Malta: Blue Lagoon, Beaches & Bays Trip by Catamaran

The main draw is simple: you get Malta’s famous turquoise water without spending the day squeezed onto a crowded beach. I like the large, well-kept catamaran, which gives you room to sit, sunbathe, or stretch out on the front nets. I also like the flexible route, since the crew can choose calmer bays when the sea changes.

This is a lively boat day, not a quiet sailing lesson. Music plays, cocktails are sold at the bar, and the mood suits adults and older teens who want to swim, socialize, and enjoy the sun. The main trade-off is that you never go ashore, and the best loungers are first come, first served, so arriving early matters.

Key points at a glance

• Blue Lagoon from offshore: The catamaran anchors slightly away from the packed central area, giving you a better chance to swim without stepping onto Comino.
• Two or three swim stops: The exact route depends on wind and sea conditions, with Crystal Lagoon, Anchor Bay, and several Maltese bays possible.
• A spacious boat: You get sun beds, seating, three water ladders, clean toilets, a bar, and sun nets rather than a cramped small vessel.
• Optional food and drinks: The barbecue includes halal chicken kebabs, side dishes, and one drink. Cocktails are available separately.
• Music and a social mood: This suits people who want dancing, drinks, and company rather than a silent sightseeing cruise.
• Sunset option: The afternoon departure adds softer light and a cooler ride back, though you should bring a light jacket.

What this Malta catamaran trip is really like

At $62 per person for six hours, this sits above Malta’s cheapest boat rides but offers more space and a fuller day on the water. You are paying for the catamaran itself, the crew, access to sun beds, several swimming locations, and a social setup with music and a bar.

I see the value most clearly if you want the boat to be your base for the whole day. Smaller boats may cost less, but you can end up sitting shoulder to shoulder on plastic chairs. Here, you have a better chance of finding a comfortable spot, especially if you arrive early and queue before boarding.

The trip leaves from Sirens Quay, behind Loa restaurant. It returns to the same meeting point after the six-hour outing. The departure area is in St Paul’s Bay, with the return commonly described as Bugibba, so check your booking details and local directions carefully before setting out.

The boat does not stop on land at any point. That matters. You will see bays and cliffs from the water, then enter the sea from the catamaran’s ladders. If you want time on a beach, a walk through Comino, or a visit inside Popeye’s Village, this is not the right format.

Boarding early is worth it

Sun beds are included, but they are not reserved. If you want one of the best places, arrive about an hour early, as several people found that the prime spots went quickly.

The rear loungers offer more shelter, while the front nets give you the classic catamaran position over the water. The nets are excellent for sunbathing and watching the sea below, but they have less protection from wind and spray. Bring sunscreen even if the day looks mild. The open water can make the sun feel less fierce than it is.

The boat has three separate ladders for getting in and out of the sea. That is a small but useful feature. With several people swimming at once, multiple ladders reduce the awkward climbing and waiting that can happen on smaller boats.

Shoes are not allowed on board, so wear something easy to remove and bring a towel for the ride after swimming. Oversize luggage is also not allowed. Pack a small day bag with swimwear, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and some cash.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, offshore access

The first stop is the Blue Lagoon, Malta’s best-known swimming site. The water is famous for its bright turquoise color, and the main pleasure here is getting straight into it from the boat.

The catamaran anchors slightly farther out rather than inside the busiest part of the lagoon. That gives you a little separation from the crowds on shore, but it also means you will not walk onto the white sand or explore the island at this stop.

Bring your own goggles if you want to snorkel. The clear water makes it easy to look below the surface, and you can swim around the boat rather than simply sit on deck. The water can be busy with other vessels, so listen to the crew and stay close enough to return safely when instructed.

I would treat this as a swimming stop, not a beach visit. You get the famous color without the packed shoreline, but you give up the chance to wander around Comino. That is a fair exchange for some people, especially if your priority is a comfortable boat and a good swim.

Crystal Lagoon and the changing route

After the Blue Lagoon, the captain chooses one or two further locations based on weather and sea conditions. Crystal Lagoon is one of the most appealing possibilities. It is framed by steep cliffs, and its water is deeper than at the Blue Lagoon.

That depth makes it better suited to confident swimmers and snorkeling around the caves. If you are not comfortable in deep water, stay near the ladder, use the boat as your reference point, and follow the crew’s guidance. The scenery is dramatic from the water, but the stop remains dependent on conditions, so it is never guaranteed.

Some departures reach Crystal Lagoon, while others use a different bay when wind or waves make the route less suitable. Do not judge the trip only by the promise of one named location. The point is the combination of clear water, cliff views, and several chances to swim.

Possible alternatives include Mellieha Bay, Golden Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, Ramla Bay, Imgiebah Bay, and Half Rock. These are all used for swimming and snorkeling when conditions allow. A changed route can still produce a very good day, particularly when the crew selects a calmer and safer stop.

Anchor Bay and the view of Popeye’s Village

Anchor Bay is another possible stop. From the water, you can see the colorful film set of Popeye’s Village tucked into the bay.

The appeal here is visual rather than historical. You get a boat-based view of the unusual buildings and the surrounding cove, often combined with time to swim. Since the catamaran does not dock, you should not book this expecting a village visit or entry to the set.

This is one of the tour’s nice touches because it adds a landmark to a day otherwise focused on swimming. You can take in a recognizable Maltese sight without giving up the relaxed rhythm of the boat.

The barbecue and bar costs extra

The barbecue is optional and bought on the boat. It includes halal chicken kebabs, couscous, pasta salad, green salad, bread, and one drink. The food has received particularly strong praise, and vegetarian diners have also found enough to eat from the available sides.

The barbecue price reported on board is about €15. At that price, it can be a sensible choice if you do not want to pack lunch or leave the water hungry. It is not included in the $62 ticket, so add it to your budget before you decide.

Cocktails cost about €8 based on the prices provided by past customers. Drinks are not included either. Bring cash, as requested in the trip information, though card payment has also been possible on board. I would not rely on only one payment method.

The rule against bringing your own food and drinks keeps the boat’s bar in control, but it also means you should plan ahead. If you have dietary needs, the stated meal is halal chicken with salads and sides. The available information confirms vegetarian options, but it does not promise a full special-diet menu.

Music, cocktails, and the social mood

Music is a major part of the day. You can sit on the nets, swim, order a drink, and listen to dance tracks while the boat moves between bays. Some departures feel more relaxed, while others have a stronger party tone.

That makes this a good fit for solo adults, couples, and groups of friends who enjoy meeting people and spending a day outdoors. It is less suitable if you want a quiet nature trip, a guided history tour, or a small private boat.

The music selection may not suit everyone. One customer found it could be improved, and that is a reasonable warning if you are sensitive to loud or repetitive music. The crew has been praised for keeping people looked after and involved, with Neil singled out for being especially attentive on one departure.

The afternoon and sunset option changes the feel of the outing. You avoid the hottest middle part of the day, see the coastline in changing light, and may have a less crowded boat. The ride back can feel cool, so bring a wind jacket or light layer.

Comfort, crew, and onboard details

The catamaran is one of the strongest parts of this experience. It is described as large, clean, stable, and well maintained, with more room than many smaller boats serving the same bays.

That size does not make the sea perfectly smooth. You may still feel motion in rougher conditions, but the boat has been comfortable even when the water is somewhat choppy. If you are prone to seasickness, choose a central seat, keep your eyes on the horizon, and avoid too many cocktails before swimming.

The crew handles the route and water access, but this is not presented as a detailed sightseeing lecture. One useful improvement would be more explanation of the coastline and landmarks as the boat passes them. You are mainly paying for the sea day, not a formal guided tour.

There are clean toilets on board, which is important on a six-hour trip. Sun beds are included, but only while available. The catamaran also has a cocktail bar, ladders, seating, and sunbathing areas, so you can remain comfortable without leaving the boat.

Who should book, and who should skip it

I would choose this trip if you want several swimming chances from a roomy boat and you like music, social energy, and optional drinks. It is especially good for a group of friends or a couple who would rather spend the day on the sea than on a crowded beach.

It also works well for someone who wants a straightforward way to see the Blue Lagoon without arranging several separate connections. The crew chooses the later stops, so you do not have to plan a route around Malta’s bays yourself.

I would skip it if your main goal is exploring Comino on foot, visiting Popeye’s Village, or spending hours alone in a quiet cove. I would also avoid it if you dislike loud music, cannot manage boat ladders, or need wheelchair access. The activity is not suitable for children under 12 or wheelchair users.

The route depends heavily on weather. Even with a perfect forecast, the crew may replace Crystal Lagoon or another planned bay with a safer location. Think of the named stops as possibilities, not promises.

Practical value at $62

The $62 price is fair for a six-hour outing on a spacious catamaran, especially if you value room to sit and a cleaner, less cramped setup. The included sun beds and crew service help justify the fare, while the optional barbecue keeps the base price from rising for people who prefer to bring nothing extra.

Your real cost will be higher if you add lunch, cocktails, and several other drinks. A barbecue at about €15 and cocktails at about €8 can add up quickly. I would set a simple budget before boarding and bring enough cash for the extras you actually want.

The strongest value comes from using the boat fully: arrive early for a good place, swim at each stop, use the nets and sun beds, and stay for the full return ride. If you only want a quick look at the Blue Lagoon, a shorter trip may be better value.

Should you book this catamaran trip?

Book it if you want Malta’s clear water with the comfort of a large boat, several possible swim stops, music, and a social bar atmosphere. The Blue Lagoon is the headline, but the spacious catamaran, helpful crew, good barbecue, and choice of later bays are what make the six-hour format worthwhile.

Choose an early arrival for the best seating, pack goggles and a light jacket, and remember that the boat stays offshore. If those limits suit you, this is a strong choice at $62. If you want land time, silence, or guaranteed access to one exact bay, pick another kind of boat outing.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran depart from?

It departs from Sirens Quay, behind Loa restaurant. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the boat trip?

The trip lasts six hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Is the Blue Lagoon included?

Yes. The route includes a stop at the Blue Lagoon for swimming and snorkeling.

Does the catamaran anchor inside the Blue Lagoon?

No. It anchors slightly farther out from the main lagoon area.

Will the boat stop at Crystal Lagoon?

Crystal Lagoon is a possible second stop, but the route depends on the weather and sea conditions.

Does the boat stop on land?

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

Is the barbecue included in the ticket?

No. You can buy the optional barbecue on the boat on the day of the trip. It includes halal chicken kebabs, side dishes, bread, and one drink.

Can I buy drinks during the trip?

Yes. Drinks and cocktails are available from the onboard bar, but they are not included in the ticket price.

Is the trip suitable for children or wheelchair users?

The activity is not suitable for children under 12 or wheelchair users.