Comino: Blue Lagoon Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Open Bar

The best Malta days end in saltwater. This seven-hour Spirit of Malta catamaran cruise combines easy sailing, long swim stops, and a generous buffet with wine, beer, and soft drinks included. I especially like the roomy boat and the relaxed morning mood that turns into music and dancing on the return trip. The main catch is that the route changes with the weather, and rough water can make the ride uncomfortable.

You leave Sliema at 10:30am and return around 5:30pm. I also like that you avoid the packed shoreline at the Blue Lagoon by swimming from the boat instead. Just arrive early if you want a prime sunbed, and remember that the open bar, party atmosphere, and minimum age of 17 make this better for adults than for families.

Key points to know before booking

• Seven hours from Sliema: The cruise runs from about 10:30am to 5:30pm, with no hotel pickup included.
• Blue Lagoon by catamaran: You visit Comino and stop for swimming or snorkeling, weather permitting.
• Lunch is more than a token snack: Cold cuts, cheeses, salads, bread rolls, and drinks make a proper midday meal.
• Open bar all day: Wine, beer, water, and soft drinks are included, though the soft drink range may feel limited.
• Morning calm, afternoon party: Expect quiet sailing and swimming earlier, then louder music and dancing on the way home.
• Weather controls the route: Crystal Lagoon and other bays may be included, but there is no fixed programme.

Why this catamaran is a strong choice for Comino

Malta has no shortage of boat trips to Comino. The cheaper options can get you to the Blue Lagoon, but this one is designed as a full day on the water rather than simple transport. You get a comfortable catamaran, swimming time, lunch, an open bar, toilets, sunbathing space, and music included in the $105 price.

That matters because the Blue Lagoon itself can feel crowded, especially on a sunny summer day. From the catamaran, you can enjoy the famous water without spending your whole visit squeezed onto the small shore. You can swim, use the pool noodles provided on board, snorkel, or stay on deck with a drink and watch the boats move around Comino.

The cruise has earned a strong 4.6 rating from 934 bookings, and the reasons are clear: the crew receives repeated praise, the food is better than many people expect, and the swimming stops are long enough to feel worthwhile. This is not a history lesson or a formal sightseeing cruise. It is a day of sea views, swimming, food, drinks, and a party finish.

Finding the Spirit of Malta in Sliema

The meeting point is in Sliema Bay, opposite The Black Sheep bar. The boat is described as the only catamaran in that part of the bay, so it should be easy to identify.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You need to make your own way to Sliema and allow time to find the boarding point. Arriving 30 to 45 minutes early is smart, especially in summer or if you want a good position on deck. Early arrivals have a better chance of finding a sunbed in the sun and shade, rather than spending the day moving around to find space.

The catamaran is large and built for cruising. It has toilets, plenty of places to sit or lie down, and a lower deck if you want shelter from the sun or music. The boat can still feel busy when the trip is full, but it is generally more comfortable than smaller, tightly packed boats.

The morning sail: calm water, changing plans

Departure is scheduled for 10:30am. The crew does not follow a rigid route. Instead, the captain chooses the bays and stops according to the weather and sea conditions. That flexibility is useful in Malta, where wind can change the feel of a day on the water quickly.

The outward journey is usually the quieter part of the cruise. Music plays, but the main focus is the sea, the views, and finding a comfortable place on deck. You can sunbathe, sit in the shade, or settle near the back if you are sensitive to motion.

The catamaran may stop at different bays around Malta and Comino. Crystal Lagoon is sometimes included, along with other swimming spots, but it is not guaranteed. One day may offer a clear stop at Crystal Lagoon, while another may only pass by because the water is too rough. The same applies to the exact order of stops.

That can be frustrating if you have your heart set on one particular cove. The Blue Lagoon is promised as a main part of the trip, weather permitting, but the rest of the route is flexible. I see this as a fair trade: a fixed plan would be less useful if sea conditions made a planned stop unpleasant or unsafe.

Blue Lagoon and Comino from the water

The Blue Lagoon is the main attraction, and the water is every bit as striking as you expect. The problem is the shore. In high season, it can be crowded with people, umbrellas, day trippers, and small boats.

The catamaran gives you a better way to enjoy the area. It anchors nearby, allowing you to swim from the boat and look back at Comino from the water. You may also have the option to swim toward the shore or explore nearby caves, depending on conditions and your confidence in the water.

Bring a waterproof phone case if you want photos while swimming. Snorkeling gear is also useful if you have your own, though the activity description does not promise equipment rental. The water is the star here, but keep an eye out for jellyfish, which have been spotted around the swimming areas.

At Blue Lagoon, there may also be an optional high-speed boat trip into a cave for an extra charge. The experience has been described as a 600-horsepower ride, and it is a tempting add-on for anyone who enjoys speed and short cave visits. It is not part of the $105 cruise price, so treat it as an optional extra rather than a required part of the day.

Crystal Lagoon and the limits of a weather-led route

Crystal Lagoon can be a highlight when conditions allow. Its enclosed setting, clear water, and nearby caves make it especially appealing for swimming and snorkeling. It is also often less hectic than the Blue Lagoon, which is why some people may prefer it.

Still, you cannot count on stopping there. Rough water has caused the captain to change plans, and the route may shift to another bay or beach. This is worth understanding before you book. If your only goal is Crystal Lagoon, choose a product that guarantees that stop, if available. If you want a relaxed day with several possible swimming locations, this flexible approach works well.

The boat may also stop at a beach after Blue Lagoon. The exact sequence depends on weather, traffic, and sea conditions. You get variety, but not a precise sightseeing checklist.

Lunch on board: filling, simple, and useful

Lunch is served during one of the swimming stops, which is a practical arrangement. You can eat when the boat is anchored, rather than trying to manage a plate while sailing.

The buffet includes:

• Turkey, smoked gammon, and salami
• Cheddar cubes and feta cheese
• Summer potato salad
• Bulgur wheat salad
• Vegetarian rice salad
• Pasta salad
• Tomato and onion salad
• Bread rolls

The selection covers meat eaters, vegetarians, and anyone who wants a light cold lunch. The tomato and onion salad is vegan, and the other salad choices give you alternatives to cold cuts and cheese.

I would describe the food as straightforward rather than gourmet, but the quantity is one of its strengths. Several people found the lunch more generous and better tasting than expected. You may also find filled rolls and snacks available, and extra fruit such as watermelon has been offered on some outings.

One minor weak point is that the pasta has not always impressed. Food quality can vary from dish to dish, but the buffet is filling, and you are encouraged to take more. For a full day at sea, that is much more valuable than a small sandwich and a packet of crisps.

What the open bar really adds

The open bar is a major part of the value. Wine, beer, water, and soft drinks are available throughout the day. A reusable cup may be provided, and the bar staff keep drinks moving even when the boat is busy.

The wine and beer have received especially strong praise. Soft drink choices may be less varied, with limited juice options, so bring your expectations down if you want a large range of nonalcoholic drinks. Water is available, and you should drink plenty of it in the Malta sun, even if you are also enjoying the bar.

The open bar makes the $105 price easier to justify. A separate boat ticket, lunch, drinks, and a full day of swimming would quickly add up. It also means you do not need to carry a cooler or pay for every drink during the trip.

Drink sensibly. The sun, movement of the boat, and alcohol are a poor combination if you forget water or sunscreen.

From relaxed sailing to a floating party

The atmosphere changes as the day goes on. The outward journey tends to be calm, with background music and time to enjoy the views. After lunch and the swimming stops, the crew turns up the energy with popular music, dancing, and a more social mood.

The return to Sliema is often the liveliest part. Music requests may be played, and people from different groups join in on the dance floor. The crew has even helped celebrate hen parties by playing chosen music for the group.

This party element is fun, but it is not subtle. If you want a quiet sunset sail, stay on the upper deck or choose a smaller, quieter sailing trip. If you like music and meeting people, the changing mood gives the cruise more personality than a simple ride to Comino.

Solo visitors can fit in well because the boat encourages a shared social atmosphere. It also suits birthdays, hen parties, friend groups, and couples who want a lively day rather than a private romantic outing.

Comfort, sea conditions, and where to sit

The catamaran is usually smooth, but it is not immune to rough water. The ride toward Comino can be rocky on windy days, and several people have felt seasick. The return can be calmer, but conditions vary.

If you are prone to seasickness, bring your usual medication and choose a seat near the back, close to the captain, where movement may feel less intense. Avoid assuming that a large catamaran will always feel steady. It is more stable than some smaller boats, but the sea still gets the final vote.

The front of the boat can be entertaining because spray may soak you. Keep bags and phones away from the edge, and use the hooks above the cabin on the upper deck. If you want to stay dry, the back is the safer choice.

The sun is another trap. The breeze can make the heat feel mild while your shoulders quietly turn red. Pack high-factor sunscreen, a hat, and a cover-up. Sunglasses, a waterproof phone case, and a towel are also sensible.

Staff, languages, and the age limit

The crew speaks English, Italian, French, and Spanish. The staff are repeatedly praised for being friendly, attentive, and energetic, especially behind the bar and during celebrations. Individual crew members such as Hector and Axel have received special thanks for helping create the party atmosphere.

The captain handles the route according to conditions, so you should not expect a detailed talk at every stop. If you sit on the upper deck, announcements may be difficult to hear. This is mainly a recreation cruise, not a guided cultural tour with constant commentary.

The experience is not suitable for anyone under 17. That age limit fits the open bar and party style. It also means you should choose another Comino excursion if you are visiting Malta with younger children.

Is $105 good value?

At $105 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Comino. You can find basic boat trips for less, especially if all you want is transport and a short stop at the Blue Lagoon.

The value improves when you count what is included: around seven hours on the water, a large catamaran, multiple possible swimming stops, buffet lunch, beer, wine, water, soft drinks, toilets, sunbathing space, and music. You are paying for a full day rather than a transfer.

I think the price is strongest for anyone who would otherwise buy lunch, several drinks, and a separate boat or beach activity. It is less compelling if you do not drink, dislike loud music, or only want an hour at the Blue Lagoon.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking make planning easier. Still, check the current start time and availability before you commit, since the trip operates according to scheduled departures and weather.

Who should book this cruise?

You should book it if you want:

• A full day at sea instead of a quick Comino stop
• Long swimming and snorkeling breaks
• A buffet lunch with plenty of food
• Beer, wine, water, and soft drinks included
• A boat that begins quietly and becomes more social later
• A fun setting for a hen party, birthday, couple, or solo outing
• A way to enjoy Blue Lagoon without sitting on its crowded shore

You should think twice if you want a fixed itinerary, detailed history, a quiet sailing experience, or guaranteed access to Crystal Lagoon. You should also be careful if you are prone to seasickness or do not tolerate strong sun well.

Should you book the Spirit of Malta?

I would book this cruise for a sociable, all-day Malta outing where swimming matters as much as sightseeing. The crew, generous food, open bar, comfortable catamaran, and long stops make it good value for the right kind of visitor.

Book early, arrive 30 to 45 minutes before departure, and aim for the back of the boat if you want a steadier ride. Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a towel, waterproof protection for your phone, and seasickness medication if you need it.

Choose this trip for the experience of a full day on the water, not for a perfectly fixed route. If the weather works in your favor, you get a relaxed sail, brilliant swimming spots, a satisfying lunch, and a lively ride home.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran leave from?

It leaves from Sliema Bay, opposite The Black Sheep bar. The Spirit of Malta is the only catamaran in that area of the bay, making it easier to identify.

What time does the cruise depart?

The scheduled departure is 10:30am, with a return to Sliema at approximately 5:30pm.

How long is the cruise?

The experience lasts about seven hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must make your own way to the meeting point in Sliema.

Is the Blue Lagoon always included?

The cruise visits the Blue Lagoon in Comino when weather conditions permit. The exact route can change according to the sea and prevailing weather.

Will the boat stop at Crystal Lagoon?

Crystal Lagoon may be included, but it is not guaranteed. The captain can change the route if conditions are rough.

What food is included?

The buffet includes cold cuts, cheeses, potato salad, bulgur wheat salad, vegetarian rice salad, pasta salad, tomato and onion salad, and bread rolls.

What drinks are included?

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

Is snorkeling equipment included?

The activity includes opportunities to swim and snorkel, but the provided information does not confirm that snorkeling equipment is supplied. Bringing your own gear is sensible if you want to snorkel.

Is the cruise suitable for children?

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

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.