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

A 20-person catamaran changes the whole feel of a day on Malta’s water. You get room to stretch out, a better chance of speaking with the crew, and far less of the shoulder-to-shoulder crush found on larger boats. The route takes in Santa Maria Caves, Blue Lagoon, and Crystal Lagoon, with two proper swimming stops rather than a quick photo pause.

I like the generous drinks service and the use of two shared paddleboards, which add real value to the $74 price. I also like the four-hour length: long enough to enjoy the sea without taking over your whole day. The main caution is snorkeling. The water is lovely for swimming, but this is not the right trip if you expect reefs or abundant sea life.

At a glance

• Small boat, small group: The catamaran carries up to 20 people, with padded seating and sun loungers.
• Three coastal highlights: You’ll see Santa Maria Caves, then stop at Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon.
• Drinks included: Bottled water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, and rosé are available during the cruise.
• Water gear supplied: Snorkel masks are available with a €10 deposit, and two paddleboards are shared among the group.
• Weather can change the route: Choppy water may force the captain to move swimming stops or arrange a transfer to calmer water.
• Bring your own food and towel: Food is not included, and towels are not provided.

A four-hour escape from Fekruna Jetty

The day begins at Fekruna Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. Be early. The boat leaves promptly, and late arrivals may be left behind because the captain has to keep to the planned route.

Once aboard, you receive a safety briefing of about 10 minutes. Then comes the longest stretch of the trip, roughly 45 minutes toward the Comino area. This is your chance to settle into the boat, claim a comfortable spot, and watch Malta’s coastline pass by.

The catamaran has room to move around, lie in the sun, or sit in the shade if available. The small passenger limit matters most during this part of the cruise. You are not fighting through a packed deck to reach the rail, and the crew can keep an eye on people using the swimming gear.

The atmosphere is relaxed rather than formal. You can expect drinks throughout the trip, including beer and wine, along with water and soft drinks. Light snacks have also been available on some departures, but food is not officially part of the package, so eat before you board or request an optional food menu in advance.

Santa Maria Caves from the water

Santa Maria Caves is a sightseeing stop rather than a long shore visit. The catamaran moves close to the rock formations, giving you a good view from the water for around 15 minutes.

This is a good place for photos, especially if you enjoy Malta’s pale limestone cliffs and the contrast between rough rock and clear seawater. The stop is brief, so keep your camera ready and do not expect time to walk through the caves or explore the shore.

The paddleboards can make this part more active on some trips, particularly when the sea is calm. You may be able to get closer to the caves by board, but the equipment is limited to two boards for the whole group. That means sharing, not guaranteed solo use.

Captain Dustan has been praised for explaining Malta, Comino, and the nearby caves during the cruise. The cultural and coastal information adds something useful to what could otherwise be a simple boat ride. You are not just pointed toward a rock and left to guess what you are seeing.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, busy reputation

The Blue Lagoon receives about an hour, making it the main swimming stop. Its turquoise water is the reason many people choose a Comino cruise, and the catamaran gives you time to swim, use a snorkel mask, or relax on deck.

You may also have the option to leave the boat and visit the beach. That is useful if you want a change of scenery, but remember that the beach is not a private extension of the catamaran. Conditions and crowd levels can vary, and the boat itself is often the more comfortable place to sit.

One of the biggest benefits of this small-group trip is the possibility of reaching a quieter position at the lagoon. The boat may be able to settle away from the thickest concentration of larger vessels, giving you more space in the water. This is not guaranteed, since the captain must work with sea conditions and local traffic, but it can make a noticeable difference.

The Blue Lagoon is better for swimming than for serious snorkeling. The water is clear and attractive, but the seabed does not offer the kind of reef setting that brings large numbers of fish. If you want to cool off, float, paddle, and take photos, it works very well. If underwater wildlife is your main goal, lower your expectations.

Crystal Lagoon brings a quieter swim

After Blue Lagoon, the boat heads to Crystal Lagoon for about 45 minutes. This stop is often the calmer and more peaceful part of the day, with clear water, striking rock walls, and a less frantic feel.

You can swim, snorkel, or use a paddleboard. The boards are especially useful here because they let you explore at water level without committing to a long swim. Some trips allow people to paddle toward a cave and a beach nearby, adding a little adventure to the stop.

Crystal Lagoon is also a good choice for simply floating. You do not have to be sporty to enjoy it. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and a hat, then use the deck as a dry resting place between swims.

Again, the snorkeling is mainly about clear water and rock scenery. There may be some fish, but this is not a marine-life excursion. The strongest reason to enjoy Crystal Lagoon is the setting, the chance to swim, and the extra room provided by a smaller boat.

Why the 20-person limit is worth paying for

At $74 per person, this is not Malta’s cheapest way to reach the lagoons. The price makes more sense when you compare the space and service rather than just the route.

A large boat can take you to the same broad area for less money, but you may spend more time standing in lines, searching for a seat, or sharing a crowded swimming zone. Here, the passenger limit gives you padded places to lie down, easier access to the crew, and a more social but still comfortable setting.

The drinks also help justify the cost. Bottled water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, and rosé are included, so you are not paying separately every time you want something cold. Snorkel masks are available for a €10 deposit, and the paddleboards have no extra charge.

The value is strongest for people who want a half-day on the sea without booking a private charter. In fact, a very small departure can feel close to private, though you should not book expecting the boat to be empty. The advertised maximum is 20 people.

Crew service and the human side of the trip

The crew is a major part of the appeal. The service is described as attentive and practical, with staff checking on drinks, helping people into the water, and assisting with paddleboards and snorkeling gear.

You can also expect help with photographs and videos on some departures. That is a small but useful touch when you are traveling with a group and want a few pictures of the day without handing your phone to a stranger on shore.

The crew has also shared local information about Malta and the surrounding islands. Captain Dustan, in particular, has been singled out for explaining the area. You can ask questions as you cruise, rather than treating the boat as a silent transfer between swimming stops.

Music may be allowed on board, depending on the crew and the group. This can make the mood more lively, but it is worth remembering that a small boat has shared space. The best atmosphere comes when the music stays agreeable for everyone.

Weather matters more than the brochure suggests

Malta usually brings the sun people hope for, but the sea can become choppy. The operator can change the route or move the boat to calmer water if conditions make the planned stops uncomfortable or unsafe.

That flexibility is sensible, but it means you should not treat every stop as guaranteed in its exact form. On one departure, a transfer by bus was arranged when rough water made the original plan unsuitable. The important point is that the crew kept the day moving instead of forcing people to endure bad conditions.

If you are prone to seasickness, this is not a good choice. The catamaran is more stable than a small open boat, but four hours on the water can still be difficult when the sea is rough. Sit where the crew recommends, look toward the horizon, and consider your usual reaction to boats before booking.

The activity is also not suitable for people with back problems or mobility impairments. It is not suitable for visually impaired people, either. Boarding, moving around the deck, and getting into the water require a reasonable level of mobility.

What to bring and what to eat first

Pack beachwear, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and a towel. Towels are not included, and you will want one after both swimming stops.

Eat something before departure. Drinks and occasional light snacks are available, but a meal is not included in the basic price. Optional food menus can be requested for an additional fee.

Keep valuables to a minimum. You will be moving between deck seating, swimming areas, and water equipment, so a simple day bag is easier than a large beach load. The supplied information does not specify storage arrangements, so do not assume there is a secure locker for every passenger.

Arrive early, not merely on time. The departure is prompt, and the boat is not required to wait for late arrivals. Fekruna Jetty is both the starting and ending point, and transport to the jetty is not included. A pickup service may be available for an extra charge.

Who will enjoy this catamaran most

I would recommend this trip to couples, friends, families with confident swimmers, and anyone who wants Malta’s famous lagoons without spending a full day on a boat. It is also a good fit if you value comfortable seating, drinks, and friendly service more than an ambitious snorkeling program.

It suits people who want a social outing but dislike packed party boats. The group is small enough for conversation, while the paddleboards and swimming stops give you things to do beyond sitting in the sun.

I would choose another activity if you need full accessibility, dislike boats, or want a dedicated snorkeling trip. The underwater scenery is limited, and the caves are viewed mainly from the water. You should also think twice if your Malta schedule is tight and weather changes would make you frustrated.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available starting times carefully, since the exact departure time is not fixed in the information provided.

Should you book it?

Book this catamaran if your ideal Malta outing means a comfortable small boat, two good swimming stops, cold drinks, and a crew that stays involved. The four-hour format is especially handy because it leaves room for another activity the same day.

Skip it if your priority is fish, reefs, or a quiet private beach visit. For most people seeking a polished half-day on the water, though, the combination of a 20-person limit, paddleboards, drinks, and access to Blue and Crystal Lagoons offers solid value at $74.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start and finish?

The tour starts at Fekruna Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay and returns to the same meeting point at the end.

How long does the activity last?

The catamaran trip lasts four hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

What drinks are included?

Bottled still water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, and rosé are included. Food is not included, though optional menus may be available for an additional fee.

Can I use snorkeling equipment?

Snorkel masks are available for a €10 deposit. You can also use two shared SUP paddleboards at no extra charge.

What happens if the weather is rough?

The route may change because of weather and sea conditions. The crew may move the boat to calmer water or adjust the planned stops.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility problems or seasickness?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with back problems, mobility impairments, visual impairments, or motion sickness and seasickness.