Comino: Blue Lagoon Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Open Bar

A day at sea beats a crowded beach. The Spirit of Malta catamaran combines Blue Lagoon swimming with a generous buffet, an open bar, and a relaxed ride along Malta’s coast. I like the roomy boat, the clean facilities, and the way the day shifts from quiet sailing to music and dancing on the return trip. You also get plenty of time in the water, rather than a quick photo stop.

The main drawback is that the route changes with the weather. Crystal Lagoon may be skipped, and rough seas can make the outward journey uncomfortable for anyone prone to motion sickness. The Blue Lagoon itself is also crowded, though anchoring offshore lets you enjoy the water without squeezing onto its busy beach.

Key points to know before booking

• Seven hours on the Spirit of Malta: The catamaran leaves Sliema at 10:30am and returns at about 5:30pm.
• Blue Lagoon and changing swim stops: The crew chooses bays based on sea and weather conditions, with Crystal Lagoon possible but not guaranteed.
• Food is better than basic boat fare: Expect cold cuts, cheeses, several salads, bread rolls, and plenty of food for a long day.
• Open bar included: Wine, beer, water, and soft drinks are available throughout the cruise.
• A calm day becomes a boat party: Music is generally relaxed early on, with more dancing and upbeat songs later.
• Come early for the best place: Sunbeds and shaded spots can go quickly, especially on busy summer departures.

What the Spirit of Malta day is really like

This is not a history cruise or a guided sightseeing boat. It is a full day built around swimming, sun, food, drinks, views, and friendly social energy.

The large sailing catamaran leaves from Sliema at 10:30am. Finding it should be simple: it is the only catamaran in that part of the bay, opposite The Black Sheep bar. Hotel pickup is not included, so allow time to reach Sliema on your own.

The boat is designed for comfort rather than speed. That matters. You have space to sunbathe, sit in the shade, eat, chat, or simply watch Malta slide past from the water. The ride feels far more relaxed than a small speedboat, though a catamaran can still move sharply when the sea is rough.

The crew speaks English, Italian, French, and Spanish. Their role is practical and social rather than academic. They serve food and drinks, help with swimming stops, keep the boat tidy, and keep the mood moving. Several people singled out the crew for being friendly and attentive, with the bartender working hard to keep up during the busiest parts of the day.

Sailing from Sliema to Malta’s northern bays

The first part of the trip is usually the quieter half. Music plays, but it is not necessarily loud, and you can settle into a sunbed or find a shaded place on deck.

The captain chooses the stops according to the weather. This flexible approach is useful because sea conditions can change quickly around Malta, but it also means you should not treat every named bay as guaranteed. Crystal Lagoon is a popular hope, yet rough water or other conditions may lead the crew to choose a different stop.

That flexibility is one reason to keep your expectations practical. You are buying a day on the sea with access to beautiful swimming spots, not a fixed checklist of lagoons.

The catamaran itself is part of the appeal. It offers more room than many cheaper boats heading toward Comino, with areas to lie down and places to get out of the sun. One useful tip from the experience: arrive early if you want a prime spot. The best combination of sun and shade can disappear before departure.

Be careful where you leave your belongings. The front of the boat can get wet from spray, especially when the sea is lively. If you want a drier ride, the back of the boat is a safer choice. One useful seating suggestion is the rear area near the captain, particularly if rough water makes you queasy.

Swimming at Crystal Lagoon, when conditions allow

Crystal Lagoon is smaller and generally feels more sheltered and intimate than the famous Blue Lagoon. Its clear water makes it a strong stop for swimming and snorkeling, and the catamaran gives you the freedom to enter the sea directly from the boat.

The exact amount of time at each stop depends on the day, but the cruise is designed to give you a proper swim rather than a rushed dip. Some people spend the stop snorkeling, while others use pool noodles, float, or simply sit on the boat with a drink.

Crystal Lagoon is not guaranteed. On a rough day, the captain may decide to pass it or only show it from the water. That can be disappointing if it is your main reason for booking, so keep the wider experience in mind. The crew may substitute another bay or beach that is safer and more comfortable.

Bring your own snorkeling gear if you have it. The information provided does not promise equipment rental, so a mask and snorkel are sensible additions. A waterproof phone case is also useful if you want pictures from the water.

Jellyfish have been seen in the swimming areas, so pay attention before entering. You should also bring any personal medication you need. The boat does not carry an epinephrine auto-injector, and it is not a substitute for your own medical supplies.

The Blue Lagoon from the water

The Blue Lagoon is the headline stop, and it is easy to see why. The water around Comino is bright, clear, and inviting, with rocky edges and small caves adding interest around the shoreline.

The popular beach area can be packed, especially in summer. That is where arriving by catamaran helps. You can anchor offshore, swim in the same clear water, and avoid spending the whole stop searching for a patch of sand.

You may be able to swim toward the shore or explore near the caves, depending on the boat’s position and sea conditions. The experience is less about a formal guided visit and more about choosing how active or lazy you want to be.

Some departures offer an optional paid speedboat ride into a cave near the Blue Lagoon. This is not included in the cruise price, but it has been a favorite extra for people who want a fast, playful look inside the coastline. Treat it as an add-on, not a promised part of the package.

The Blue Lagoon can also be noisy and busy. If you want solitude, this is not the place to expect it in midsummer. The boat gives you a better base than the shore, but the setting remains popular.

Lunch on board: simple, plentiful, and useful

Lunch is served during one of the swimming stops, which is a smart arrangement. You can eat while the boat is anchored, then return to the water without losing a separate sightseeing period.

The buffet includes turkey, smoked gammon, salami, cheddar cubes, feta, potato salad, bulgur wheat salad, vegetarian rice salad, pasta salad, and a tomato and onion salad. Bread rolls are provided as well.

This is cold buffet food, not a restaurant meal, but it suits a hot day on the sea. You get a mix of meat, cheese, pasta, grain, potato, and vegetables, so you can make a light plate or eat enough to carry you through the afternoon.

The quantity is one of the strongest points. Several people were surprised by how much food was available, and the crew encouraged everyone to take more. Extra snacks and filled rolls have also been provided on some days.

Quality can vary by dish. The salads, cold cuts, bread, and general selection tend to be the safer bets. One assessment found the pasta disappointing, while others found the lunch much better than expected. I would call it solid boat catering with enough choice to work for most appetites, not a reason to book the trip on its own.

If you have a serious allergy, ask before booking and bring any necessary medication. The supplied information does not promise a dedicated allergy-free kitchen or special meals.

Open bar, sun, and the afternoon party

The open bar includes wine, beer, water, and soft drinks. It is available throughout the day, which adds real value to a seven-hour cruise. You are not paying separately for every bottle of water or glass of wine while sitting in the sun.

Soft drink choices may feel limited if you want juices or a broad range of nonalcoholic options. Water is especially important in Malta’s heat, so make use of it even if you are drinking alcohol.

The music usually changes with the mood of the day. Early sailing tends to be calmer, allowing you to relax and enjoy the views. After lunch and the swimming stops, the atmosphere becomes more social, with dancing and upbeat songs on the way back to Sliema.

This is where the experience divides people. Some will love the chance to learn a dance, meet people, and join a boat party. Others may prefer a quiet sail all day. The good news is that you can often move to a quieter part of the catamaran, especially the upper deck, though the music may be harder to hear from there.

The crew has been willing to play music requested for birthday and hen party groups. That personal touch can make a celebration feel special, but it also means the atmosphere is not fully predictable. Expect a friendly party cruise, not a silent yacht charter.

Comfort, toilets, and what to pack

Toilets are available on board and have generally been kept clean. That is a small detail, but it matters during a full day away from shore.

Some people have also noted a shower and pool noodles on board. Availability of individual extras can vary, but the boat is set up for swimming rather than simply transporting you to Comino.

Pack the basics:

• Swimsuit and a spare layer
• Towel
• Hat and strong sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Waterproof phone case
• Snorkeling gear if you own it
• Motion sickness medication if you need it
• Personal allergy medication
• A light cover-up for the ride back

The breeze can fool you into thinking the sun is mild. You can burn quickly while sitting on deck, even when the wind feels cool. Reapply sunscreen after swimming.

If you want shade, arrive early. The boat may have both sunny and shaded places, but the most comfortable spots are not guaranteed late arrivals.

Is $105 good value for Malta?

At $105 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Comino. You can find simpler boat trips or land-based options for less. The real question is what you want included.

Here, the price covers roughly seven hours on a large catamaran, several scenic stops, swimming time, a buffet lunch, wine, beer, water, and soft drinks. You also get toilets, room to sunbathe, and a planned return with music and dancing.

That package makes the price reasonable for anyone who expects to spend most of the day on the boat. A cheaper trip may get you to Comino, but it may not include the same amount of food, drink, deck space, or party atmosphere.

The value is weaker if you do not drink, dislike music, or only want a short visit to the Blue Lagoon. It is also less appealing if your main goal is a guaranteed visit to Crystal Lagoon, since the route depends on weather.

For a group celebration, the price can make sense because you get transport, food, drinks, swimming, and entertainment in one booking. Solo visitors can also fit in well, since the social setup makes it easy to meet people without arranging a private group.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this cruise if you want a full, easy day on the water with a mix of relaxation and fun. It suits couples, friends, solo visitors, and celebration groups who like swimming, sun, music, and a drink without having to plan every hour.

It is especially good for you if the Blue Lagoon beach crowds sound unappealing. You can enjoy the water from the catamaran and return to a comfortable base whenever you need a break.

Think twice if you suffer badly from seasickness, need a guaranteed route, want a quiet nature trip, or expect a detailed commentary about Malta and Comino. The captain may be difficult to hear from the upper deck, and this is not mainly an educational tour.

The age rule also matters: the experience is not suitable for anyone under 17.

Should you book the Spirit of Malta?

Yes, if you want a social day that combines Malta’s best swimming water with food, drinks, and a lively return sail. The strongest reasons to book are the generous inclusions, friendly crew, roomy catamaran, and long swim stops.

Book with sensible expectations. Crystal Lagoon depends on weather, the Blue Lagoon can be crowded, and the sea may be rough on the way north. Arrive early, take motion sickness precautions if needed, protect yourself from the sun, and choose a seat toward the back if you want a smoother ride.

For $105, this is best viewed as a full-day experience rather than a simple boat transfer. If that sounds like your kind of Malta day, it is a strong choice.

FAQ

Where does the Spirit of Malta catamaran leave from?

It departs from Sliema at 10:30am. The vessel is opposite The Black Sheep bar and is the only catamaran in that area of the bay, making it easy to identify.

What time does the cruise return?

The catamaran returns to Sliema at approximately 5:30pm. The total duration is about seven hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The buffet includes cold cuts, cheeses, salads, bread rolls, and other cold dishes. Vegetarian and vegan salad choices are included.

What drinks are included in the open bar?

Wine, beer, water, and soft drinks are included throughout the day. Extra drink options may be available for an additional charge.

Is a visit to Crystal Lagoon guaranteed?

No. The route changes according to weather and sea conditions. The cruise visits the Blue Lagoon in Comino when weather permits, while other bays and Crystal Lagoon depend on the conditions that day.

Are children allowed on this cruise?

No. The experience is not suitable for people under 17 years old.