Comino: Blue Lagoon Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Open Bar

The best part of this day is that you see Malta from the water without giving up comfort. The Spirit of Malta is a large sailing catamaran with room to sunbathe, clean toilets, a shower, and plenty of space to sit or stretch out. It anchors near Comino’s Blue Lagoon, so you can swim in rather than fight for a small patch of crowded beach.

I like the generous open bar and the surprisingly substantial buffet, which includes cold cuts, cheeses, salads, bread, wine, beer, and soft drinks. I also like the relaxed rhythm: quiet sailing and swimming first, then music and dancing on the way back. The main drawback is that the route is weather dependent, and rough water can make the trip uncomfortable for anyone prone to seasickness.

Key points to know

• A full seven-hour day at sea: Depart Sliema at 10:30am and return at about 5:30pm.
• Blue Lagoon by boat: Anchor near Comino for swimming, snorkeling, and views away from the packed shore.
• Food and drinks included: Cold cuts, cheeses, several salads, bread, wine, beer, water, and soft drinks are served.
• The route changes with weather: Crystal Lagoon and other bays may be included, but no fixed programme is promised.
• A calm-to-party mood: The day starts gently and often ends with music, dancing, and a lively boat atmosphere.
• Arrive early for a good place: The best sun and shade spots go first, especially on busy summer departures.

Sailing from Sliema aboard the Spirit of Malta

The boat leaves from Sliema at 10:30am. Finding it should be easy because it is the only catamaran in that part of the bay, opposite The Black Sheep bar. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to make your own way to the meeting point.

The Spirit of Malta is built for a long day on the water rather than a quick transfer. That matters. You are not squeezed into a small speedboat for hours, and you have several areas to choose from. The catamaran has sunbeds and seating on the upper deck, places with shade, and indoor space if you want a break from the sun.

Arrive early if you care about your position on board. The forward areas are popular for the view and the splash factor, while the rear of the boat is a better choice if you want a steadier ride or prefer to keep your bags dry. Some people who sat at the front found themselves getting soaked, especially when the water was rough.

The boat’s size also helps the day feel less cramped than many cheaper trips. That does not mean you get a quiet private charter. Music, a bar, and a full boat create a social setting, but there is enough room to move around and find a calmer corner.

A flexible route along Malta and Comino

There is no fixed sailing programme. The captain chooses the route according to wind and sea conditions, which is a sensible approach in Malta but something you need to understand before booking. You may stop at different bays around Malta and Comino, with the Blue Lagoon included when conditions allow.

The route can include Crystal Lagoon, the Blue Lagoon, and a beach or another sheltered swimming place. On some days, Crystal Lagoon is too rough for a proper stop. On others, you may get both lagoons plus another swimming location. The captain’s decision can be frustrating if one particular bay is your main reason for booking, but safety and comfort have to come first.

This flexible plan is also why you should not treat the trip as a formal sightseeing cruise. You will see dramatic coastlines, caves, clear water, and the small island of Comino, but the focus is swimming, sun, food, and music. There is no promise of a detailed history talk or constant commentary. If you sit on the upper deck, you may have trouble hearing announcements, so pay attention when the crew gives practical instructions.

Reaching the Blue Lagoon by catamaran

The Blue Lagoon is the main event. Its pale water and rocky shore are beautiful, but the area is famously crowded, particularly during the warmer months. Arriving by catamaran gives you a useful advantage: you can enjoy the water from an anchored boat instead of trying to claim space on the narrow shore.

You can swim directly from the catamaran and use the stop for snorkeling. The boat provides pool noodles, and there are toilets on board, so you do not need to return to land for every small need. The swimming time is one of the strongest parts of the day because you are not rushed through a ten-minute photo stop.

The Blue Lagoon is not a quiet wilderness experience. Boats gather in the area, and the shore can look packed. Still, the water viewed from offshore is the real reward. You can swim, float, snorkel, or stay on deck and watch the scene without joining the crush on land.

Take care around other boats and swimmers. Jellyfish have been spotted in the area, so check the water before getting in and bring any personal medication you need. The boat does not carry an EpiPen, and anyone with serious allergies should plan carefully.

Some departures offer an optional high-speed boat trip into a cave near the Blue Lagoon for an extra charge. This is not part of the included package, but it can add a short burst of excitement and a closer look at the rocky coast. Ask the crew about availability and price on the day rather than assuming it is guaranteed.

Crystal Lagoon and the other swimming stops

Crystal Lagoon can be the most rewarding stop when the sea is calm. Its water is clear, and the surrounding rock formations make it a fine place for swimming and snorkeling. On a rough day, though, the captain may pass by or visit only briefly.

That uncertainty is important. If Crystal Lagoon is the one place you most want to swim, this trip cannot guarantee it. The captain may choose a safer bay instead. You still get time in the water, but the exact setting can change.

The other stops are chosen for swimming rather than sightseeing on land. You might anchor beside a beach or in a sheltered bay, with enough time to get in the water, snorkel, and dry off before lunch. The schedule is not built around hurried stops. Several people found the time in the water generous, which makes the long day feel worthwhile.

Bring your own snorkeling gear if you have it, especially if you want a better fit or plan to use a waterproof phone case. The activity information confirms swimming and snorkeling stops, but it does not promise a full equipment package, so do not count on specialized gear being supplied.

What lunch is really like on a seven-hour cruise

Lunch is served during one of the swimming stops. The buffet includes turkey, smoked gammon, salami, cheddar cubes, feta cheese, summer potato salad, bulgur wheat salad, vegetarian rice salad, pasta salad, tomatoes with onion, and bread rolls.

This is more than a token sandwich. The cold cuts and bread make a dependable meal, while the salads add lighter and vegetarian choices. The tomato and onion salad is vegan, and the rice and bulgur salads are marked vegetarian. If you have a serious allergy, ask the crew about ingredients before serving yourself. The menu is listed, but special dietary arrangements are not promised.

The food has received particularly strong praise, though expectations should remain sensible. This is a buffet on a boat, not a restaurant meal. Some people found the dishes much better than expected, while one person found the pasta disappointing. The safest way to view it is as plentiful, practical lunch that keeps you going through a long afternoon of swimming and sun.

There may also be snacks or filled rolls, and fresh fruit such as watermelon has been offered on some trips. These extras can vary, so consider them a bonus rather than part of the formal promise.

Open bar, sun, and the changing mood on board

The open bar is a major part of the value. Wine, beer, water, and soft drinks are available throughout the day. The selection is not described as a full cocktail bar, and one soft-drink choice mentioned as missing was juice, so bring modest expectations. Still, included beer, wine, water, and soft drinks remove the steady cost of buying refreshments at Malta’s busy swimming spots.

You receive a reusable cup, according to the onboard experience described by one guest. Drink responsibly, especially in the sun. Alcohol can catch up with you quickly after several hours of swimming, and the return crossing may be rougher than the sheltered stops.

The atmosphere changes as the day goes on. The outward journey is generally calmer, with music that lets you look at the coast or find a sunbed. After lunch and the swimming stops, the crew turns up the energy with popular music, dancing, and a party mood.

This is not an all-day nightclub. You can stay upstairs, enjoy the sun, and keep some distance from the music if you want a quieter afternoon. On the other hand, if you are booking for a hen party, birthday, or group celebration, the return sailing can be the highlight. Crew members including Hector and Axel have been singled out for bringing energy and good humor to the day, while the French crew DJ has also helped create the party atmosphere.

The sound level and announcements are separate matters. Music may be easy to hear, but spoken information can be less clear from the upper deck. If you want to hear the captain, stay nearer the main speaker or ask a crew member what you missed.

Comfort, sea conditions, and what to pack

A catamaran is generally a comfortable platform for a full day at sea, but it does not eliminate motion. The ride to Comino can be rocky when the water is unsettled. Several people enjoyed the smooth sailing, while others felt seasick on the outward journey.

If you are prone to motion sickness, take your usual precautions before departure. Sit toward the rear, where the ride may feel steadier, and avoid drinking alcohol until you know how your stomach feels. One practical tip from onboard experience is to choose a place near the back and captain’s area when the water is rough.

Sun protection is essential. The breeze can make the heat feel mild while you are still burning. Pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a swimsuit, a towel, and a waterproof case for your phone. Keep bags away from the forward splash zone, and use the hooks near the upper-deck cabin if you want to protect clothing or electronics.

There are toilets and a shower on board. The boat is cleaned regularly, and the facilities make the seven-hour schedule easier. You should still pack lightly because open deck space is valuable and bags can get in the way.

Is $105 a fair price?

At $105 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Comino. You can find basic boat trips or land-based excursions for less. The comparison is not quite fair, though, because this package includes a full day on a large catamaran, buffet lunch, open bar, several swimming stops, sunbathing space, toilets, and entertainment.

The value is strongest if you would otherwise pay separately for drinks and lunch. It is also strong for anyone who wants to spend the day swimming rather than simply being dropped at the island. You get a floating base, shelter from the crowded shore, and a chance to make the return journey part of the experience.

The price is less attractive if you want a quiet sailing trip, a guided history tour, or a guaranteed visit to every named lagoon. The route changes with weather, and the boat’s social mood may not suit someone looking for solitude. The advertised rating is 4.6 from 934 reviews, which fits the overall picture: very strong satisfaction, with sea conditions, crowded Blue Lagoon surroundings, and variable stops as the main limitations.

Who should book the Spirit of Malta?

I would choose this cruise for friends, couples, solo visitors who enjoy meeting people, and groups celebrating a special occasion. Solo passengers can join the social atmosphere without needing to arrange a private boat, while hen parties and birthday groups can use the music and open bar as part of the celebration.

It also works for anyone who wants a simple way to combine Malta’s coast, Comino, lunch, swimming, and drinks in one day. You do not need to plan several separate bookings, and the crew handles the basic rhythm of the day.

I would think twice if you dislike boat motion, need a guaranteed itinerary, or want detailed commentary on Malta’s history and geology. Families with children should also note that the activity is not suitable for anyone under 17. The boat may be spacious, but the experience is designed for an adult crowd and can become lively in the afternoon.

Should you book this Comino catamaran cruise?

Book it if your ideal Malta day includes clear water, long swimming stops, an easy buffet lunch, included drinks, and music on the ride home. Arrive early, choose your seat with the weather in mind, pack strong sun protection, and prepare for a social rather than silent boat.

Skip it if Crystal Lagoon is your only priority or if rough water would spoil your day. For most adults who want more than a quick Blue Lagoon transfer, the Spirit of Malta offers a strong package at $105, especially because the food, drinks, facilities, and seven-hour schedule are all built into the price. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which makes planning easier when the weather forecast is still uncertain.

FAQ

Where does the Spirit of Malta depart from?

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

What time does the cruise return to Sliema?

The boat returns at approximately 5:30pm, giving you about seven hours on the water.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to reach the Sliema meeting point independently.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The buffet includes cold cuts, cheeses, several salads, bread rolls, and related side dishes. Vegetarian and vegan salad options are included in the listed menu.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes wine, beer, water, and soft drinks throughout the day.

Will the cruise definitely stop at Crystal Lagoon?

No. The route changes according to weather and sea conditions. Crystal Lagoon may be included, but the captain can choose another bay if conditions are rough.

Is the activity suitable for children?

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