Malta: Blue Lagoon, Beaches & Bays Trip by Catamaran

Malta looks best from the water. This six-hour catamaran trip links the Blue Lagoon with two or more swimming stops, while giving you room to stretch out, listen to music, and order drinks. I especially like the large, stable boat and the chance to swim away from the thickest Blue Lagoon crowds. I also like the flexible route, since the crew can choose bays that suit the day’s sea conditions. The main consideration is the party atmosphere: this is not a quiet sightseeing cruise, and the catamaran never stops on land.

From Sirens Quay in Bugibba, you board behind Loa restaurant and spend the day at sea. Sun loungers are free but first come, first served, so arriving early matters. The optional BBQ, cocktails, and music add fun, but they also push up the final cost beyond the $62 starting price.

At a glance: what makes this boat trip worth considering

• Blue Lagoon without a land stop: The catamaran anchors farther out, letting you swim toward the famous turquoise water without docking in the packed central area.
• A bigger, more comfortable boat: The modern catamaran has sun loungers, netted areas, clean toilets, three water ladders, and more space than many smaller boats.
• Two or three swimming locations: Crystal Lagoon, Anchor Bay, Mellieha Bay, Golden Bay, and other coves may be added, depending on wind and sea conditions.
• A social day at sea: Music, dancing, cocktails, and a young crowd make this a better fit for fun-seekers than for passengers seeking silence.
• Optional halal BBQ: For about €15, the meal includes chicken kebabs, a choice of salads or couscous, bread, and one drink. Vegetarian food is also available.
• Sunset option: The afternoon departure gives you softer light on the return journey and a cooler ride, though you should bring a light jacket.

Setting off from Sirens Quay

The meeting point is at Sirens Quay in Bugibba, behind Loa restaurant. This is the practical starting detail to get right, since the boat does not pick you up from a beach or hotel. Check your exact departure time before setting off, then arrive early enough to find the boarding queue and settle in.

The boat returns to the same place after roughly six hours. There is no land excursion during the day. You do not get off at the Blue Lagoon, Anchor Bay, or another beach, so pack for a boat day rather than a shore visit.

The catamaran is one of the main reasons this trip earns its price. It is described as modern, spacious, and well cared for, with room to lie down rather than spending the day on a cramped plastic seat. The boat also has separate ladders for entering and leaving the sea, which is useful when the water is moving or when you are carrying a mask and snorkel.

Sun loungers are included, but the best spots go quickly. If you want a prime place on the upper deck or near the front, arrive at least an hour early. The rear loungers offer more shelter, which can be welcome on the return ride or when the wind picks up.

The Blue Lagoon, seen from the open sea

The first main stop is the Blue Lagoon, between Comino and Cominotto. Its pale turquoise water is Malta’s star swimming attraction, and the color is every bit as striking on a clear day.

The important detail is that the catamaran does not anchor inside the lagoon itself. It stops slightly farther out, away from the tightest crowding, and you swim from the boat into the clear water. That gives you a more pleasant experience than standing shoulder to shoulder on a narrow patch of shore, but it also means you should be comfortable in open water.

Bring your own goggles if snorkeling matters to you. The water is clear, and the swim is the point of the stop, but this is not a guided snorkeling lesson. You will need to manage your own equipment and keep track of the boat’s ladder and meeting time.

The Blue Lagoon stop can feel busy even from the water, especially during the middle of the day. The advantage here is not solitude. It is the combination of a large boat, direct water access, and a place to return to when you want shade, a drink, or a dry seat.

Crystal Lagoon and the caves below the cliffs

When conditions allow, Crystal Lagoon is the most rewarding second stop. Steep cliffs surround the cove, and the water is deeper than at the Blue Lagoon. That makes it a strong choice for swimming around the rocky edges and looking into the caves.

This stop is more about the sea than the beach. Since the boat does not land, you will not wander along a shoreline or explore a village. Instead, you climb down the ladder, swim, and look back at the cliffs from the water.

The route can change. Wind and waves may prevent the catamaran from reaching Crystal Lagoon, so do not book this trip solely for that one cove. The crew may choose another bay that is safer and more comfortable on the day.

That flexibility is sensible, but it is worth keeping expectations realistic. You are buying a day of coastal swimming, not a fixed checklist of every famous location. The exact combination of stops is part of the weather decision.

Anchor Bay and views of Popeye Village

Another possible stop is Anchor Bay, where you can see Popeye Village tucked into the shoreline. The colorful film set is best appreciated from the water, especially when the boat gives you time to take in the shape of the bay and the unusual buildings.

This is a scenic stop rather than a land visit. You will not enter Popeye Village, walk through its set, or use its facilities. If you want the full attraction, you need a separate shore-based visit.

The boat may also visit Mellieha Bay, Golden Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, Ramla Bay, Imgiebah Bay, or Half Rock. Each offers a reason to get back into the water, though the choice depends on conditions. That may sound less precise than a fixed itinerary, but it prevents the crew from forcing a rough crossing simply to follow a printed schedule.

What the boat is like between stops

This is where the trip shifts from sightseeing cruise to social day out. Music plays on board, and passengers can dance, chat, or stretch out on the sunbeds and trampoline nets. The mood is lively, with a crowd that generally suits young adults and people looking for a shared party atmosphere.

The boat has a cocktail bar, but drinks are not included. Cocktails cost about €8, based on the onboard pricing provided, and you should bring cash even though card payment has been possible on board. Food and drinks from outside are not allowed.

The optional BBQ costs about €15 and includes halal chicken kebabs, one drink, bread, and a choice of couscous, pasta salad, or green salad. Vegetarian food is available, which makes the meal more practical for mixed groups. The meal has earned strong praise for both its flavor and value, but it remains an extra cost, so include it when comparing this trip with cheaper boat outings.

Music quality is a matter of taste. The party setting works well for some passengers, while others may find the playlist less memorable than the swimming stops. You can treat the music as background, but do not choose this trip expecting a guide-led commentary about Malta’s coast. The crew’s role is mainly to manage the boat, swimming stops, food, and general atmosphere.

One crew member, Neil, receives particular praise for making sure passengers were looked after. Crew service is repeatedly described as friendly and helpful, which matters on a boat where you may need help with the ladders, seating, food, or timing.

Choosing the daytime or sunset departure

The afternoon option gives you a different feel from the midday sailing. The light softens toward evening, the return trip can be cooler, and you may watch the sun sink toward the horizon from the boat.

A sunset departure can also be less harsh on hot days. You still need sunscreen, but you may avoid the strongest midday heat. The trade-off is that the air can feel fresh on the way back, so pack a light wind jacket.

Daytime departures make more sense if your priority is swimming and snorkeling. You have stronger daylight for seeing the water and surrounding cliffs. The sunset option makes more sense if you care about atmosphere, cooler temperatures, and the changing colors along the coast.

In either case, arrive early if you want a lounger. The boat may not be completely full on every departure, but you should not count on an empty deck.

Is the $62 price good value?

At $62 per person, the trip sits above the cheapest small-boat excursions but offers more room and facilities. That difference matters in Malta, where a low price can mean a packed vessel, limited seating, and little space to lie down between swims.

The included catamaran ride, crew, and sunbed access form the basic value. You also get several swimming areas during a six-hour outing, plus the chance to spend the entire day on a larger vessel rather than moving between separate attractions.

Add the BBQ and a cocktail, and the cost rises by roughly €23 before any additional drinks. That may still be fair for a full day on the water, especially if you value comfort. If you plan to skip the meal and buy nothing at the bar, the base price is easier to judge.

The strongest value comes from the boat itself. Smaller and cheaper vessels may get you to similar waters, but this catamaran gives you more room to sit, sunbathe, and move around. For a long day at sea, that is not a minor perk.

What to pack and what to leave behind

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and cash. Water glare is strong, and you will spend much of the day exposed to the sun even when you are sitting on the boat.

Wear something easy to remove before swimming. Shoes are not allowed on board, and oversize luggage is not permitted. Smoking is also not allowed.

Do not bring outside food or drinks. Use the boat’s bar and the optional BBQ instead. If you want to snorkel, bring your own goggles because the tour information does not promise equipment rental or a guided snorkeling service.

A light jacket is useful for the ride back, particularly on an afternoon or sunset departure. The sea breeze can make the return journey feel cooler than the sunny afternoon stop.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would recommend it to you if you want a lively day with swimming, music, sun, and a sociable crowd. Friends, couples, and young adults who prefer a comfortable boat to a cramped speedboat are likely to get the most from it.

It also works well for anyone who wants to see several coastal locations without arranging separate transport. You can swim at the Blue Lagoon, possibly visit Crystal Lagoon or Anchor Bay, and enjoy Malta’s bays from one base.

This is less suitable if you want a quiet cruise, a guided history tour, or time on the beach. The catamaran never stops on land, and the itinerary can change with the weather. Children under 12 are not accepted, and the trip is not suitable for wheelchair users.

The sea can also be unsettled. The catamaran is described as stable, even in somewhat rough conditions, but stability does not remove all motion. If you are prone to seasickness, think carefully before booking and choose the calmest-looking weather window available.

Booking advice and final verdict

I would book this catamaran if your ideal Malta day includes clear water, several swim stops, a spacious boat, and music in the background. Arrive early, take a towel and wind jacket, bring goggles, and budget for the BBQ or bar if you want the full experience.

I would skip it if your priority is a silent sailing trip, a beach day, or a guaranteed visit to Crystal Lagoon. The route is weather-dependent, and the party mood will not suit everyone.

For $62, the mix of boat comfort, swimming access, and six hours at sea is strong value. The best reason to choose it is not simply the Blue Lagoon. It is the chance to enjoy Malta’s famous water from a boat that gives you room to relax between swims.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran leave from?

The departure point is Sirens Quay in Bugibba, behind Loa restaurant.

How long does the trip last?

The excursion lasts six hours. Exact departure times depend on availability.

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, away from the most crowded area.

How many swimming stops are included?

The boat normally stops at two or three locations. The exact stops depend heavily on the weather and sea conditions.

Can the trip visit Crystal Lagoon?

Crystal Lagoon is one possible stop, but it is not guaranteed. The crew may choose other bays if conditions require a change.

Is a BBQ included in the price?

No. The BBQ can be purchased on board on the day of the trip. It includes halal chicken kebabs, a choice of side dishes, bread, and one drink.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks can be purchased from the onboard bar. Cocktails are priced at about €8 based on the provided onboard pricing.

Are sun loungers included?

Yes. Sunbeds are available at no extra charge, but they are first come, first served. Arrive early if you want one.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash. You may also want a light jacket for the return trip and your own goggles for snorkeling.

Is the trip suitable for children or wheelchair users?

The activity is not suitable for children under 12 or wheelchair users.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now-and-pay-later option is also available.