Comino day trips can be chaotic; this is not. On the Spirit of Malta catamaran, you get an open bar and a buffet lunch while the crew adjusts the route to the weather. One thing to weigh: there’s no fixed plan, so the famous Blue Lagoon in Comino is only visited if conditions allow.

I like that this trip is built for hanging out at sea, not rushing from photo spot to photo spot. You leave Sliema at 10:30am, swim in different bays, and come back around 5:30pm with the kind of day rhythm that works even if you’re not a hardcore planner.

After lunch, the mood shifts toward music and dancing. The top deck can be breezy and loud, so if you want every captain announcement, aim for a lower spot.

Quick takes before you sail

• Spirit of Malta catamaran comfort: a bigger sailing setup that feels steadier than many fast boats
• Open bar all day: wine, beer, and soft drinks included, plus water
• Weather-led itinerary: you’ll follow what the sea allows, with swim stops in multiple bays
• Lunch during a swim break: buffet lunch served while you’re already in the action
• Party vibe after lunch: music ramps up later, with dancing encouraged

The vibe on Spirit of Malta: cruise first, tour second

This is a catamaran day that leans toward relaxation with a party pulse. You’re not signing up for a history lecture. Instead, you’re paying for a full day on the water with swims, good food, and a bar that stays open.

The boat itself matters here. Spirit of Malta is described as a large sailing catamaran built for cruising, and many passengers talk about how smooth it feels compared with the faster boats people take in Malta. That comfort shows up most during the ride out and back, when you’d rather be enjoying the views than bracing for every wave.

You also get a practical rhythm: morning sailing, swim time, lunch, then more swimming and a music-and-dancing phase later. If you’re traveling with friends, it’s also an easy setup for meeting people—small enough to feel social, not so regimented you never relax.

Timing that works: Sliema departure, Comino swims, return around 5:30pm

The cruise departs from Sliema at 10:30am. Your return is approximately 5:30pm, making this a true full-day outing (about seven hours).

That matters because Comino’s best water time is usually when you can actually spend time in the sea, not just anchor, take a photo, and leave. This schedule gives you multiple swim/snorkeling windows instead of one short stop.

Also, since the program can shift with prevailing weather conditions, you’re not locked into the same order every day. Translation: on a choppy day, the crew can move stops around to keep things manageable and still give you that Comino-area experience.

Where you meet: the single catamaran opposite Black Sheep Bar

Getting on board is simple. The Spirit of Malta is the only catamaran in that bay area, so you won’t be playing guess-the-boat for long.

Your reference point: the vessel is opposite The Black Sheep bar in Sliema. Show up with enough time to settle in and claim a spot before departure. A few reviews explicitly suggest arriving early for better seating.

No hotel pickup is included, so factor that in. Plan to get yourself to Sliema on your own and you’ll start the day calm instead of sprinting with your swim gear.

How the itinerary really plays out: weather-led bays, then Blue Lagoon if possible

The biggest key to understanding this trip is the “no fixed program” approach. You’ll sail according to prevailing weather conditions, and you’ll stop for swimming/snorkeling in different bays.

The famous Blue Lagoon in Comino is part of the plan, but it’s weather permitting. On rougher days, you might get a substitute swim location or more time in other bays instead.

Some passengers also mention Crystal Lagoon as part of their day, and one review says the plan changed when conditions weren’t right. So here’s the practical takeaway: go in expecting flexibility. You’re buying time in the water with a strong chance of Blue Lagoon, not a guaranteed minute-by-minute script.

That flexibility is the reason this cruise often feels better than the rigid fast-boat schedules. You’ll spend your energy enjoying the water rather than worrying you’re missing the one stop everyone talks about online.

Swim and snorkeling stops: what you’re paying for

You’re not just touring Comino from a distance. The schedule includes stops for swimming and snorkeling in multiple bays, and you’ll have real time at the water.

The sea access is the core value. Instead of sitting in a crowded beach area, you anchor offshore and get a more relaxed way to enjoy Comino’s famous clear water.

A few practical tips from the overall experience:

• Bring sun protection even if the breeze tricks you into thinking you’re not getting sun. People describe ending up sunburned despite being on the boat.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, pack medication. Multiple reviews warn about rougher conditions on the ride at times.
• Keep an eye out for jellyfish in the swim areas. One passenger specifically mentions them, so it’s smart to stay alert when you’re in the water.

If you want to snorkel, go prepared with your own mask if you have one. The cruise provides the experience and swim time; the gear choices aren’t spelled out in the info you provided.

Blue Lagoon in Comino: famous for a reason, but better from a boat

The Blue Lagoon is the headline stop for a reason. The water is a major part of why people come to Malta and Comino in the first place, and this cruise gives you a way to see it with a bit less hassle than being stuck on the shoreline crowd.

Here’s the value: you’re arriving by boat, anchoring offshore, and getting time to swim right where the water looks so photogenic. That changes the whole vibe—less waiting, more floating.

One important consideration: if the sea is rough, the crew may not make Blue Lagoon the priority. Since the day is weather-led, your plan could shift to keep the swim time enjoyable.

Lunch details: buffet lunch served during a swim stop

Lunch is included, and it’s served as a buffet during one of the swimming stops. That sounds minor until you’re actually on board: eating while you’re already in the sea day flow keeps the day from feeling like a forced break.

The buffet menu is specific and feels more substantial than basic boat lunches:

• cold cuts (turkey, smoked gammon, salami)
• cheeses (cheddar cubes, feta)
• salads (summer potato salad, bulgur wheat salad, vegetarian rice salad, pasta salad, roma tomatoes & onion salad)
• vegan option (noted as vegan)
• bread rolls

You also get the open bar alongside lunch—wine, beer, and soft drinks—so you’re not stuck choosing between food and drinks.

Not every plate gets perfect marks. One review notes that the pasta at lunch wasn’t great, while others say the food was plentiful and better than expected. My advice: assume this is a solid buffet, not a fine-dining meal. The real win is the timing and the fact that it comes with plenty of included drinks.

The open bar: what’s included, and why it’s a big deal

Open bar is the money-saver part of the day. You get wine, beer, minerals (as listed in the onboard bar description), and soft drinks, plus water.

That matters because boat days in Malta can get expensive fast once you’re buying drinks between swims. Here, the bar is part of the package, so you can focus on enjoying the day instead of tallying costs.

A few extra notes from reviews that help you plan:

• The bartender is frequently praised for keeping drinks flowing.
• One passenger mentions a reusable cup, which is a small but useful detail for keeping the vibe orderly.
• Soft drink options are included, but one review wishes there were more variety like juices. So if you’re picky about soda, plan to be flexible.

In short: the open bar turns the day into a real celebration, not just a sightseeing trip with occasional sips.

Music and dancing after lunch: how to enjoy it without suffering

This cruise is not silent. Music starts as a fun background, then the party ramps up after lunch with dancing and top hits.

That’s exactly why the cruise works well for groups and celebrations like bachelorette trips. It also explains why the atmosphere is different from the calmer day cruises that focus only on viewing and photos.

The one drawback mentioned: hearing the captain can be harder if you’re on the top deck, likely due to wind and music volume. If you want clear instructions, pick a spot where you can hear crew guidance over the speakers.

If you prefer quiet, you can still find downtime. Several reviews describe the ability to chill on sunbeds and just enjoy the ride, especially earlier in the day.

Boat seating tips: how to avoid the surprise splash

Catamarans can spray, especially depending on where you sit and which side you’re on during a given leg. One review even describes getting soaked and laughing about it—fun for them, less fun if you hate wet bags.

Two practical tips that came up:

• If you want to avoid extra soaking, keep your bag hung up and away from splash zones.
• Some reviews mention hooks above the cabin area on the upper deck, which helps you keep essentials safer.

Seat smart, too. If you want a calmer ride spot, aim for areas that match your comfort with motion. For rougher water, some passengers suggest sitting closer to areas they felt offered stability (one review mentions the back near the captain).

Small comfort details: toilets, and what to pack anyway

Toilets are available on board, which you’ll appreciate once you’re out on the water for hours. Some reviews also mention a shower and other swim helpers like pool noodles, but the info you provided only guarantees toilet facilities—so treat the shower as a nice-to-have rather than a promise.

What you should pack is simple:

• hat and sunscreen
• sea-sickness medication if you’re prone to nausea
• swimwear plus a quick-dry towel
• a water-proof phone case if you plan to film while you’re snorkeling or near the water

If jellyfish are a concern in your day (based on one warning), wearing swimwear that covers more skin can also reduce sting risk.

Who this cruise is best for (and who should skip it)

This trip is a strong fit if you want:

• Comino’s water experience with real swim time
• included lunch and an open bar to keep the day easy
• a catamaran ride that feels more relaxed than fast speedboats
• a fun, social atmosphere that turns into a dance session after lunch

It’s not ideal if you’re traveling for a strict sightseeing itinerary or if you want quiet guided commentary. Also, it’s not suitable for people under 17.

If you’re a couple who likes relaxed days and you’re okay with a party vibe later, this can still work. But if you’re looking for a pure romance-and-silence cruise, you may prefer a more low-key option.

Is it worth $105 per person? My value check

At $105 per person for a seven-hour catamaran day, the value depends on what you’d otherwise spend.

Here’s what you’re getting that offsets the price:

• multiple swim/snorkeling stops
• lunch included as a buffet
• open bar with wine, beer, soft drinks, and water included
• a large sailing catamaran experience rather than a cramped quick ride

If you tried to build this day yourself—boat time, entry into swim areas, lunch for a group, and drinks—the total often climbs quickly. With this cruise, the big costs are bundled.

The one “watch this” item is whether you personally value the included party vibe. If you only want calm swimming and you dislike loud music, the day can still be enjoyable, but the mood shift after lunch is part of the deal.

So, should you book the Blue Lagoon catamaran cruise?

If you want an easy, social day on the water—good swim time, buffet lunch, and an open bar—this is a very solid pick. It’s especially worth it if you’d spend freely on drinks anyway, since the package handles that cost upfront.

I’d hesitate only if you hate changing plans due to weather. Because the route is weather-led, your Blue Lagoon timing could shift, and your exact stops may differ.

My bottom line: book it if you’re flexible and you want the Comino water day without logistics headaches. If you’re the type who needs a strict itinerary and quiet commentary, look for a more structured alternative.

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