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

Small boat, big Malta views. This half-day catamaran trip from St. Paul’s Bay combines the Santa Maria Caves, Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and open-water swimming without packing you onto a floating bus. I especially like the maximum group of 20 and the spacious, clean boat, plus the crew’s steady supply of water, soft drinks, beer, and wine. The main catch is that swimming and sightseeing depend on the weather, and the tour offers no included meal.

At $59 per person, the trip costs more than Malta’s large sightseeing boats, but you are paying for elbow room, a calmer feel, and more attentive service. The route lasts about three to four hours, making it a good fit if you want time on the water without giving up your whole day.

Key points at a glance

• Small-group sailing: The catamaran carries up to 20 people, with some departures running at around 15 to 18.
• Two main swim stops: You get about an hour at the Blue Lagoon and 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon, conditions permitting.
• Santa Maria Caves up close: The boat pauses for around 15 minutes of sightseeing beside the dramatic cave area.
• Drinks included: Still water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, and rosé are provided. The stated allowance is four 50-centilitre cans of beer and half a bottle of wine per person.
• Useful water gear: Snorkel masks, two shared SUP paddleboards, a swimming ladder, shower, and toilet are on board.
• Weather can change the route: Choppy seas may mean a different swim stop or a shortened visit to one of the planned locations.

Why the 20-person limit matters

The best reason to choose this trip is not a particular cove. It is the space between you and everyone else.

Malta’s popular boat routes can feel crowded, especially around Comino and the Blue Lagoon. On this catamaran, you have room to sit, stretch out, move around, and reach the swimming ladder without squeezing past a large crowd. Some departures have carried only 15 or 16 people, while a nearly full sailing with about 18 still felt comfortable.

That smaller scale also changes the mood. The crew can check whether you need a drink, help with the paddleboards, and keep an eye on swimmers. The service is informal rather than formal, but that suits a relaxed morning or afternoon on the water.

The boat itself is described as modern, clean, well cared for, and comfortable. Padded seating and sun-lounging space make the longer transfers easier. There is also a proper toilet and a freshwater shower, two small details that matter once you have salt on your skin.

The tradeoff is simple: this is not the cheapest way to see the coast. If your only goal is a quick photo of the Blue Lagoon, a larger boat may cost less. If you want an easier half-day with fewer people, the extra money is easier to justify.

Meeting the boat at Fekruna Jetty

You meet at Fekruna Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. Be early. The boat leaves promptly, and the crew is not required to wait for late arrivals. One booking nearly missed departure despite arriving at the stated meeting time, so I would aim to be at the jetty before the requested arrival time rather than cutting it fine.

The first 10 minutes are used for a safety briefing. This is a useful start, since the day includes swimming from the boat, paddleboarding, and movement around a catamaran deck. You will want to listen for instructions about the ladder, equipment, and where to sit during the transfers.

The boat then spends roughly 45 minutes making its way toward the cave and lagoon areas. That is not wasted time. You get open-water views, a chance to settle in, and time to claim a comfortable place on deck. Drinks are available during the trip, so you do not need to wait until the first stop to feel the holiday begin.

Transportation to the jetty is not included. It may be available for an additional charge, but the standard meeting point is the Fekruna Jetty itself. Bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, and swimwear. Towels are not supplied.

Santa Maria Caves: a short but scenic pause

The Santa Maria Caves are the first featured sight, reached after the initial transfer. The catamaran spends around 15 minutes near the caves, giving you close views of the rock formations and clear water around the openings.

This is primarily a sightseeing stop, not a long shore visit. Do not expect a guided cave walk or a lengthy snorkeling session here. The value is seeing the formations from a stable boat with enough time for photographs.

The amount of commentary can vary. Some outings have included useful facts about Malta, Comino, and the surrounding caves, while some people would have liked more explanation or help taking photos. Crew members have sometimes taken pictures for the group, but you should not count on a full photography service.

Keep your camera ready before the boat reaches the caves. The pause is short, and the best views may come from the side of the catamaran facing the rock. A waterproof phone pouch is a sensible extra, since much of the day is spent near the water.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, busy surroundings

The Blue Lagoon is scheduled as the longest stop, with about one hour for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the view. Its bright turquoise water is the obvious star of the trip, and getting there by a small catamaran gives you a more comfortable base than joining a very large boat.

You can swim from the vessel, use the snorkel masks, or relax on deck. The two shared SUP paddleboards offer another way to look around, though access depends on how many people want to use them. Some outings have reached a quieter position away from the thickest crowds, which makes a major difference at this famous spot.

There is an important limitation. You may not always be able to go ashore at the Blue Lagoon. One outing offered a long swim from the boat but no beach visit, so book this experience for time on the water rather than guaranteed beach access.

The snorkeling is pleasant for a swim, but it may disappoint serious underwater enthusiasts. There are no promised reefs, and one account found limited marine life and few fish. The water and scenery are the main attraction. If you want dedicated snorkeling with abundant sea life, this is not the right trip to book.

Conditions can also affect the stop. Choppy water may make the approach less comfortable, although the crew can move to calmer water or adjust the plan. That flexibility is a strength, but it means the exact experience is not fixed.

Crystal Lagoon: the quieter swim stop

After the Blue Lagoon, the catamaran heads to Crystal Lagoon for about 45 minutes of sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling. The stop is shorter, but many people find it more peaceful and more enjoyable than the better-known lagoon.

The clear water makes it a good place to swim from the boat. You can use the ladder, noodles if available, snorkel gear, or one of the SUP boards. At some departures, the paddleboards have made it possible to reach the area near a small beach and look into the cave openings.

Crystal Lagoon is also where the weather matters most. Strong wind or choppy seas can lead the captain to skip it and choose a calmer swimming area, including a stop near St. Paul’s Bay. That is not a failure of the trip. It is a sensible safety decision, but you should accept that the advertised route may change.

The wording about snorkeling deserves a practical note. You can look below the surface and enjoy the clear water, but this is not presented as a specialist snorkeling trip. The equipment lets you make the most of a swim stop. It does not guarantee coral, reefs, or a large variety of fish.

Drinks, snacks, and the missing lunch

The included drinks are one of the strongest value points. Still water and soft drinks are unlimited, and beer and wine are available. The stated serving is four 50-centilitre beer cans and half a bottle of wine per person, with white and rosé options.

Crew members have been praised for offering drinks throughout the trip rather than simply leaving a cooler on deck. Responsible drinking matters here. You are on a moving boat, using a ladder, and swimming in open water, so pace yourself and keep water in hand too.

Food is not part of the standard price. Some departures have offered crisps, nibbles, or light snacks, and optional food menus may be arranged for an additional fee. But do not treat snacks as lunch. Eat before boarding or plan food after returning to St. Paul’s Bay.

The half-day timing helps. Morning departures may return around lunchtime, giving you time to find a meal afterward. An afternoon departure can work well near the end of a holiday, especially if you catch a sunset view on the return journey.

The return to St. Paul’s Bay

The final transfer is listed at about one hour, though the total tour length is given as three to four hours. The ride back is part of the experience, not just a trip home. You can dry off, take in more coastal views, listen to music, and make use of the drinks before returning to Fekruna Jetty.

The catamaran has a sound system, and some departures have allowed people to play their own music. Music volume can be a matter of taste. One person found it slightly loud, while others enjoyed the playlist and relaxed party feel. This is not a silent sailing, so bring that expectation with you.

The atmosphere usually sits between a quiet cruise and a small social boat party. You may meet people from different countries, but the limited capacity keeps things more personal than on a boat carrying hundreds.

What the crew adds to the price

The crew is a large part of the experience. Names praised in the supplied feedback include Bim, Idola, Dustin, and Fernando, along with other attentive captains and guides. Their role goes beyond steering: they offer drinks, help with equipment, share local facts, assist swimmers, and sometimes take photos.

The strongest praise is consistent: friendly service without constant pressure. That matters because a half-day on a boat can feel awkward if nobody explains where to go or how to use the equipment.

Commentary is not guaranteed to be extensive. Some outings included local information about Malta and Comino, while others offered less explanation. If learning about geology and local history is your top priority, ask questions when the boat is near the caves or lagoons.

The crew also deserves credit for changing plans when the sea turns rough. A trip that skips Crystal Lagoon for a calmer bay may be less dramatic on paper, but it can be far more pleasant in practice.

Is $59 a fair price?

At $59, this is a mid-range boat outing rather than a bargain excursion. The price includes the catamaran, experienced crew, unlimited water and soft drinks, beer and wine, snorkel masks, shared SUP boards, a freshwater shower, toilet, and swimming ladder.

The real value comes from the small group. You are not paying only for a route between three locations. You are paying to avoid the packed-deck feeling that can define cheaper Malta boat trips. You also get more personal service and a cleaner, calmer base for swimming.

The price is less attractive if you do not drink, do not swim, and mainly want coastal sightseeing. A larger sightseeing boat may cover similar scenery for less. You also need to budget for food, towels, and possibly transport to the jetty.

For a couple, a small group of friends, or anyone who values comfort over the lowest fare, I think the price is reasonable. The excellent 4.8 rating from 157 ratings supports the view that the service and boat quality are reliable strengths.

Who should book this catamaran?

This trip suits you if you want:

• A half-day rather than a full-day boat commitment
• Swimming in clear water from a comfortable vessel
• A smaller group and more room to move
• Drinks included in the price
• A relaxed mix of sightseeing and social atmosphere
• Access to snorkel masks and shared paddleboards
• A flexible captain who can respond to rough conditions

It is less suitable if you have serious back or mobility problems, visual impairment, or a strong tendency toward seasickness or motion sickness. The boat may move sharply in choppy water, and boarding, swimming, and using the ladder require physical confidence.

You should also think twice if your priority is a beach visit, a full meal, or serious snorkeling. Beach access is not assured, food costs extra, and the underwater life may be limited.

Should you book the St. Paul’s Bay catamaran tour?

Book it if your ideal Malta outing includes clear water, a clean and spacious boat, friendly service, and enough room to avoid the big-boat crush. The two swimming stops are the main reward, while Santa Maria Caves add a worthwhile sightseeing pause.

I would choose it over a large party boat when comfort and personal service matter more than the lowest possible price. I would skip it if you need a guaranteed route, shore time at the Blue Lagoon, plentiful marine life, or a full meal.

Arrive early, eat before boarding, bring a towel, and keep your plans flexible. If the sea cooperates, this is a very good way to spend three or four hours around Malta’s most photogenic waters.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour depart from?

The tour departs from Fekruna Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately three to four hours.

How many people can join the catamaran?

The catamaran is designed for up to 20 people. Some departures may have fewer people on board.

What places does the tour visit?

The planned route includes Santa Maria Caves, Blue Lagoon, and Crystal Lagoon, followed by a return to Fekruna Jetty.

How long is the stop at the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon stop is scheduled for about one hour and includes time for sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling.

How long is the stop at Crystal Lagoon?

The Crystal Lagoon stop is scheduled for about 45 minutes for sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Still water and soft drinks are included, along with beer, white wine, and rosé. The stated serving is four 50-centilitre cans of beer and half a bottle of wine per person.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included, although optional menus may be available for an additional fee. Light snacks may be offered, but you should eat before boarding.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkel masks are included, along with two SUP paddleboards to share.

What should I bring?

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

Can the route change?

Yes. The itinerary can change because of weather and sea conditions. The crew may use a calmer swimming area or skip a planned stop if conditions are unsuitable.