Full-Day Catamaran Cruise with Lunch in Island of Malta

Skip the packed boats and claim some sea room. This six-and-a-half-hour cruise aboard the Tip Top One offers two things I value on a Malta boat trip: plenty of space to sit in sun or shade, and lunch with wine, beer, soft drinks, and water included. The main compromise is that the route can change with weather, and the boat does not stop in the famous Blue Lagoon itself.

The catamaran carries a maximum of 44 people, though some departures have fewer than that. That makes a real difference around Comino, where many boats pack people together shoulder to shoulder. I also like that the day includes more than a quick swim: you get a Maltese snack, a full lunch, time in the water, possible cave visits by tender boat, and a look at Malta’s Grand Harbour.

At $156 per person, this is not Malta’s cheapest boat outing. Still, the price covers food, drinks throughout the day, shaded tables, restrooms, and a roomy boat. If you want a quiet day on the water rather than a loud party cruise, the extra cost may be money well spent.

Key Things to Know Before You Book

• Maximum of 44 people: The Tip Top One is designed for a less crowded day, with tables, cushioned seating, and bean bags on the front nets.

• Two swimming stops: The first is usually Crystal Lagoon near Comino, or Ramla l-Hamra in Gozo if conditions require a change. A second swim takes place near St. Paul’s Island.

• Blue Lagoon views without the crush: You see the popular Blue Lagoon area, but the boat does not stop there because the water is too crowded.

• Lunch and drinks are included: Expect chicken, pork, salad, potatoes, fresh bread, and an open selection of wine, beer, soft drinks, and water.

• Cave visits may be added: When time and conditions allow, a small tender boat takes groups closer to caves and narrow coastal spots.

• Strict morning timing: Boarding begins at 10:15 a.m., closes at 10:25, and departure is at 10:30 sharp from Sliema.

Why the Smaller Catamaran Matters Around Malta

Malta’s best-known swimming places can become very busy in summer. Large day boats gather near the Blue Lagoon, and the famous view can come with a lot of noise, movement, and very little personal space.

The Tip Top One takes a different approach. Its maximum capacity is 44 people, and some departures have around 30 to 40 aboard. You have room to walk around, sit at a table, stretch out on a bean bag, or find a cushioned seat with a view.

That space is the strongest reason to consider this cruise. You are not simply paying for transport between swimming spots. You are paying for a more comfortable base during the entire day. The boat has shaded tables for lunch and hot-weather breaks, plus open areas for sunbathing.

The mood is described as relaxed rather than loud. Music plays, but this is not presented as a party boat. That suits couples, families, older passengers, and anyone who would rather hear the water and conversation than spend six hours beside a speaker.

The boat also has onboard restrooms. That sounds basic, but it matters on a full-day outing. You do not need to plan the day around finding facilities ashore.

Boarding at Sliema and the Start of the Day

The meeting point is Picard Tigné Seafront in Sliema, at Daycruisemalta.com and the Tip Top One. Boarding begins at 10:15 a.m. The crew closes boarding at 10:25, then leaves at 10:30 sharp.

Give yourself plenty of time to reach Sliema. If you are staying in Valletta, the ferry is suggested as the easiest option. A taxi is the better choice if you have luggage or are unsure about the ferry schedule.

Driving your own car is not recommended because parking can be difficult. The cruise returns to the same meeting point at about 5 p.m., so the full day runs from late morning through late afternoon.

Once aboard, the day starts with a traditional Maltese platter. This gives you something to eat while the boat gets underway and you settle into a seat. It also makes the first part of the cruise feel less rushed than a trip that moves straight from departure to swimming.

The boat includes shaded seating, but you should still bring sun protection. The Maltese sun is strong, and the open front section is likely to be attractive if you want a bean bag and a clear view. Bring a towel, since one is not supplied.

Crystal Lagoon, Comino, and the Blue Lagoon View

The first main stop is usually Crystal Lagoon on Comino, weather permitting. Crystal Lagoon sits near the better-known Blue Lagoon, but it offers a calmer alternative for swimming and viewing the coast.

The distinction is important. The boat does not stop in Blue Lagoon due to overcrowded water. You can still see the area, but the plan is to anchor away from the worst congestion and give you space to swim.

Crystal Lagoon is valued for clear water, rocky scenery, and access to coastal formations. Depending on conditions and timing, the crew may use a small tender boat to take groups toward caves. This is a pleasant extra because you get a closer look at parts of the coast that are difficult to reach from a large catamaran.

The swimming stop is not just a quick dip. The schedule is arranged to give you proper time in the water, with the boat remaining a comfortable place to return to when you want shade or a drink.

There is one practical point to remember: the exact stop is not guaranteed. Wind and sea conditions can change the route, and the crew may use Ramla l-Hamra in Gozo instead. That flexibility is sensible, but you should book this for a day on the water, not for one fixed photograph or one guaranteed cove.

Snorkel masks and equipment can be borrowed, but a €20 deposit is required if the set is damaged or lost. You can bring your own equipment if you prefer. Towels are not included.

Lunch on Deck and an Open Drinks Service

Lunch is a substantial part of the experience rather than a token sandwich. The spread includes chicken, pork, fresh green salad, potatoes of the day, and fresh bread. Second helpings are available when food remains, which is welcome after swimming and sitting in the sun.

You should leave a note at booking if you do not eat chicken or pork or need a vegetarian option. Dietary accommodation has also been provided for people with gluten and lactose restrictions, but it is still wise to state your needs clearly in advance.

Drinks are available throughout the day. The included selection covers wine, beer, soft drinks, and water. Coffee and cake have also been served on some departures. This adds real value to the price because you are not paying separately every time you want a bottle of water or a cold drink.

The shaded dining tables are especially useful at lunchtime. You can eat without balancing a plate on your lap, then move to the front nets or another open seating area afterward.

I would not book this cruise expecting a formal restaurant meal. It is a boat lunch, served in a casual setting. But the combination of a warm meal, bread, salad, potatoes, and freely available drinks is more generous than many basic sightseeing cruises.

St. Paul’s Island and the Second Swim

After lunch, the boat heads toward St. Paul’s Island for a second swimming opportunity. This breaks up the day nicely. You get one main water stop before lunch and another afterward, rather than spending the whole afternoon sitting aboard.

St. Paul’s Island is tied to one of Malta’s best-known coastal views, and approaching it from the water gives you a different angle than a road visit. The stop also provides another chance to swim if you prefer not to stay in the first location for too long.

The exact time spent at each stop depends on sea conditions and the wider schedule. If you want to swim, bring your swimsuit under your clothes and keep your towel easy to reach. You should also expect wet ladders and movement around the boat, so sensible footwear is useful.

For people who do not want to swim, the catamaran still works well. You can stay aboard, use the shaded seating, watch the coastline, or find a bean bag in the sun. That flexibility makes the outing suitable for a mixed group where some people want active water time and others mainly want sightseeing.

A Short Look at the Grand Harbour

If time permits, the cruise includes a short visit around Grand Harbour. This is one of the more valuable parts of the route because Malta’s fortified waterfront is best understood from the water.

From the catamaran, you can see the relationship between Valletta, the Three Cities, and the harbor entrances. The view gives you a useful sense of Malta’s maritime setting, even if this is not a dedicated historical harbor tour.

Do not treat the Grand Harbour portion as guaranteed or as a long shore excursion. It is an added sightseeing segment that depends on weather and timing. The main focus remains the boat ride and swimming stops.

Still, it adds variety. The day moves from open sea and clear swimming water to Malta’s built-up harborfront, giving you more than a single coastal view.

Food, Comfort, and the Crew’s Style

The crew receives particularly strong praise for being friendly, attentive, and flexible. The captain is described as helpful, especially when choosing quieter places to anchor. That matters in Malta, where a good skipper can make the difference between a peaceful swim and a crowded one.

The service is attentive without making the day feel formal. The crew handles food, drinks, safety, and the tender boat visits while allowing you to set your own pace.

The catamaran itself is around 80 feet long, according to one detailed account, with room for table seating, side seats, cushioned areas, and front bean bags. Not every departure will feel identical, since passenger numbers vary, but the design gives you several ways to spend the day.

Families and older relatives can use the shaded tables and stable seating. Sun lovers can move toward the front. People who prefer quiet can usually find a less exposed place away from the main social areas.

The boat carries a maximum of 44 people, not hundreds. That does not mean you will have the entire catamaran to yourself, but it should feel far less confined than the large boats gathered near Comino.

Is $156 a Fair Price?

At $156, this cruise sits in the higher-priced range for a Malta boat trip. The value comes from the package rather than any one feature.

Your fare includes:

• About six and a half hours on the water
• A Maltese snack
• Full lunch
• Wine, beer, soft drinks, and water
• Two swimming opportunities
• Sightseeing near Comino and the Blue Lagoon
• Possible cave visits by tender boat
• A possible Grand Harbour tour
• Shaded tables
• Restrooms
• A smaller passenger limit

If you only want a short ride to Comino, this will cost more than you need to spend. If you want food, drinks, space, and a full day without constantly paying extra, the price becomes easier to justify.

The strongest value is comfort. Other boats may be cheaper, but a crowded deck can make a beautiful day tiring. Here, your money helps buy space, shade, seating, and a calmer pace.

The cruise is booked an average of 17 days ahead, so I would not leave it until the last minute during the busy season. Confirmation arrives within 48 hours, subject to availability.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most?

I would recommend the Tip Top One to you if you want Malta’s coast without a packed party atmosphere. It suits couples, families, groups of friends, and mixed-age parties particularly well.

You will likely appreciate it if:

• You want two proper swimming stops
• You prefer a boat with shaded seating and restrooms
• You enjoy an unhurried day with food and drinks included
• You want to avoid stopping in the most crowded part of Blue Lagoon
• You like the option of sunbathing but need shade at times
• You want a coastal tour that also may include caves and Grand Harbour

It is less suitable if you need a guaranteed visit to Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, or Grand Harbour. Weather can change the route, and the operator requires at least 10 people for the cruise to run.

It may also be a poor fit if you dislike boat movement or plan to spend the entire day on land. Six and a half hours is a long time at sea, even with stops and lunch.

Booking Details and Cancellation Rules

The trip leaves from Sliema at 10:30 a.m. and returns around 5 p.m. Transfers are not included, so arrange your own ferry, taxi, or public transport. The meeting point is close to public transportation.

The activity is generally suitable for most people, but the boat schedule depends on good weather. If poor weather cancels the cruise, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of 10 people is not reached.

Your own cancellation is different. The booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed for personal reasons, so check your plans carefully before paying.

Final Recommendation: Should You Book Tip Top One?

I would book this cruise if your ideal Malta day includes clear water, two swims, a generous lunch, drinks on hand, and enough room to relax between stops.

The best reason to choose it is not simply the catamaran’s size. It is the way the day avoids the usual crush around Comino while still giving you views of the Blue Lagoon, possible cave trips, and a harbor visit. The food and open drinks service make the higher price easier to accept.

Choose another option if your budget is tight, you need a fixed route, or you specifically want to stop in Blue Lagoon. For everyone else, Tip Top One offers a comfortable and well-rounded day at sea, with enough structure to feel organized and enough free time to feel like a holiday.

FAQ

Where does the Tip Top One cruise leave from?

The cruise departs from Daycruisemalta.com, Tip Top One, at Picard Tigné Seafront in Sliema, Malta.

What time does the cruise depart and return?

Boarding begins at 10:15 a.m., boarding closes at 10:25 a.m., and departure is at 10:30 a.m. The boat returns to Sliema at about 5 p.m.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes chicken, pork, fresh green salad, potatoes of the day, and fresh bread. Vegetarian options or alternatives for people who do not eat chicken or pork can be requested in advance.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are included throughout the day.

Does the boat stop at the Blue Lagoon?

No. The boat visits the area and provides views of the Blue Lagoon, but it does not stop there because the water is overcrowded.

How many people can join the cruise?

The maximum capacity is 44 people. At least 10 people are required for the cruise to operate.

Are towels, masks, and snorkels provided?

Towels are not included. Masks and snorkels may be borrowed, but a €20 deposit is required in case the equipment is damaged or lost.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if the cruise is canceled because of poor weather. The route may also change because of weather conditions.