Comino: Blue Lagoon Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Open Bar

The Spirit of Malta turns a Blue Lagoon visit into a full day on the water, with swimming stops, a buffet lunch, and an open bar included in the $105 price. I like the generous time allowed for swimming and the boat’s easy shift from quiet morning cruise to music and dancing later in the day.

I also like the space aboard this large catamaran, especially compared with smaller boats that can feel packed. The crew gets strong marks for friendly service, and bartenders such as Hector have helped make the day feel personal. The main drawback is the weather: rough water can make the ride uncomfortable, and the route changes according to conditions.

Key points at a glance

• Seven hours on a spacious sailing catamaran: The Spirit of Malta leaves Sliema at 10:30am and returns around 5:30pm.
• Swimming time is a major part of the day: Stops may include the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, or another bay, depending on sea and weather conditions.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Expect cold cuts, cheeses, salads, bread rolls, wine, beer, water, and soft drinks.
• The atmosphere changes during the cruise: The morning tends to be relaxed, while the return trip often brings dancing and louder music.
• Arrive early for the best spot: Sunbeds and shaded places are limited, and early arrivals have more choice.
• This is an adult-focused outing: The experience is not suitable for anyone under 17.

What kind of day is this?

This is not a history lesson or a guided sightseeing boat. It is a day built around sea views, swimming, sun, food, drinks, and music. You will see Malta and Comino from the water, but the main pleasure is having a comfortable base from which to enjoy the coast.

The catamaran leaves Sliema at 10:30am. The exact route is not fixed. The captain chooses the best available bays based on wind, waves, and sea conditions. That flexibility is useful because Malta’s water can change quickly, but it also means you should not treat every advertised stop as guaranteed.

The Blue Lagoon is the central attraction, weather permitting. You may also stop at Crystal Lagoon or another attractive bay for swimming and snorkeling. Some days include two especially good swim stops. On rougher days, the captain may skip one location or substitute a calmer bay.

I see this as a social boat day rather than a private sailing trip. You will share the catamaran with other adults, and the mood can become lively as the afternoon progresses. Solo passengers can fit in well, as can couples, groups of friends, and birthday or hen-party groups.

Boarding in Sliema and choosing your place

Finding the boat should be simple. The Spirit of Malta is the only catamaran in that part of the bay, and it is opposite The Black Sheep bar in Sliema. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to make your own way to the meeting point.

Arrive early if you care about seating. Several people found that getting there around 45 minutes before departure gave them a better chance of securing a comfortable place in the sun or shade. The boat has open areas for sunbathing, and some seating is more exposed to spray than others.

The front can be fun if you do not mind getting wet. On a breezy day, passengers at the front may take plenty of spray, especially when the catamaran is moving quickly. If you want a calmer ride, the back of the boat, near the captain, may be a better choice. One useful tip is to keep bags secured on hooks or in a sheltered area rather than leaving them on the forward deck.

The boat has toilets, and the facilities have been kept clean. Some passengers also noted a shower and pool noodles available for swimming. These small touches matter on a seven-hour outing, since you are not returning to shore between stops.

The ride to Comino

The Spirit of Malta is designed for cruising, not racing. That gives the journey a calmer feel than a fast transfer boat, and you have time to settle into the day, watch the coast, and find your preferred place on deck.

Still, a catamaran is not immune to rough seas. The trip toward Comino can feel rocky when the water is unsettled. If you are prone to seasickness, bring medication with you and choose a seat toward the back. One important practical point: the crew does not carry an epinephrine auto-injector or general allergy medicine, so bring any essential medication you need.

The breeze can also hide the strength of the sun. You may feel cool while moving, then discover later that you have burned badly. Bring plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. A reusable cup is provided for drinks, but a waterproof phone case is a smart addition if you plan to film from the swim stops.

The route itself is part of the pleasure. You get views of Malta’s rocky coast and Comino’s bays without having to walk through crowded shore areas. If the sea is calm, the ride is smooth and easy. If the water is rough, the scenery remains good, but the crossing may be the least comfortable part of the day.

Swimming at the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is famous for its clear, bright water, and the best way to appreciate it is from the boat. The shoreline can be very crowded, especially during the busy summer months. From the catamaran, you can swim in the same attractive water without having to fight for a small patch of beach.

You may swim from the boat toward the shore or around the nearby rocky areas. The crew provides pool noodles, which can help you relax in the water if you are not a strong swimmer. Snorkeling is also part of the experience, although you should bring your own mask and snorkel if you want to explore properly, since equipment details are not specified.

The amount of time at the swimming stops is one of the strongest points of this trip. You are not given a rushed ten-minute photo stop. The schedule allows a proper swim, time to float, and a chance to enjoy the water before lunch or the next part of the cruise.

There are a few things to watch. Blue Lagoon can be crowded around the shore, and jellyfish have been spotted in the area. Check the water before swimming and listen to the crew’s advice. You should also keep an eye on your belongings, since you may spend long periods away from your seat.

At times, you may be offered an optional speedboat ride into the caves near the Blue Lagoon. This costs extra and is not part of the $105 package. If you enjoy a fast thrill and want to see the caves from close range, it may be worth considering. If you prefer a quiet swim, you can simply stay with the catamaran.

Crystal Lagoon and changing plans

Crystal Lagoon is another possible stop, and it can be a highlight when sea conditions allow. Its rocky setting and clear water make it a good place for swimming and snorkeling, often with a quieter feel than the Blue Lagoon.

But do not book this cruise solely for a promise of Crystal Lagoon. The captain may decide it is too rough or unsafe, even when it appears on the planned route. That is a sensible choice, though it can disappoint if this is the place you most want to see.

When Crystal Lagoon is not practical, the boat may stop at another beach or bay. The important point is that the day remains focused on time in the water. You are paying for a flexible coastal cruise, not a fixed checklist of locations.

This flexibility also helps explain why two outings can feel different. One day may offer Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, while another may include the Blue Lagoon and a calmer beach. I prefer this approach to forcing a route in poor conditions, but you should have realistic expectations.

Lunch from the buffet

Lunch is served during one of the swimming stops, so you can eat without giving up the main pleasure of the day. 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.

The menu gives you a decent mix of meat, cheese, vegetarian food, and salad. The vegetarian rice salad, bulgur wheat salad, and tomato and onion salad are useful choices, while the cold cuts and cheese make the meal more filling. The food is served buffet style, and there is enough for a long afternoon on the water.

I would describe the meal as better than a basic boat picnic, though expectations should stay sensible. Many people found the lunch plentiful and tasty. One less favorable experience found the pasta disappointing, so the quality may vary by dish. If you have allergies, bring your medication and ask the crew about ingredients before eating.

Water, wine, beer, and soft drinks are available from the open bar throughout the day. Several soft drinks are provided, though the selection may feel limited if you want juice or a wider range of nonalcoholic options. The crew also keeps water available, which is especially important in Malta’s heat.

The open bar and changing mood

The open bar is a real part of the value here, not a token inclusion. Wine, beer, water, and soft drinks are available during the cruise, and the bar staff work hard to keep service moving. Drinks are served in reusable cups, which makes carrying them around the boat easier.

The morning atmosphere is usually more relaxed. You can sit on the upper deck, watch the coast, and enjoy a drink without feeling pushed into a party mood. After lunch and the main swim stops, music becomes more central.

The return trip is when the Spirit of Malta often becomes a party boat. The crew plays popular music, passengers dance, and the atmosphere can become lively. On some trips, crew members have helped connect a passenger’s phone to the speakers and played requested music, including music for hen parties.

This is a plus if you want a social afternoon at sea. It is less appealing if you want seven quiet hours. You can usually escape the loudest music by moving to the upper deck, but you should not book this boat expecting a silent sailing experience.

One practical note: the crew may make announcements, but it can be hard to hear them from the top deck when the music, wind, and engine noise rise. If the captain gives important instructions, move closer or ask a crew member to repeat them.

Is the $105 price good value?

At $105 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Comino. Basic boat trips or land-based excursions may cost less, but they do not necessarily include a full day on a large catamaran, a buffet lunch, unlimited listed drinks, several swim stops, toilets, and entertainment.

The value improves if you will use the inclusions. Someone who enjoys wine or beer, eats a full lunch, swims for several hours, and appreciates a comfortable boat can get a lot from the price. Someone who does not drink, dislikes loud music, or wants only a short Blue Lagoon visit may find a simpler trip more suitable.

The large boat is also part of the calculation. The catamaran offers room to sunbathe, move around, and find shade. Several cheaper boats can feel more cramped, though capacity and crowding will vary by date.

For a special celebration, the package makes particular sense. Hen parties and groups of friends can combine sightseeing, swimming, lunch, drinks, and dancing without arranging separate activities. Solo passengers can also enjoy it, especially if they like meeting people and joining a shared social atmosphere.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this for adults who want Malta’s best-known swimming areas without spending the day on a crowded beach. It suits you if you like a mix of scenery and fun, want lunch and drinks handled in advance, and enjoy music later in the day.

It is also a good choice for:

• Couples who want a full day at sea rather than a quick transfer
• Solo adults who are comfortable in a social group
• Groups celebrating a hen party or special occasion
• Swimmers and snorkelers who value long stops
• Anyone who wants a boat with toilets, sunbathing space, and a buffet meal

I would think twice if you get seasick, dislike unpredictable routes, or want detailed commentary about Malta’s history. The host languages are English, Italian, French, and Spanish, but this is not mainly an educational tour.

The experience is not suitable for anyone under 17. Also remember that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own transport to Sliema.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those options help if your schedule or the weather forecast is still uncertain.

Should you book the Spirit of Malta?

Book it if you want a full, easygoing day that combines Comino’s clear water with a proper boat atmosphere. The strongest reasons are the long swimming stops, open bar, filling buffet, spacious catamaran, and crew that puts real effort into keeping the mood friendly.

Skip it if your only goal is a quiet visit to the Blue Lagoon, a guaranteed Crystal Lagoon stop, or a short sightseeing trip with detailed commentary. For everyone else, $105 is a fair price for seven hours of food, drinks, swimming, views, and music, especially if you arrive early, pack sun protection, and prepare for the chance of rough water.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran leave from?

The Spirit of Malta leaves from Sliema at 10:30am. It is opposite The Black Sheep bar and is the only catamaran in that area of the bay.

What time does the cruise return?

The catamaran returns to Sliema at approximately 5:30pm, making the total experience about seven hours.

Is the Blue Lagoon always included?

The cruise visits the Blue Lagoon when weather and sea conditions permit. The route is flexible, so the captain may change the stops based on conditions.

What food is included?

The buffet includes turkey, smoked gammon, salami, cheddar, feta, several 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, water, and soft drinks throughout the day. Extra drinks may be available for purchase.

Is the cruise suitable for children?

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