St. Paul’s Bay: Half-Day Scenic Catamaran Tour with Drinks

The best feature here is simple: only 20 people share the catamaran. That gives you room to stretch out, find a seat in the sun or shade, and get into the water without the packed-boat feel common around Comino. I like the clean, modern boat and the crew’s attentive service, especially the steady supply of water, soft drinks, beer, and wine.

I also like the sensible half-day length. You see the Santa Maria Caves, swim at the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, then return with time left for lunch or another plan. The tradeoff is that food is not formally included, swimming depends on sea conditions, and this is not the right trip if you want serious snorkeling or a long visit ashore.

Key points at a glance

• Small boat, big advantage: The catamaran is limited to 20 people, with some departures carrying only 15 to 18.
• Two worthwhile swim stops: You get about an hour at the Blue Lagoon and 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon.
• Drinks are included: Still water and soft drinks are unlimited, with four 50-centilitre beer cans and half a bottle of white or rosé wine per person.
• Useful water gear: Snorkel masks and two shared SUP paddleboards are available at no extra cost.
• Weather can change the plan: Rough water may mean a different swimming bay or a skipped Crystal Lagoon.
• Come ready to swim: Bring your own towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and beachwear.

Why the 20-person limit matters on Malta’s coast

Malta’s popular boat routes can feel crowded, particularly near Comino. A larger vessel may offer a lower price, but you often spend the day among rows of sun loungers and a long line for the swimming ladder.

This catamaran takes the opposite approach. The advertised limit is 20 people, and several departures have carried fewer than that. At 15 or 16 people, you have plenty of room to sit or lie down. Even near capacity, the boat is spacious enough that you do not feel packed together.

That smaller group also improves the service. Crew members can offer drinks, check that swimmers are comfortable, and help with masks or paddleboards. Names that have come up on different departures include Bim, Idola, Dustin, and Fernando. Service styles may vary by crew, but the pattern is clear: this is meant to feel personal rather than like a floating bus.

You should still expect a social outing, not a private yacht charter. You may share the boat with couples, families, or groups of friends. The small size tends to create a friendly atmosphere, and some departures have been almost empty, but the experience is not designed for silence.

Setting out from Fekruna Jetty

Your meeting point is Fekruna Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. Arrive early. The catamaran leaves promptly, and it is not required to wait for late arrivals.

The first 10 minutes cover the safety briefing. After that, the boat spends roughly 45 minutes traveling toward the caves and swimming areas. That travel time is part of the appeal. You can watch Malta’s rocky coast from the water, settle into the padded seating, and let the crew begin serving drinks.

The boat has a toilet, fresh-water shower, swimming ladder, and plenty of deck space. Those details matter more than they might sound. After saltwater swimming, a shower is useful, and a proper ladder makes getting back aboard easier than hauling yourself over a high side.

The ride can be smooth, but the sea is not always calm. Choppy conditions have led the crew to change the route or move the swimming stop to calmer water. If you are prone to seasickness, this is a serious consideration. Sit where you feel most stable, and bring any personal motion-sickness remedy you normally use.

Santa Maria Caves from the water

The first scenic stop is Santa Maria Caves, where the catamaran spends about 15 minutes sightseeing. This is a close-up coastal view rather than a long cave visit on foot.

You will see pale rock formations, openings in the cliffs, and clear water around the boat. The short stop works well for photographs and gives you a look at the coast that you cannot get from the road. The crew may share information about Malta, Comino, and the surrounding caves, though the amount of commentary can vary.

Do not expect a formal lecture at every point of interest. Some departures have had guides who offered local facts and took photographs, while other passengers wanted more explanation. If you care about the geology or local stories, ask the crew directly.

A practical tip: keep your phone and camera ready before the boat reaches the caves. You may have only a short window for the best angle, and the boat will not necessarily wait while everyone lines up for the same photograph.

One hour at the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is the main swimming stop, with about an hour set aside for swimming and snorkeling. Its bright, clear water is the reason this route is so popular.

From the catamaran, you can use the swimming ladder and enter directly into the sea. Snorkel masks are provided, and the crew may also help with the two shared paddleboards. The boards are useful for a gentle outing on the surface, especially if you want to look around without swimming far.

The boat may position itself away from the thickest crowd, but do not assume you will have the lagoon to yourself. This is one of Malta’s best-known water stops. The smaller catamaran gives you a less cramped base, even when other boats are nearby.

One limitation is important: the schedule describes sightseeing and swimming, not a guaranteed visit ashore. Some passengers would prefer time on the beach, but the standard experience keeps you on the water. If you want to walk around Comino or spend time on land, choose a trip that clearly includes a shore stop.

The Blue Lagoon is better for cooling off and enjoying the color of the water than for serious marine life. One four-star assessment found very few fish and no reef structure. You can snorkel, but set your expectations at a pleasant swim with some underwater viewing, not a major reef excursion.

A calmer 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon

Crystal Lagoon follows the Blue Lagoon and usually provides about 45 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. Many people prefer this stop because it feels quieter and offers a more enclosed setting.

The clear water makes it a good place to float, swim, or use a paddleboard. The shared SUP boards can be taken toward a cave and beach area when conditions allow. That adds a little exploration without turning the outing into a strenuous activity.

The phrase when conditions allow matters here. Wind and waves can force a change. On one choppy departure, Crystal Lagoon was skipped and the crew substituted a longer swim in St. Paul’s Bay. That is a sensible safety choice, but it means you should treat the named stops as the planned route, not an absolute promise.

The lagoon is also a better fit for relaxed swimming than wildlife spotting. If your main goal is fish, reefs, or underwater photography, this cruise may disappoint. If your goal is clear water, scenic cliffs, and an easy swim from a comfortable boat, it makes more sense.

What is actually included to drink

Drinks are one of the strongest value points. Unlimited still water and soft drinks are included, along with beer and white or rosé wine.

The stated allowance is four 50-centilitre beer cans and half a bottle of wine per person. That is generous for a 3 to 4-hour cruise, though responsible drinking matters on a moving boat and before swimming. You can also choose nonalcoholic drinks throughout the trip.

Light snacks or nibbles have appeared on several departures, including crisps and other small items. However, food is listed as excluded, and optional menus cost extra. I would not book this expecting lunch. Eat before boarding, especially if you are prone to seasickness or plan to swim energetically.

This is a good setup for a relaxed morning or afternoon. You can have a drink while watching the coast, then swim, shower, and settle back on deck. Just remember that a generous drinks package is not the same as a meal service.

The boat, music, and onboard comfort

The catamaran is described as clean, modern, comfortable, and well maintained. It has padded seats and sun loungers, with enough room to move around even when close to its 20-person limit.

The onboard sound system adds to the holiday mood. Guests may be able to play their own music, and the playlist has been part of the fun on several outings. Music volume is subjective, though. If you want a quiet cruise, this may feel more like a social boat day than a peaceful sailing trip.

The crew generally keeps the boat tidy and checks on drink orders and swimming needs. Some have taken pictures and videos for passengers. That service can make a difference when you are wet, carrying a phone, and trying to get a group photograph without dropping anything into the sea.

The two paddleboards are shared, not one per person. At busy times, you may need to take turns. One note about the equipment mentioned that the boards needed more inflation, so do not expect high-end water-sports gear. The snorkel masks are a useful inclusion, but bring your own if you need a particular fit.

Timing, transfers, and the practical details

The core outing lasts about 3 to 4 hours. The planned day includes a 10-minute safety briefing, about 45 minutes of outbound travel, 15 minutes at Santa Maria Caves, one hour at the Blue Lagoon, 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon, and roughly an hour returning to Fekruna Jetty.

That schedule explains the appeal of the trip. You get two proper swim stops without giving up a full day. A morning departure can return around lunchtime, leaving room for a restaurant, sightseeing, or a quiet afternoon. An afternoon departure may finish with attractive evening light, and one outing ended with a memorable sunset photograph.

Transportation to the jetty is not included, though a transfer can be arranged for an additional fee. Check your route to Fekruna Jetty before booking. Being near St. Paul’s Bay does not necessarily mean the meeting point is beside your accommodation.

Bring a towel, since towels are not supplied. Add sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and swimwear. Wear something easy to move in, and keep valuables secure when you enter the water.

The experience is not suitable for people with back problems, mobility impairments, visual impairments, or motion sickness. There is a swimming ladder and a toilet, but the activity still involves boarding a boat, moving around a deck, and entering the sea.

Is $59 a fair price?

At $59 per person, this costs more than a large shared boat, but the comparison is not quite like for like. You are paying for a much smaller group, a more comfortable catamaran, a crew that can provide individual attention, drinks, snorkel masks, paddleboards, and a half-day schedule.

For me, the strongest value is the space. If you dislike crowded boats, the difference between 20 people and a vessel carrying many more can shape the whole day. You can find a seat, use the swimming ladder without a long queue, and return to the deck without fighting for room.

The price makes less sense if you mainly want transport to the Blue Lagoon, a beach visit, or serious snorkeling. A cheaper boat may get you to similar water and leave you with more money for lunch. This cruise earns its higher price through comfort and atmosphere, not through a longer route or a major underwater program.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking add flexibility. Still, check the weather forecast and be ready for the route to change. The crew’s first duty is safety, and rough seas can alter the plan.

Who should book this catamaran?

I would choose this trip for couples, small friend groups, families with confident swimmers, and anyone who wants a polished half-day on the water. It is also a good choice if you want to avoid the party-boat crowd but still enjoy music, drinks, and a friendly social setting.

It suits you especially well if you value:

• A small group and plenty of deck space
• Swimming more than walking ashore
• Clear water and coastal scenery
• Included drinks and basic water equipment
• A half-day outing rather than a full-day commitment

I would look elsewhere if you need wheelchair-friendly access, dislike boats, suffer easily from motion sickness, or expect a detailed guided tour. I would also choose another activity if your priority is reefs, abundant fish, or a long beach stop.

Should you book it?

Book it if your ideal Malta outing is a comfortable catamaran, two good swimming stops, friendly service, and enough time left in the day for other plans. The small group, clean boat, included drinks, and flexible response to rough seas make this a strong choice for a relaxed coastal outing.

Skip it if the words Blue Lagoon make you picture a private beach visit or serious snorkeling. You will spend the day on the boat, with swimming from the ladder and sightseeing from the water. Bring food, arrive early at Fekruna Jetty, and treat the named lagoons as weather-dependent. With those expectations, $59 is a reasonable price for space and comfort rather than simply a ride to Comino.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start?

The tour starts at Fekruna Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours.

How many people can join the catamaran?

The catamaran accommodates up to 20 people. Some departures may have fewer passengers.

What places does the tour visit?

The planned route includes Santa Maria Caves, the Blue Lagoon, and Crystal Lagoon.

How long do you spend at the Blue Lagoon?

The scheduled stop at the Blue Lagoon lasts about one hour for sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling.

How long do you spend at Crystal Lagoon?

The scheduled Crystal Lagoon stop lasts about 45 minutes for sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited still water and soft drinks are included. Beer and white or rosé wine are also provided, with four 50-centilitre beer cans and half a bottle of wine per person.

Is food included?

Food is not formally included. Optional menus may be available for an extra fee, and light snacks or nibbles may be provided on some departures.

Are snorkel masks and paddleboards available?

Yes. Snorkel masks and two shared SUP paddleboards are included.

What should you bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, a towel, and beachwear. Towels are not provided.

Can the itinerary change because of weather?

Yes. The itinerary may be modified for weather and sea conditions. A swimming stop may be moved or replaced if the water is too rough.

Is transportation to Fekruna Jetty included?

No. Transportation is available for an additional fee, but it is not part of the standard tour.