Blue Lagoon, Beaches and Bays Catamaran Sailing Tour

Blue Lagoon is a water playground. I like that this catamaran day trip locks in Blue Lagoon for swimming, then mixes in other Comino or Malta highlights depending on sea conditions. You get a proper day on the water, not a quick stop and back.

What I really like is the onboard comfort on the Sea Breeze: sunbeds and lounging nets, restrooms, and an onboard bar while you cruise.

I also like how the trip is built for actual swimming and snorkeling time. You can use available snorkeling gear, and the stops are designed around cool-off breaks, not just sightseeing. One thing to plan for, though: seating is first-come, and the boat can feel crowded if you arrive late or miss early boarding.

Key takeaways before you go

• Guaranteed Blue Lagoon swim stop plus other Comino options when conditions allow
• First-come sunbeds and trampoline nets mean you should show up early for the best spots
• Onboard basics included like restrooms and use of nets, while drinks and lunch cost extra
• Crystal Lagoon and Ghajn Tuffieha both offer very different water vibes for swimmers and snorkelers
• Adult atmosphere in June to October, age 12+ only changes the feel of the day
• Strict timing and extra checks (including QR scanning) can slow boarding if you don’t build in buffer time

What You’re Actually Paying For: Blue Lagoon time plus a catamaran day at sea

At about $66.51 per person for a 6-hour sailing, this is mainly a money-for-time deal. You’re paying for a large catamaran ride, the included use of sunbeds and lounge nets, and admission to key swimming stops like Blue Lagoon (and other possible stops) when the itinerary includes them.

That “admission included” piece matters because Comino and the best swimming areas are not just scenic pull-offs. They are swim-focused locations. So instead of spending the day between viewpoints, you’re spending it in the water, then returning to St Paul’s Bay.

Getting to Bugibba Jetty: why early arrival changes everything

The meeting point is Bugibba Jetty, Dawret Il-Gzejjer, San Pawl il-Baħar. Plan to arrive 30 minutes before departure because boarding is strict. Late arrivals can be marked as “no show,” and refunds are not issued.

One practical annoyance to watch for: your directions might point you to a different part of the marina than the boat’s actual boarding spot. The good move is simple. Give yourself extra time, ask staff where check-in ends and boarding begins, and keep your eye on where the catamaran is pulling in.

If you’re coming from Valletta, you take a bus toward St Paul’s Bay and get off at the Moll bus stop. From there, you’ll still need to get to the jetty area.

Finally, shoes are not allowed on board due to the flooring. This sounds small, but it affects how you handle wet decks after swimming. If you want an easy time, bring footwear you can slip on fast, and be ready to go shoe-free on the catamaran.

Sea Breeze onboard reality: nets, shade, restrooms, and music

This tour uses a large passenger sailing catamaran called the Sea Breeze. It’s set up for lounging and sun time. You’ll find restrooms onboard, and there’s an onboard bar where you can buy drinks.

Sunbeds and lounging nets are first-come, first-served. With up to 140 travelers, this is not a “take your time” situation. If you care about shade, top deck views, or a net spot for photos, arrive early and be ready to claim your preferred area.

About music: the tour notes say medium music is played onboard. Some departures can feel louder than others, so if you’re sensitive to volume, keep that in mind and bring earplugs.

Also, no audio guide. This is a day of sailing, sun, and swimming, not a narrated museum tour.

The “swim first” plan: how the 2 to 3 stops usually work

Your exact stops can vary day by day based on weather and sea conditions. But Blue Lagoon is guaranteed. Most days include two or three prime swim and snorkeling locations, with roughly an even rhythm of sailing, anchoring, and time in the water.

Most of the value comes from this pacing. You’re not just hitting one place and rushing. You can rinse off, swim again, and still end the day feeling like you used your time well.

Blue Lagoon (Comino) for about 2 hours: the highlight, the trade-off, the snorkel payoff

Blue Lagoon is the main attraction, and you get about 2 hours there when it’s part of the standard trip. Your ship moors in a private area on the Blue Lagoon, which usually makes snorkeling feel more comfortable than fighting for access closer to the busiest edge.

You’re also on a timer. Two hours is great for a swim, a slow drift, and a proper reset. But it’s not enough for people who want to treat it like a beach day with long walks and endless snack breaks. If you want both the water and the sand experience, you’ll need to manage your time.

One practical detail: depending on where the catamaran anchors, the walk to the sand access point can be longer than you expect. Plan for some extra steps once you’re off the boat. If you’re carrying cameras, keep your walk to and from the lagoon area smooth and not rushed.

If you’re using snorkeling equipment, set yourself up early and do your first pass while conditions are easiest. The water is the point here, not the photo stop.

For the sunset trip in October, the schedule is different. Blue Lagoon becomes the single stop. That’s perfect if you’re chasing that late-day light, but you’ll have fewer chances to hop into other waters.

Crystal Lagoon option: deeper water and cave-style snorkeling energy

One popular alternate stop is Crystal Lagoon. When it’s on your itinerary, you typically get about 1 hour. This stop is famous for clearer, deeper water. The sheer cliff drops and the way you can swim and snorkel around caves are the big reasons to pick it if you like a more “adventure water” feeling.

Compared with Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon tends to feel more underwater and less like a simple swim-in spot. If you want to snorkel actively, this is the place where the water seems made for it.

The drawback is the same for most Comino water days: conditions can change. If it’s rougher, you may still swim, but you might not be able to access the exact spot you hoped for. Build flexibility into your expectations.

Ghajn Tuffieħa Bay option: sandy time, easy lounging, and a calmer rhythm

Another possible stop is Ghajn Tuffieħa Bay. This is your switch to a sandy beach feel, with time to swim, snorkel, and relax. You usually get about 1 hour, so it’s enough for a swim loop and then a proper sit in the sun.

If you’d rather have a mix of activities rather than only water time, Ghajn Tuffieħa can be the better choice. It’s also where people tend to slow down more, using sunbeds or the trampoline nets on board depending on what’s available.

Some folks also enjoy the vibe of grabbing a cocktail once they’re settled into a stop. The exact onboard drink options vary, but the tour is set up for buying drinks.

Popeye Village and the tiny photo stop that still feels worth it

Sometimes, if the itinerary includes Ghajn Tuffieħa that day, you get a short stop at Popeye Village Malta. It’s brief, about 5 minutes, so treat it as a quick photo moment rather than an on-foot explore.

That said, it’s a fun change of pace from only water. If you like film set details and iconic Malta backdrops, you’ll snap a few shots and keep moving without losing the core goal, which is swimming.

Mellieha Beach or Ramla il-Hamra: adding coast variety when the weather allows

Other possible locations include long sandy beaches of Mellieha or the red sandy Ramla il-Hamra in Gozo. These are typically around 1 hour when they appear.

This kind of stop helps if you want more than just Comino. You get a wider sense of Malta’s coastline textures, especially if you’re already planning a second day on the main island.

Snorkeling kit on board: what you can rely on, what you should bring

Some snorkeling equipment is available onboard, so you don’t need to show up with gear for basic snorkeling. That said, if you’re picky about fit or want your own mask, bring your own.

Bring sunscreen and plan for strong sun. This is an open-water outing with lots of deck time. If you’re on the net areas, you may get splashed, so plan your skin coverage accordingly.

Also, plan for towels. There’s no mention of towels being provided. One review tip that’s worth listening to is bringing a towel because you may not have a rental option onboard.

If you like flip-flop comfort after wet decks, that’s smart too. Shoes are not allowed on board, and once the floor is wet, walking can feel slippery if you’re not prepared.

Lunch and drinks: judging the €15 BBQ lunch value

Drinks are not included. There is an onboard bar where you can buy drinks.

A traditional barbecue lunch is available for a fixed fee. It includes a drink and is offered for 15 euros onboard. In December, January, and February, the BBQ lunch or dinner is not served, so this is very much a seasonal add-on.

Is the BBQ worth it? The most consistent takeaway from experiences is that it can be good value when served fresh. There are also mixed opinions, including complaints that some meals felt basic. I’d call it a “try if you’re hungry and don’t want to hunt for food later” option, not a food-tour guarantee.

If you’d rather eat based on local choices and menus on the stops, you can do that too. Blue Lagoon stops often have food stands, so you can compare prices and choose what you like. Just remember the tour rules say passengers are not allowed to bring their own food and drink onboard, so follow that.

Crowds, age rules, and the mood in June through October

From June until October, the tour is set as an adult atmosphere, and participation is limited to guests 12 years and over. That matters for family planning. If you’re traveling with younger kids, you won’t be able to join during those months.

Crowds are another real-world factor. The catamaran can hold up to 140 travelers, and sunbed and net space is first-come. Multiple reviews point out that arriving early is key if you want a solid spot, including a top deck position for views.

There’s also a personality factor. Some departures feel more like a party boat with louder music and a younger vibe. If your ideal day is quiet and sleepy, you may want to pick a less party-leaning time, or just bring ear protection.

Weather reality: when conditions change what you can do

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

Even when the tour runs, sea conditions can affect anchoring and swimming access. Expect some day-to-day variation. If it’s windy or rough, swimming might shift to different areas, or you may have less opportunity right where the boat docks.

This is normal for open-water cruising around Comino and nearby bays. The best way to handle it is to keep your plan flexible. Your guaranteed win is the day on the water and the Blue Lagoon stop, not a promise of perfect “swim everywhere in one exact cave.”

Should you book this catamaran tour?

I’d book it if your Malta trip needs one easy, high-reward day focused on water time. The guaranteed Blue Lagoon stop, the variety of possible Comino and bay options, and the simple fact that you’re on a comfortable catamaran for hours make it a strong value pick for most people.

I’d think twice if you hate crowds, need guaranteed quiet, or you’re the kind of traveler who always runs 10 minutes late. Strict departure timing, QR scanning and access checks, and first-come seating can turn a “relaxing day” into a stress test if you show up at the last second.

If you go in prepared, you’ll likely come away with exactly what this tour promises: memorable swims, a good mix of swim stops, and a classic Comino water day with minimal effort.

FAQ

How long is the Blue Lagoon, Beaches and Bays catamaran tour?

The duration is about 6 hours.

Is Blue Lagoon guaranteed on this tour?

Yes. A stop at Blue Lagoon is guaranteed, and it’s typically about 2 hours on the standard trip.

What’s included in the ticket price?

Included are the catamaran boat tour and the use of sunbeds and large nets to lounge on (first-come, first-served). Admission tickets are included for the listed swim stops where they apply (such as Blue Lagoon and other included locations).

Is the BBQ lunch included?

No. A traditional barbecue lunch is available for a fixed fee onboard for 15 euros, and it includes a drink. During December, January, and February, the BBQ lunch or dinner is not served.

Are there any age restrictions?

From June until October, it is an adult atmosphere and only persons aged 12 and over are allowed.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?

If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.