Full-Day Catamaran Cruise with Lunch in Island of Malta

Malta looks best from the water. This full-day cruise aboard the Tip Top One gives you a roomy catamaran, two swimming opportunities, lunch, drinks, and views of Comino, Gozo, St. Paul’s Island, and Valletta. I especially like the generous deck space and the small passenger limit, which keeps the day calm instead of turning it into a floating queue. The main catch is that the exact route depends on weather, and the popular Blue Lagoon is viewed rather than used as your swimming stop.

At $156 per person, this is not Malta’s cheapest boat outing. Still, the price includes a cooked lunch, wine, beer, soft drinks, water, shaded table seating, restrooms, and about six and a half hours at sea. I like that the cruise aims for quieter swimming spots, but you should know that sea conditions can change the plan at short notice.

Key Points Before You Book

• Up to 44 people on a spacious catamaran: The boat has room for shaded tables, cushioned seating, bean bags, and an open front deck.
• Crystal Lagoon or Ramla Bay comes first: The first swim may be at Comino’s Crystal Lagoon or at Ramla I-Hamra in Gozo, depending on conditions.
• Blue Lagoon is for sightseeing only: The cruise does not stop there because the water around it is too crowded.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Expect pork, chicken, salad, potatoes, bread, wine, beer, soft drinks, water, coffee, and cake.
• Two swimming stops are planned: The second is usually near St. Paul’s Island, with time for caves or a short harbour visit if the schedule allows.
• Boarding is strict: Be at Picard Tigné Seafront in Sliema by 10:15 a.m. Boarding closes at 10:25, and departure is at 10:30 sharp.

Why the Smaller Catamaran Matters

Malta’s busiest boat routes can feel like a day at sea with a crowd pressed shoulder to shoulder. Tip Top One takes a different approach. Its maximum capacity is 44 people, and several departures have carried fewer than that, leaving plenty of room to sit, stretch out, or move from sun to shade.

That extra space is not a minor comfort. You can eat at a proper table under cover, sit along the sides for a clear view, or claim a bean bag on the forward nets. The catamaran also has shaded areas, restrooms, and enough deck room for a full day without feeling trapped in one seat.

I would pay attention to this point if you are comparing several Malta cruises. A cheaper boat may still take you past the same coves, but crowding changes the experience. On Tip Top One, the quiet atmosphere is part of what you are buying.

The boat is not a private charter, and 44 people is still a group. You may share your table or find the best bean bags taken on a busy departure. But the setup gives you more breathing room than the packed boats commonly seen around Comino.

Boarding in Sliema at 10:15

The meeting point is the Tip Top One at Picard Tigné Seafront in Sliema. Boarding begins at 10:15 a.m., closes at 10:25, and departure is scheduled for 10:30 sharp. Treat those times seriously. This is not an outing where you want to arrive at the pier just as the crew casts off.

If you are staying in Valletta, the ferry is recommended as the easiest way to reach Sliema. A taxi is the better choice if you have luggage or want to avoid guessing your way through the waterfront streets. Bringing a car is discouraged because parking near the departure point can be difficult.

The cruise returns to the same meeting point at about 5 p.m. That makes it easy to plan an evening meal in Sliema or return to Valletta after the boat docks. Transfers are not included, so allow extra time and money for getting to and from the catamaran.

A Maltese Snack Before the First Swim

The day begins with a traditional Maltese platter while the boat gets underway. It is a useful start because you can settle into the catamaran, take in the coastal views, and find your preferred place before the main meal.

The mood is generally relaxed, with soft music and attentive service rather than a loud party atmosphere. Drinks are available throughout the day, including wine, beer, soft drinks, and water. Coffee and cake are also served later, according to the onboard offering described by the operator.

This is a good arrangement for a long outing. You do not need to pack a full supply of drinks, and you can spend the morning enjoying the view instead of worrying about when food will appear. Still, if you are prone to seasickness, take care with food and alcohol until you know how the water feels.

Crystal Lagoon, Gozo, and the Blue Lagoon View

The first main stop is planned for Comino’s Crystal Lagoon, weather permitting. It sits near the much more famous Blue Lagoon, but the two areas offer very different moods.

The Crystal Lagoon is known for clear water, rocky coves, and a more sheltered feel. The boat may anchor away from the worst crowds, giving you time to swim and use the water around the catamaran rather than fighting for space at a packed shore.

The cruise does not stop at the Blue Lagoon. You will see it as part of the route, but the boat avoids using it as a swimming stop because the surrounding water is heavily crowded. I consider this a sensible choice. The Blue Lagoon is famous, but popularity has made it one of Malta’s least peaceful places in high season.

There is one important condition: Crystal Lagoon may be replaced by Ramla I-Hamra in Gozo. Ramla Bay is known for its reddish sand, but the tour information does not promise the same stop on every departure. Weather, sea conditions, and operating decisions can change the route.

That flexibility protects the day from rough water, but it also means you should not book this cruise solely because you must swim at Crystal Lagoon. Think of the destination as a weather-dependent part of a wider Malta coast trip.

Lunch With a Proper Table and Open Bar

Lunch is served onboard and includes chicken, pork, fresh green salad, potatoes of the day, and fresh bread. There is enough food for seconds on many departures, which matters after swimming and spending hours in the sun.

You can eat at a shaded table rather than balancing a plate on your lap. That small detail makes a difference, especially for families, older people, and anyone who wants a real pause in the middle of the day.

Vegetarian requests should be noted when booking. The operator also asks you to mention if you do not eat chicken or pork, and dietary accommodations have been handled for people with gluten or lactose restrictions. You should still provide clear information in advance rather than expecting the crew to guess what you need.

The included drinks add real value to the $156 price. Wine, beer, water, and soft drinks are available all day, with coffee and cake also part of the food service. I would not treat the drinks as a reason to overindulge in the hot sun, but having water and refreshments on hand saves repeated purchases at tourist prices.

St. Paul’s Island and the Second Swim

After lunch, the boat heads toward St. Paul’s Island for a second chance to swim. This gives the day a good rhythm: sightseeing first, food in the middle, and another stretch of time in the water before returning to Sliema.

The swimming stops are not rushed photo opportunities. The schedule allows time to swim and snorkel, and the crew may use a smaller tender to take groups through nearby caves. That cave trip is a particularly nice extra because it lets you see coastal formations from a lower, closer position.

Masks and snorkels can be borrowed, but a €20 deposit is required in case equipment is lost or damaged. You may bring your own equipment if you prefer. Towels are not included, so pack one along with sun protection and a dry change of clothes.

The water can be inviting, but the boat is still moving on open sea for much of the day. If you do not swim, you can remain on deck and enjoy the views. The spacious seating means this is not a cruise built only for strong swimmers.

A Possible Grand Harbour Finish

If time permits, the route may include a short visit to Malta’s Grand Harbour. This adds a different side of the country to the day. Comino and the northern islands give you open water, cliffs, and swimming coves, while the harbour brings in Valletta and the Three Cities.

The harbour section is not guaranteed as a long guided tour. It depends on the day’s timing and conditions. If it is included, you get a fine water-level view of Malta’s historic port area without needing to arrange a separate harbour cruise.

The captain and crew also provide commentary during the route. Do not expect a formal sightseeing lecture from start to finish. The strength of this outing is the balance between light commentary, swimming, food, and downtime.

How Much Value Do You Get for $156?

At first glance, $156 is a considerable price for a six-and-a-half-hour boat outing. The value becomes clearer when you add up what is included: a large catamaran, two swim stops, lunch, unlimited listed drinks, shaded seating, restrooms, sightseeing near Comino and the Blue Lagoon, and possibly caves and the Grand Harbour.

You are also paying for space. A lower-priced cruise may offer a similar route but fill every available seat. Here, the maximum group size is 44, and the open deck, bean bags, and tables make the boat part of the experience rather than merely transport between stops.

I would consider it good value if you want a full day with few extra decisions. You do not need to search for lunch, buy drinks at each stop, or arrange separate transport between several coastal sights.

It is less appealing if you want a private boat, a guaranteed Crystal Lagoon stop, or a long visit ashore. This is a shared cruise, and much of the day is spent relaxing at sea rather than walking through towns or visiting monuments.

The cruise is booked an average of 17 days ahead, so reserving early makes sense during busy periods. Confirmation is issued within 48 hours, subject to availability. The operator also requires at least 10 people for the trip to run.

Who Will Enjoy Tip Top One Most?

This cruise fits you best if you want to see Malta from the water without joining a noisy, overcrowded party boat. Couples, families, mixed-age groups, and anyone who likes a slow day with food and swimming should find the format comfortable.

It also suits people who want options. You can lie on a bean bag, sit in shade, swim, borrow snorkeling equipment, visit caves by tender, or simply watch the coast pass by. The crew is described as friendly and attentive, with particular praise for the captain’s calm handling and personal service.

The cruise is not ideal if you dislike boats, need a guaranteed fixed route, or prefer a tightly planned sightseeing schedule. The exact stops can change with weather, and the boat returns around 5 p.m., leaving little room to add another major activity afterward.

Bring a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a light cover-up. Keep your phone protected from spray, and arrive early enough to board without stress. The front nets are excellent for sun, while the shaded tables are better for lunch and for anyone who wants a break from the heat.

Weather, Changes, and Cancellation Terms

The itinerary can change because of wind or sea conditions. Crystal Lagoon may be replaced by Ramla I-Hamra, and the Grand Harbour visit depends on available time. These changes are part of choosing a boat day in Malta, where conditions can affect safety and comfort.

The booking is non-refundable if you cancel or request an amendment. If poor weather forces the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund. If the minimum number of 10 people is not reached, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

FAQ

Where does the Tip Top One cruise depart?

It departs from Picard Tigné Seafront in Sliema, Malta, at the Daycruisemalta.com meeting point.

What time should I arrive?

Boarding begins at 10:15 a.m. and closes at 10:25 a.m. The catamaran departs at 10:30 sharp and returns at about 5 p.m.

Does the cruise stop at the Blue Lagoon?

No. The Blue Lagoon is viewed during the route, but the boat does not stop there because the surrounding water is overcrowded.

Where is the first swimming stop?

The first stop is planned for Comino’s Crystal Lagoon if weather permits. It may be changed to Ramla I-Hamra in Gozo.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes chicken, pork, fresh green salad, potatoes of the day, and fresh bread. Vegetarian and other dietary requests should be noted when booking.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are included throughout the day. Coffee and cake are also provided.

Are snorkeling equipment and towels included?

Towels are not included. Masks and snorkels can be borrowed with a €20 deposit in case of loss or damage.

Should You Book This Malta Catamaran Cruise?

I would book Tip Top One if your ideal Malta day means clear water, a comfortable boat, two swims, a good lunch, and enough room to relax. The most praised features are the uncrowded feel, generous deck space, friendly crew, tasty food, and drinks included all day.

I would skip it if you want a private charter or a guaranteed stop at one exact lagoon. For everyone else, the combination of quiet swimming areas, full onboard meals, and a maximum of 44 people makes this one of the stronger choices for seeing Malta by sea. Expect the route to bend with the weather, arrive early in Sliema, and let the crew handle the rest.