Comino: Blue Lagoon Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Open Bar

The sea is the star of this Malta day out. The Spirit of Malta catamaran combines long swimming stops with a generous buffet and open bar, so you can spend less time rushing between sights and more time in the water. I especially like the smooth, spacious boat and the friendly crew, with music that begins gently and builds into a party on the return trip. The main caution is rough water on the way to Comino, which can trouble anyone prone to seasickness.

This is not a history tour, and the captain’s commentary may be hard to hear from the upper deck. It is better understood as a relaxed day at sea with scenic bays, snorkeling, food, drinks, and dancing. Arrive early if you want a prime sunbed or a shady place to settle in.

Key points to know before you book

• Seven hours on the water: Leave Sliema at 10:30am and return around 5:30pm.
• Blue Lagoon by catamaran: You anchor near Comino, avoiding the need to squeeze onto the crowded shore.
• Swimming time matters: Stops are long enough for swimming and snorkeling, not just a quick photo.
• Food is better than basic boat fare: Expect cold cuts, cheeses, salads, rolls, and plenty of food for a full day.
• Open bar included: Wine, beer, water, and soft drinks are available throughout the cruise.
• The mood changes later: The day starts calmly, then music and dancing take over on the trip back.

Leaving Sliema on the Spirit of Malta

The catamaran departs 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 you need to make your own way to the meeting point.

The Spirit of Malta is built for cruising rather than speed. That makes a real difference. You have room to sit, sunbathe, and move around instead of spending the whole day packed into a small motorboat. The boat has toilets, and some accounts also describe a shower, pool noodles, and a reusable cup for drinks.

I would arrive well before departure. Early arrival can mean the difference between a good sunbed and a narrow patch of deck beside someone else’s bag. The upper deck gives you fine views and more sun, while the rear of the boat may be a better choice if the sea is rough. At the front, spray can reach your belongings, so use the hooks above the cabin or sit farther back if you want to stay dry.

There is no fixed route. The crew changes the plan according to wind and sea conditions. That flexibility is useful in Malta, where a calm bay can offer a far better swim than a famous stop with choppy water.

The journey north toward Comino

The first part of the cruise is often the quietest. You sail along Malta’s coast toward Comino, with time to settle into the boat, order a drink, and watch the shoreline pass. The catamaran’s size helps here. It moves at a gentler pace than a speedboat, making the ride more about the day at sea than simply reaching the Blue Lagoon.

That said, calm is not guaranteed. Several departures have been described as rocky on the outward journey, even when the return was easier. If you know you get seasick, bring suitable medicine before boarding. Stay in the open air, choose a central or rear position, and do not wait until you feel ill before taking precautions.

The crew seems to be a major part of the experience. Staff members keep drinks moving, help with swimming stops, and make an effort with celebrations. The boat has hosted hen parties and birthday-style groups, but solo passengers can also fit in because the atmosphere is social without requiring you to arrive with a large group.

Music is part of the plan, but it is not full-volume party music from the first minute. The earlier hours tend to suit people who want to relax, sunbathe, and swim. On the return, the playlist becomes more dance-focused. Crew members have even connected passengers’ phones to the speakers for special songs, though you should not count on a private playlist every time.

Swimming at Malta and Comino’s bays

The stops are the heart of the cruise. Depending on conditions, the catamaran may visit the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, or another bay suitable for swimming. The captain decides the final route, so do not book this expecting every named stop on every departure.

The Blue Lagoon is Comino’s famous draw, with clear water and pale rock around the anchorage. The shore can be crowded, especially in the warmer months, but the catamaran gives you a different angle. You can swim from the boat rather than spend your day trying to claim a tiny patch of beach.

Bring goggles or snorkeling gear if you have it. The experience is built around swimming and snorkeling, and a waterproof phone case will help you take pictures without risking your phone. Pool noodles are available on some departures, which can make a long swim more comfortable.

The boat usually remains in the area long enough for a proper swim rather than a token ten-minute stop. You can get into the water, return for a drink, dry off, and go back in. That extra time is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise over a cheaper transport-focused trip to Comino.

Crystal Lagoon can be especially appealing because it may feel less tied to the crowds around the Blue Lagoon. But it is more exposed to weather changes. On some days, the sea is too rough for a safe stop, and the crew may pass by or substitute another bay. That can disappoint if Crystal Lagoon is your main reason for booking, but the change is sensible when conditions are poor.

Watch for jellyfish. They have been seen at the swimming areas, and anyone with serious allergies should bring their own medicine. The boat does not carry an epinephrine injector, so this is not a minor detail.

Lunch, cold drinks, and the open bar

Lunch is served during one of the swimming stops. The spread includes turkey, smoked gammon, salami, cheddar cubes, feta, potato salad, bulgur wheat salad, vegetarian rice salad, pasta salad, tomato and onion salad, and bread rolls.

This is not a restaurant meal, but it is more substantial than the usual sandwich handed out on a boat. You can build a plate around cold meats and cheese, or choose several vegetarian salads. The tomato and onion salad is vegan, while the other vegetarian dishes provide more variety than many open-bar cruises manage.

The amount of food is a strong point. The day is long, the sun is tiring, and swimming works up an appetite. There are also filled rolls or snacks available on some departures, with fruit such as watermelon and honeydew offered afterward. The quality can vary by day, and one account found the pasta disappointing, but the general spread is generous.

The open bar includes wine, beer, water, and soft drinks. You can drink throughout the cruise, and the bar team works hard during busy periods. Soft drink choices may be limited, with more variety in beer and wine than in juices or specialty nonalcoholic drinks.

Use some restraint before swimming. Unlimited alcohol sounds attractive, but the Mediterranean sun can catch you quickly, especially when a breeze makes the heat less obvious. Drink water, apply sunscreen often, and eat before heading back into the sea.

When the quiet cruise becomes a boat party

After lunch and the final swimming time, the mood usually shifts. The music gets livelier, people start dancing, and the return to Sliema becomes the social part of the day. You can join in or remain on the upper deck with a drink and the views.

That split personality is one of the cruise’s best features. You are not locked into a party atmosphere for seven hours. The first half works for couples, solo passengers, and anyone who wants a slow day on the water. The second half suits groups celebrating a hen party or simply ready to dance.

The crew often helps create that mood. Hector is singled out by name in one account, while other comments praise Axel and a French crew member handling the music. Names and staff can change, but the pattern is clear: the team is active, warm, and involved rather than simply operating the boat from a distance.

Do not expect a guided sightseeing lecture. The captain’s announcements may be difficult to hear from the top deck, and this cruise is not designed around Maltese history or detailed coastal interpretation. You are paying for scenery, swimming, food, drinks, and atmosphere.

Is $105 good value for seven hours?

At $105 per person, this is not Malta’s cheapest way to reach Comino. It can still be good value if you plan to swim, eat, and spend the entire day aboard.

The price includes a seven-hour cruise, a buffet lunch, an open bar, several scenic bays when conditions permit, toilets, and a large catamaran with space to sunbathe. Buying separate drinks and lunch during a day at the Blue Lagoon could add up quickly, while the boat gives you a comfortable base away from the thickest shore crowds.

The comparison is less favorable if you only want a quick look at the Blue Lagoon. A cheaper boat or bus-and-ferry option may suit you better. Those alternatives may also leave you more time on land, while this experience keeps you on the water for most of the day.

I see the strongest value for people who would otherwise pay for a boat trip, swimming access, lunch, and drinks separately. The reviews repeatedly praise the quantity of food, the drink service, the comfortable boat, and the amount of time at the stops. That combination helps explain the higher price.

Who should book this catamaran cruise?

I would choose it for couples, friend groups, solo passengers, and celebration groups who want scenery with a social edge. It is also a good fit if you dislike the idea of spending the day on the crowded Blue Lagoon beach.

You should be comfortable with swimming from a boat. The main pleasures are in the water, not on shore. Bring swimwear, a hat, sunscreen, a towel, snorkeling gear if you have it, and a waterproof case for your phone.

This is not suitable for anyone under 17. It may also be a poor choice if you need a quiet sightseeing cruise, a detailed commentary, or a firm promise that Crystal Lagoon will be included. Weather controls the route, and the sea can be rough.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the current departure details before booking, since the route and starting times depend on conditions and availability.

FAQ

Where does the Spirit of Malta leave from?

The catamaran departs from Sliema, opposite The Black Sheep bar. It is described as the only catamaran in that area of the bay, making it easy to identify.

What time does the cruise depart and return?

Departure is at 10:30am, with a return to Sliema at approximately 5:30pm. The full experience lasts about seven hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

Is lunch included?

Yes. The buffet includes cold cuts, cheeses, several salads, bread rolls, and other food served during a swimming stop.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes wine, beer, water, and soft drinks. Special drink choices or additional items may cost extra.

Will the cruise always stop at Crystal Lagoon?

No. The route changes with weather and sea conditions. The cruise visits the Blue Lagoon in Comino when conditions permit and may stop at Crystal Lagoon or another bay.

Can I snorkel during the cruise?

Yes. The cruise includes swimming and snorkeling stops. You may want to bring your own snorkeling gear and a waterproof phone case.

Is the cruise suitable for children?

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

Should you book the Spirit of Malta?

Book it if you want a full day on the sea, generous food and drinks, proper swimming time, and a relaxed start that turns into a party later. The best practical move is to arrive early, choose a shaded or sunny spot, pack seasickness medicine if needed, and treat the route as weather-dependent.

Skip it if you want a short, cheap trip to Comino or a quiet boat with detailed sightseeing commentary. For everyone else, the Spirit of Malta offers a strong mix of comfort, swimming, scenery, and fun, with enough food and time in the water to justify the $105 price.