Half Day Scenic Catamaran Experience

Malta’s best swimming water is around Comino, and this small-group catamaran cruise gives you a comfortable way to reach it without spending a full day at sea. You’ll stop at the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, then pause near the Santa Marija Caves for photos.

I like the generous drink service and the chance to use snorkeling gear and paddleboards at no extra charge. I also like the limited group size, capped at 15 people, which leaves more room to stretch out and makes the boat feel calmer than a large excursion vessel.

The main thing to consider is the travel time. About two hours of the four-hour outing are spent sailing to Comino and back to Xemxija, leaving roughly two hours for the caves and swimming stops. The water may also feel cold outside the warmest months.

Key points at a glance

• Small boat, limited numbers: The catamaran carries a maximum of 15 people, so you get more space and less crowding.
• Two swimming stops: Blue Lagoon receives one hour, while Crystal Lagoon receives 45 minutes.
• Santa Marija Caves by boat: You pause for about 15 minutes to enjoy the cave formations from the water.
• Drinks are part of the price: Unlimited Pepsi and Sprite are included, along with bottled water, beer, and white or rosé wine for people aged 21 and over.
• Water gear is supplied: Snorkels and two shared stand-up paddleboards are available, but towels are not.
• Four hours, including sailing: Plan on about one hour each way between the meeting point and Comino.

A small catamaran instead of a floating crowd

The boat leaves from ABC Diving at The Boathouse on Triq il-Fekruna in St Paul’s Bay, then heads toward Comino. The maximum group size is 15, a useful detail if you dislike large boats where every swim stop turns into a queue for equipment.

The limited capacity also affects the feel of the ride. You can lounge on the catamaran, sit toward the front, or find a quieter place to watch the coast pass by. Several people particularly liked having plenty of room, and families appreciated that the boat could feel relaxed rather than packed.

The crew handles drinks throughout the outing and checks in regularly. That matters on a short cruise because you do not lose time searching for a café or carrying your own cooler. Bottled water and unlimited soft drinks are included. People aged 21 and over receive four 50-centiliter cans of beer and half a bottle of wine per person, with white and rosé available.

That is a generous amount of alcohol for a four-hour trip. Enjoy it sensibly, especially before swimming, using the paddleboards, or walking around a moving boat. The crew’s friendly service is one of the strongest parts of the experience, but the outing works best when everyone keeps the atmosphere easygoing.

WiFi and a restroom are available on board. One drawback is that the toilet arrangement did not suit everyone, so treat it as a practical convenience rather than a major feature. You should also arrive early. The catamaran leaves promptly and will not wait for late arrivals.

The one-hour ride to Comino

The trip includes about one hour of sailing from Xemxija toward Comino, followed by another hour on the return. That leaves about two hours at the bays and caves. Some people see the ride as part of the attraction, with open views, sea air, and time to settle into the boat. Others may find the ratio less appealing if they want a longer swim.

I think the sailing time makes the most sense for people who want a scenic half-day rather than a fast transfer. You have room to relax, listen to music, watch the coast, and make use of the drinks service. The catamaran is described as clean and comfortable, and the crew provides explanations about the trip with a light sense of humor.

This is not the right choice if you dislike being on the water. The operator specifically advises against booking if you are prone to seasickness. The boat requires a moderate level of physical fitness, too, since you may need to move around the deck, get in and out of the sea, and handle the boarding process.

Santa Marija Caves from the water

The first named stop is Santa Marija Bay on the north side of Comino. The catamaran pauses for about 15 minutes near the Santa Marija Caves, giving you time to photograph the openings, rock shapes, and dark blue water around them.

You do not go into the caves, and this is not a swimming stop. Think of it as a scenic pause, useful for photos and a change of pace before the longer time in the water. The view from a boat gives you a good sense of the cave entrances and coastal rock without requiring a walk or a separate visit.

Fifteen minutes passes quickly, so keep your camera ready before the boat reaches the bay. If you want a quiet photo without other boats in the frame, the timing of your departure and the day’s sea traffic will matter. The catamaran’s smaller size may help, but the area can still feel busy in the main summer season.

Blue Lagoon, Malta’s famous swim

The Blue Lagoon receives the longest stop, about one hour. Its pale turquoise water and sheltered setting are the main reason many people book a Comino cruise, and you can spend the time swimming, sunbathing on the boat, or using the supplied snorkels.

You may also choose to get off the catamaran and visit the lagoon’s beach area. That gives you another way to experience the setting, though the beach and surrounding area can be crowded. If you prefer space and a quieter swim, staying aboard may be more comfortable.

The Blue Lagoon is famous for good reason, but fame brings people. One family found it busier than they preferred, while the Crystal Lagoon felt more peaceful. That is useful guidance: enjoy the color and scenery at the Blue Lagoon, but do not expect an empty cove during the busiest part of the season.

The water temperature deserves attention. In October, one person found the sea too cool, while others happily swam and snorkeled. Your comfort will depend on the weather, the season, and how long you plan to stay in the water. Bring a towel because none is supplied.

Crystal Lagoon, the quieter water stop

After the Blue Lagoon, the catamaran heads to Crystal Lagoon for about 45 minutes. This is the stop where the experience shifts from seeing a famous Malta sight to simply enjoying clear water from a boat.

You can swim at your own pace, float, snorkel, or try one of the two stand-up paddleboards. The boards are shared, so you should not expect one for every person, but on a small-group outing they add a pleasant option when you want a break from swimming.

Crystal Lagoon is also the better place to appreciate the water below you. The clear conditions can make snorkeling rewarding, especially for families and anyone who enjoys watching the underwater world without committing to a long session. Swimming noodles are also available according to the practical equipment details shared about the trip.

Wind can affect the exact feel of the stop. The crew may choose the most suitable anchorage available, and the weather policy allows a different date or a full refund if poor conditions force cancellation. Even on a good day, sea conditions can change the comfort of a paddleboard or snorkel session.

What is included, and what is not

At $59.91 per person, the price is strong if you plan to use the boat’s main extras. You are paying for transport to Comino, a small group, two swim stops, the cave photo stop, drinks, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, WiFi, and a restroom.

The alcohol allowance is particularly generous compared with a basic sightseeing boat. The value is less impressive if you do not drink, do not swim, or mainly want a quick ride to the Blue Lagoon. In that case, much of what makes the fare attractive will not matter to you.

Lunch is not included. You can request it at least two days before departure for 30 euros per person. That is important for a morning sailing, when you may return hungry after swimming. If you do not add lunch, bring food or confirm your plan before leaving, since this is not a food-focused cruise.

Towels are not provided. Pack one, along with swimwear, sunscreen, a dry change of clothes, and a waterproof case for your phone. The boat supplies water and soft drinks, but personal snacks are worth considering, especially for families.

Private transport is also not included. The meeting point is near public transportation in St Paul’s Bay, but you are responsible for reaching ABC Diving at The Boathouse. The excursion ends back at the same location.

Who will enjoy this Comino outing

This cruise suits you if you want a relaxed half-day on the water, especially if you value space, drinks, and a small group more than a packed sightseeing schedule. Couples, families, and small groups can all make good use of the swimming equipment and open deck.

It is also a smart option for cruise passengers with a stop in Malta, provided your port schedule allows enough time to reach St Paul’s Bay and return. One family described it as a highlight of a cruise visit, but you should still allow plenty of margin because the catamaran cannot wait for late arrivals.

The experience works well for teenagers, too. The paddleboards, snorkels, and swimming stops give them something active to do, while adults can sit back with a drink and enjoy the ride. Younger children can join, but the moderate fitness requirement and open-water swimming mean you should judge your family’s comfort carefully.

You may want a different outing if you expect a guided cultural tour, a long lunch, extensive cave exploration, or guaranteed warm water. The crew explains the route and adds humor, but the main event is the sea, not a detailed historical presentation.

Timing, weather, and the best way to prepare

The experience is offered in English and lasts about four hours. Since the boat leaves on time, arrive with enough time to find the meeting point, organize your belongings, and board without rushing.

Weather controls the quality of the day. Calm conditions make the sailing and swimming more pleasant, while wind can affect the route, the anchorage, and your comfort on deck. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled start. Changes or cancellations made inside that window are not accepted for a refund. The experience also requires a minimum number of people, so a cancellation for that reason brings the choice of another date or experience, or a full refund.

The product has a 4.8 rating from 36 reviews, with 94 percent recommending it. More important than the numbers is the pattern behind them: people consistently value the clean boat, attentive crew, low passenger count, attractive swim stops, and steady supply of drinks. The recurring cautions are the cold water in cooler months, crowding at the Blue Lagoon, and the basic restroom setup.

Should you book the Half Day Scenic Catamaran Experience?

Book it if you want to see Comino by boat without committing to a full-day charter or a very large group. The combination of a maximum of 15 people, two swimming stops, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and included drinks gives the $59.91 fare solid value for a relaxed afternoon.

I would choose it over a large excursion boat if personal space and crew attention matter to you. I would also choose it for a family or couple that wants swimming and scenery, not a packed schedule.

Think twice if you are prone to seasickness, dislike cold water, need a full meal included, or want most of your time spent at the lagoons rather than sailing. Arrive early, bring a towel and lunch plan, and treat the Blue Lagoon as the famous stop and Crystal Lagoon as the calmer reward. For the right kind of day, this is an easy, pleasant way to reach Malta’s clearest water.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start?

It starts at ABC Diving, The Boathouse, Triq il-Fekruna, St Paul’s Bay SPB 4813, Malta.

Where does the activity end?

The catamaran returns to the same meeting point at the end of the experience.

How long does the experience last?

The outing lasts about four hours. About one hour is used to reach Comino and another hour to return to Xemxija.

How many people can join the catamaran?

The maximum group size is 15 people.

What stops are included?

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

Are drinks included?

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

Is lunch included?

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

Are snorkeling equipment and paddleboards available?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and two shared stand-up paddleboards are provided.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund.