Half Day Scenic Catamaran Experience

Cold water, blue water, good crew.

This half-day scenic catamaran in Malta is a simple way to see Comino’s signature bays without committing to a full day on the water. I really like the small-group feel (max 15) and how the crew keeps things moving so you get real swimming time at the best spots. The main tradeoff is that it is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, so pick carefully if you know the motion bothers you.

What makes this outing work so well is the mix of classic sights and practical comforts. I like that you get included snorkeling equipment plus two stand-up paddle boards to share, so you can switch between floating, swimming, and exploring underwater for both lagoon stops.

The other thing I like is the relaxed pace. Santa Marija Bay is a photo stop, Crystal Lagoon is your swim moment, and then you get a full hour at the Blue Lagoon, with onboard drinks and WiFi to keep the in-between time easy.

Key things to know before you go

• Max 15 travelers makes it feel uncrowded, even at popular Comino sites
• Three Comino-focused stops: Santa Maria Caves photo stop, Crystal Lagoon swim, Blue Lagoon swim
• Included gear: snorkeling equipment and 2 stand-up paddle boards (to share)
• Drinks are part of the package: beer and wine for age 21+ plus unlimited Pepsi and Sprite
• One-hour Blue Lagoon stop gives you time to swim, relax, and optionally get off at the beach

The half-day Comino route that fits real vacation time

Comino is where Malta’s postcard water lives, and this catamaran makes it doable in about half a day. The total experience runs about 4 hours, and the timing is built around reaching the island of Comino, then heading back to Xemxija. That matters because boat tours can pad time with long transfers. Here, most of your time is spent on the water with planned stops.

You’ll also like that the schedule is not overly tight. One stop is just 15 minutes for photos by the Santa Maria Caves, and then you get two proper swim windows. Crystal Lagoon is shorter (45 minutes), while the Blue Lagoon is longer (1 hour), which is exactly what you want if you want at least one stop where you feel unhurried.

The itinerary is designed for scenery plus water time, not a lecture tour. Expect passes by the coves and caves, then anchored stops where you can actually get in.

Boarding at ABC DivingThe Boathouse, and why you should be early

Your meeting point is ABC DivingThe Boathouse on Triq il-Fekruna, St Paul’s Bay (SPB 4813), Malta. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, so you are not stuck figuring out how to get home after you rinse off salt water.

One detail that genuinely affects your day: the catamaran departs promptly at the scheduled departure time. If you arrive late, the vessel is not obligated to wait. So I suggest you show up early enough to park, walk in, check in, and get settled before you feel rushed.

The tour also uses a mobile ticket, and it’s offered in English. Service animals are allowed, and it’s near public transportation, which is helpful if you are not bringing a car.

Santa Marija Bay and the Santa Maria Caves photo stop

Santa Marija Bay is your first planned moment, and it is a photo stop around the Santa Maria Caves. These caves are known for cave systems and a popular dive site, but here the focus is on viewing them from the water rather than going for a dive. The time on this stop is short, about 15 minutes, and the admission ticket here is free.

What you’ll get in that quick window is the look of the cave formations and how the rock shapes frame the deep blue around them. It’s one of those “check the box” stops, but in a good way. It adds variety without draining your day, and it sets the stage for the lagoon colors you’ll see next.

If you hate brief stops because you want a lot of time at every location, this one may feel too short. But it also keeps the tour from turning into a long shuttle with limited swimming. For most people, that tradeoff is worth it.

Crystal Lagoon swim stop: your 45-minute recharge

After the first scenic pass, the catamaran heads to Crystal Lagoon. This is a 45-minute swimming stop where the water is clear and calm enough for a proper “float, swim, reset” break.

The big value here is variety. Blue Lagoon gets most of the fame, but Crystal Lagoon gives you another color and another feel. You can swim at your own pace, or just hang out in the water and let the day slow down.

This is also where the included gear can change your experience. You have use of snorkeling equipment, plus two stand-up paddle boards to share. With only a limited number of passengers, you typically get more practical time with the toys than you would on a massive boat where gear is always in demand. If you want a low-effort way to explore what’s under the surface, snorkeling can be a fun option during this stop.

Practical note: the water can be cool, especially outside peak season. If you are sensitive to chilly swims, you may find it easier to ease in during the warmer hours of the day.

Blue Lagoon: the one-hour swim that makes the trip worth it

The Blue Lagoon is the headline stop. You get about 1 hour here, and this is where most people plan their real swimming time. The lagoon is known for turquoise waters and an idyllic setup, and the tour keeps it flexible.

You can swim or snorkel right from the boat. There is also an option to disembark and enjoy the lagoon’s beach if you want land time instead of only water time.

Why that one-hour block matters: it’s long enough to do more than one thing. You can do a swim, switch to snorkeling, then come back to the boat to rest. On half-day tours, that rhythm is what turns a short trip into a satisfying one.

Also, because it’s a smaller group (max 15), it tends to feel less cramped than you might expect at a famous spot. People often love how much room they have to lounge and move around on board while still feeling that the day stays social.

Onboard comforts: WiFi, a restroom, and a lot of refreshments

This is not a bare-bones boat trip. You get WiFi on board and a restroom, which sounds minor until you have spent hours in the sun and just want basic comfort without worrying about logistics.

Food is not listed as a standard inclusion, but drinks are. Bottled still water is included. Soft drinks (Pepsi and Sprite) are unlimited. Beer and wine are also included for individuals aged 21 and over, with a clear serving structure: each guest gets 4 beer cans (50 cl) and half a bottle of wine.

In plain terms, it’s a “refreshments-forward” tour. That’s great if you want to relax with a cold drink between swims. It also means you can plan your day around the water rather than thinking about where to find a beverage. And yes, it helps morale.

One operational detail from the onboard experience that you should consider: the restroom situation can be less ideal depending on how you personally feel about small onboard facilities. If restroom comfort is a priority for you, I’d factor that into your expectations.

Snorkeling and paddle boards: how to get the most out of the included gear

Your snorkeling equipment is included, and you get access to two stand-up paddle boards to share. That is a useful mix because it gives you both “on the surface” fun and “look around underwater” time.

A good way to use this in real life:

• Use snorkel time during the stops when the water looks clearest to you (Crystal Lagoon is a common pick, then Blue Lagoon if you want a second round).
• Use the paddle board for a calmer swim phase, when you want to cruise rather than focus on breath control.

Because group size is limited, you’re less likely to feel like you are constantly waiting for gear. The boards are shared, so expect rotation, but the smaller headcount is what keeps it from feeling stressful.

If you are traveling as a family or with teens, this is exactly the kind of tour where everyone can find a mode they enjoy, whether that’s floating, snorkeling, or paddle boarding.

Price, group size, and what $59.91 buys you

At $59.91 per person for a roughly 4-hour catamaran experience, this can be good value if you care about scenery plus time in the water. You’re paying for the boat ride, the Comino route, and included extras like snorkeling gear, paddle boards, WiFi, a restroom, and a full drinks package.

Compared to tours that only provide transport and a couple quick photo stops, this one adds meaningful “do things” time. The itinerary gives you one quick cave photo moment, then two swimming stops, with Blue Lagoon getting the longer stretch.

It’s not a luxury dining cruise. Lunch is not included by default, and towels are not included. If you want a full meal, lunch is available upon request with minimum 2 days notice, priced at Euro 30 per person. If you are the type who needs a sit-down lunch every day, plan ahead.

But if you enjoy the Mediterranean style of vacationing, with a midday swim and snacks or drinks instead of a formal lunch, the price can feel very fair for what you get.

What to pack for a comfier swim day

Since towels are not included, plan on bringing one. Also, wear something that works for getting on and off the boat and for stepping in shallow areas around the lagoons. If you have water shoes, they’re a smart idea.

Bring sunscreen and sunglasses, because your time on deck adds up fast. Add a hat too, especially if you tend to burn.

If you are sensitive to sea motion, this is the big caution. The tour specifically notes it is not suitable for people prone to seasickness. That means you either skip this one or talk to your doctor about prevention strategies before you go. Don’t gamble with it based on hope.

And if you are going in shoulder season, prepare for cooler water. Even people who love swimming sometimes end up surprised by the temperature. Plan to ease in rather than going straight for a full plunge.

Who this catamaran trip is best for

This tour fits best if you want a relaxed half-day in Malta with real water time. It’s a strong choice for:

• Couples who want a scenic boat ride plus a couple swim stops
• Families with kids who like water activities, since snorkeling and paddle boards can keep everyone engaged
• Solo travelers who want a social day without a crowded, chaotic vibe

Because it runs about 4 hours and focuses on Comino highlights, it’s also a good pick if you don’t want to lose your whole day to transit and waiting around.

It may not be the best match if:

• You get seasick easily
• You need a long stretch of time on land at each stop (there is beach time only by option at Blue Lagoon)
• You expect a full meal included with the price

Should you book this Malta half-day catamaran?

I’d book this if your main goal is Comino’s lagoons with minimal hassle. The combination of two real swimming stops (Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon), included snorkeling and paddle boards, and the small-group cap make it feel like time well spent.

Skip it if seasickness is an issue, because the tour is explicitly not suitable for people prone to it. Also, if you are someone who hates short stops, Santa Marija Bay is only a 15-minute photo window.

If you want a half-day that feels relaxing rather than rushed, this is one of the more sensible ways to experience Malta’s famous water without spending your entire vacation planning logistics.

FAQ

How long is the Half Day Scenic Catamaran Experience in Malta?

It lasts about 4 hours.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at ABC DivingThe Boathouse, Triq il-Fekruna, St Paul’s Bay SPB 4813, Malta.

What stops are included on the trip?

You’ll have a photo stop at Santa Marija Bay near the Santa Maria Caves, and swimming stops at Crystal Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon.

How much swimming time do I get?

Crystal Lagoon is about 45 minutes, and the Blue Lagoon stop is about 1 hour.

What drinks are included?

Bottled still water is included. For age 21 and over, beer and wine are served, and soft drinks (Pepsi and Sprite) are unlimited.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included, and there are also stand-up paddle boards to share.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included. It is available upon request with minimum notice of 2 days prior to departure, for Euro 30 per person.

Are towels included?

No, towels are not included.

Is WiFi and a restroom available onboard?

Yes. There is WiFi on board and a restroom on board.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience starts, the amount paid is not refunded.