Comino: Blue Lagoon Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Open Bar

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s most famous sights, but its shore can feel crowded and hectic. This cruise gives you a better angle: you reach the bright water by catamaran, swim from the boat, and spend much of the day with space to sunbathe, eat, and enjoy the sea. The return trip often shifts from calm sailing to a full-on dance session.

I especially like the generous time in the water and the fact that lunch and drinks are included rather than treated as costly extras. The Spirit of Malta also offers more room than many smaller boats, with sunbeds, toilets, and areas for both quiet lounging and socializing.

The main thing to consider is the weather. The route has no fixed programme, so rough seas can change the stops, and some passengers have felt seasick on the way to Comino. This is a relaxed party cruise, not a guided sightseeing trip packed with historical commentary.

Key points to know before booking

• The Spirit of Malta leaves Sliema at 10:30am and returns at about 5:30pm.
• The Blue Lagoon is visited by boat, which helps you avoid spending the whole stop in the crowded shore area.
• Swim stops are long enough to feel worthwhile, with snorkeling and access to clear water from the catamaran.
• Lunch includes cold cuts, cheeses, salads, bread rolls, and included wine, beer, water, and soft drinks.
• The mood changes during the day, from easygoing sailing to music and dancing on the return journey.
• Arrive early for a good place on deck, especially if you want a sunbed or a spot in the shade.

Sailing from Sliema aboard the Spirit of Malta

The day starts at the Sliema waterfront, opposite The Black Sheep bar. The boat is easy to identify because it is the only catamaran in that part of the bay, but I would still arrive early. Several people who had a good day on board wished they had come sooner for better seating.

The Spirit of Malta is a large sailing catamaran built for a full day at sea. That matters. You are not simply being transported to Comino and sent away again. The boat is the main setting for the experience, with room to sit, stretch out, sunbathe, and move around during the long sailing time.

You can choose between a more social area and quieter space on the upper deck. One useful tip is to look for a place toward the back if the sea is rough or if you want to avoid getting splashed. The front can be fun in calm weather, but bags and loose items should be secured because spray can reach the deck.

The crew speaks English, Italian, French, and Spanish. Individual crew members praised by name include Hector and Axel, while one French crew member is noted for handling the music. The crew’s friendly, hands-on approach is a major part of the appeal, especially when the bar gets busy or a group is celebrating a special occasion.

The first sailing stretch and Malta’s coastal views

The cruise does not follow a rigid route. The captain adjusts the day to the wind and sea, so the exact bays and order of stops can change. That flexibility is sensible around Malta, where conditions can shift quickly, but it means you should not treat every named stop as guaranteed.

The boat heads toward Comino and the smaller bays around the island. You get a broad view of Malta’s rocky coast and the open sea, with the catamaran providing a steady platform for photographs and sunbathing. This is scenic time rather than a formal lecture, so you should not expect detailed commentary about every cove or landmark.

That lack of narration is either a plus or a minus, depending on what you want. I like having time to look around without a constant stream of facts, but anyone hoping for a history-focused tour should choose a different boat trip. The main subjects here are swimming, scenery, food, music, and company.

The ride is often smooth, but several outings have had a rough passage toward Comino. If you are prone to seasickness, bring suitable medication and choose a seat toward the back of the boat. Do not let the open bar tempt you into drinking heavily before the rough section is over.

Swimming at the bays around Comino

The swim stops are one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip. Instead of only looking at Malta’s famous water from the shore, you can get in directly from the catamaran and spend meaningful time swimming or snorkeling.

The crew chooses stops according to conditions. On some days, the itinerary includes both Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon. On other days, rough water can make Crystal Lagoon unsuitable, or the captain may change the plan. If Crystal Lagoon is your top priority, you need to accept that it is weather dependent.

The water around the lagoons is the star. From the boat, the crowded Blue Lagoon shore is less of a problem because you can swim in the open water around the catamaran instead of trying to find room on the small beach. You may be able to swim toward the shore or explore nearby caves, but do not assume every option will be available in every sea condition.

A few practical items make a real difference:

• Bring a hat, strong sunscreen, and a waterproof phone case.
• Pack snorkeling equipment if you want to explore below the surface, since the listed inclusions do not promise gear rental.
• Watch for jellyfish, which have been seen in the swimming areas.
• Keep a dry bag or secure your belongings, especially on the forward deck.
• Take care with the sun. The breeze can make the heat feel milder than it is.

At Blue Lagoon, an optional high-powered speedboat trip into a cave may be offered for an extra charge. This is not included in the $105 price, but it can add a short, fast-paced adventure and a closer look at the caves. You should treat it as an optional add-on, not part of the standard cruise.

Blue Lagoon by boat, not by crowded beach

Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but it is also Malta’s best-known swimming stop. The shore can be packed, particularly in the warmer months. Arriving by catamaran changes the experience: you can enjoy the water from the boat, use the deck as your base, and avoid making the beach your only option.

The catamaran may anchor near the lagoon rather than bring you directly onto land. That is important if you want to walk around Comino or visit shore facilities. This trip is primarily a boat-based visit, with time for swimming and views rather than a land tour of the island.

I find this a better choice than a basic transport boat if you care about comfort. The catamaran gives you sunbeds and deck space, and the day includes food and drinks. You pay more than for some simpler boat trips, but you are buying seven hours aboard the vessel, not just a ride to Comino.

The tradeoff is that Blue Lagoon itself can still feel busy. The boat helps you avoid the worst of the shore crowds, but it cannot make the famous lagoon private. For quieter water and fewer people, the weather-dependent stops away from the main lagoon may be the highlight.

Buffet lunch with cold cuts, salads, and bread

Lunch is served during one of the swimming stops. The menu is simple but more substantial than a few packaged snacks. You get turkey, smoked gammon, salami, cheddar cubes, and feta cheese, along with potato salad, bulgur wheat salad, vegetarian rice salad, pasta salad, and a tomato and onion salad. Bread rolls round it out.

This works well for a long day outside. You can build a cold plate, choose vegetarian items, and return for more if you are still hungry. Several dishes are vegetarian, and the tomato and onion salad is vegan, but the menu does not promise a fully separate allergy-safe preparation.

The food quality can vary by personal taste. Pasta and salad dishes have pleased many people, while one passenger found the pasta disappointing. I would set expectations correctly: this is a plentiful buffet designed for a boat day, not a restaurant lunch.

The crew may offer extra fruit after the main meal, including watermelon or honeydew, but that should be treated as a possible bonus rather than a guaranteed menu item. If you have a serious allergy, bring any required medication. The boat does not provide an EpiPen.

What the open bar really adds to the value

The open bar runs throughout the day and includes wine, beer, water, and soft drinks. One review specifically praised the wine and beer quality, while another wished there were more soft drink choices, such as juice. The listing does not promise spirits or cocktails, so do not book this expecting a full cocktail bar.

At $105 per person, the drinks help explain the price. A seven-hour boat outing can become expensive if you are buying every bottle and meal separately. Here, lunch and standard drinks are covered, so the cost is easier to judge in advance.

Still, value depends on how you spend the day. If you do not drink alcohol, the main value comes from the boat, swim stops, lunch, and comfortable deck space. If you would otherwise pay for a separate trip to Comino, lunch, and several drinks, the package becomes more attractive.

Use the bar sensibly. Malta’s sun, sea air, and alcohol can catch up with you fast, especially if you begin drinking before the first swim. Water is available, and the crew keeps it flowing, so alternate drinks and stay hydrated.

From quiet sailing to a party at sea

The atmosphere is not the same from start to finish. The outward trip is usually more relaxed, giving you time to settle in, watch the coast, and find your preferred place on deck. After lunch and swimming, the music becomes more prominent, and the return sail often turns into the liveliest part of the day.

The playlist aims for a mix of popular songs and dance rhythms. If a group is celebrating, the crew may help make the music personal. A hen party once had requested songs played through the boat speakers, and other people joined the dancing on the way back.

You can still avoid the party mood if you want. The upper deck and sunbeds offer a quieter place to sit, read, or watch the sea. That split makes the cruise useful for mixed groups, where some people want dancing and others prefer a calm afternoon.

This is also a friendly option for solo visitors. The shared boat setting makes it easy to meet people, but you are not forced into organized games or group activities. You can join the party or keep to yourself.

Comfort, timing, and who will enjoy it

The cruise lasts seven hours, departing at 10:30am and returning around 5:30pm. That is a full day, so plan it as one of the main activities in your Malta schedule rather than something to fit between other attractions.

Toilets are available on board, and the boat has been described as clean and comfortable. Reports also mention a shower and pool noodles, but the confirmed facilities are the toilets and the deck seating. You should bring your own towel and swimwear because swimming is central to the day.

This cruise suits you best if you want:

• A long day on the water rather than a short transfer to Comino.
• Swimming and snorkeling from a stable catamaran.
• Included lunch and drinks.
• A social setting with music and dancing later in the day.
• A comfortable boat with room to sunbathe.
• A celebration such as a hen party, birthday, or group outing.

It is less suitable if you need a fixed route, quiet sightseeing all day, extensive historical information, or guaranteed access to Crystal Lagoon. It is also not suitable for anyone under 17.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to reach the Sliema meeting point independently, opposite The Black Sheep bar. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if the weather forecast is still uncertain.

Is the $105 price worth it?

I think the price is fair for the right kind of day. The cruise lasts seven hours, includes a proper buffet, and covers wine, beer, water, and soft drinks. You also get access to a large catamaran, several scenic bays when conditions allow, and long swim stops.

Cheaper boats to Gozo or Comino may cost less, but they can offer a more basic ride and fewer included extras. Paying more here makes sense if you value deck space, a slower sailing experience, and a party atmosphere after the swimming.

The price is not as strong for someone who wants a quiet, guided tour or who will not use the food and drinks. The route can change, the sea can be rough, and Crystal Lagoon is not guaranteed. You are paying for a flexible day at sea, not a precise sightseeing schedule.

Should you book this Comino cruise?

Book it if you want an all-day Malta boat experience with swimming, a generous cold buffet, included drinks, and music that builds into a party on the way home. Arrive early, claim a comfortable spot, pack serious sun protection, and bring seasickness medication if rough water bothers you.

Skip it if you want a guaranteed Crystal Lagoon visit, a quiet historical tour, or a small private boat. For most adults who want to see Blue Lagoon without spending the day on its crowded shore, the Spirit of Malta offers strong value and a lively, easygoing way to reach Comino.

FAQ

Where does the Comino catamaran cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Sliema, opposite The Black Sheep bar. The Spirit of Malta is the only catamaran in that area of the bay, making it easy to identify.

What time does the cruise leave and return?

The Spirit of Malta departs at 10:30am and returns to Sliema at approximately 5:30pm.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The buffet includes turkey, smoked gammon, salami, cheddar, feta, several salads, bread rolls, and vegetarian and vegan salad choices.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes wine, beer, water, and soft drinks. Spirits and cocktails are not listed as included.

Will the cruise definitely stop at Crystal Lagoon?

No. The route changes according to weather and sea conditions. Crystal Lagoon may be visited, but it is not guaranteed.

Can I swim and snorkel from the boat?

Yes. The cruise includes swimming and snorkeling stops in different bays, including a visit to the Blue Lagoon when weather permits.

Is the Blue Lagoon visit guaranteed?

The Blue Lagoon is part of the planned experience, but the operator states that the route depends on weather conditions.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to the Sliema meeting point.

Is the cruise suitable for children?

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