Comino: Blue Lagoon Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Open Bar

Blue Lagoon gets easier on a big catamaran. This 7 hour cruise from Sliema to Comino mixes scenic bays with swimming and snorkeling time, plus lunch and an open bar. I especially like the way the Spirit of Malta feels made for a smooth, comfortable day at sea, and how the included drinks keep the mood relaxed, not rushed.

One catch: there is no fixed route. You sail based on weather, and the famous Blue Lagoon stop is weather permitting, so plan for a little flexibility.

Quick Hits Before You Go

• The Spirit of Malta catamaran feel: comfortable cruising day, not a cramped hop-on bus vibe
• Open bar included all day: wine, beer, soft drinks, plus water
• Swimming and snorkeling stops in scenic bays: time in the water rather than just views from the rail
• Buffet lunch on a swimming stop: food is served during the day, not after you are already tired
• Music and dancing after lunch: a calmer morning with party energy on the way back
• Crew energy that actually helps your day: staff stay on top of drinks and boarding needs

Sliema to Comino by the Spirit of Malta Catamaran

This day starts in Sliema, where the Spirit of Malta leaves at 10:30am and you are back around 5:30pm. You are not looking at a tiny speedboat operation. You are on a larger sailing catamaran built for cruising, which matters when the sea has any chop.

Finding the boat is straightforward. It is the only catamaran in that part of the bay, opposite The Black Sheep bar in Sliema. That small detail saves time and stress, especially if you are meeting a group in Malta’s lively waterfront area.

From the start, the vibe is part sightseeing, part beach day. You sail to multiple bays and spend time in the water, with the day shifting from laid-back to music and dancing after the lunch window.

A Weather-Driven Itinerary That Keeps the Day Real

Here is the honest rhythm: you do not get one rigid, timed itinerary. Instead, the captain sails according to prevailing weather conditions. The Blue Lagoon in Comino is the headline stop, but it is weather permitting, so it is not guaranteed in the way a theme-park schedule is.

What I like about that approach is that it keeps the day safer and more comfortable. If conditions are rough in one spot, the captain can adjust and still give you meaningful swimming time somewhere else. That is also why the cruise is often so enjoyable, even when the weather changes.

You will also get that classic Comino day structure. Expect multiple water stops, and at least one of them includes buffet lunch. Some days may include other lagoon time such as Crystal Lagoon, but it depends on conditions and the captain’s calls.

Swimming and Snorkeling Stops: Time in the Water, Not Just Photos

The cruise is built around water time, and it shows. You stop in different bays for swimming and snorkeling, then you move on rather than spending hours drifting without a plan. That matters because the water is the point on Comino.

You can usually snorkel right from where the boat anchors, which is a huge advantage versus hikes or getting to shore first. The boat is set up for a day like this, and you can grab swim gear and go without turning it into a logistical project.

A couple of practical things to take from real experience:

• Bring sunscreen and a hat. The sailing sun can sneak up on you, especially if you are busy enjoying the views.
• Have a plan for sea sickness. Some days can feel rough on the way out, so pack medication if you are sensitive.

Also, know that marine life is real. One review notes jellyfish to watch for, so keep an eye on conditions at the water’s edge and follow any on-the-spot guidance from crew.

Blue Lagoon Comino: How to Experience the Icon Without Losing Your Mind

Yes, the Blue Lagoon is famous for a reason. But the shore can get crowded, and that’s exactly where arriving by boat becomes the advantage. From the water, you get a calmer, more spacious experience than what you get on land.

The best part is what the boat does for you: you anchor close enough for swimming access, and you can choose how to spend your time. Some people swim near the boat and enjoy the light, others go exploring. Either way, you are not waiting around in lines or fighting for a small patch of sand.

If the water is busy, it still does not mean your day is ruined. You can spread out on the boat, move in and out of the swim area, and enjoy the views while the crowd energy stays mostly on shore.

If weather allows a boat detour or extra cave and speedboat moment during Blue Lagoon time, that can be a fun add-on. One review specifically recommends an extra speedboat experience for seeing cave areas, but it is optional and depends on the situation at the lagoon.

Buffet Lunch on the Water: Included Food That Actually Fills You Up

Lunch is a buffet, and it is served during a swimming stop. That timing is smart because you get food when you are already warm, sun-soaked, and ready for a break.

The spread is not just sad sandwich stuff. You get:

• Cold cuts including turkey, smoked gammon, and salami
• Cheeses including cheddar cubes and feta
• Salads like potato salad, bulgur wheat salad (vegetarian), vegetarian rice salad, pasta salad, and roma tomatoes and onion salad (vegan)
• Bread rolls

From what I see in the reviews, the food quality is a major reason people rate this cruise so high. Several comments call out that there is more than expected, and the lunch is plenty filling for a long day.

If you are picky, you will likely find something. There are vegetarian options listed, and at least one vegan salad is included. Also, you usually get time to eat without racing the boat departure.

Open Bar Value: Wine, Beer, Soft Drinks, and the Flow Factor

The open bar is a big part of the pricing value here. You get wine, beer, and soft drinks included all day, along with water. That turns the day into a true all-in experience, not a “pay extra at every stop” situation.

This is especially valuable if you plan to have drinks anyway. At $105 per person, you are paying for a full day of sailing and anchoring plus lunch and bar service. If you were going to buy drinks in Malta during a regular outing, the cruise can feel like less of a splurge.

One of the most praised elements is how well crew members manage the bar. People mention the bartender staying on top of orders and the drinks flowing without long waits. That matters because nothing kills a fun day like standing around hungry and thirsty.

You might also notice some of the “party boat” energy ramps up after lunch. If you want calmer vibes, you can also choose to stay on the quieter parts of the boat and just enjoy the ride back.

The Music, Dancing, and Party Mode After Lunch

After lunch, the atmosphere shifts. Music starts, dancing kicks in, and you end up with a day that can work for groups who want to celebrate and couples who just want fun at sea.

That balance is what makes the cruise appealing for different kinds of travelers. Reviews describe the music as a mix that works across cultures, and many say it is not just loud chaos all day. The party vibe often becomes stronger toward the end, which feels like a natural payoff after a morning of swimming and sun.

A small practical note: if you sit on the top deck, you may have trouble hearing captain announcements. If you care about understanding instructions clearly, you might want to position yourself a bit closer to crew communication points.

Comfort Details That Make the Day Easier

This is a sailing catamaran, which generally means more room to move and less cramped discomfort than smaller boats. Many reviews mention it as comfortable and not tightly packed. That matters when you are spending hours with sun exposure, wet swimwear, and friends moving around.

Toilets are available on board, which is not always a given on smaller day boats. Clean facilities also come up in positive feedback, and that makes a long day feel more manageable.

Some people even point out swim support items like pool noodles, which helps if you want a float while others snorkel or swim. If you prefer not to jump in immediately, you can still enjoy the anchored views and sunlight without committing to snorkeling every minute.

Price and Logistics: What You Pay, What You Get

At $105 per person for a 7 hour day, you are not buying a quick sightseeing ticket. You are paying for the boat itself, the time on Comino waters, lunch, and a full open bar.

What makes the value feel strong is the combination:

• Transportation and sailing time
• Multiple water stops for swimming and snorkeling
• Buffet lunch included during the day
• Wine, beer, and soft drinks included in the open bar

Also, there is no hotel pickup and drop-off. That is worth noting if you are staying farther from the Sliema waterfront. You will want to plan your own way to the meeting point near The Black Sheep bar.

One more practical detail: the activity is not suitable for people under 17. That can matter if you are traveling with teens or if you are expecting a family-focused day.

Who This Cruise Fits Best

This cruise is ideal if you want a classic Comino day with water time and included extras, without turning it into a military schedule. It is also a good fit for groups, including bachelorette parties and friends who want a fun mix of chill sailing and later party energy.

It may be less ideal if you want a quiet, guided history tour. This is more about the sea day experience than structured commentary. You get the captain and crew doing what they need to do, and the rest of your entertainment comes from swimming, views, and music.

If you get sea sick easily, plan ahead. The ride can be smooth on some days and rougher on others, so take medication if you are prone to it. Keep your phone protected too. One helpful tip from reviews is using a waterproof phone case if you want photos and video.

Should You Book This Blue Lagoon Catamaran Cruise?

Book it if you want a full day on Comino waters with snorkeling and swimming time, plus lunch and an open bar that makes the day feel complete. If you hate crowded shore logistics, this is one of the best ways to experience the Blue Lagoon from the water.

Skip it or think twice if you need a guaranteed, fixed schedule. The route and stops depend on weather, and the Blue Lagoon stop is weather permitting. If you cannot handle that uncertainty, choose a plan that locks you into a specific itinerary and keep expectations realistic.

FAQ

What time does the cruise depart and return?

It departs from Sliema at 10:30am and returns to Sliema at approximately 5:30pm, for a total duration of about 7 hours.

Where do I meet the catamaran in Sliema?

Meet the vessel opposite The Black Sheep bar in Sliema. It is described as the only catamaran in that area of the bay.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch is served during one of the swimming stops during the cruise.

What drinks are included in the open bar?

The open bar includes wine, beer, and soft drinks, and water is also provided throughout the day.

Is the itinerary fixed?

No. There is no fixed programme. The cruise sails according to prevailing weather conditions, and the Blue Lagoon stop is weather permitting.

Is there a minimum age requirement?

Yes. The experience is not suitable for people under 17.