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

The best thing about this St. Paul’s Bay catamaran trip is its size. With space for no more than 20 people, you can stretch out on the deck instead of spending half the trip shoulder to shoulder on a party boat. I also like the two proper swimming stops, Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, plus the easygoing supply of beer, wine, soft drinks, and water.

The main catch is that this is a swimming-and-scenery cruise, not a serious snorkeling trip. The sea floor has little reef life, and rough water can change the route. Food is not included, and while light snacks have appeared on many departures, you should eat before boarding.

Quick facts about this Malta catamaran cruise

• Small boat, limited to 20 people: Many departures carry 15 to 18 people, leaving room to sit, stretch out, and move around.
• Two swimming stops: You get about an hour at Blue Lagoon and 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon when weather allows.
• Santa Maria Caves by boat: The catamaran comes close for views of the rock formations, but this is a short sightseeing stop rather than a shore visit.
• Drinks included: Still water and soft drinks are unlimited, with four 50-centiliter beer cans and half a bottle of wine per person.
• Water equipment provided: Snorkel masks and two shared SUP paddleboards are available, along with a swimming ladder and fresh-water shower.
• Flexible route: Wind and waves can lead the crew to swap a stop for calmer water, including a longer swim in St. Paul’s Bay.

Why the small catamaran matters

At $59 per person, this is not Malta’s cheapest way to reach the Blue Lagoon. It is priced above the large boats that carry far more people. I think the extra cost makes sense if you care about room, a calmer feel, and service that does not require standing in line for every drink.

The advertised limit is 20 people, but several departures have carried fewer. Groups of 15 or 16 had plenty of open space, and one October trip ended up with only three people aboard. You cannot count on having the boat to yourself, but the capacity gives you a much better chance of finding a comfortable place to sit or lie down.

The catamaran is described as clean, modern, and well cared for. It has padded seating and sun loungers, a toilet, a fresh-water shower, a swimming ladder, and a sound system. That combination matters on a half-day trip. You can swim, dry off, rinse away salt, and settle back without feeling as if you are roughing it.

The mood is social but not necessarily rowdy. Music plays throughout the boat, and on some departures the crew has allowed people to choose their own music. If you want a silent sightseeing cruise, this may feel too lively. If you like a drink, a playlist, and a small group sharing the day, it fits well.

Leaving Fekruna Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay

You meet at Fekruna Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. Arrive early. The catamaran leaves on time, and the crew is not required to wait for late arrivals. One person who arrived at the stated meeting time found the boat nearly ready to leave, so I would not cut it close.

After boarding, allow about 10 minutes for the safety briefing. The crew then spends roughly 45 minutes making the first transfer. This is not wasted time. It gives you a chance to settle into the boat, take in the coast, and start using the drinks service before the swimming stops begin.

The crew speaks English. Names praised on different departures include Dustin or Dustan, Fernando, Bim, and Idola. You may not see the same team on your sailing, but the service pattern is clear: drinks are offered early, the crew checks on people during the trip, and they help with swimming equipment and photographs when conditions allow.

There is no regular transport included to the jetty. A separate transport service can be arranged for an additional fee. Check your route to Fekruna Jetty before departure, especially if you are staying outside St. Paul’s Bay.

Santa Maria Caves from the water

The first scenic stop is Santa Maria Caves, reached after the initial transfer. The boat spends about 15 minutes here, close enough for a clear look at the dramatic rock formations and water around the caves.

This stop is mainly for viewing and photographs. Do not expect a long shore visit or a guided cave walk. Some people would like more commentary about the formations and a little more time for photographs, while others are happy to keep moving toward the swim stops.

The crew may take photos for you, which is useful if you are traveling with a partner and do not want to rely on a stranger on the boat. Still, photography help and commentary can vary by crew and sea conditions. Bring a waterproof phone pouch if getting good water-level pictures matters to you.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, limited shore time

The catamaran then heads to Blue Lagoon for about an hour. This is the major swimming stop, with turquoise water and a famous setting around Comino. You can use the swimming ladder, wear one of the snorkel masks, or simply float beside the boat.

The important detail is that the tour does not promise a substantial shore visit. The boat stops for swimming and sightseeing, but people have specifically wished for the option to go ashore. If you want time on the beach, confirm the plan before booking or choose a tour built around a land stop.

A small boat helps here. The crew can seek a position away from the biggest concentration of boats when conditions and local rules permit. That does not make Blue Lagoon empty, especially in the main season, but it can make the water stop feel less like a crowded ferry terminal.

The water is the star, not the underwater wildlife. One passenger who hoped for strong snorkeling found very few fish and no reef. I would bring the mask for a look beneath the surface, but I would choose this cruise for swimming, views, and boat comfort rather than marine life.

Crystal Lagoon and the best water time

Crystal Lagoon follows Blue Lagoon, with roughly 45 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. Many people prefer this stop because it can feel quieter and more sheltered, with clear water and rock scenery close by.

The shared SUP paddleboards add another way to enjoy the stop. You can paddle around the boat and, when conditions permit, head toward a cave or beach area. There are only two boards for the whole group, so do not expect private use. You may need to take turns, especially on a full departure.

The equipment list includes snorkel masks, though not personal fins. Foam noodles and other floating aids have also been available on some trips, but the firm inclusions are the masks and two paddleboards. Bring your own gear if you have particular snorkeling needs.

Weather controls this part of the route. Strong wind or choppy seas can make Crystal Lagoon unsafe or unpleasant. On one changed itinerary, the crew skipped Crystal Lagoon and provided a longer swim at St. Paul’s Bay instead. That is a sensible trade. You lose one named location, but you gain a safer and more comfortable swim.

Drinks, snacks, and what to eat first

Unlimited still water and soft drinks are included. The package also includes beer and white and rosé wine, with four 50-centiliter cans of beer and half a bottle of wine allocated per person. That is generous for a three to four-hour cruise, especially when the price also covers the boat, crew, equipment, and facilities.

Please enjoy the alcohol responsibly. Swimming after drinking calls for extra care, and the boat is a shared space. The crew is there to help you have a good time, not to run a floating bar competition.

Food is not included. Optional menus may be available for an extra fee, but you should not count on a full meal. Light snacks, crisps, and nibbles have been laid out on many departures, though the amount can be limited and is not listed as a core inclusion.

I would eat before you board and treat any snacks as a bonus. This is especially useful for the morning departure, when you may return around lunchtime. A half-day timing is one of the trip’s strengths because you can still arrange lunch and an afternoon activity afterward.

The ride back and the overall pace

After Crystal Lagoon, the return transfer takes about an hour. The exact sailing time is listed as three to four hours, so allow a little flexibility rather than arranging a tight connection immediately afterward.

The pace is well suited to someone who wants a taste of Malta’s coast without giving up a whole day. You get a short cave visit, two swim stops, open-water views, and time to sit with a drink. The downside is that each named location receives a limited window, and rough weather can shorten or change the plan.

The route is not a full narrated coastal tour. Some crew members share local facts about Malta, Comino, and nearby caves, while others focus more on hospitality and safety. If detailed guiding is your top priority, ask about the commentary before you book. If you mainly want a pleasant boat day, the balance is likely right.

What to bring and who should skip it

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Towels are not provided. A waterproof bag for your phone and dry clothes is also practical, though it is not specifically listed as required equipment.

You should be comfortable stepping into and out of the sea by way of a swimming ladder. The activity is not suitable for people with back problems, mobility impairments, or visual impairments. It is also a poor choice if you are prone to seasickness or motion sickness, since the ride can become choppy.

The boat has a toilet and a fresh-water shower, but the experience still takes place on the sea. If you are unsure about motion sickness, ask a medical professional about suitable preparation before your trip.

Is $59 good value?

I see the $59 price as fair rather than cheap. A large boat may cost less, but you are paying for the trade-off in space and crowd size. Here, the price includes a well-kept catamaran, experienced crew, drinks, snorkel masks, paddleboards, a shower, and toilet facilities.

The drinks alone do not make the price worthwhile. The real value is the small group. You can usually find room to sit, get help from the crew, and reach the water without a long queue. The two swimming stops also give you more than a simple coastal sightseeing cruise.

The value drops if your priorities are shore time, a full meal, serious snorkeling, or a detailed history lesson. In that case, a different tour may suit you better. For a relaxed half-day on the water, with less crowding than the large boats, $59 is a reasonable spend.

Should you book this St. Paul’s Bay catamaran?

I would book it if you want a comfortable small-group cruise with two swimming stops and included drinks. It is especially good for couples, friends, families with confident swimmers, and anyone who has looked at the packed boats around Comino and thought not for me.

I would skip it if you need extensive shore time at Blue Lagoon, expect coral reefs and lots of fish, or dislike any possibility of a weather-based route change. Eat before boarding, arrive well ahead of the departure time, and keep your afternoon flexible.

For most people, the strongest reasons to book are simple: limited capacity, attentive service, a clean boat, and enough time to swim without giving up the whole day. That is a useful combination in Malta, where the sea may be the main attraction but the crowds can easily become the main problem.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start?

The meeting point is Fekruna Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay, Malta.

How long does the cruise last?

The tour lasts about three to four hours. The planned route includes a 10-minute safety briefing, a transfer to the first stop, Santa Maria Caves, Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and the return to Fekruna Jetty.

How many people can join the catamaran?

The catamaran is limited to 20 people. Some departures may carry fewer passengers.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Still water and soft drinks are unlimited. Each person is also allocated four 50-centiliter cans of beer and half a bottle of white or rosé wine.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included, though optional menus may be available for an additional fee. Light snacks may be provided, but you should eat before boarding.

What happens if the sea is rough?

The itinerary may change with the weather. The crew may replace Crystal Lagoon or another stop with calmer water, including a longer swim in St. Paul’s Bay.