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

The best thing about this small-group catamaran is the breathing room. With no more than 20 people, you can stretch out on the deck, find a padded seat, and reach the swimming ladder without fighting through a packed boat. I like the two well-chosen swim stops, Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, and I like that beer, wine, soft drinks, snorkel masks, and two shared paddleboards are included.

The main catch is that this is a swim-and-scenery outing, not a serious snorkeling trip. The water is clear and beautiful, but you should not expect reefs or much marine life. Weather can also change the plan, and choppy conditions have sometimes meant skipping Crystal Lagoon or moving to calmer water.

Key points at a glance

• A maximum of 20 people: You get far more room than on Malta’s large party boats, with space to sit, lie down, and move around.
• Three scenic coastal stops: Santa Maria Caves is for viewing, while Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon allow swimming and snorkeling.
• Drinks are part of the fare: Unlimited water and soft drinks are provided, plus four 50-centiliter beer cans and half a bottle of wine per person.
• Useful water equipment: Snorkel masks, two shared SUP paddleboards, noodles, a swimming ladder, and a fresh-water shower are available.
• A practical half-day length: The trip takes about 3 to 4 hours, leaving time for lunch or another Malta sight.
• Weather matters: The captain may change the route or swimming stops if wind and waves make the planned itinerary unsafe.

Why the 20-person catamaran matters

Malta has plenty of boat trips, but many use large vessels packed with people. This outing takes a different approach. The catamaran is designed for a maximum of 20 people, and some departures have carried fewer than that, sometimes only 15 or 16 people.

That difference affects the whole day. You have more room to stretch out, and the boat does not feel like a floating queue for the swimming ladder. The open deck gives you a good choice of sun and shade, while the padded seats and sun loungers make the ride comfortable during the longer transfers.

I also like the social balance. The atmosphere can be friendly and lively, with music playing through the catamaran’s sound system, but it is not built around a huge party crowd. You can chat with people on board, listen to your own music on some departures, or simply sit back and watch Malta’s coast pass by.

The boat has toilets, a fresh-water shower, and a clean, modern feel. These are small details until you are wet, salty, and several hours from shore. Then they matter.

Starting at Fekruna Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay

Your meeting point is Fekruna Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. Arrive early. The boat leaves promptly, and it is not required to wait for late arrivals. One person who reached the jetty at the stated arrival time found the departure felt uncomfortably close, so I would not cut this one fine.

The outing begins with a safety briefing of about 10 minutes. After that, allow roughly 45 minutes for the first transfer. This is not wasted time. You get a chance to settle into the boat, enjoy the coastline, and choose where you want to sit before the first stop.

The crew speaks English. Names mentioned on different departures include Fernando, Bim, Idola, and Captain Dustin or Dustan. The exact crew can vary, but the service style is clear: drinks are offered soon after boarding, crew members check on people during the trip, and they can provide information about Malta, Comino, and the coastal caves.

Food is not included as a formal meal. Some departures have had crisps, nibbles, or light snacks available, but you should not treat this as a lunch cruise. Eat before boarding if you need a proper meal, especially if you are prone to seasickness.

Santa Maria Caves from the water

The first scenic highlight is Santa Maria Caves. The catamaran spends about 15 minutes near the caves, giving you a close view of the rock formations and clear water around them.

This is a sightseeing stop rather than a long shore visit. You stay on the boat and see the caves from the water, so bring your camera and keep your phone ready. The catamaran gives you a stable platform for photos, though the sea may move under you.

The amount of commentary can vary. Some departures have included local facts about Malta and Comino, while other people would have liked more explanation of the formations. If you care about detailed guiding, ask the crew questions rather than expecting a long formal talk.

One nice touch is that crew members may help take photos. That is useful at the caves, where you would otherwise be choosing between enjoying the view and trying to frame a selfie.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, busy surroundings

Blue Lagoon receives about an hour in the planned schedule. This is the main swimming stop, with time for snorkeling, floating, sunbathing, and using the swimming ladder.

The water is the star here. It is bright, clear, and inviting, and the catamaran can sometimes secure a position away from the thickest crowd of boats. Even so, Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s best-known swimming areas, so do not expect private silence. The experience depends on the day, the weather, and how many other boats are nearby.

You normally remain on the catamaran rather than going ashore. That is important if you hoped to walk onto the beach or explore the island. The boat offers a fine swimming base, but it is not a substitute for a beach visit.

Snorkel masks are included, but keep expectations sensible. The water is pleasant for a look beneath the surface, yet this is not a dedicated marine-life excursion. One detailed assessment found few fish and no reef. I would book this for swimming in beautiful water first, with snorkeling as a pleasant extra.

The water temperature and wind can also affect your enjoyment. In choppy conditions, swimming may be delayed or moved to a calmer spot. The crew’s willingness to change the plan is a strength, not a failure, but it means the exact route is never guaranteed.

Crystal Lagoon and the second swim

Crystal Lagoon follows Blue Lagoon, with about 45 minutes set aside for swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing. Many people prefer this stop because it can feel quieter and more sheltered, and the clear water is excellent for a relaxed swim.

The two shared SUP paddleboards add variety. You can paddle along the surface, and some departures have used them to approach a cave or small beach area near the lagoon. Since the boards are shared, you may need to take turns, especially if the boat is close to its 20-person limit.

The catamaran also carries snorkel masks and foam noodles. The noodles are handy if you want to float without spending the whole stop swimming. A swimming ladder makes reboarding easier, and the fresh-water shower lets you rinse off salt before the return trip.

Crystal Lagoon is not guaranteed. Wind and waves have caused the crew to skip it and replace it with a longer swim in St. Paul’s Bay. That kind of change can be disappointing if you have your heart set on seeing every named stop, but safety and comfort should come first. The substitute can still offer a lovely swim.

Drinks, music, and the onboard mood

The drinks package is one reason the $59 price makes sense. Still water and soft drinks are unlimited, and beer and wine are included. Each person receives four 50-centiliter beer cans and half a bottle of wine, with white and rosé available.

This is enough to make the boat feel relaxed without forcing you to buy drinks at every stop. Please pace yourself. Malta’s sun, sea air, and alcohol can catch up with you faster than expected, and the operator asks people to drink responsibly.

Music helps shape the mood. The sound system covers the catamaran, and some departures have allowed passengers to choose music. Most people will find it adds fun to the ride, although one person found the volume a little loud. If you want a quiet boat trip, this may not be your ideal format.

Snacks have been inconsistent. Some departures included crisps and other light nibbles, while the formal inclusions list does not promise food. Bring something small if you know you will get hungry. Optional food menus may be available for an added fee, but you need to ask about them in advance.

The value of a 3 to 4-hour trip

At $59 per person, this is not Malta’s cheapest boat outing. Large boats may charge less, and they can be a better fit if you mainly want transport to a famous swimming area.

The extra cost here pays for space and a smaller group. You get a clean catamaran, a toilet, a shower, a crew, drinks, swimming equipment, and two planned swim stops. You also avoid spending most of the trip shoulder to shoulder with a crowd.

The half-day length is another advantage. A morning trip can return around lunchtime, leaving you free to eat and continue sightseeing. An afternoon trip can work well near the end of a holiday, especially if you want a sunset photo from the water. One late-season departure finished with a particularly good sunset view.

The price makes less sense if you want a full meal, a long shore visit, or expert snorkeling instruction. It makes much more sense if your priorities are comfort, swimming, drinks, and a manageable group.

Weather, comfort, and who should skip it

The itinerary is subject to wind and sea conditions. A calm forecast improves the chance of visiting all the planned stops, but the captain can alter the route when conditions change. May and June departures have had some wind-related adjustments, while other days offered smooth sailing and calm water.

This is not a good choice for people with back problems, mobility impairments, visual impairments, or a strong tendency toward seasickness or motion sickness. Boarding a boat, moving around a deck, and climbing a swimming ladder require a reasonable level of physical comfort.

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, beachwear, and your own towel. Towels are not included. A waterproof phone pouch is also sensible, though it is not listed as required equipment.

I would choose a morning departure if you want cooler conditions and time for lunch afterward. Choose the afternoon if you like a more social mood or want the possibility of evening light. Check the starting time when booking, since departure times vary by availability.

Should you book this St. Paul’s Bay catamaran?

I would book it if you want a comfortable half-day on the water without joining a huge boat crowd. The strongest reasons are the small group, generous deck space, attentive crew, included drinks, and two good swimming stops.

I would skip it if your main goal is serious snorkeling, walking ashore at Blue Lagoon, or eating a full meal on board. You should also be ready for a route change if the wind rises.

For most people, this is a good-value choice for a relaxed Malta sea day. Arrive early at Fekruna Jetty, eat before boarding, bring a towel, and think of snorkeling as an extra rather than the main event. If you want a smaller, calmer alternative to Malta’s large party boats, this catamaran deserves a close look.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start?

The meeting point is Fekruna Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay, Malta. The catamaran departs promptly at the scheduled time, so arrive early.

How long does the experience last?

The stated duration is 3 to 4 hours. The planned schedule includes a 10-minute safety briefing, transfers, a 15-minute visit to Santa Maria Caves, about an hour at Blue Lagoon, and about 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited still water and soft drinks are included. Each person is also served four 50-centiliter beer cans and half a bottle of wine, with white and rosé available.

Is food included?

No formal meal is included. Optional menus may be available for an additional fee. Some departures have included light snacks or nibbles, but you should eat beforehand if you need more than a small snack.

Can I use snorkeling and paddleboard equipment?

Yes. Snorkel masks and two SUP paddleboards for shared use are included. The catamaran also has a swimming ladder, a fresh-water shower, and toilet facilities.

Can the itinerary change?

Yes. The route and swimming stops can change because of weather and sea conditions. Crystal Lagoon may be replaced by another calmer swimming location if the water is too choppy.