Comino: Blue Lagoon Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Open Bar

Blue water, cold drinks, and a long day afloat. The Spirit of Malta catamaran cruise combines Blue Lagoon swimming with a generous buffet, open bar, and a relaxed party atmosphere. I like the wide boat, the clean facilities, and the fact that you get real time in the water rather than a quick photo stop. The main catch is simple: rough seas can make the outward trip uncomfortable, and the route changes with the weather.

This is not a history tour or a quiet sightseeing boat. It is a social day at sea, with calm music early on and dancing later. I especially like the value of having lunch, wine, beer, water, and soft drinks included for $105. Just arrive early if you want a prime sunbed, bring strong sunscreen, and consider seasickness medicine.

Quick points before you book

• The 10:30am departure leaves from Sliema: Look for the only catamaran in that part of the bay, opposite The Black Sheep bar.
• The route follows the weather: You visit Comino and the Blue Lagoon when conditions allow, with other swimming bays selected on the day.
• The buffet is more than a snack: Expect cold cuts, cheeses, salads, bread rolls, and enough food for a full day on the water.
• The open bar runs throughout the cruise: Wine, beer, water, and soft drinks are included, while some extra drinks may cost more.
• The mood changes during the day: The ride out is generally relaxed, then music and dancing pick up after lunch and on the return.
• This is for adults: People under 17 are not suitable for this activity.

Setting sail from Sliema at 10:30am

The day begins in Sliema, one of Malta’s busiest waterfront areas. Finding the boat should be straightforward because the Spirit of Malta is the only catamaran in that section of the bay, positioned opposite The Black Sheep bar.

There is no hotel pickup, so you need to make your own way to the meeting point. I would arrive well before departure. Several people who enjoyed the cruise also noted that an early arrival helped them claim a better spot, either in the sun or under shade.

The boat has several areas for sitting and lying down. The upper deck is the obvious place for sunshine and views, but it can also be breezy, noisy, and exposed. One passenger found it hard to hear the captain from the top deck. If announcements matter to you, sit closer to the speaking area or lower down.

The catamaran is built for cruising rather than speed. That makes the trip feel more spacious and relaxed than a fast transfer boat. The tradeoff is that the journey to Comino can still feel rough when the sea is unsettled. A few passengers felt seasick on the way out, while others found the crossing smooth. Your experience will depend heavily on the weather and where you sit.

What the Spirit of Malta feels like onboard

The Spirit of Malta is a large sailing catamaran with room to sunbathe, sit, eat, and move around. It is not a tiny boat where every person is pressed against a railing. One review described a group of roughly 30 people, but the number can vary, and you should not expect a fixed group size.

The design gives you a choice of moods. Stay on the upper deck for sun and open views, find a quieter place to rest, or join the music when the atmosphere becomes livelier. A shower, toilets, and pool noodles are available, according to detailed passenger feedback. The boat was also described as clean, including the toilets.

The crew receives the strongest praise. Staff members are regularly described as friendly, attentive, and quick to help. The bartender has a busy job keeping drinks moving, especially once the boat fills with people ready to celebrate, but the service is repeatedly singled out as a reason the day works so well.

The music is part of the product, not background decoration. Early tunes tend to suit relaxing and sunbathing. Later, the crew turns up the party mood with popular songs and dance music. On some trips, crew members have helped connect a passenger’s phone to the speakers for a special celebration. That does not mean you can expect a custom playlist, but it shows the social spirit of the cruise.

The first swim stop and the changing route

There is no rigid daily programme. The captain chooses the bays according to wind, sea conditions, and safety. That flexibility is useful in Malta, where a calm-looking morning can still bring choppy water around the islands.

The cruise stops in scenic bays around Malta and Comino for swimming and snorkeling. You may visit Crystal Lagoon, a beach, or another suitable bay, but the exact combination is not guaranteed. One passenger was disappointed when Crystal Lagoon was skipped because of rough conditions, while another described visiting both Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon on a particularly good day.

This is worth understanding before you book. If your only goal is one specific cove, you may find the flexible route frustrating. If you want a full day on the water and accept that the captain must respond to conditions, the arrangement makes sense.

The swimming stops are not rushed. Reports describe enough time to swim, snorkel, eat, and relax rather than simply jumping in for ten minutes. Bring your own snorkeling gear if you have it. Waterproof phone protection is also useful, particularly if you plan to swim near caves or record the clear water.

Jellyfish have been spotted in the swimming areas, so take care and bring any personal medication you need. The boat does not carry an EpiPen or general allergy medicine, so you are responsible for bringing essential medication with you.

Blue Lagoon by boat, not by crowded shore

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the main attraction, and it is easy to see why. The water is clear and bright, and the view from the catamaran gives you a better sense of the surrounding rock and sea than a short shore visit.

The important advantage is that you stay anchored offshore. The beach area can be crowded, but the boat gives you room to swim away from the busiest patch of sand. You can swim toward the shore, remain beside the catamaran, or explore the water around the boat, subject to the crew’s instructions.

The Blue Lagoon stop may be the longest and most memorable part of the day. One passenger had plenty of free time to swim, while another enjoyed the chance to see caves by paying extra for a fast boat trip. That high-powered speedboat option is not included in the $105 price, so treat it as an optional add-on rather than part of the cruise.

The speedboat excursion is worth considering if you enjoy a short burst of excitement and want to see a cave from the water. It is not necessary to enjoy the main cruise, and you can simply swim, sunbathe, or stay aboard instead.

Keep in mind that Blue Lagoon is popular. The boat helps you avoid being stuck on the crowded shore, but it cannot make the lagoon empty. The view is lovely, the water is inviting, and the setting is still busy in the high season.

Lunch with cold cuts, salads, and plenty of bread

Lunch is served during one of the swimming stops. The buffet includes turkey, smoked gammon, salami, cheddar cubes, feta cheese, potato salad, bulgur wheat salad, vegetarian rice salad, pasta salad, tomatoes with onion, and bread rolls.

This is a practical menu for a hot day outdoors. You get several salads and vegetarian choices, along with cold meats and cheese. The tomato and onion salad is vegan, while the bulgur wheat and vegetarian rice salads are marked as vegetarian. If you have a serious allergy, ask the crew directly and bring your own required medicine.

The food receives unusually warm praise for a boat buffet. Several people expected a basic meal and found it more filling and better prepared than expected. One menu included tuna pasta, potato salad, pasta with vegetables, cold cuts, and bread. Extra fruit, including watermelon and honeydew, was also offered on at least one trip.

Do not think of lunch as a gourmet restaurant meal. It is a generous buffet designed to keep you fed during a seven-hour outing. That is exactly where it earns its value. You can eat properly, return to the water, and avoid spending more on food at Comino.

Open bar value at $105

The $105 price looks high beside a basic ferry or a simple boat transfer, but those are different products. Here you are paying for a full day aboard a comfortable catamaran, multiple swim stops, lunch, and drinks throughout the cruise.

The included bar serves wine, beer, water, and soft drinks. Some passengers praised the quality of the wine and beer, while one person wished there were more soft drink choices, such as juice. Extra drinks may be available for a fair added price, but the core selection is included.

The value improves if you plan to have several drinks and would otherwise buy lunch and refreshments separately. It also improves if you care about time in the water and space to relax. A cheaper trip may get you to Comino, but it may not include a buffet, open bar, sunbeds, or a long stay at the swimming areas.

Drink sensibly. Malta’s strong sun and sea breeze can hide how much sun you are getting, and alcohol can make dehydration worse. The crew provides water, but you should still use sunscreen and keep drinking water during the day.

The return trip turns into a boat party

After lunch and swimming, the mood usually shifts. Music becomes more upbeat, people start dancing, and the ride back to Sliema can feel like a floating celebration.

That party element is not forced on everyone. If you prefer peace, you can remain on the upper deck and enjoy the sun. If you are celebrating a birthday, hen party, or simply a holiday with friends, the lower deck and music area may suit you better.

The cruise has a useful balance between rest and energy. You are not signing up for seven hours of nonstop club music, but neither should you expect a silent sail. The best fit is someone who enjoys meeting people, sharing a drink, and joining in when the atmosphere builds.

Solo visitors can also fit in. One solo passenger had a good time, and the open layout makes it easier to sit near other people. Groups celebrating together are likely to get the most from the music, but you do not need to arrive with a large party.

The catamaran returns to Sliema at about 5:30pm. That timing makes it a full-day activity, so avoid booking it on a day when you also want a major evening excursion.

Comfort, weather, and useful packing advice

The boat is comfortable, but this is still a day at sea. Bring a hat, sunglasses, a swimsuit, sunscreen, and a towel. Apply sunscreen even when the breeze makes the air feel mild. Several people learned the hard way that the sun is easy to underestimate on the water.

If you are prone to seasickness, bring medication before boarding. The roughest part may be the outward journey, though conditions vary. The rear of the boat, near the captain, was recommended by one passenger as a steadier place when the water was choppy. Sitting near the front can be more exciting, but spray may soak you and your belongings.

Use the hooks on the upper deck for bags, and protect phones and cameras from splashes. If you want to snorkel, bring your own mask and gear unless the crew gives you different information on the day.

The host or greeter can speak English, Italian, French, or Spanish. That is helpful for basic communication and safety instructions. Still, announcements may be harder to hear from the top deck, especially when music and wind compete with the captain’s voice.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. Those are useful safeguards when weather may affect the route.

Who should book the Spirit of Malta?

I would recommend this cruise to adults who want swimming, scenery, food, drinks, and music in one package. It works especially well for couples, friend groups, solo social visitors, and hen parties. The crew’s friendly approach and flexible atmosphere make celebrations feel welcome without making quiet passengers join the party.

I would be more cautious if you dislike open bars, loud music, crowded popular sites, or unpredictable sea conditions. It is also a poor fit if your main goal is historical information, since the cruise is focused on views and fun rather than guided commentary.

At $105, I see solid value for a seven-hour day that includes lunch and an open bar. The strongest reasons to choose it over a cheaper Comino boat are the large catamaran, generous swimming time, onboard facilities, food, and space to sunbathe. Arrive early, choose your seat carefully, pack for strong sun, and accept that Crystal Lagoon or another bay may be changed by the weather.

Should you book this cruise?

Yes, if you want a full day of Malta’s sea rather than a quick transfer to Comino. The Spirit of Malta offers a rare mix of long swimming stops, decent food, included drinks, and a friendly party atmosphere.

Book it if you value the overall day more than a fixed route. Skip it if you need a quiet boat, a fully planned sightseeing commentary, or guaranteed access to one particular lagoon. For most adults looking for an easy, social day on the water, the price is justified.

FAQ

Where does the Spirit of Malta catamaran depart from?

It departs from Sliema at 10:30am. The catamaran is opposite The Black Sheep bar and is the only catamaran in that area of the bay.

What time does the cruise return to Sliema?

The catamaran is expected to return at approximately 5:30pm.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to reach the Sliema meeting point yourself.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The buffet includes cold cuts, cheeses, several salads, bread rolls, and other listed items served during a swimming stop.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes wine, beer, water, and soft drinks throughout the day.

Is Blue Lagoon guaranteed?

The cruise visits Blue Lagoon when weather and sea conditions permit. The route is flexible, so swimming bays and stops can change according to the conditions.

Are swimming and snorkeling included?

Swimming stops are included. You can snorkel during suitable stops, but the provided information does not confirm that snorkeling equipment is supplied.

Are children allowed?

People under 17 are not suitable for this activity.

What languages are available onboard?

The host or greeter can speak English, Italian, French, or Spanish.