Four hours, three Comino swim stops, and great drinks.

This half-day catamaran outing from St Paul’s Bay is built for big-water views from the deck, with timed stops where you can actually get in the water.

I really love the small-group size (max 15) and the way the crew makes it easy to have fun without managing details—snorkeling equipment, WiFi, bottled still water, and even paddle boards are part of the plan.

One possible drawback: it’s not suitable if you’re prone to seasickness, and the water can feel cold depending on the month.

Key things that make this catamaran worth your time

• Max 15 travelers keeps the boat feeling roomy, not packed.
• Caves + two lagoon swims gives you a good mix of photos and real swimming time.
• Alcohol and unlimited soft drinks are included for 21+ (with a set serving plan).
• Snorkeling gear and stand-up paddle boards are available during the water stops.
• The timing includes travel legs to reach Comino, so don’t expect nonstop lounging.
• The catamaran leaves on time—arrive early so you’re not left behind.

Getting to Comino: the 4-hour rhythm and why punctuality matters

This is a half-day cruise that runs about 4 hours total, and that includes the time needed to reach Comino and then head back. Translation: you’ll spend some time cruising and enjoying the view, and the rest of the time is focused on the three big moments—caves, Crystal Lagoon, and the Blue Lagoon.

Your meeting point is ABC Diving The Boathouse on Triq il-Fekruna in St Paul’s Bay (SPB 4813). The tour also ends back at the same spot, so you don’t need to figure out how to get home at the end of your swim.

The catamaran departs promptly. If you arrive late, the vessel won’t wait. I’d treat this like a flight: show up a bit early, get your bearings, and relax once you’re onboard.

Santa Marija Bay photo stop: Santa Maria Caves in 15 minutes

The first stop is a 15-minute photo stop at Santa Marija Bay, where you pass by the Santa Maria Caves on Comino’s north side. You’re not going in or doing underwater work here; it’s a look from the water, which still gives you those classic cave openings and dramatic blue tones.

This is the kind of stop that works well if you’re not trying to squeeze everything into one day. Fifteen minutes is enough to snap photos, get a feel for the area, and then move on without dragging the schedule.

If you’re the type who loves photography, keep an eye on lighting. Morning and late afternoon can make the water color look even more intense, and you’ll have the best chance of getting shots right after the boat settles near the caves.

Crystal Lagoon for 45 minutes: clear water, easy floating, and SUP time

Next comes Crystal Lagoon with about 45 minutes for swimming and enjoying the water. This is the kind of stop where you can keep it simple: float, swim at your own pace, and enjoy how clear the water looks from the boat.

You’ll also have snorkeling equipment available, plus two stand-up paddle boards to share. Even if you’re not planning to snorkel, the boards add variety. It’s a good option when you want something active without committing to a long swim.

The biggest practical takeaway here: 45 minutes is enough time to enjoy the lagoon without feeling rushed. If you’re with kids or friends who want different activity levels, this stop tends to work because people can split their time between swimming and playing with gear.

Blue Lagoon for a full hour: the best chance to swim and sunbathe

The Blue Lagoon is your longest swim stop at about 1 hour. This is the signature spot people come for, thanks to the famous turquoise tones and postcard-like setting.

Here’s what you can do: swim, relax, and enjoy the water from the boat. There’s also an option to disembark and spend time on the beach, which can be a nice change of pace if you don’t want to stay in the water the whole hour.

A small heads-up from the experience vibe: the water can be cold, especially outside peak summer. One helpful mindset is this: wear what keeps you comfortable (swimwear you can tolerate for a quick plunge), and plan for the first few minutes to feel chilly before you settle in.

If you like to lounge, you’ll probably appreciate this part most. One of the standout strengths of the trip is that people can spread out on the catamaran while still feeling like the day is moving.

Drinks, WiFi, and on-board comfort: what $59.91 actually covers

At $59.91 per person, what makes this feel like good value is that you’re not just paying for boat time. The included items help turn a short outing into a full experience.

Onboard you get:

• Bottled still water
• Unlimited soft drinks (Pepsi and Sprite)
• Beer and wine for age 21+ (served with a set serving plan per person)
• WiFi on board
• A restroom
• Snorkeling equipment
• 2 stand-up paddle boards to share

That drink plan matters because you’re not juggling who paid for what while you’re trying to enjoy the day. Also, the tour clearly encourages responsible drinking, which is good on a boat where you still need to move around safely.

One practical note: towels are not included. That means you’ll want to plan to bring your own towel or something you don’t mind using as a wrap afterward, especially if you’re disembarking near the Blue Lagoon.

Also worth knowing: the catamaran is designed for comfort, and multiple people liked how clean and spacious it felt for a small group. Still, one past rider flagged the restroom setup as less favorable—so if that matters to you, consider it a minor “plan ahead” item rather than a deal-breaker.

Snorkeling gear and SUP boards: how to make it low-stress

This trip provides snorkeling equipment and paddle boards, so you don’t need to pack or rent. That’s a real time-saver, especially when you’re doing a short half day.

During the lagoon stops, you can switch your plan on the fly:

• If you want easy fun, use the boards for quick, calm sessions.
• If you want underwater views, use the snorkeling kit during the time the boat is anchored.
• If you’d rather keep it relaxed, you can simply swim without snorkeling gear at all.

One more practical detail: there’s a restroom onboard and WiFi onboard, which helps when you’re trying to coordinate photos, messages, or just kill time between water stops. It’s a small thing, but on a 4-hour schedule, it keeps the day from feeling purely “transport.”

What to bring (and what to skip)

Because the schedule is built around swimming, pack like you’re going to actually get wet. You can keep it simple, but don’t forget the essentials.

Bring:

• Swimwear you’re comfortable wearing for the full stop duration
• Sunscreen and a way to protect your face (the Malta sun can be strong even when the wind cools you off)
• A towel (towels aren’t included)
• Your ID (especially if you’re planning to enjoy the beer and wine as 21+)

Skip (or at least don’t rely on them):

• Towels you don’t intend to bring
• Anything you were thinking you’d need to rent, like snorkeling gear—this is already included
• Extra alcohol planning—soft drinks are unlimited, and the beer/wine serving plan is handled onboard

And if you’re sensitive to cold water, plan for it. Even when the day feels warm on land, the water can surprise you once you’re in.

Who this catamaran suits best (and who should think twice)

This is a strong choice for people who want a relaxed, scenic outing without committing to a whole day. You get real swimming time at two famous lagoons plus a cave photo stop, and the boat’s small-group size keeps the vibe easy.

It’s also a good fit for:

• Families and mixed groups where different people want different activity levels
• Anyone who wants snorkeling and paddle boarding without extra rentals
• People who like being on the water for views, not just transportation

It’s not a great fit if:

• You’re prone to seasickness (the tour states it’s not suitable for that)
• You need lots of time on land. The format is anchor-and-swim, with the Blue Lagoon offering beach time as an option rather than making land the main event

Finally, remember the physical side is moderate: you’ll be moving around the boat and transitioning at water stops, so comfortable mobility helps.

Should you book this half-day Comino catamaran?

Book it if you want a short trip that hits the highlights: caves for photos, Crystal Lagoon for a calm swim, and Blue Lagoon for your longest water time—plus snacks, drinks, snorkeling gear, and paddle boards. For many people, the deciding factor is the small max group size, because it feels peaceful rather than crowded.

Don’t book it if cold water and boat motion are big issues for you. If you know you get sick on boats, skip this one and look for a different type of Malta day.

A quick “decision checklist” for you:

• You’re okay with a prompt departure and a schedule that doesn’t wait for late arrivals
• You want a swim-focused half day, not a long beach day
• You can tolerate chilly water in the season you’re traveling
• Seasickness isn’t a concern

If those boxes are checked, this is one of the easiest ways to spend a half day seeing Comino’s famous water and still leaving Malta feeling like you actually did something fun.

FAQ

What’s included in the Half Day Scenic Catamaran Experience?

You get bottled still water, unlimited soft drinks (Pepsi and Sprite), and beer and wine served to people age 21 and over. Snorkeling equipment, use of 2 stand-up paddle boards to share, WiFi on board, and a restroom on board are also included.

How long do you stop at each location?

You have a 15-minute photo stop at Santa Marija Bay (Santa Maria Caves), about 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon, and about 1 hour at the Blue Lagoon.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and it’s available during the stops for swimming.

Are paddle boards included?

Yes. There are 2 stand-up paddle boards included to share during the experience.

What about drinks on board?

Unlimited soft drinks are included. Beer and wine are served to guests age 21 and over with a set serving plan per person.

Where is the meeting point, and do you return there?

You meet at ABC Diving The Boathouse in St Paul’s Bay (Triq il-Fekruna, SPB 4813, Malta). The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included. Lunch is available upon request with a minimum notice of 2 days prior to departure, and it costs Euro 30 per person.

Is the tour suitable for people who get seasick?

No. The tour notes that it is not suitable for individuals prone to seasickness.

What happens if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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