Comino: Blue Lagoon Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Open Bar

The best part of this Malta day cruise is that it treats the sea as the main event. You sail from Sliema toward Comino, stop in clear-water bays for swimming and snorkeling, then return with music, dancing, and drinks flowing. I especially like the roomy catamaran and the generous time given to swim rather than making this a rushed photo stop.

I also like the good-value all-in-one price: $105 covers seven hours, a buffet lunch, wine, beer, soft drinks, and water. The main drawback is that the route is weather-dependent, so Crystal Lagoon may be skipped or replaced, and the ride can feel rough on the way out. This is a social boat day, not a quiet sightseeing trip with a detailed history talk.

Key points to know before you book

• The Spirit of Malta leaves Sliema at 10:30am and returns at about 5:30pm.
• Blue Lagoon is visited when conditions allow, with swimming and snorkeling stops chosen around the weather.
• Lunch includes cold cuts, cheeses, salads, bread rolls, and drinks from the open bar.
• The ride begins calmly and often becomes a dance party on the way back.
• Arrive early for the best sun or shade spot, especially on a busy sailing.
• This is for adults aged 17 and older, and hotel pickup is not included.

What the Spirit of Malta cruise is really like

This is a full day on the water, not a quick ferry ride to Comino. The Spirit of Malta is a large sailing catamaran built for cruising, with sunbathing areas, seating, toilets, and enough room to move around during the seven-hour outing.

The boat leaves Sliema at 10:30am. You find it opposite The Black Sheep bar, and it should be easy to identify because it is described as the only catamaran in that part of the bay. You need to make your own way there, as hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

I would arrive early. Several people found that getting there around 45 minutes before departure helped them claim a good position. That matters because the top deck offers sun and views, while shaded areas are valuable during Malta’s hot summer days. You may also want a spot near the back if you are concerned about spray or rougher water.

The trip has no fixed route. The crew adjusts the sailing plan to the weather and sea conditions, choosing bays for swimming and snorkeling. That flexibility is useful in Malta, where conditions can change quickly, but it means you should not treat every named stop as guaranteed.

Sailing from Sliema toward Comino

The first part of the day is the quieter one. You sail away from Sliema and along Malta’s coast toward Comino, with time to sit, sunbathe, chat, or simply watch the water.

The catamaran’s size gives this cruise a calmer feel than a small, fast boat. Still, the sea can be choppy. Several people found the outward journey rough enough to feel seasick, while others described the ride as smooth and relaxing. That difference comes down to the day’s conditions and your own tolerance for motion.

If you are prone to seasickness, bring your usual medication. Sit toward the back of the boat if possible, and avoid assuming that a sunny day means calm water. The breeze can also hide how strong the sun is. Sunscreen, a hat, and regular water are sensible additions, even if you plan to spend most of the day in the shade.

The front of the catamaran can be fun, but it may get wet when the sea is lively. Keep bags away from spray and use the available hooks or storage points. This is a small practical detail, but it can save your phone, towel, and dry clothes.

Blue Lagoon and the changing Comino route

Blue Lagoon is the main draw. Its bright water and rocky setting make it one of Malta’s most famous swimming locations. The cruise anchors nearby, allowing you to swim from the boat and, weather permitting, reach the lagoon area or nearby caves.

The boat gives you a useful advantage over visiting only by land. Blue Lagoon’s shore can be crowded, especially in summer, while the catamaran lets you swim from a more open position on the water. You still see the crowds along the coast, but you are not confined to a packed strip of beach.

Expect plenty of time for a proper swim rather than a quick dip. The boat carries pool noodles, and snorkeling is part of the day. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them, since the supplied information does not confirm that equipment is provided. A waterproof phone case is also a smart choice if you want pictures in the water.

Jellyfish have been spotted in the swimming areas, so keep an eye on the water and take sensible care. The clear water is inviting, but this remains open-sea swimming from a boat, not a supervised pool.

Crystal Lagoon may also be included, and it can be a beautiful place to swim and see caves. But this stop is less certain. Rough conditions have caused it to be skipped on some outings, and the captain may change the plan for safety. That is the trade-off for a weather-led route: you may get two excellent lagoons, or you may get Blue Lagoon plus another suitable bay.

There may also be an optional speedboat ride into a cave near Blue Lagoon at an extra charge. It is not included in the $105 price. If the option is offered and you enjoy a fast, lively ride, it can add a memorable burst of excitement. Skip it if you prefer to keep the day slow or want to avoid paying more on board.

Lunch on deck, with a useful open bar

Lunch is served during one of the swimming stops, which makes sense. You can eat while anchored in a scenic bay rather than wasting a calm-water stop indoors or underway.

The buffet includes:

• Turkey, smoked gammon, and salami
• Cheddar cubes and feta cheese
• Summer potato salad
• Bulgur wheat salad
• Vegetarian rice salad
• Pasta salad
• Tomato and onion salad
• Bread rolls

The selection is broader than a basic sandwich lunch, with vegetarian and vegan-friendly salad items clearly included. The menu is cold and casual, so do not expect a restaurant meal, but it is filling enough for a long day outdoors. The amount of food has been a strong point, and additional snacks such as filled rolls, fruit, watermelon, or honeydew may be offered depending on the day.

The open bar includes wine, beer, soft drinks, water, and mineral drinks. You receive a reusable cup, according to one detailed account, which is handy on a moving boat and cuts down on loose plastic cups. The alcohol selection is not presented as a premium cocktail service. Think straightforward beer and wine, plus soft drinks and water.

One limitation is the soft-drink choice. If you want juice or a wider range of nonalcoholic drinks, the selection may feel basic. Keep drinking water throughout the day, particularly if you are in the sun or combining swimming with alcohol.

The crew works hard at the bar, and service can become busy when many people order at once. The open bar adds real value to the price, but drink responsibly. You still have to swim, walk around a wet deck, and manage the heat.

From relaxed sailing to a party at sea

The mood changes after lunch. The early part of the cruise is generally calmer, with people sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the views. On the return to Sliema, the music becomes more energetic and dancing often takes over.

This is one of the cruise’s clearest selling points. The atmosphere can suit a group celebration, including a hen party or birthday, but solo visitors can also find it easy to meet people. The crew may take requests and play music for special groups. One crew member named Hector received particular praise for helping create a fun atmosphere, while Axel was also singled out for good service on another sailing.

You should not book this expecting a silent sunset sail. Music is part of the experience, and announcements may be difficult to hear from the top deck. If learning about Malta’s history is important to you, this is not the right format. The boat focuses on swimming, views, food, drinks, and social fun rather than guided commentary.

The party mood is optional to a point. You can stay on the upper deck, find a sunbed, and enjoy the ride without dancing. Still, the boat is designed for shared energy, and you may find the music more noticeable during the final stretch.

Is $105 good value?

At $105 per person, this is not Malta’s cheapest way to reach Comino. You can find simpler boat trips and land-based excursions for less. The comparison is not quite fair, though, because this outing includes seven hours on a large catamaran, lunch, an open bar, several swimming opportunities, toilets, music, and a more comfortable place to spend the day.

I see the strongest value in the combination of time and inclusions. A cheaper trip may get you to Blue Lagoon, but you could then need to pay for food, drinks, transport, and other activities separately. Here, the main costs are bundled together.

The value is best if you plan to swim, drink some wine or beer, eat lunch on board, and enjoy music. It is weaker if you want a quiet boat ride, a small group, detailed guiding, or a guaranteed stop at Crystal Lagoon.

The boat’s comfort also matters. A catamaran gives you more room than many smaller vessels, with sunbathing space and toilets on board. Arriving early improves the experience because you have a better chance of finding a preferred place to sit or lie down.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to adults who want Malta’s famous swimming waters without spending the day on a crowded shore. It works especially well for couples, groups of friends, solo visitors who enjoy a social setting, and celebrations such as hen parties.

You will probably enjoy it if you want:

• Swimming and snorkeling in clear coastal water
• A long, easy day with food and drinks included
• A mix of relaxed sailing and music
• A comfortable catamaran rather than a basic transfer boat
• Flexible stops shaped by the weather

Think twice if you dislike boats that may rock, cannot tolerate loud music, or want a firm schedule. Families with children also need to note the age rule: this experience is not suitable for anyone under 17.

The cruise is offered with English, Italian, French, and Spanish support. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Malta plans are still shifting. Neither option changes the nature of the day: you are booking a weather-dependent sea outing, not a fixed sightseeing route.

Practical tips for a better day

Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and a waterproof phone case. The wind makes the sun feel less intense than it is, and several people ended up badly burned after relaxing on deck.

Arrive early, especially in July, August, or during a busy sailing. This gives you more choice between sun and shade. If rough water worries you, try the rear part of the boat and consider taking seasickness medication before departure.

Keep valuables secure and protect bags from spray at the front. Wear something comfortable for moving around a wet deck, and bring a light layer if you dislike wind after swimming.

Do not plan another major activity for the evening. The cruise runs from 10:30am to about 5:30pm, and the combination of sun, swimming, food, and drinks can leave you ready for a quiet dinner.

Should you book the Spirit of Malta?

Book it if you want Comino as a full-day social outing rather than a simple transport stop. The large catamaran, generous swimming time, buffet, open bar, and lively return journey make the $105 price feel fair for the right kind of day.

Skip it if you need a guaranteed Crystal Lagoon visit, a quiet atmosphere, or a serious guided tour. For most adults who want Malta’s best-known swimming waters with plenty of comfort and a party option at the end, this is a strong choice. Just arrive early, guard against the sun, and prepare for the sea to set the schedule.

FAQ

Where does the Spirit of Malta cruise depart?

The catamaran leaves from Sliema at 10:30am. It is opposite The Black Sheep bar and is described as the only catamaran in that area of the bay.

What time does the cruise return?

The boat returns to Sliema at approximately 5:30pm. The total duration is about seven hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

Is lunch included?

Yes. The buffet includes cold cuts, cheeses, several salads, bread rolls, and other listed cold dishes.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes wine, beer, soft drinks, mineral drinks, and water.

Is Blue Lagoon guaranteed?

Blue Lagoon is visited when weather and sea conditions allow. The route can change because the cruise follows the prevailing weather.

Will the cruise stop at Crystal Lagoon?

Crystal Lagoon may be included, but it is not guaranteed. Rough conditions can lead the captain to skip it or choose another swimming bay.

Can I swim and snorkel from the boat?

Yes. The cruise includes stops for swimming and snorkeling in different bays. The boat also has pool noodles for use in the water.

Is the cruise suitable for children?

No. The experience is not suitable for people under 17.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.