Half Day Scenic Catamaran Experience

Comino looks like a postcard from the water. This half-day catamaran run hits Malta’s most famous swim spots, with enough time to actually get in the water and enjoy the scenery. I like how the day is short, and I like that the crew stays on top of things from drinks to gear.

Two things I especially appreciate: the snorkeling and paddle board gear are included, so you can switch from sunning to exploring without a shopping run. Second, you get a built-in drink setup with bottled still water, unlimited soft drinks, and beer and wine for those age 21+.

One possible drawback to plan for: this trip is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, and you will feel the motion if the sea is choppy.

Quick hits you should know

• Small group size (max 15): more space to lounge, and it does not feel like a crowded cattle call.
• Three Comino-area stops: a cave photo stop plus two major swimming lagoons.
• Included snorkeling and SUP gear: you share 2 stand-up paddle boards and use snorkeling equipment on board.
• Drinks without fuss: bottled still water, unlimited Pepsi and Sprite, plus beer and wine for age 21+.
• Prompt departures: arrive on time because the catamaran leaves at the scheduled time.

A half-day catamaran that fits real life in Malta

Four hours is the sweet spot when you want Comino views without giving up your whole day. You sail out, you stop at the best water colors, and you come back. It is a strong choice if Malta is your base and you are trying to mix beach time with the rest of your itinerary.

The schedule includes extra travel time to reach Comino and then head back toward Xemxija, so the time on the water is planned, not rushed. And because the group is limited to 15 travelers, you tend to get a calmer vibe than the big-boat scene.

Value-wise, the price sits at $59.91 per person for a catamaran, multiple stops, and a long list of inclusions. That is what makes this feel like a “do it and relax” outing, not a basic transport-only cruise.

Getting aboard at ABC Diving in St Paul’s Bay

Your start point is ABC Diving The Boathouse, Triq il-Fekruna, St Paul’s Bay (SPB 4813), Malta. The trip ends back at the same meeting point, so you are not juggling additional transfers.

The catamaran departs promptly. If you show up late, the vessel is not obligated to wait because it has to keep the itinerary. This is one of those details that can make or break your day, so I’d rather you err on the early side and settle in.

You’ll also want to treat this as a practical water trip. The tour guidance calls for moderate physical fitness, which usually means you should be comfortable boarding, moving around the boat, and getting in and out for swims.

Santa Marija Bay photo stop and the cave views from the water

The first stop is Santa Marija Bay near Comino. The main idea here is not swimming, it is seeing the Santa Maria Caves from the water. You get a 15-minute photo stop to admire the cave systems and those strong, dark-blue channels where light hits the stone.

Why I like this stop: it sets up what the rest of the day is about. You go from seeing caves as a sightseeing photo to realizing you are actually in the same coastal playground. You also get a break from the sun, because you are not in the water right away.

What to consider: it is a quick hit. If you were hoping for a long, sandy shoreline moment at this first stop, this is more about views than beach time.

Crystal Lagoon swim stop for clear-water time

Next comes Crystal Lagoon, with about 45 minutes here for swimming. This is the stop where the water quality really does the work. You get a chunk of time to float, swim at your pace, and take your time with the colors.

If you like easy exploration, this is a great match because you have included snorkeling equipment. You are not paying extra for gear or scrambling to find somewhere to rent it. You can also switch activities if you feel like it, using the included snorkeling setup or getting out a shared stand-up paddle board.

Possible drawback: swimming conditions can be affected by season and water temperature. One traveler noted that October water felt cold, even though others jumped in just fine. My practical take, plan to dress for cooler water if you are traveling in fall or shoulder season.

Blue Lagoon main swim stop, plus optional beach time

The centerpiece is the famous Blue Lagoon. You get about one hour here, which is long enough to do a real swim, not just a splash-and-run.

You can swim in the turquoise water, and there is an option to disembark and enjoy the lagoon’s beach. That matters because sometimes you want a change of scenery from being on a boat or floating in place. One hour is also enough time to snorkel, take photos, and still feel unhurried.

This is also where you should expect more activity from other boats, because Blue Lagoon is popular. The good news is the crew timing and stop flow is designed to avoid peak chaos, so you are not typically stuck in peak crowd conditions for the whole outing.

What’s included on board, and what that means for your budget

This tour is built around “included” comfort. Here is what you should count on:

• Bottled still water
• Unlimited Pepsi and Sprite
• Beer and wine for age 21+ (the serving is set per person: 4 beer cans and half a bottle of wine)
• Snorkeling equipment
• 2 stand-up paddle boards to share
• WiFi on board
• A restroom on board

Why that matters: it keeps your spending predictable. You can treat this as your food-and-fun coast day without hunting down drinks or rentals at each stop. And for families and mixed-age groups, it is the kind of setup that keeps everyone happy because you are not dependent on one activity.

One small reality check: if you get excited about bathrooms, you may want to prepare yourself. A review flagged the toilet setup as unfavorable. It is nice that a restroom exists on board, just don’t assume it is hotel-grade.

Lunch is not included, but it is available if you request it. The cost is Euro 30 per person, with a minimum notice of 2 days prior to departure. If you are doing the outing with a full-day appetite, I’d plan ahead rather than hoping for a late add-on.

Also, towels are not included. Bring your own if you want to dry off comfortably after swimming. If you forget, you’ll be improvising.

The crew energy, pacing, and why it feels relaxing

The biggest recurring win here is the crew attentiveness. People consistently highlight that the captain and staff are friendly, accommodating, and easy to talk to. Explanations come with a light, humorous touch, which helps when you are bouncing between cave viewpoints and swim stops.

Another highly praised part is the pacing. The stops are timed so you do not feel like you spent half the day staring at the horizon. You get:

• a quick cave-and-photo moment at Santa Marija
• a proper swimming window at Crystal Lagoon
• the main swim and optional beach time at Blue Lagoon

The boat itself is described as clean and spacious, which makes a difference when you want a laid-back day. A small group also means you can find a spot to lounge without playing “where do we sit” every time you move.

Even the extras like music show up in the vibe. One person specifically mentioned tunes on board, which matches the overall relaxed feel: you are meant to sip, float, and look around, not rush.

Who should book this Comino cruise, and who should skip it

This is a great fit if you want a laid-back, scenic half day with time to swim and easy included gear. If you are traveling with friends who want different options, you have it: swim, snorkel, paddle board, or just relax on the catamaran while you watch the coastline.

It also works well for families or multi-generational groups, because the stops are short enough to stay interesting, but long enough to do what you came for. Reviews also point out that the small-group format can feel more personal and less stressful.

You should skip it if you are prone to seasickness. The tour is specifically noted as not suitable for those individuals. You can have a great plan and still have the worst experience if motion makes you miserable.

And if you are traveling when water is colder, keep expectations realistic. You may still enjoy the swim, just plan for cooler temps.

Should you book this half-day catamaran?

I think you should book this trip if you want Comino’s signature swim colors without turning your day into logistics. The combination of three meaningful stops, included snorkeling and paddle boards, and the very clear “drinks are handled” setup makes it good value for a short outing.

Book it if you like being on the water, you’re comfortable with prompt departures, and you want that small-group calm. Skip it if seasickness is a concern, or if you need long, shore-based time at every stop.

If you do book, my practical checklist is simple: bring your towel, dress for the possibility of cooler water in fall, and arrive early so boarding is smooth. Then just let the crew do their thing, because this is the kind of tour where the real prize is the time on the water, not the effort to manage it.

FAQ

How long is the half-day scenic catamaran experience?

It runs for about 4 hours (approx.).

Where does the tour start and end?

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

What stops are included during the cruise?

You’ll pass by Santa Marija Bay (photo stop for the Santa Maria Caves), then visit Crystal Lagoon (swimming), and Blue Lagoon (swimming, with an option to disembark for beach time).

What is included in the price?

Included items are bottled still water, soft drinks (Pepsi and Sprite) unlimited, beer and wine for age 21+, snorkeling equipment, 2 stand-up paddle boards to share, WiFi on board, and a restroom on board.

Is alcohol included?

Yes, beer and wine are included for those aged 21 and over. The serving is specified as 4 beer cans (50CL) and half a bottle of wine per guest.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included, but you can request it with minimum notice of 2 days prior to departure. The price is Euro 30 per person.

Are towels provided?

No. Towels are not included.

Is the tour suitable for people prone to seasickness?

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

Is WiFi available on board?

Yes. WiFi on board is included.