Half Day Scenic Catamaran Experience

Clear water, small groups, and plenty of room. This half-day catamaran trip from St Paul’s Bay takes you to Comino’s Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Santa Maria Caves. I like the small maximum group of 15 and the generous drinks, snorkel gear, and paddleboards included in the $59.91 price. The main drawback is that you spend about two hours traveling to and from Comino, leaving roughly two hours at the stops.

I also like the relaxed pace. You get time to swim, snorkel, paddle, or simply sit on the catamaran without being rushed from one photo stop to the next. Just remember that the Blue Lagoon can be crowded, the water may feel cold outside high summer, and this is not a good pick if you are prone to seasickness.

Key points at a glance

• Small boat, maximum 15 people: More room to stretch out and a calmer feel than a large cruise vessel.
• Two proper swimming stops: Blue Lagoon gets about an hour, while Crystal Lagoon gets about 45 minutes.
• Santa Maria Caves photo stop: You see Comino’s cave formations from the water without a long shore visit.
• Drinks are part of the fare: Bottled water, unlimited Pepsi and Sprite, plus beer and wine for those aged 21 and over.
• Water gear included: Snorkels, two shared stand-up paddleboards, and swimming noodles are available on board.
• Plan around the two-hour transit: One hour goes out to Comino and one hour returns to Xemxija.

A small catamaran makes the difference

The best feature here is not a single lagoon. It is the scale of the boat. With no more than 15 people, you are far less likely to feel packed in than on a large sightseeing vessel carrying dozens of passengers. You can lounge on the front of the catamaran, sit back with a drink, or move around when the boat is underway.

That extra space matters on a four-hour outing. A crowded boat can turn a scenic cruise into a long exercise in finding somewhere to sit. Here, the small-group setup gives the trip a more personal feel, and the crew can check in regularly with drinks or help you with the water equipment.

The catamaran is described as clean, comfortable, and spacious. One particularly useful detail is that the crew does not simply drop anchor and disappear. They explain the route, share information about the coast, and help people use the paddleboards and snorkeling equipment.

The tone appears friendly rather than formal. Expect a relaxed boat day with music, drinks, swimming, and a bit of commentary, not a serious historical tour of Malta.

Leaving from St Paul’s Bay

The meeting point is ABC Diving at The Boathouse on Triq il-Fekruna in St Paul’s Bay, with the trip ending at the same place. You need to arrive before the scheduled departure because the catamaran leaves promptly. If you arrive late, the boat is not required to wait.

That rule is worth taking seriously. The journey has a fixed route and must reach Comino, make the planned stops, and return to Xemxija on time. Build in extra time for reaching St Paul’s Bay, especially if you are using public transportation or are unfamiliar with the area.

The listed duration is about four hours, but the actual time at the swimming areas is shorter than that number first suggests. One hour is used to reach Comino, and another hour is used for the return journey. That leaves around two hours divided between the caves, Blue Lagoon, and Crystal Lagoon.

I see this as a good half-day choice when you want a major coastal outing without surrendering an entire day. It also fits neatly into a Malta itinerary for people who want time afterward for dinner, sightseeing, or a quiet afternoon.

Santa Maria Caves from the water

The first coastal highlight is a 15-minute photo stop at the Santa Maria Caves on Comino’s northern side. These caves are known for their striking rock formations and clear views into the dark blue water below.

You stay on the boat rather than going ashore or entering the caves. That makes this a sightseeing stop, not a caving or snorkeling session. Have your camera ready, since 15 minutes passes quickly when the catamaran is positioned for views.

This stop adds variety to the outing. Without it, the trip would be almost entirely about swimming. The caves give you a glimpse of Comino’s rough coastline and let you appreciate the island from the water, where the rock shapes and sea color are at their best.

Do not expect a long guided visit here. The appeal is visual: look, take photographs, and enjoy the boat’s position near the cliffs before moving on.

Blue Lagoon: Malta’s famous swim stop

Blue Lagoon is the name most people recognize, and it receives about one hour. The water is famous for its turquoise color and clear visibility, making this the obvious place for a swim, snorkel, or a simple float.

You may also have the option to get off the catamaran and spend time at the lagoon’s beach. That gives you a little flexibility. If you prefer to stay on board, you can sunbathe, use the swimming equipment, or watch the activity around the shore.

The practical catch is popularity. Blue Lagoon can be crowded, especially during the main summer season. The small catamaran helps you avoid the feel of a huge organized group, but it cannot make the lagoon itself quiet. If your ideal swim requires complete peace, you may prefer the later stop at Crystal Lagoon.

The water can also be cool. In October, some people found it too cold while others happily jumped in. That makes the included boat space useful: you can enjoy the view and the sun even if you decide the water is not for you.

Use the hour wisely. Bring your mask and snorkel from the boat, take a swim, and enjoy the color of the water. If you want a beach visit, do not spend the whole stop deciding what to do.

Crystal Lagoon offers the calmer water break

Crystal Lagoon gets about 45 minutes and may be the most rewarding swimming stop for people who prefer a quieter setting. Its clear water is suited to snorkeling, floating, and gentle swimming, with the cliffs and open sea providing a fine backdrop.

This is also where the paddleboards can add some fun. Two stand-up paddleboards are shared among the group, so they are not guaranteed to be available every minute. Still, on a small boat, you have a reasonable chance to use one if you are ready when the crew brings them out.

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with swimming noodles. The gear means you do not need to pack your own equipment to look beneath the surface. Towels are not included, so bring your own.

Crystal Lagoon is not a major shore excursion. The point is time in the water. If you want to snorkel, paddle, or float without wasting half the stop getting organized, have your swimwear on under your clothes and keep your belongings simple.

The 45-minute stop is long enough for a satisfying swim, but not long enough for everyone to do everything. Pick your priority before the catamaran arrives: snorkeling, paddleboarding, or relaxing in the water.

What is included for $59.91

At $59.91 per person, the price is reasonable for a small-group boat outing, particularly because several extras are built into the fare. You are not paying only for transportation between two lagoons.

Included items are:

• Bottled still water
• Unlimited Pepsi and Sprite
• Four 50-centiliter cans of beer per person
• Half a bottle of wine per person
• Snorkeling equipment
• Two shared stand-up paddleboards
• Swimming noodles
• WiFi on board
• Restroom on board

Beer and wine are served only to people aged 21 and over, and the operator asks everyone to drink responsibly. The drinks are a genuine part of the value, especially on a warm day when you may want something cold after swimming.

Lunch is not included. You can request it at least two days before departure for €30 per person. Since the outing lasts about four hours and the boat provides drinks rather than a full meal, check your departure time and plan ahead.

For a morning trip, bringing lunch may be sensible if you do not want to pay for the optional meal. Do not assume you can buy a full lunch at the swimming stops, since the supplied details do not promise that option.

The restroom is useful, though one account found the toilet arrangement less favorable. Think of it as a basic boat facility, not a spacious land-based bathroom.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

This trip suits you if you want a scenic and social half-day on the water, with swimming built into the route. Families with older children and teenagers should find plenty to do, especially with snorkeling and paddleboarding available.

It also works well for couples who want a comfortable boat ride without committing to a full-day charter. The small group means you can enjoy a more personal atmosphere, but you should still expect to share the boat, equipment, and crew attention.

Cruise ship passengers may find the schedule useful because the experience begins and ends at the same meeting point. You will need to arrange your own transportation to ABC Diving, since private transportation is not included.

This is less suitable for anyone who wants a quiet, dry sightseeing cruise. The main purpose is swimming, and the boat spends a large part of its day reaching and stopping at coastal swimming areas.

You should also think carefully if you get seasick. The operator specifically says the experience is not suitable for people prone to seasickness. Even a comfortable catamaran can move noticeably on open water.

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended. You do not need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable getting into the water, swimming or floating, and using a ladder or boat access point. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation.

Timing, weather, and the best season

The trip needs good weather. If conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. That policy is helpful, since a windy day can affect both comfort and the quality of the swimming stops.

Weather also affects the water itself. Summer should bring the warmest swimming conditions, but it is likely to bring more people to Blue Lagoon. October can mean fewer people and a more peaceful boat experience, though the water may feel cold.

One useful benefit of the small operation is that the crew may adjust the exact swimming locations when conditions are windy. The route remains focused on Comino, but the captain has some room to choose suitable bays and coves.

You should not expect a completely empty Blue Lagoon in peak season. The better strategy is to enjoy the catamaran’s quieter space, then make the most of Crystal Lagoon if the famous stop feels crowded.

The trip is offered in English. Confirmation is provided at booking, and the experience requires a minimum number of participants. If that minimum is not reached, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Booking advice and cancellation terms

This experience is commonly reserved well ahead of departure, with an average booking lead time of about 18 days. That suggests you should not leave it until the last minute if your Malta dates are fixed.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off follows local Malta time.

That policy gives you room to watch the forecast, but not much flexibility on the final day. Check your transportation plan carefully, since arriving late does not guarantee a refund or a delayed departure.

Should you book this catamaran trip?

I would book it if you want a small-group Comino cruise with real time for swimming, useful water equipment, and drinks included. The strongest reasons are the maximum of 15 people, the spacious catamaran, the friendly crew, and the balance between sightseeing and free time.

I would skip it if you dislike boats, cannot comfortably handle open-water movement, or want a quiet Blue Lagoon visit with no crowds. I would also think twice if you need a full meal included or want to spend most of the day ashore.

For the price, this is a strong half-day option. Arrive early, bring a towel and lunch if needed, wear swimwear under your clothes, and be ready to use the water equipment when the boat anchors. If you accept the two hours of transit and the chance of cold or crowded water, this is an easy way to see Comino without booking a much larger vessel.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start?

The tour starts at 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 ABC Diving.

How long does the experience last?

The experience lasts approximately four hours. About one hour is used to reach Comino and another hour is used for the return journey to Xemxija.

How many people can join the catamaran?

The maximum group size is 15 people.

Which locations does the tour visit?

The route includes a photo stop at Santa Maria Caves, a swimming stop at Crystal Lagoon, and a swimming stop at Blue Lagoon.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with two stand-up paddleboards shared among the group.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water and unlimited Pepsi and Sprite are included. Beer and wine are also provided to people aged 21 and over, with four 50-centiliter beer cans and half a bottle of wine per person.

Is lunch included?

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

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You are offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the experience to be canceled.