Half Day Scenic Catamaran Experience

The best thing about this Malta cruise is its small-group feel. With a maximum of 15 people, you have room to stretch out on the catamaran rather than queue for a swim or fight for a patch of deck. The route combines Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon with the quieter Crystal Lagoon and a photo stop at Santa Maria Caves.

I like the generous drinks service, the included snorkelling gear and paddleboards, and the way the crew keeps the trip easygoing. The main catch is simple: two of the four hours are spent getting to and from Comino, and the lagoons can still be crowded, especially in high season.

Key points to know before you book

• Two hours of sailing: About one hour takes you from Xemxija toward Comino, with another hour for the return.
• Two swimming stops: Crystal Lagoon gets 45 minutes, while Blue Lagoon gets about an hour.
• Small boat, limited numbers: The catamaran carries no more than 15 people, a major advantage over large party boats.
• Drinks are included: Soft drinks are unlimited, with beer and wine served to adults aged 21 and over.
• Water gear comes aboard: Snorkels, two shared stand-up paddleboards, and swimming noodles are available.
• Lunch costs extra: You can request lunch for €30 per person with at least two days’ notice.

A half-day on Malta’s north coast

This is a scenic boat outing built around swimming, fresh air, and time on the water, not a packed sightseeing program. You board at ABC Diving, The Boathouse, on Triq il-Fekruna in St Paul’s Bay, then settle in for the run toward Comino.

The listed price is $59.91 per person. For that, you get the boat, crew, bottled water, soft drinks, beer and wine, snorkelling equipment, shared paddleboards, WiFi, and an onboard restroom. Lunch is not included, and private transport to the meeting point is also your responsibility.

I see the value in this package if you plan to use the water equipment and enjoy the drinks service. A cheaper boat may get you to the same island, but a much larger vessel can feel crowded and less personal. Here, the small capacity is the feature that changes the experience.

The boat departs promptly. Do not treat the meeting time as a suggestion. If you arrive late, the catamaran is not required to wait, since it must keep to the route and timing.

The sailing time is part of the experience

The tour lasts about four hours, but the swimming time adds up to roughly one hour and 45 minutes. The remaining two hours are travel time, about one hour out and one hour back.

That is worth understanding before you reserve. You are not getting four hours anchored beside a lagoon. You are getting a short cruise with scenic views, open-air seating, and two proper swim stops.

I like this balance for a morning or afternoon in Malta. The sailing gives you time to sit back, take photographs, and enjoy the coast without committing an entire day. It also leaves room for another activity, dinner, or a walk through St Paul’s Bay.

The catamaran has a restroom, WiFi, and drinks available during the trip. The crew regularly checks what you would like to drink, and the overall service is relaxed rather than formal. Beer and wine are included for people aged 21 and over. The allowance listed is four 50-centilitre cans of beer and half a bottle of wine per person, served responsibly.

Santa Maria Caves: a quick view from the water

The boat passes near the Santa Maria Caves on Comino’s north side and stops for about 15 minutes for photographs. You do not enter the caves, and there is no underwater activity at this point.

The appeal is the view from the sea. The cave openings, rock formations, and dark blue water create one of the more striking photo moments on the route. Keep your phone or camera ready, but also watch the water and cliffs instead of spending the entire stop behind a screen.

This is a short stop, so you should think of it as a scenic pause rather than a full visit. If your main goal is cave exploration, this tour will not provide that. If you want to see the caves without adding a long walk or a separate excursion, the photo stop works well.

Crystal Lagoon gives you the calmer swim

Crystal Lagoon is scheduled for about 45 minutes. This is where the trip becomes more active. The water is clear, and the boat provides snorkelling equipment along with two stand-up paddleboards for shared use.

I would make Crystal Lagoon your main water-sports stop. Forty-five minutes is enough to swim, look below the surface, take a turn on a paddleboard, and dry off before the catamaran moves on. It is not enough time for everyone to use a board for a long stretch, so be considerate if the boat is full.

The lagoon’s smaller scale and clear water make it a good contrast with Blue Lagoon. You can float, snorkel, or simply sit on the catamaran and enjoy the view. The water may feel cold outside the warmest months. An October outing, for example, may suit confident swimmers more than anyone hoping for bath-like conditions.

Snorkelling is included, but the tour does not promise a guided underwater session. You use the equipment independently. That suits people who want freedom, though families should keep an eye on younger children in the water.

Blue Lagoon brings the famous turquoise water

Blue Lagoon receives about an hour, the longest stop on the schedule. It is the place most people picture when they think of Comino: bright turquoise water, pale rock, and an easy invitation to swim.

You can remain on the catamaran, swim from the boat, or disembark to spend time near the lagoon’s beach. That choice matters. Staying aboard gives you more space and a better chance to avoid the thickest crowds on shore. Going ashore gives you a closer look at the famous setting, but the beach area can feel busy.

The Blue Lagoon is popular for good reason, but it is not a private corner of Malta. In high season, the water and shoreline may be crowded. The crew’s timing can help, and the small boat makes the stop more pleasant than joining a vessel carrying dozens of people, but no operator can make Blue Lagoon empty.

Use the hour according to your mood. Swim if the water feels right, take photographs from deck, or simply sit with a cold drink. You do not have to turn every stop into a workout.

Why the small boat matters

The maximum group size is 15 people. That is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip over a large sightseeing cruise.

A smaller group means fewer people competing for paddleboards, snorkel gear, seats, and the crew’s attention. It also makes the boat feel more spacious. Several people describe having room to lounge across the catamaran, and families have found the setup comfortable for children and teenagers.

The crew is a major part of the experience. They provide explanations about the route, add some humor, keep drinks moving, and check in throughout the outing. The tone is friendly and attentive without sounding overly formal.

There are practical limits. Small does not mean private, and the boat can still fill to its 15-person limit. The two paddleboards are shared, not one per person. The onboard toilet also receives mixed practical feedback, so treat it as a useful facility for emergencies rather than a reason to skip land-based stops.

Drinks, lunch, and what to bring

Soft drinks such as Pepsi and Sprite are unlimited. Bottled still water is provided. Beer and white or rosé wine are included for adults aged 21 and over, within the stated serving allowance.

This makes the price easier to justify, especially if you would otherwise buy several drinks during a half-day on the coast. Still, do not book the trip as a drinking cruise. The operator asks people to drink responsibly, and swimming after alcohol requires good judgment.

Lunch is available for €30 per person if requested at least two days before departure. Several details make bringing your own food worth considering, especially for a morning departure. Lunch is not part of the standard price, and the boat’s included offerings are drinks and light snacks rather than a full meal.

Pack a swimsuit, sun protection, a hat, and a dry change of clothes. Towels are not included. A phone case or small waterproof pouch is useful near the swim stops, and shoes that are easy to remove can make boarding and swimming simpler.

Who will enjoy this catamaran most

I would choose this experience if you want a relaxed way to see Comino without spending a full day on a big vessel. It suits couples, families with older children, friends, and anyone who likes a combination of scenery and swimming.

It is especially good for people who value space and service. You can spend time at the front of the catamaran, listen to music, take photographs, or use the water equipment without following a rigid activity schedule.

Families should note that children aged 6, 11, 12, and 14 have enjoyed the format according to the supplied experiences, but the tour still calls for a moderate level of physical fitness. You should be comfortable boarding a boat, moving around a deck, and swimming or remaining safely aboard while others use the water.

This is not a good choice if you are prone to seasickness. The open-water ride takes about two hours in total, and poor weather can affect the trip. If motion bothers you, consider medication only after checking that it is suitable for you, and choose a seat where you feel most stable.

Timing, weather, and the booking decision

The experience is offered in English and confirms at booking. It begins and ends at the same St Paul’s Bay meeting point. The departure is near public transportation, but private transportation is not included.

Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not refunded. The trip also requires suitable weather and a minimum number of people. If the operator cancels for either reason, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

The tour is often reserved well ahead of time, with an average booking lead of 18 days. That is a useful clue for summer planning, especially since a 15-person boat has limited capacity. I would reserve early if you want a particular date, then keep the cancellation deadline in mind.

Should you book the Half Day Scenic Catamaran Experience?

Book it if you want a comfortable small-group cruise, two attractive swimming locations, cave views, and a generous drinks setup in about half a day. The included snorkels and paddleboards add real value, and the crew’s friendly attention is central to the appeal.

Think twice if you want a quiet, empty Blue Lagoon, a full meal included, or four hours spent almost entirely swimming. The Blue Lagoon can be crowded, the sea may be chilly, and the two-hour return journey is part of the deal.

For most people, the strongest case is the combination: a clean, spacious boat, no more than 15 people, good stops, and enough time to enjoy Comino without giving up an entire day in Malta.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran depart?

The meeting point is ABC Diving, The Boathouse, Triq il-Fekruna, St Paul’s Bay SPB 4813, Malta.

Where does the experience end?

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

How long does the tour last?

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

How much swimming time is scheduled?

Crystal Lagoon is scheduled for about 45 minutes, and Blue Lagoon for about one hour. Santa Maria Caves has a 15-minute photo stop.

Is the Blue Lagoon stop on shore or from the boat?

You can swim from the catamaran, or you may disembark and spend time near the lagoon’s beach.

Are snorkelling equipment and paddleboards included?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment is included, along with two shared stand-up paddleboards.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water and unlimited Pepsi and Sprite are included. Beer and white or rosé wine are served to people aged 21 and over, within the stated serving allowance.

Is lunch included?

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

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.