seasickness may find the journey uncomfortable. Those with back problems or mobility impairments may not be suited to the activity. The tour is also not suitable for visually impaired people, according to the stated restrictions.

If you are unsure about the sea, consider taking motion-sickness precautions and choosing a seat where you feel most stable. The crew can help, but they cannot make rough water disappear.

Is $74 good value?

At $74, this is not Malta’s bargain boat ride. It is priced as a small-group experience, and the value comes from the way the day feels rather than from the number of sights checked off.

You get four hours on a luxury catamaran, an English-speaking crew, three coastal highlights, swimming time, shared paddleboards, snorkel equipment with a deposit, and an open supply of drinks. You also avoid the discomfort of a much larger boat.

I would choose this over a cheaper crowded cruise if you want space and service. The crew has been praised for staying attentive, sharing local information, helping people into the water, taking photos, and keeping the mood friendly. Some departures have had very few people onboard, which can make the price especially attractive.

The value is weaker if your main goal is serious snorkeling, a full meal, or a long list of historic sights. You are buying a relaxed sea outing, not a formal cultural tour or a marine-life expedition.

Who will enjoy this four-hour outing

This trip suits couples, friends, families with older children, and small groups who want a polished half-day at sea. It also works well if you want to leave room in your Malta schedule for another activity later the same day.

You will likely enjoy it if you like swimming, sunbathing, coastal views, and casual conversation with a small group. The short duration is useful if you do not want to spend an entire day on a boat.

It is less suitable if you dislike being on the water, suffer easily from motion sickness, need step-free access, or want a quiet, private charter guaranteed for your own party. The catamaran is small, but it is still a shared experience.

The tour is also not ideal for a serious snorkeler. The water is beautiful, yet the underwater life is limited. For most people, the strongest memories will come from the boat, the views, the clear swimming water, and the care from the crew.

Small details that can improve your day

Arrive before the requested meeting time, not exactly at it. A departure at the scheduled time is firm, and a late arrival may mean missing the boat.

Wear swimwear under your clothes and keep sunscreen handy. The sun can feel strong on the open deck, even when the air is comfortable.

Bring a towel, sunglasses, a sun hat, and a waterproof way to protect your phone. If you want to listen to music, the crew may allow passengers to play their own music, but keep the volume considerate of the small group.

Ask the crew about the best time to use the paddleboards and snorkel masks. With only two SUP boards, a little sharing keeps everyone happy. If you hope to go near the cave and beach at Crystal Lagoon, mention it early.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now while paying later. Check the available start times carefully, since the tour lasts four hours and the exact departure depends on the date.

Should you book this catamaran tour?

Book it if you want a comfortable, small-group way to see Malta’s best-known swimming water without spending a full day at sea. The combination of 20 or fewer people, attentive crew, included drinks, and two swimming stops gives this outing a clear advantage over packed boats.

I would especially recommend it for first-time Malta visitors who want Blue Lagoon but do not want to sacrifice half a day to a loud, crowded cruise. Choose it with realistic expectations about snorkeling and food, arrive early at Fekruna Jetty, and pack your own towel and meal.

Skip it if you need a fully accessible boat, become seasick easily, or want extensive underwater wildlife. For a relaxed morning or afternoon of water, sun, caves, and friendly service, $74 is a fair price.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start?

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

How long does the activity last?

The total duration is four hours. Start times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

How many people can join the catamaran?

The catamaran accommodates a maximum of 20 people, creating a smaller group than the large boat cruises common around Malta.

What places does the boat visit?

The route includes Santa Maria Caves, Blue Lagoon, and Crystal Lagoon. The itinerary may change because of weather and sea conditions.

Is swimming included?

Yes. You have about one hour for swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing at Blue Lagoon, followed by about 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon.

Are drinks included?

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

Is food included?

A proper meal is not included. Optional food menus may be available for an additional fee, and light snacks may be offered. Eating before boarding is a sensible choice.

Can I use a paddleboard or snorkel mask?

Two SUP paddleboards are available for the group to share. Snorkel masks are available with a 10 EUR deposit.

What should I bring?

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