Full-Day Catamaran Cruise with Lunch in Island of Malta

Malta’s Tip Top One cruise is built around one simple idea: see the islands from the water without being packed shoulder to shoulder. You get a roomy catamaran, shaded tables, bean bags, two chances to swim, and a crew that keeps the day moving without making it feel rushed. The small-capacity setup is the main reason to choose it.

I especially like the generous food and drinks and the fact that you can switch between sun and shade. The crew serves a Maltese platter early on, then chicken, pork, salad, potatoes, and bread for lunch, with beer, wine, soft drinks, and water available throughout the day.

The main consideration is the price, $156 per person. That is not a cheap boat ride, and the route can change with weather. You also need to reach Sliema on your own and arrive on time, since boarding closes at 10:25 and the boat leaves sharply at 10:30.

Key points to know before booking

• Maximum capacity of 44 people: The boat is designed to avoid the packed feel of larger Malta cruises, though the exact number aboard can vary.
• Two swimming stops: The route usually includes Comino’s Crystal Lagoon or Gozo’s Ramla l-Hamra, followed by a stop near St. Paul’s Island.
• Blue Lagoon views, not a Blue Lagoon stop: You will see Malta’s famous lagoon, but the boat does not anchor there because the water is usually too crowded.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Expect a Maltese platter, chicken, pork, salad, potatoes, bread, beer, wine, soft drinks, water, coffee, and cake.
• Caves may be visited by tender: When conditions and timing allow, the crew can take small groups by boat to see nearby caves.
• Bring a towel and plan transport: Towels are not included, and parking near Sliema can be difficult. The ferry from Valletta or a taxi is the easier choice.

Why Tip Top One feels different from a standard Malta cruise

Malta’s most popular boat routes can become very busy, especially around Comino and the Blue Lagoon. Boats gather in the same areas, music carries across the water, and the swimming spots can feel more like a public pool than an island escape.

Tip Top One takes a calmer approach. The catamaran can carry up to 44 people and has room for tables, cushioned seating, shaded areas, and bean bags on the forward nets. That does not make it a private charter, but it gives you space to move around and find your preferred spot.

I like this arrangement because it lets you shape the day. Sit at a table for lunch, move into the shade when the sun gets strong, or stretch out on a bean bag when the boat is underway. You are not assigned to one seat for six and a half hours.

The atmosphere is relaxed rather than party-focused. Music plays, drinks are available, and the crew provides commentary and help with the swimming stops, but the boat is not built around loud entertainment. If you want a floating beach club with a big crowd, this is probably not your best match. If you want scenery, water time, and an easy pace, the format makes good sense.

Boarding in Sliema at 10:15

The meeting point is the Daycruisemalta.com base at Picard Tigné Seafront in Sliema. Boarding begins at 10:15, closes at 10:25, and departure is scheduled for 10:30 sharp. Treat those times seriously.

If you are staying in Valletta, the ferry is the suggested way to reach Sliema. It is also more practical than trying to park near the waterfront. If you are bringing luggage or staying farther away, a taxi is recommended because parking can be difficult.

You receive mobile-ticket confirmation after booking, subject to availability. The cruise needs at least 10 people to operate, so the company can cancel if that minimum is not reached. In that case, you are offered another date, another experience, or a full refund.

The cruise ends back at the same Sliema meeting point at about 5 PM. You should plan the rest of your day around that return time rather than counting on being back early.

The first hours: Maltese snacks and open sea views

After leaving Sliema, the day begins with a traditional Maltese platter. This gives you something to eat while the crew settles into the route and you take in views of Malta from the sea.

The early part of the cruise is useful for finding your space. If shade matters to you, take note of the tables beneath the covered area. If you want sun, the bean bags and open deck provide a better place to stretch out.

The boat has onboard restrooms, which is a small feature with a big effect on a long day at sea. You do not have to wait for the next harbor or cut short a swim because there are no facilities nearby.

The catamaran itself is part of the sightseeing. Malta’s shore has limestone cliffs, inlets, caves, and old coastal settlements that look different from the water. You get a moving view rather than the fixed perspective of a beach or road.

Comino and the Crystal Lagoon option

The first major stop is planned for Comino’s Crystal Lagoon when weather allows. This spot lies close to the famous Blue Lagoon, but the cruise does not stop in the Blue Lagoon itself because its waters are heavily crowded.

That distinction matters. You still get to see the area that draws so many visitors, but the boat aims to anchor somewhere more comfortable for swimming. The Crystal Lagoon is known for clear water and a more enclosed setting, making it a strong first stop for a swim.

The exact location is not guaranteed. If conditions are unsuitable at Crystal Lagoon, the boat may use Ramla l-Hamra in Gozo instead. The itinerary can change for safety and weather, so you should treat the named locations as a plan rather than a promise.

You may have time for snorkeling, but equipment is not simply handed out without conditions. Masks and snorkels can be borrowed for a €20 deposit, charged in case the set is lost or damaged. Bring your own gear if you already have it, and remember that a towel is not included.

In favorable conditions, the crew may use a small tender for short cave trips. These excursions can add a close-up look at Malta’s rocky coast, but they depend on sea conditions and available time. They are a bonus, not the central guarantee of the tour.

Lunch with a view, not a rushed shore stop

Lunch is served aboard the catamaran rather than at a restaurant on land. The spread includes chicken, pork, fresh green salad, potatoes of the day, and fresh bread. Coffee and cake may also be served as part of the onboard food service.

The setup works well for a boat day because you can eat without giving up your seat or spending time disembarking. Shaded tables are available, and there is enough seating for groups to eat together.

The food is straightforward rather than formal. You are getting a filling meal designed for a day in the sun, not a long restaurant service. The portions are described as generous, with seconds available when food remains.

If you do not eat chicken or pork, or you need a vegetarian option, leave a note when booking. Dietary accommodation is specifically requested in advance, so do not wait until lunch to raise the issue.

The open drinks are a real part of the value. Beer, wine, soft drinks, and water are included throughout the day, and coffee and cake may follow lunch. You should still pace yourself, since alcohol, bright sun, and a moving boat can make some people feel unwell.

The second swim near St. Paul’s Island

After lunch, the catamaran heads toward St. Paul’s Island for another swimming opportunity. The second stop breaks up the day nicely: you get the excitement of the first lagoon, then a later chance to cool off after eating and cruising.

The stops are not simply quick photo pauses. The schedule is designed to leave time for swimming and snorkeling, though the exact length depends on weather, sea conditions, and the route. If you want to spend most of the day on land, this is not the right tour. The water time is a central part of the experience.

The crew can help you understand where and when to enter the water, but you remain responsible for your own comfort and ability. Bring a swimsuit, sun protection, and a towel. The boat has restrooms, yet changing space and personal storage details are not specified, so wear practical clothing and keep valuables to a minimum.

St. Paul’s Island also gives you another view of Malta’s coast. From the water, the island and surrounding rock formations become part of a wider coastal scene rather than a single stop with a short visit.

A possible Grand Harbour finish

If time permits, the cruise includes a short tour of the Grand Harbour. This is one of the most worthwhile parts for anyone interested in Malta’s ports, fortifications, and coastal cities.

The harbor tour is not the same as a dedicated historical walking tour. You are seeing the sights from the catamaran, with the crew providing commentary as the boat passes. Still, the water-level view helps you understand how Valletta and the Three Cities relate to the harbor.

The Grand Harbour portion is time-dependent, so it may be shortened or omitted if swimming, weather, or other delays affect the schedule. Think of it as an added scenic chapter rather than a fixed promise equal to the Comino stop.

You return to Sliema at around 5 PM. By then, the day has included open-sea cruising, food, drinks, swimming, and possibly caves and harbor views. It is a full outing, not a quick sightseeing transfer.

What the $156 price really covers

At $156 per person, this cruise costs more than a basic ferry ride or a simple sightseeing boat. The comparison is not quite fair, though, because the price includes about six and a half hours aboard the catamaran, lunch, drinks all day, crew service, shaded seating, restrooms, swim stops, and the route between Malta, Comino, Gozo, and nearby coastal sites.

The strongest value comes from space. You are paying partly to avoid the packed boats that gather around the Blue Lagoon. You also avoid buying lunch and drinks separately, which can add up quickly during a long day on the water.

The value is less convincing if you do not drink, plan to skip lunch, dislike swimming, or want a tightly scheduled sightseeing route. In that case, much of the package may not matter to you.

For me, the price makes the most sense for someone who wants a comfortable full-day outing and would otherwise be tempted by a cheaper but much more crowded cruise. It is a premium shared boat trip, not a budget excursion and not a private charter.

Who should choose this cruise

I would recommend Tip Top One to you if you want:

• A relaxed day at sea rather than a loud party boat
• More room than the standard packed Malta cruises
• Two proper chances to swim
• Lunch and drinks included in one price
• A boat with shade, tables, bean bags, and restrooms
• A mixture of coastal sightseeing and time to relax
• A good option for mixed-age groups, since the boat has seating choices for children, adults, and older visitors

It is also a good fit for families and groups with different preferences. One person can sit in the shade, another can sunbathe, and another can stay near the table. The supplied information indicates that most people can participate, but anyone with specific mobility or medical needs should confirm details before booking.

You should think twice if you need a guaranteed Blue Lagoon stop. This boat specifically does not stop there. You should also reconsider if you dislike open water, want a very active snorkeling program, or need a fully fixed schedule. Weather can change both the route and the swimming locations.

The cruise is non-refundable if you cancel or request a change. If poor weather forces the company to cancel, you are offered a different date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of 10 people is not reached.

Should you book Tip Top One?

Book it if your ideal Malta day includes clear water, swimming, an easy lunch, unlimited included drinks, and enough deck space to avoid feeling trapped in a crowd. The strongest reasons are the comfortable boat layout, the two swim stops, and the practical all-in price.

Do not book it just because you want to visit the Blue Lagoon. You will see it, but you will not stop there. Choose this cruise for a quieter way to experience Malta’s coast, with Crystal Lagoon or Gozo as the likely first swim, St. Paul’s Island later in the day, and a Grand Harbour tour if time allows.

For many people, the extra cost over a basic cruise will feel worthwhile. The boat gives you room, the food keeps the day simple, and the crew handles the details. Just arrive early, bring a towel, prepare for route changes, and remember that the sea, not a fixed list of landmarks, is the main attraction.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran depart from?

It departs from Daycruisemalta.com, Tip Top One, at Picard Tigné Seafront in Sliema, Malta.

What time should I arrive?

Boarding begins at 10:15 AM, boarding closes at 10:25 AM, and departure is at 10:30 AM sharp.

When does the cruise return?

The cruise is scheduled to return to the Sliema meeting point at about 5 PM.

Does the cruise stop at the Blue Lagoon?

No. The boat sights the Blue Lagoon but does not stop there because the waters are overcrowded.

What food is included?

The cruise includes a Maltese platter, followed by chicken, pork, fresh green salad, potatoes of the day, and fresh bread. Coffee and cake may also be served.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are included throughout the day.

Can I borrow snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Masks and snorkels can be borrowed with a €20 deposit in case the equipment is damaged or lost.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The itinerary can change because of weather. If the cruise is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.