Comino: Blue Lagoon Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Open Bar

Comino’s Blue Lagoon day feels like a cheat code. You get a smooth sailing base on the Spirit of Malta catamaran, then jump into some of Comino’s most photogenic water for snorkeling and swimming, with a buffet lunch served during the day. I especially like the all-day open bar angle, because it turns the trip from sightseeing into a true hang-out. The main catch is the itinerary is weather-dependent, so the exact bays and whether you reach Blue Lagoon can shift.

On most days, you’re departing Sliema at 10:30am and returning around 5:30pm, which is long enough to feel like a real escape. You’ll anchor in different spots, cruise between them, and spend real time in the water rather than rushing from one photo stop to the next. One practical drawback to plan for: the crossing can feel choppy at times, and if you’re sensitive to motion, that matters.

The vibe is half chill, half party. Early on, it’s relaxing and social, then the music ramps up with top hits and dancing after lunch, with crew members like Hector getting shout-outs for keeping energy high. If you want quiet commentary, just know it can be hard to hear the captain from the top deck.

Key highlights you should care about

• Open bar all day: wine, beer, and soft drinks, served alongside your swim-and-lunch schedule
• Real swimming time: multiple water stops, not just a quick dip
• Weather-based route: the captain adjusts bays and Blue Lagoon access based on conditions
• Food that actually fills you up: buffet lunch plus rolls and plenty of variety
• Party energy after lunch: music and dancing on the water in a way that still lets you lounge
• Comfort extras: toilet facilities on board, plus gear like pool noodles mentioned by guests

Finding the Spirit of Malta in Sliema (and why arriving early matters)

The cruise leaves from Sliema, and you’ll meet the boat right in the bay area. Here’s the easy way to spot it: the Spirit of Malta is the only catamaran there, and it’s located opposite The Black Sheep bar. That makes your arrival simple, even if you’re traveling without a guide in hand.

Arriving a bit early is worth it because this is the kind of day where you’ll want to choose where you sit before you’re packed in. On the water, position changes your whole experience. One guest noted the ride stayed manageable on deck, while another said you can get soaked depending on where you sit, especially if you’re near the front and the sea gets a bit active.

How the catamaran cruise really works with a no-fixed-program plan

This trip runs on a flexible schedule. There’s no fixed programme, and the captain sails according to prevailing weather conditions. In plain terms: you’re not paying for a rigid checklist, you’re paying for time on a boat that can go to the best water it can reach safely.

That flexibility matters because Comino conditions can change quickly. Some days you get smooth cruising and steady anchoring. Other days, the water outside the lagoons can feel rough, and your body will notice. I’d treat this like a sea day first and a boat tour second. You will still get multiple swimming stops, and you’ll aim for the Blue Lagoon in Comino weather permitting.

A perk of doing Comino by catamaran, not smaller boats: you have more room to spread out on sunbeds and choose how social you feel. Several guests described the boat as comfortable and not cramped, which helps on a 7-hour day.

Lunch on board: buffet spreads plus the open bar flow

The lunch setup is one of the smartest parts of the day. Instead of eating on land or after a long grind, the crew serves buffet lunch during one of the swimming stops. That timing keeps the day from feeling broken up into separate, mismatched chunks.

What’s included is substantial for a boat day:

• Cold cuts: turkey, smoked gammon, salami
• Cheeses: cheddar cubes and feta
• Salads: summer potato salad, bulgur wheat salad (vegetarian), vegetarian rice salad, pasta salad, and tomato-onion salad (vegan)
• Bread rolls

Then there’s the key drink benefit: an open bar with beer, wine, minerals, and soft drinks, served throughout the day. You also get water available on board. A few guests specifically praised the bartenders for staying on top of service, which is important when everyone is thirsty and the boat is moving.

Practical tip: eat steadily, not all at once. When the water is active, your stomach can be touchy. The buffet is filling, so pace it and keep sipping water even if you’re drinking wine or beer.

Blue Lagoon time in Comino, plus the cave speedboat add-on

The main reason you book is simple: Comino’s water is the headline. The cruise is designed to reach scenic bays and spend time in the water, including the Blue Lagoon when conditions allow.

A few details help you plan what you’ll want to do once you’re at the water:

• You can swim and snorkel from the boat at anchored stops
• The schedule typically includes more than one water moment
• You can reach places by water access that the shore crowds can’t

One standout add-on shows up in guest reports: at Blue Lagoon, you can pay extra for a 600 horsepower speedboat experience into the cave. If you like photos that look like movie scenes and you’re comfortable around fast rides, this is the kind of extra that can turn a great swim day into a story you’ll tell for years.

Safety notes you should take seriously:

• Bring sea sickness medication if you’re prone to it. More than one guest explicitly warned about taking it.
• Watch for jellyfish when you’re in the water. One guest flagged it as something to be aware of.
• If you bring your phone, use a waterproof phone case. People also suggested diving gear depending on what you want to see underwater, but that’s more about your personal style than the tour providing it.

Also, remember the shore at Blue Lagoon can get crowded, but from the boat you’re not stuck in that same bottleneck. Your time feels more relaxed even if the shoreline is busy.

After lunch party mode: music, dancing, and where to get quiet

This cruise knows you came for fun. After lunch, the atmosphere shifts into party mode with music and dancing to top hits and groovy rhythms. The crew encourages interaction, and there’s a real sense of shared energy as the boat heads back.

You also get a choice in how you experience it. Some people want the deck, the music, and the dancing. Others stay near quieter corners and just enjoy the sun. One guest even described being able to chill on the top deck and still catch the sun as the vibe built.

One consideration: if you’re hoping to hear the captain’s commentary, you might struggle while you’re near the loudest speakers or higher up on deck. That same idea came up in feedback, so if you care about instructions and safety info, listen when you’re closer to crew or when the music dips.

What to pack for a 7-hour swim and sail day in Comino

A Comino day is mostly sun, water, and timing. Pack for comfort and for the messiness of sea spray.

Here’s what I’d bring, based on repeated, practical guest advice:

• Hat and sunscreen (you’ll forget you need them until you feel it)
• Sea sickness medication if you get motion sick
• Waterproof phone case if you plan to film or take photos
• A swimsuit plus a dry shirt or cover-up for later
• Flip flops or water shoes for boarding and stepping around safely

Also, plan for wet moments. One guest said they got soaked from sitting on the front right side, so if you want to stay drier, choose a less splash-prone area. There are hooks onboard for hanging bags above cabin level on the upper deck, which helps keep your belongings from getting battered by spray.

Comfort matters on a 7-hour day:

• There are toilet facilities on board
• Guests mentioned a shower and pool noodles, which make a difference once you’ve been in the water for a while

Price and value: why $105 often feels fair for this kind of day

At $105 per person for about 7 hours, the value comes from combining three things that are usually separate on holiday:

1) Catamaran time to scenic lagoons

2) Multiple swim stops from the boat

3) Food plus open bar all day

If you’re considering cheaper alternatives that stay on land, the math often flips once you factor in the drinks and the amount of time you actually spend in the water. This is not a history lecture. It’s a “boat day” product, and you’re buying that experience, plus the convenience of everything being handled onboard.

It also helps that the cruise is built around a party-friendly schedule. You’re not trapped on the boat the whole time without a payoff. You get anchored swimming and a buffet lunch when it’s most useful.

Who gets the best match:

• Couples and friends who want a mix of relaxing and fun
• Solo travelers who like social energy (one guest described having a great time solo)
• People who want Comino without fighting shore crowds for every moment

Who should reconsider:

• Anyone under 17 (the trip is not suitable for people under 17)
• Anyone who hates the idea that the route may change with weather
• Anyone who needs a quiet, museum-style guided tour with set stops and lots of history

Should you book this Blue Lagoon catamaran cruise?

I’d book it if you want a full day that feels like a vacation, not a checklist. The big reason is the combination: catamaran comfort, real water time in Comino, and the “easy button” of buffet lunch plus open bar. If that sounds like your kind of day, it’s hard to beat.

I’d skip or adjust expectations if weather matters to you more than flexibility. Since the captain changes the plan based on conditions and Blue Lagoon is weather permitting, you might not get every dream moment. Also, if you’re motion-sensitive, plan for that before you step aboard.

Bottom line: if you want sun, swimming, drinks, and a good mix of chill and party, this is the kind of booking that pays off fast in Malta.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Comino Blue Lagoon catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts about 7 hours, with guests returning to Sliema at around 5:30pm.

Where does the cruise depart from, and how do I find the boat?

It departs from Sliema. The Spirit of Malta catamaran is opposite The Black Sheep bar, and it is the only catamaran in that bay area.

What time does the boat leave?

The Spirit of Malta departs at 10:30am.

Does the itinerary have fixed stops?

There is no fixed programme. The captain sails according to prevailing weather conditions and chooses swimming/snorkeling bays along the way. Blue Lagoon is visited weather permitting.

What food is included?

A buffet lunch is included, along with rolls. The buffet includes cold cuts (turkey, smoked gammon, salami), cheeses (cheddar cubes, feta), and several salads, including vegetarian options and a vegan salad.

What drinks are included in the open bar?

The open bar includes wine, beer, and soft drinks, plus water throughout the day.

Is snorkeling included?

The cruise includes stops for swimming and snorkeling in different bays, with the exact bays depending on weather.

Are there bathrooms on board?

Yes. There are toilet facilities on board.

Who is this cruise not suitable for?

It is not suitable for people under 17 years old.