Malta: Blue Lagoon, Beaches & Bays Trip by Catamaran

The best part of this six-hour catamaran trip is the chance to swim at the Blue Lagoon from offshore, away from the packed shoreline. You stay on the boat, climb down one of three ladders into clear water, and spend the day moving between Malta’s bays rather than sitting on one crowded beach.

I like the large, comfortable catamaran, which gives you room to sunbathe instead of squeezing onto a small boat. I also like the flexible route: Crystal Lagoon, Anchor Bay, Popeye’s Village, and several other bays may be included according to the sea conditions.

The main thing to understand is the mood. Music, cocktails, and social energy are central to the trip. This is not a quiet sightseeing cruise, and the catamaran does not stop on land, including at the Blue Lagoon.

Key points to know before booking

• The Blue Lagoon stop is offshore: You swim in the famous turquoise water, but the catamaran does not anchor inside the lagoon or let you walk ashore.
• The route changes with the weather: Expect two or three swim or sightseeing locations, with Crystal Lagoon, Anchor Bay, and several Malta beaches among the possible stops.
• The boat is built for lounging: Sun beds, deck space, clean toilets, three water ladders, music, and a cocktail bar make the six-hour ride comfortable.
• The atmosphere is lively: You can listen to dance music, meet other adults, and order drinks, so bring the right expectations.
• The BBQ costs extra: Chicken halal kebabs come with a choice of salads, couscous, pasta salad, bread, and one drink.
• Arrive early for the best place: Sun loungers are first come, first served. The rear loungers offer more shelter, while the nets give you the classic catamaran ride.

From Sirens Quay to Malta’s open water

The departure point is Sirens Quay, behind Loa restaurant. You return to the same place at the end, which keeps the day simple if you are staying around St Paul’s Bay or Bugibba.

The trip lasts about six hours. Exact departure times vary, so check the available options carefully, especially if you want the sunset sailing. An afternoon departure can be a smart choice in hot weather. You avoid the strongest midday sun, and the return ride takes place as the light softens over the coast.

Once aboard, you can claim a sun bed, settle on the deck, or stretch out on the catamaran nets. Arrive early if a particular spot matters to you. The best loungers disappear quickly, and the rear section is a useful choice if you want some shelter from the wind.

You must remove your shoes before boarding. Leave large luggage behind, and do not bring your own food or drinks. Pack cash for easy purchases, although card payment has also been available on board.

Why the catamaran matters

At $62 per person, this is not Malta’s cheapest boat outing. The value comes from the size and layout of the boat. A small vessel may cost less, but you can spend the day sitting shoulder to shoulder with little room to stretch out.

Here, the included catamaran trip gives you access to sun beds and a broad deck. The boat is described as clean and well maintained, with comfortable toilets and three separate ladders into the sea. Those ladders matter more than they sound. When a group is swimming, several entry points reduce the awkward queue and make it easier to get back aboard.

The catamaran is also more stable than a small open boat, though rough water can still make the ride lively. Bring a light wind jacket for the return journey, particularly on an evening sailing. Even a warm Maltese day can feel cool once the boat is moving.

The price includes the boat and crew, but not drinks or lunch. Cocktails have been priced around €8, and the optional BBQ around €15. Add those costs before deciding if the trip fits your budget. If you mainly want a comfortable boat, several swim stops, and a full half-day at sea, the price is reasonable. If you plan to sit quietly without buying anything, the included package is more limited.

The Blue Lagoon without a land stop

The first major stop is the Blue Lagoon, the famous stretch of clear turquoise water between Comino and nearby islands. The catamaran anchors slightly farther out rather than inside the busiest part of the lagoon.

That choice has two effects. You avoid some of the crush around the shoreline, and you get a better view of the water from the boat. On the other hand, you do not get the classic experience of walking along Comino or taking photographs from the shore. You swim, snorkel, and return to the catamaran.

Bring your own goggles if you care about seeing beneath the surface. The clear water makes this a good place to look below the boat, but the focus is swimming rather than a formal guided snorkeling lesson. You should also remember that the lagoon can be busy even when your boat anchors away from the main crowd.

The stop is a strong reason to book, but only if you are comfortable using the ladders and staying on board. This excursion never docks for a beach visit. If your priority is to put your feet on Comino, choose a different trip.

Crystal Lagoon, caves, and the optional BBQ

Crystal Lagoon is one of the possible stops after the Blue Lagoon. It is surrounded by steep cliffs, and the water is deeper than at the Blue Lagoon. That depth makes it appealing for swimming and snorkeling around the caves, though it also means less confidence for anyone who prefers shallow water.

The route depends heavily on wind and sea conditions. Crystal Lagoon may not be possible on your date, and the crew can replace it with another bay. That is not a flaw in the operation. Malta’s coast is exposed, and a safe, pleasant swim matters more than following a fixed postcard route.

If the boat stops at Crystal Lagoon, you can purchase the optional BBQ on board. The meal includes halal chicken kebabs, bread, one drink, and a choice of couscous, pasta salad, or green salad. Vegetarian food has also been available, with enough choice for a meat-free meal.

The food is a practical bonus rather than the reason to book. It saves you from packing lunch, which is not allowed, and lets you eat without leaving the boat. Still, check the price on the day and bring cash in case you prefer to pay that way.

Anchor Bay and Popeye’s Village

Another possible stop is Anchor Bay, where you can look toward Popeye’s Village from the water. The film set sits in a sheltered bay and makes an entertaining change from open-water swimming.

You should be clear about what this means. The catamaran may stop for a view and perhaps a swim, but it does not take you ashore to explore the film set. If Popeye’s Village is a must-see attraction for you, book a separate land visit. From the boat, the value is the coastal view and the chance to combine it with a swim.

Other possible locations include Mellieha Bay, Golden Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, Ramla Bay, Imgiebah Bay, and Half Rock. The exact mix is set by the conditions on the day. Each offers a different setting for swimming or snorkeling, but you should treat the route as flexible rather than promising every named location.

Music, cocktails, and the social side

The catamaran is designed for a social day. Music plays on board, with a dance-friendly feel rather than a quiet naturalist commentary. You can order cocktails at the bar, stretch out in the sun, and chat with other adults between swim stops.

The crew’s role is important here. They help people get in and out of the water, manage the boat, and keep the mood moving. Crew member Neil has received especially warm praise for looking after people and making sure they were included. Crew quality can vary from sailing to sailing, but the service is meant to be friendly and hands-on.

The music selection will not suit everyone. Some people want a party boat, while others prefer conversation and the sound of the sea. One practical point is that the advertised experience is intended for people who enjoy music and drinking. If you want a silent cruise with detailed coastal commentary, this is the wrong style of outing.

The cocktail bar gives you freedom, but drinks are extra. You can skip the bar and enjoy the water, though the social rhythm of the trip is partly built around it.

Choosing between midday and sunset

A daytime departure gives you the strongest light for the water. The Blue Lagoon will look at its brightest, and you have plenty of sun for swimming and relaxing on the deck.

The downside is heat. There is little reason to underestimate the Maltese sun when you are surrounded by water and exposed on a boat. Use sunscreen, wear a hat, and drink water even if you are also ordering cocktails.

The sunset option is appealing for a different reason. The deck can feel cooler, the coast changes color as the light drops, and the ride back to Sirens Quay becomes a scenic part of the outing. It may also feel less crowded than a busy midday sailing, though that depends on the date and booking levels.

For sunset, bring a light jacket. The wind becomes more noticeable on the return trip, and a swimsuit alone may not be comfortable. Arrive early for a good seat, since sunset does not remove the first-come, first-served rule for loungers.

What to pack and what to leave behind

Keep your packing simple. You need swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. A wind jacket is useful for the ride back, especially in the afternoon or evening.

You can bring cash for the BBQ and drinks. Card payment may be accepted at the bar, but cash gives you a backup.

Do not bring shoes, oversized luggage, food, or drinks. Smoking is not allowed. The restrictions are easy to manage, but plan ahead if you are used to carrying a large beach bag or your own snacks.

The boat has three ladders for water access, yet this is still an active sea outing. The experience is not suitable for children under 12 or wheelchair users. You should be comfortable climbing a ladder and swimming in open water.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would choose this outing if I wanted to see Malta from the water, swim in clear bays, and have enough deck space to relax between stops. It suits friends, couples, and solo adults who enjoy a social setting.

It is also a good fit if you want several coastal views in one half-day without arranging separate transport to beaches. The changing route can work in your favor, since the crew can select safer or more comfortable water when conditions shift.

I would hesitate if you want a quiet boat, a guided history tour, or time on land. You also need to accept that Crystal Lagoon may be skipped, that the music may not suit you, and that the Blue Lagoon stop does not include a shore visit.

At $62, the trip makes more sense for someone who values the spacious catamaran and full six-hour format. If you only want a quick swim at the Blue Lagoon, a shorter transfer may cost less. If you would otherwise pay for lunch, drinks, and several coastal stops separately, this package gives you a convenient day at sea.

Should you book the Blue Lagoon catamaran?

Book it if you want a lively, well-equipped boat with swimming, sun, music, and a chance to see several Maltese bays in one outing. Arrive early for a lounger, pack a wind jacket, and use your sunscreen more often than you think you need to.

Choose the sunset option for cooler temperatures and softer views, or the daytime sailing for brighter water and more time in the sun. Just remember the two key limits: the route depends on weather, and the catamaran never stops on land.

For the right mood, this is a strong-value way to spend six hours around Malta’s coast. For a quiet cruise or a proper visit to Comino, look elsewhere.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran depart from?

The departure point is Sirens Quay, behind Loa restaurant. The tour also ends back at Sirens Quay.

How long does the boat trip last?

The experience lasts six hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

Does the catamaran stop inside the Blue Lagoon?

No. The boat anchors slightly farther out from the Blue Lagoon. You can swim and snorkel there, but the catamaran does not anchor inside the lagoon.

Can I go ashore during the trip?

No. The catamaran does not stop on land at any point during the excursion.

Which places might the boat visit?

The route includes two or three locations, depending on weather and sea conditions. Possible stops include Crystal Lagoon, Anchor Bay, Mellieha Bay, Golden Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, Ramla Bay, Imgiebah Bay, and Half Rock.

Is food included?

No. An optional BBQ can be purchased on the boat. It includes halal chicken kebabs, a choice of couscous, pasta salad, or green salad, bread, and one drink.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks can be bought at the onboard bar. Cocktails have been priced at about €8.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash. A light wind jacket is useful for the return journey, especially on an afternoon or sunset trip.