Comino: Blue Lagoon Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Open Bar

The best part of this day is the mix of slow sailing and long swim stops. You leave Sliema at 10:30am aboard the large Spirit of Malta catamaran, spend much of the day around Malta and Comino, then return around 5:30pm with music and dancing on the way home. I like the generous buffet and the included bar, and I like having room to sunbathe rather than being packed onto a small speedboat.

The main caution is the sea. Rough water can make the trip uncomfortable on the way to Comino, even on a roomy catamaran, and the route is not fixed. This is also a social boat day, not a guided history tour, so choose it for swimming, scenery, food, and music rather than detailed commentary.

• Large sailing catamaran: The Spirit of Malta has sunbeds, shaded areas, toilets, a shower, and room to move around.
• Flexible route: The captain chooses swimming bays according to weather, with the Blue Lagoon included when conditions allow.
• Swimming time: Stops can include the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and other scenic bays, with time for swimming and snorkeling.
• Buffet lunch: Expect cold cuts, cheeses, several salads, bread rolls, and included wine, beer, soft drinks, and water.
• Two moods in one day: The outward journey is generally relaxed, while the return often brings louder music and dancing.
• Good early-arrival tip: Arrive well before departure if you want a choice of sun, shade, or a quieter spot near the back.

A seven-hour day built around the sea

This cruise works because it gives you more than a quick photo stop at Comino. You have a full day on the water, with sailing time, swimming, lunch, drinks, and a party atmosphere folded into one outing.

At $105 per person, it costs more than a simple ferry ride or a basic bus trip to Comino. But the price includes a substantial part of the day’s spending: lunch, wine, beer, soft drinks, and water. You are also paying for a large boat with places to lie down, toilets, crew service, and time to swim from the vessel.

The trade-off is simple. If you want a quiet boat ride with a fixed route and lots of historical information, this is not the best match. If you want to swim in Malta’s clear water without arranging several separate activities, the package makes good sense.

Finding the Spirit of Malta in Sliema

The boat leaves from Sliema at 10:30am. The meeting point is easy to identify because the Spirit of Malta is described as the only catamaran in that part of the bay. It is opposite The Black Sheep bar.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to make your own way to Sliema. Plan to arrive early. Several details make this worthwhile: you can choose a better sunbed, find a patch of shade, and settle in before the boat fills up.

The vessel has upper and lower areas, along with open spaces for sunbathing. The top deck gives you broad views, though one practical catch is that engine and wind noise can make announcements hard to hear. If you want to catch what the captain says, stay closer to the speaking area rather than settling at the far end of the top deck.

The boat is intended for relaxing at sea, not for racing between islands. That gives you time to enjoy the views, but the open water can still feel rough. If you are prone to seasickness, take that concern seriously when choosing a full-day cruise.

Sailing toward Comino and the first swim

The route changes with the weather, so there is no guaranteed order for the stops. That flexibility is useful in Malta, where wind and sea conditions can change the best place to anchor.

The outward sailing is usually the quieter part of the day. You can sit on the upper deck, find a sunbed, have a drink, or watch Malta recede across the water. On calm days, this is the part that makes the cruise feel like a proper break rather than a transfer.

On rougher days, the same crossing may be less comfortable. Some people have found the ride rocky before reaching the lagoons, while others describe the catamaran as smooth and relaxing. The boat’s size helps, but it cannot remove the movement of the sea.

The first stop may be Crystal Lagoon or another bay, depending on conditions. Crystal Lagoon is prized for its clear water and rocky setting, though it can be skipped if the sea is too rough. That is one reason to treat the advertised stops as a weather-dependent plan rather than a strict promise.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat. The breeze can hide how strong the sun is, and you can burn while sitting comfortably on deck. A waterproof phone case is a smart addition if you want photos from the water.

Blue Lagoon from the water

The main destination is Comino’s Blue Lagoon. From the catamaran, you can swim in the water near the boat and, conditions permitting, make your way toward the shore or nearby caves.

The lagoon is famous for its clear water, but the shore can be extremely crowded. The advantage of arriving by catamaran is that you can enjoy the setting from the sea rather than trying to find space on the small beach. You still see the crowds, but you are not dependent on the beach for your experience.

Expect other boats in the area. Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s busiest swimming spots, especially in summer, so this is not a secluded escape. The catamaran gives you a more comfortable base, with toilets, places to sit, and drinks close at hand.

Some passengers have paid extra for a high-powered speedboat ride into a cave near Blue Lagoon. This is not part of the $105 package, so ask about the current arrangement and extra charge before committing. If available, it adds a short burst of speed and a closer look at the rocky coast, but you do not need it to enjoy the main cruise.

Keep an eye out for jellyfish in the swimming areas. They are a natural part of the sea here, and one person specifically advised bringing any needed allergy medicine. The boat does not carry an epinephrine auto-injector, so you should bring essential personal medication with you.

Lunch with a view of the lagoon

Lunch is served during one of the swimming stops, so you can eat while the catamaran is anchored in a scenic bay. The meal is not a restaurant tasting menu, but it is more useful than a token sandwich on a long day at sea.

The spread includes:

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

The vegetarian and vegan choices are helpful, especially the vegetarian rice salad and tomato and onion salad. If you have a serious allergy, bring your required medication and confirm your needs before sailing, since the available information does not promise a fully allergy-controlled kitchen.

The portions are generous enough for a full day of swimming and sun. Food quality can vary by dish, but the overall meal is widely praised as better and more plentiful than expected. You may also find snacks or fruit such as watermelon and honeydew during the day, though these extras should not be treated as guaranteed parts of the menu.

What the open bar really adds

The open bar is a major part of the value. Wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are available throughout the day, so you do not need to keep buying drinks at every stop. Reusable cups may be provided, and the crew keeps the service moving even when many people are ordering.

This matters on a hot boat. Water is not an afterthought, and staff have been attentive about keeping it available. Soft drink choices are more limited than some people would prefer, with a request for more juice options, so do not expect a full café menu.

The bar also shapes the mood. The day begins with relaxed sailing and conversation, then often becomes more social as people swim, eat, and settle into the boat. If you want alcohol, wine and beer are included. If you do not drink, the cruise still includes soft drinks and water, but you should be comfortable with a party setting around you.

From calm sailing to dancing at sea

Music plays throughout the day, with a gentler feel earlier and more dance-focused songs on the return to Sliema. The crew may take requests, and music has been adapted for birthday and hen-party groups.

This is where the cruise becomes more than a sightseeing transfer. After the swimming stops and lunch, many people move toward the music and dance areas. Crew members join the fun, and staff such as Hector have been singled out for helping create the party mood.

You can still avoid the loudest section. The upper deck is a better place to sunbathe or watch the coast if you want some peace, while the lower deck may be more suited to dancing. The sound level and atmosphere can vary by group, so book this only if you are happy sharing the boat with people celebrating, drinking, and making new friends.

The return trip usually reaches Sliema at about 5:30pm. That timing makes this a full-day activity, so do not plan another tightly timed tour afterward.

Boat comfort and practical details

The Spirit of Malta is large enough to offer several ways to spend the day. You can lie in the sun, move into shade, sit near the back, or stay close to the water during a swim stop. Clean toilets are available, and the boat has a shower.

If the sea is rough, the back of the boat near the captain may feel more comfortable than the front. The forward area can also get wet from spray, so keep bags and phones away from exposed edges. Hooks are available near the upper deck, which helps keep belongings off the floor and away from splashing water.

The cruise does not provide a fixed commentary program. English, Italian, French, and Spanish are supported by the host or greeter, but announcements may be difficult to hear from the top deck. Treat the spoken information as basic guidance rather than a full tour narration.

The activity is not suitable for anyone under 17. The exact passenger count can vary, and one quieter departure had around 30 people, while summer sailings may feel busier. Arriving early is still the best way to improve your choice of seating.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this cruise for an adult couple, a group of friends, a solo visitor who likes meeting people, or a celebration group. It suits you if you want to swim, drink, sunbathe, listen to music, and spend a whole day outside without arranging lunch and refreshments yourself.

It is also a good choice if you prefer a catamaran to a fast boat. The sailing pace is generally more relaxed, and the deck gives you room to stretch out. The boat is not immune to rough conditions, but it feels less like a short, jolting transfer than a small craft.

I would look elsewhere if you want quiet nature, a private boat, detailed Maltese history, or a guaranteed visit to every named lagoon. The route follows weather conditions, Blue Lagoon can be crowded, and the return journey may turn into a full party.

Is $105 a fair price?

The value depends on how much you would use the inclusions. A basic trip to Comino may cost less, but you would still need to arrange food, drinks, seating, and perhaps extra activities. Here, the $105 covers seven hours, a large catamaran, a buffet, an open bar, swimming stops, and entertainment.

That makes the price reasonable for anyone who expects to spend the day on board and will use the food and drinks. It is less attractive if you plan to stay dry, avoid alcohol and soft drinks, or mainly want a short look at Blue Lagoon.

The free cancellation option up to 24 hours before departure and the reserve-now, pay-later choice add useful flexibility. Still, the most important value question is not the booking policy. It is whether a social, food-and-drinks day at sea matches your idea of Malta.

Should you book the Spirit of Malta?

Book it if you want swimming, a generous lunch, included drinks, and a lively return trip in one package. Arrive early, bring sun protection and seasickness medicine if needed, and keep a waterproof case handy.

Skip it if you want a quiet boat, a set sightseeing route, or a history lesson. For the right mood, this is a strong full-day choice, especially for adults who want Malta’s water without giving up comfort, food, or a little dancing.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran leave from?

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

What time does the cruise depart and return?

Departure is at 10:30am, and the boat returns to Sliema at approximately 5:30pm.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

Is the Blue Lagoon guaranteed?

No. The route follows the prevailing weather conditions, and the Blue Lagoon is visited when weather permits.

Does the cruise stop at Crystal Lagoon?

It may stop at Crystal Lagoon, but the route is not fixed. Rough sea conditions can lead the captain to change or skip that stop.

What food is included?

The buffet includes cold cuts, cheeses, salads, bread rolls, and vegetarian options such as bulgur wheat salad, vegetarian rice salad, and tomato and onion salad.

What drinks are included?

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

Are swimming and snorkeling included?

The cruise includes stops for swimming and snorkeling in different bays. Bring your own personal swimming items, and consider taking a waterproof phone case.

Is there a toilet on board?

Yes. Toilet facilities are available on the catamaran, and the boat also has a shower.

Can children join the cruise?

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

Is the boat suitable for people prone to seasickness?

The catamaran is built for cruising, but rough water can still cause seasickness. If you are sensitive to motion, bring suitable medication and consider sitting toward the back of the boat.

Is the speedboat cave trip included?

No. Some departures offer a separate speedboat experience near the Blue Lagoon for an additional charge. Ask about the current price and availability on the day.