Malta: Blue Lagoon, Beaches & Bays Trip by Catamaran

The best part of this six-hour cruise is the chance to reach the Blue Lagoon by boat, then swim from a spacious catamaran rather than squeeze onto one of Malta’s packed beaches. The crew anchors slightly away from the main crowds, giving you open water, ladders for easy access, and room to enjoy the turquoise sea.

I like the generous deck space and the choice between sun loungers, catamaran nets, shaded areas, and the bar. I also like the flexible route, which can include Crystal Lagoon, Popeye Village, and several bays depending on the weather. The catch is simple: this is a lively music-and-drinks cruise, not a quiet sightseeing boat, and you will not go ashore at any stop.

Key points to know before you book

• Blue Lagoon without a beach stop: You swim from the boat, anchored farther out rather than inside the lagoon.
• Three possible swim locations: The route usually includes two or three stops, but weather and sea conditions decide the final plan.
• Large, comfortable catamaran: You get more room to sit and sunbathe than on many smaller boats, though the best spots go early.
• Optional food and drinks: BBQ meals can be bought onboard, while cocktails and other drinks are available from the bar.
• Social daytime atmosphere: Music, dancing, and a young adult crowd make this a good choice for a fun day at sea.
• Sunset option available: The afternoon trip lets you watch the changing light on the return journey.

Six hours around Malta’s best swimming spots

This is a full half-day on the water, leaving from Sirens Quay in St Paul’s Bay and returning to the same place. The meeting point is behind Loa restaurant, so allow enough time to find the quay and queue before boarding.

The catamaran is the main attraction here. It is modern, clean, and large enough to offer several ways to spend the day. You can stretch out on a sun lounger, sit near the bar, claim a place on the front nets, or find a more sheltered seat toward the back.

Sun beds are included, but they are first come, first served. If you care about having one, arrive early. Several people found that coming about an hour before departure gave them a better chance of securing a prime spot. The rear loungers offer more protection from the wind, which matters on the return trip, especially on an afternoon or sunset cruise.

The boat has three separate ladders for entering and leaving the water. That is a small feature, but an important one. You avoid a long queue every time you want to swim, and the ladders make getting back aboard easier after snorkelling.

Blue Lagoon: turquoise water, but no shore time

The first stop is the Blue Lagoon, the famous stretch of water between Comino and its surrounding islands. Its clear, bright water is the main reason many people book this trip.

The catamaran does not anchor inside the lagoon. Instead, it stops slightly farther out, away from the thickest crowd. You will still swim in the same famous waters, but you will not step onto the small beach or wander through the shore area. At no point does this cruise stop on land.

That arrangement has two sides. You gain more space around the boat and avoid the crush at the shoreline. You lose the chance to explore Comino on foot, take a land-based walk, or spend time on the beach. If your goal is to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and return to a comfortable boat, this works well. If you want a proper island visit, choose a trip that includes a shore stop.

Bring your own goggles if you want to snorkel seriously. Snorkelling gear is not listed as included, and several people found personal goggles useful. The water is clear, but the boat’s schedule means you will have a set period to swim before moving on.

The Blue Lagoon can be busy, even when your boat anchors away from the main crowd. The most peaceful moments are likely to come early in the stop or during quieter conditions, but you should not expect a private cove.

Crystal Lagoon and the caves around Comino

Crystal Lagoon is one of the possible second stops. It is surrounded by steep cliffs and has water that is deeper than at the Blue Lagoon. That makes it especially appealing if you enjoy swimming in open water or looking into caves with a mask and snorkel.

The deeper water can be a plus for confident swimmers, but you should take the conditions seriously. The sea may be rough, and the crew can change the route if the weather makes a planned stop unsuitable. The boat was described as stable even when the sea became somewhat choppy, but stability does not remove the need to swim within your comfort level.

Crystal Lagoon is also the planned setting for the optional BBQ meal on some sailings. The food consists of halal chicken kebabs, with a choice of couscous, pasta salad, green salad, bread, and one drink. The meal can be purchased onboard on the day. Reviews put the cost at about €15, though you should confirm the current price when booking or boarding.

Vegetarians have food choices, according to the information provided, but the listed main dish is chicken. If you have a specific dietary need, ask the crew before paying for the meal.

Anchor Bay and the view of Popeye Village

Another possible stop is Anchor Bay, where you can look toward Popeye Village, the colorful film set in a sheltered bay. This is more of a scenic stop than a beach visit, since the catamaran does not dock for land access.

Popeye Village is easy to recognize from the water, and Anchor Bay gives you a different view from the usual road approach. You can take photographs from the deck, then return to swimming or relaxing as the boat continues.

The captain may instead choose Mellieha Bay, Golden Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, Ramla Bay, Imgiebah Bay, or Half Rock. Each is described as suitable for swimming and snorkelling, but the exact sequence is never guaranteed. That flexibility helps the crew respond to wind and sea conditions, though it means you should not book this expecting a fixed list of stops.

Music, cocktails, and the right kind of boat atmosphere

This is not a silent cruise with a guide narrating every headland. Music plays throughout the day, and the atmosphere can include dancing, drinking, and socializing with other young adults.

That makes the trip a good fit for friends, couples who enjoy a lively day out, and solo visitors who like a shared party atmosphere. The crew puts energy into keeping people involved, with one staff member named Neil receiving special praise for looking after people and helping everyone enjoy the trip.

The music is part of the experience, but it will not suit everyone. One person felt the music selection could be better, so you should not expect a carefully tailored soundtrack. If you prefer quiet water, long talks, or a calm nature cruise, this may feel too busy.

Cocktails are available from the bar. A review listed cocktails at about €8, and card payment was accepted onboard. Still, bring some cash as requested in the practical information, especially if you want to avoid relying on one payment method.

You cannot bring your own food or drinks. Smoking is also not allowed. Shoes must be removed, so wear something easy to take off and keep your belongings compact.

The optional BBQ and what it adds to the day

The BBQ is not included in the $62 price, but it can make the outing easier. Instead of arranging lunch before boarding, you can buy a hot meal from the boat and return to the deck without interrupting the day.

The meal is straightforward rather than fancy: halal chicken kebabs, a choice of salads or couscous, bread, and one drink. Several people found it better than expected, and the food was often singled out as one of the strongest extras.

I would treat the BBQ as a convenience with a pleasant social side, not the main reason to book. You can also buy drinks at the bar, but the extras will raise your final cost. If you want to keep spending under control, bring only the amount you plan to use and remember that your own refreshments are not permitted.

The sunset sailing may make the meal feel more special. On the afternoon option, the light changes across the coast on the return trip, and the cooler air is welcome after a long day in the sun. Pack a light wind jacket because the sea breeze can feel fresh later in the day.

How the $62 price compares

At $62 per person, this sits above the cheapest small-boat trips but offers more space and a longer, more settled day. Your fare includes the catamaran ride, the crew, access to the swimming stops, and use of the sun beds when available.

The value comes from the boat itself. You are not simply paying for transport to the Blue Lagoon. You get a large deck, several seating areas, a bar, three water ladders, music, and the option to add lunch. The boat’s size also gives you more room to stretch out than the tightly packed plastic seating found on some smaller vessels.

The price is less attractive if you only want a quick visit to the Blue Lagoon or a land stop at Comino. You will spend six hours aboard and pay extra for food and drinks. The itinerary can also change, so the value depends on enjoying the full day at sea rather than chasing one exact location.

For a social boat day with swimming, sun, and several possible coastal views, I think the price is fair. The high overall rating and repeated praise for the clean boat, friendly crew, food, and space support that judgment, but the experience still depends heavily on your tolerance for music and crowds.

Choosing between the daytime and sunset departures

A daytime departure gives you the strongest sun for swimming and the clearest chance to enjoy the water at its brightest. It can also be hotter and busier, and you will need to take sun protection seriously.

The sunset option has a slower feel. You avoid the worst midday heat, watch the coast change color, and may find the boat less full. The tradeoff is cooler air on the way back and less daylight for swimming.

For either option, pack sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. A light jacket is useful for the return journey. Bring a small bag only, since oversized luggage is not allowed.

Who will enjoy this catamaran most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want:

• A comfortable boat with room to sit, lie down, or move around
• Swimming and snorkelling rather than long land visits
• Music, cocktails, and a friendly social mood
• A flexible route shaped by weather conditions
• An optional BBQ without needing to leave the boat
• A sunset sail with fewer people and cooler temperatures

I would think twice if you want a quiet cruise, a guided coastal talk, a beach picnic, or time exploring Comino on foot. The boat does not stop on land, the route can change, and the activity is not suitable for children under 12 or wheelchair users.

Practical details that make the day easier

Arrive early if you want a sun bed or one of the best deck positions. The most sought-after spots can go quickly, and the front nets are popular for sunbathing.

Wear swimwear under your clothes and keep your towel close. You will enter the water directly from the boat, so you should not expect changing facilities on shore. Since shoes are not allowed, choose simple footwear that you can remove before boarding.

The crew speaks English. The trip has free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later if that option is offered for your date. The activity starts and ends at Sirens Quay, behind Loa restaurant, with the return to the same meeting point.

Should you book this Malta boat trip?

Book it if you want a fun, spacious day on the water with the Blue Lagoon as the main swim stop, plus a chance to reach other bays and cliffs. The large catamaran, helpful crew, clean facilities, easy water access, and optional BBQ make it a stronger choice than a bare-bones boat transfer.

Skip it if your priority is quiet sightseeing or stepping ashore at Comino. For the right person, this is excellent value at $62. For the wrong person, six hours of music, drinks, and changing plans may feel like a long time afloat.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran leave from?

It leaves from Sirens Quay in St Paul’s Bay. The departure point is behind Loa restaurant.

How long does the boat trip last?

The activity lasts six hours and returns to Sirens Quay.

Does the catamaran stop inside the Blue Lagoon?

No. It anchors slightly farther out rather than inside the Blue Lagoon.

Can I go ashore during the trip?

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

How many swimming stops are included?

The boat usually stops at two or three locations. The final stops depend on the weather and sea conditions.

Which other places might the boat visit?

Possible stops include Crystal Lagoon, Anchor Bay, Mellieha Bay, Golden Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, Ramla Bay, Imgiebah Bay, and Half Rock.

Is the BBQ included in the price?

No. The optional BBQ can be purchased onboard on the day of the trip.

What food comes with the optional BBQ?

The meal consists of halal chicken kebabs, a choice of couscous, pasta salad, or green salad, bread, and one drink.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks, including cocktails, can be purchased from the onboard bar.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash. A light jacket is also useful for the cooler return journey.

Can children join the trip?

The activity is not suitable for children under 12.

Is the boat accessible for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.