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

The best boat trips leave room to breathe. This half-day catamaran from St. Paul’s Bay keeps numbers to about 20, giving you space to stretch out, swim, and enjoy the coast without joining a floating crowd. I like the small-group setting and the polished, attentive service, especially the steady supply of water, soft drinks, beer, and wine. The main drawback is that food is not included, and rough seas can force changes to the route.

I also like the balance of sightseeing and swimming. You get close views of Santa Maria Caves, then generous stops at Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, with snorkel masks and two shared paddleboards available. Just remember that this is more about clear water, scenery, and a relaxed boat day than serious snorkeling.

At a glance: what makes this catamaran trip worthwhile

• Only about 20 people: You have room to sit, sunbathe, and move around instead of being packed onto a large excursion boat.
• Two proper swim stops: Blue Lagoon gets about an hour, while Crystal Lagoon gets roughly 45 minutes.
• Santa Maria Caves from the sea: You see the rock formations close up, though the cave visit is mainly a short sightseeing pass.
• Drinks included: Still water and soft drinks are unlimited, with four 50-centiliter beer cans and half a bottle of wine per person.
• Useful water gear: Snorkel masks, two shared SUP paddleboards, a swimming ladder, and a fresh-water shower are provided.
• A good half-day length: At three to four hours, you can enjoy the coast and still have time for lunch or another Malta activity.

Why the group size matters on Malta’s busy coast

The strongest reason to choose this trip is the boat’s size. The catamaran is designed for a maximum of 20 people, and several departures have carried fewer, sometimes around 15 or even less. That changes the feel of the day.

You are not fighting for a sunbed or waiting in line to use a swimming ladder. There is space to lie on padded seats, sit in the shade, or move to the front and watch the water. The boat is described as clean, modern, comfortable, and well maintained, with a proper toilet and a fresh-water shower.

I would pay extra for this over a large party boat if comfort matters to you. The price is $59 per person, which is not the cheapest way to reach the Blue Lagoon, but you are paying for space, a smaller group, crew attention, and included drinks. If your only goal is to see the coast from a boat, a larger and cheaper vessel may do the job. If you want to swim without feeling herded, this is better value.

The small group also makes it easier to meet the people around you. The atmosphere can be social, but it is not built around loud entertainment. Music plays through the catamaran, and some groups have been allowed to choose their own music. One useful caution: the volume may feel a little high if you want a quiet sail.

Leaving Fekruna Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay

The meeting point is Fekruna Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. You should arrive early, not merely at the scheduled departure time. The catamaran leaves promptly, and it is not required to wait for late arrivals.

That warning matters because one person who arrived at the stated fifteen minutes early felt the boat was close to leaving. Build in extra time so you can find the jetty, settle in, and listen to the ten-minute safety briefing without rushing.

The crew welcomes you aboard and explains the basic arrangements before departure. Drinks are available throughout the trip, and the crew generally checks in often. Specific crew members praised in feedback include Bim, Idola, Dustin, Fernando, and Captain Dustan. The names and staffing can vary, but the consistent theme is friendly service without constant pressure.

The first transfer takes about 45 minutes. This is not dead time. You get broad coastal views, a chance to find your preferred seat, and time to settle into the pace of the morning or afternoon. The catamaran has plenty of deck space, so you can choose between sun and shade as the boat moves along.

Santa Maria Caves: a short coastal sightseeing stop

Santa Maria Caves are the first main sight. The catamaran approaches the rock formations for about 15 minutes, giving you close views from the water and time for photographs.

This part is scenic rather than a full cave exploration. You do not get a long walk ashore or a guided underground visit. The value is in seeing the pale rock walls, openings, and clear water from a stable viewing point on the boat.

The stop can be affected by wind and sea conditions. A calm day lets the captain get closer and gives you better photographs. If you want detailed information about every formation, keep your expectations in check. Some departures have had plenty of local explanation, while others have had less commentary. Captain Dustan and other crew members have been praised for sharing facts about Malta, Comino, and the surrounding coast, but the amount of narration may differ.

Bring a phone or camera, but protect it carefully around the water. The crew may help with photographs, and several people appreciated that personal touch.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water and one full hour to swim

Blue Lagoon is the main swimming stop, with about an hour scheduled for sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling. The water is the star here. Its pale, clear color makes it one of the most attractive places on the route.

You can enter by the swimming ladder, float near the catamaran, or use a snorkel mask to look beneath the surface. The boat also carries two SUP paddleboards for shared use. They are useful for a little extra exploring, but do not assume each person will have one throughout the stop.

One advantage of this small catamaran is that it may find a less crowded position than the biggest boats. Some departures have reached a quieter part of the lagoon, making the swim feel more relaxed. Still, Blue Lagoon is a famous stop, so you should not expect private water or an empty shoreline.

An important detail: going ashore is not part of the stated plan. You swim from the boat, and the beach is something you can view rather than count on visiting. If standing on land at Blue Lagoon is essential to you, check the arrangements before booking.

The water is lovely for cooling off, but this is not a specialist snorkeling trip. One person found very little underwater life, with no reef and only a few fish. The bottom line is simple: bring a mask for a pleasant look below the surface, not for a major marine-life experience.

Crystal Lagoon: the quieter swimming stop

After Blue Lagoon, the catamaran heads toward Crystal Lagoon for about 45 minutes. This stop is often the calmer and more peaceful part of the trip.

The clear water is suited to swimming, floating, and short snorkel sessions. The paddleboards can add a little variety, and there may be a chance to use them near a cave or beach area. The boat remains the base, so you are not signing up for a full shore excursion.

I like this second stop because it gives you time to settle into the water. At Blue Lagoon, you may spend the first few minutes taking photographs and getting oriented. At Crystal Lagoon, you can simply swim at your own pace.

Weather controls the plan. On choppy days, the captain may skip Crystal Lagoon and use a calmer swimming area near St. Paul’s Bay instead. That is a sensible safety choice, even if you have your heart set on two named lagoons. The route is flexible for wind and waves, and the crew has changed the plan rather than force an uncomfortable crossing.

Drinks, snacks, and what to bring

Unlimited still water and soft drinks are included. Beer and wine are also part of the package, with four 50-centiliter cans of beer and half a bottle of wine per person. White and rosé wine are available.

That is generous for a three-to-four-hour outing, and it adds real value to the $59 price. You can sit back without paying separately every time you want a drink. The crew is often quick to offer refreshments, which helps the trip feel cared for rather than self-service.

Food is the weak point. No meal is included, and optional menus can be arranged for an extra fee. Some departures have had crisps, nibbles, or light snacks available, but you should not treat these as a guaranteed lunch. Eat before boarding, especially if you plan to swim.

Bring:

• Towel
• Swimsuit or beachwear
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat

Towels are not supplied. The fresh-water shower is handy after swimming, and the toilet is a useful comfort on the longer transfers.

Please drink responsibly. Alcohol in the sun can catch up with you quickly, especially after swimming.

Weather, comfort, and who should skip it

The catamaran can feel smooth and calm on a good day, but Malta’s sea conditions can change. Choppy water has caused route changes, and people prone to seasickness should think carefully before booking.

This is not a good fit for people with back problems, mobility impairments, or visual impairments. There is a swimming ladder and water equipment, but the experience still involves moving around a boat, boarding at a jetty, and entering the sea from the vessel.

If you are sensitive to motion, sit where movement feels least bothersome, keep your eyes on the horizon, and consider your usual seasickness precautions. Those are general practical steps, not a promise that the boat will feel calm.

The trip suits couples, friends, families with older children, and small groups wanting a relaxed morning or afternoon. It also works well for anyone who wants a boat outing but does not want to give up half a day to a long cruise. The return time can leave room for lunch, which is one reason the schedule feels useful.

Is $59 good value?

For Malta, $59 is a fair price for this type of small-group cruise. You receive the catamaran ride, crew service, water, soft drinks, beer, wine, snorkel masks, paddleboards, toilet access, shower facilities, and two swim stops.

The real comparison is not with a basic ferry or a crowded sightseeing boat. Compare it with another small catamaran that offers similar time on the water. Here, the limited capacity is the key value. You may pay more than you would for a large boat, but you are buying room and a calmer pace.

The price is less attractive if you do not drink, do not plan to swim, or mainly want historical commentary. It is also less suitable if you expect a meal or serious snorkeling. For a comfortable coastal outing with drinks and swimming, the package is strong.

The activity has a 4.8 rating from 157 reviews, with 95 percent of reviewers giving it a perfect score. That matches the most consistent strengths: a clean boat, friendly crew, ample space, and good swim stops. The less positive points are also clear: limited food, occasional loud music, short overall duration, and route changes in rough conditions.

Should you book this St. Paul’s Bay catamaran?

I would book it if you want a polished half-day on the water, especially if large excursion boats do not appeal to you. The small capacity, comfortable boat, included drinks, and two swim stops make the $59 price reasonable.

Book it for scenery, swimming, and easygoing service. Do not book it expecting a meal, an empty Blue Lagoon, a long cave tour, or rich underwater wildlife. Arrive early at Fekruna Jetty, eat beforehand, bring a towel, and keep your plans flexible in case the sea changes.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those options help if your Malta schedule is still shifting, but the most important choice is simpler: if you want a smaller boat and room to relax, this is one of the better fits from St. Paul’s Bay.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour depart from?

The meeting point is Fekruna Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay, Malta.

How long does the experience last?

The trip lasts about three to four hours. The schedule includes a ten-minute safety briefing, transfers, a 15-minute stop at Santa Maria Caves, about one hour at Blue Lagoon, and around 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited still water and soft drinks are included. Each person also receives four 50-centiliter cans of beer and half a bottle of wine, with white and rosé available.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included in the standard price. Optional menus may be available for an additional fee, and light snacks may be offered on some departures.

Can I use snorkeling and paddleboard equipment?

Yes. Snorkel masks and two shared SUP paddleboards are included. The catamaran also has a swimming ladder for entering the water.

Can the route change because of the weather?

Yes. The itinerary depends on sea and weather conditions. If the water is too rough, the crew may change a stop or use a calmer swimming area instead.