St. Paul’s Bay: Half-Day Scenic Catamaran Tour with Drinks

The best reason to choose this Malta catamaran trip is the small group. With space for only 20 people, you can stretch out on a clean, modern boat instead of being packed onto a floating bus. I especially like the two proper swim stops and the fact that beer, wine, soft drinks, snorkel masks, and two shared paddleboards are included.

I also like the half-day timing. You get Malta’s famous water views without giving up an entire day, and you can be back at St. Paul’s Bay in time for lunch or an afternoon walk. The main caution is that food is not included, and choppy seas can change the route or shorten a planned stop.

Key points at a glance

• Small boat, big advantage: The catamaran carries no more than 20 people, with plenty of room to sit, sunbathe, and move around.
• Three scenic stops: See Santa Maria Caves, then swim at Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon when weather allows.
• Drinks included: Still water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, and rosé are available during the trip.
• Useful water equipment: Snorkel masks and two SUP paddleboards are provided at no extra charge.
• A real half-day outing: The trip lasts about three to four hours, leaving time for lunch or other plans.
• Weather matters: Rough water may mean a different swim bay or a revised route.

Why the 20-person limit matters on Malta’s busy coast

Malta’s most famous boat stops can become crowded, especially around Comino’s Blue Lagoon. The difference between a 20-person catamaran and a much larger boat is not just comfort. It changes how easily you can find a seat, get to the swimming ladder, collect a drink, or use a paddleboard.

The boat has padded seating and sun loungers, along with a toilet, freshwater shower, and swimming ladder. That combination makes the trip feel more like a relaxed boat outing than a basic transfer between swimming spots.

The small group also helps the crew keep an eye on people in the water. Crew members named Bim, Idola, Dustin, Dustan, and Fernando have been singled out for friendly service on different departures, though the exact crew can vary. Expect English-language service and regular offers of drinks.

The atmosphere is social but not built around a loud party. Music plays through the catamaran, and on some trips the crew has allowed people to choose their own music. The volume has been comfortable for some people and a little high for others, so this is worth keeping in mind if you want a very quiet cruise.

Leaving Fekruna Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay

You meet at Fekruna Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. Arrive early. The catamaran leaves promptly, and it is not required to wait for late arrivals. One passenger who arrived at the stated meeting time found the boat nearly ready to leave, so I would aim to be at the jetty before the requested arrival time rather than cutting it close.

After boarding, the crew gives a safety briefing of about 10 minutes. This covers the basic arrangements for the boat, swimming ladder, equipment, and general conduct on the water.

The opening transfer takes about 45 minutes. That is not dead time. It gives you a chance to settle into the boat, take in the coast, and enjoy a drink before the sightseeing stops begin. You will want sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and beachwear. Bring a towel, since towels are not provided.

Transportation to and from the jetty is not included. It may be available for an additional fee, but the stated meeting point is the jetty itself.

Santa Maria Caves from the water

The first sightseeing stop is Santa Maria Caves. The boat approaches the rock formations for close views from the sea, with roughly 15 minutes set aside for sightseeing.

This is a scenic stop rather than a long swimming session. Have your phone ready before the catamaran reaches the caves, since the viewing time is fairly short. The crew may offer help with pictures, but photography is not guaranteed on every departure.

The caves show off Malta’s pale rock, sea-carved openings, and clear water better from a boat than from shore. You get the best view by staying on deck and looking toward the cliffs as the catamaran moves into position.

One small limitation is the amount of commentary. Some departures include useful local information about Malta, Comino, and the caves, while others focus more on relaxed sailing and service. If you want a detailed geological or historical tour, this is not that type of excursion. It is primarily a scenic boat ride with time for swimming.

Blue Lagoon: one hour in Malta’s famous water

Blue Lagoon is the main swimming stop, with about an hour for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing. The turquoise water is the star here, and the catamaran provides a comfortable base away from the need to find a crowded patch of shore.

You can use the swimming ladder to get into the sea, then return to the boat when you want a drink or a rest. Snorkel masks are included, and the two SUP boards are available to share. The paddleboards are useful for getting a different view of the coast, although there may be a wait if several people want them at the same time.

The biggest practical issue is that this trip does not promise shore time at Blue Lagoon. You may swim from the catamaran, but you should not book it expecting a guaranteed walk on the beach. Some departures have allowed time close to a beach or cave, while the normal plan centers on swimming from the boat.

Blue Lagoon is scenic, but do not expect a major reef or a large range of sea life. The water is beautiful and good for cooling off, but this is not a specialist snorkeling trip. The underwater life can be limited, particularly when many people are in the water.

The boat’s smaller size helps, but it cannot remove the wider popularity of Blue Lagoon. Weather, sea conditions, and local limits on the number of boats and people can affect how busy the stop feels.

Crystal Lagoon and the quieter swim

Crystal Lagoon follows Blue Lagoon, with about 45 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. Many people prefer this stop because it can feel calmer and less crowded, with clear water and a more peaceful setting.

The SUP boards are especially handy here. They can let you explore nearer the rocks and, when conditions permit, paddle toward a cave and beach area. The water is generally the focus, so bring your mask and take your time rather than rushing through a quick photo stop.

Crystal Lagoon is also where weather changes may become obvious. If the sea is too choppy, the captain may skip this stop and choose calmer water, such as a bay near St. Paul’s Bay. That is not a failure of the trip. It is the sensible choice for comfort and safety, but it means the advertised sequence is not guaranteed.

The swimming stops are best suited to confident swimmers who are comfortable using a boat ladder. People with mobility limitations, back problems, visual impairments, or motion sickness should think carefully before booking. The activity is not listed as suitable for those needs.

Drinks, snacks, and what to eat before boarding

The package includes unlimited still water and soft drinks, plus beer and wine. The stated allowance is four 50-centiliter cans of beer and half a bottle of wine per person, with white and rosé available. Drink responsibly, especially before swimming.

Some departures have offered crisps and light nibbles, but food is not included in the official package. Do not count on a meal. Eat before boarding, or ask in advance about optional food menus for an additional fee.

This is an important value point. At $59 per person, the drink allowance adds real value if you plan to enjoy a few beverages. If you do not drink alcohol, the price still pays for the smaller boat, crew service, equipment, and swimming stops, but the difference compared with a basic sightseeing cruise may feel smaller.

The service is one of the stronger parts of the outing. The crew regularly checks whether you need a drink and keeps the boat tidy. The freshwater shower is useful after swimming, and the onboard toilet saves you from having to wait for the next stop.

What the three to four hours feel like

The advertised duration is three to four hours. The basic schedule includes a 10-minute safety briefing, a 45-minute outward transfer, 15 minutes at Santa Maria Caves, an hour at Blue Lagoon, 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon, and a return transfer of about an hour.

In practice, the exact length can shift with weather, boarding, sea conditions, and route changes. The listed times add up to a little longer than the shortest advertised duration, so I would treat the schedule as a guide rather than a minute-by-minute promise.

That said, the format works well. You get enough sailing to enjoy the coast, two meaningful periods in the water, and a return to St. Paul’s Bay before the day disappears. One passenger wished the activity lasted longer, but many people found the half-day length just right.

An afternoon departure can finish with good sunset views, depending on the season and timing. A morning trip gives you a useful free afternoon and makes it easy to find lunch after returning.

Value at $59 per person

At $59, this is not Malta’s cheapest boat option. The cheaper boats can work if your main goal is transportation or a simple view of the coast. You may pay less, but you are more likely to share the experience with a much larger crowd.

I think the price is reasonable for someone who values space. You are paying for a catamaran limited to 20 people, attentive English-speaking crew, drinks, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, a toilet, a shower, and two swim stops. The boat has enough room to lie down or sit apart from the main group.

The value is strongest for couples, small groups, and anyone who dislikes crowded party boats. It is also useful for a family or group of friends that wants a relaxed outing without committing to a full-day charter.

The value is weaker if you want a serious snorkeling experience, a full meal, or lots of time ashore. You may also find the route less satisfying if the weather forces the captain to skip Crystal Lagoon or move to another bay.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking make the trip easier to fit into a changing Malta schedule. Still, check the start time carefully and plan to arrive early at Fekruna Jetty.

Who should book this catamaran trip?

I would choose this outing if you want a polished half-day on the sea with swimming, scenery, and drinks, but do not want to spend the whole day on a large boat.

It suits:

• Couples looking for room and a calmer atmosphere
• Small groups that want to sit together without feeling packed in
• Families with confident swimmers
• People who want Blue Lagoon without giving up the whole day
• Visitors who appreciate friendly service and included drinks
• Anyone comparing a premium small boat with a crowded low-cost cruise

I would hesitate if you are prone to seasickness, need step-free access, dislike boat music, or mainly want to walk around Comino’s beaches. You should also skip it if your top priority is marine life, since the snorkeling is pleasant but not the main attraction.

Should you book it?

Yes, if the small group is the point. For $59, this is a good middle ground between a crowded public boat and a costly private charter. The clean catamaran, generous space, drinks, two swimming stops, and friendly crew give the trip a clear advantage over a basic coast cruise.

Book it with realistic expectations. You are buying a comfortable scenic outing, not a full meal, serious snorkeling expedition, or guaranteed shore visit. Arrive early, eat beforehand, bring a towel and sun protection, and accept that the captain may change the route when the sea turns rough.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start?

The tour starts at Fekruna Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay.

How long does the experience last?

The advertised duration is three to four hours. The exact timing can change with weather and sea conditions.

What stops are included?

The planned route includes Santa Maria Caves, Blue Lagoon, and Crystal Lagoon. The captain may change the route if conditions are unsuitable.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Still water and soft drinks are included, along with beer, white wine, and rosé. Each person is allocated four 50-centiliter beer cans and half a bottle of wine.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included, although optional menus may be available for an additional fee. Light snacks have been available on some departures, but you should eat before boarding.

Can I use snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkel masks are included. Two SUP paddleboards are also available to share.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included. Bring a towel, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and beachwear.

What happens if the sea is rough?

The itinerary may be changed to protect comfort and safety. The captain may skip Crystal Lagoon or move the swimming stop to calmer water.