Comino: Blue Lagoon Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Open Bar

The best Malta days happen offshore. This seven-hour sailing trip links Sliema with Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon, giving you long swim stops, a generous buffet, and a relaxed catamaran ride rather than a rushed speedboat transfer. I especially like the comfortable boat with sunbeds and toilets, plus the included beer, wine, water, and soft drinks. The main catch is that the route changes with the weather, and rough seas can make the outward journey uncomfortable.

The Spirit of Malta leaves Sliema at 10:30am and returns around 5:30pm. You will swim and snorkel in scenic bays, eat lunch during one of the stops, and usually find calm music early in the day before things turn livelier on the return trip. This is a social boat day, not a history tour, so come for swimming, scenery, food, and music rather than detailed commentary.

Key points to know before boarding

• The Blue Lagoon stop depends on weather: The captain adjusts the route and swimming bays to sea conditions.
• Lunch is more substantial than a basic snack: Cold cuts, cheeses, salads, bread rolls, and drinks are included.
• The open bar runs throughout the day: Beer, wine, water, and soft drinks are part of the price.
• Arrive early for the best place: The boat has sunny and shaded areas, but popular spots go first.
• The cruise shifts from calm to festive: Expect a quieter sail out and music, dancing, and party energy later.
• This is an adults-only experience: It is not suitable for anyone under 17.

Setting out from Sliema at 10:30am

Finding the boat is simple. The Spirit of Malta is the only catamaran in that part of the bay, and it is opposite The Black Sheep bar in Sliema. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to make your own way to the departure point.

I would arrive early, especially in July and August. Several passengers found that arriving around 45 minutes before departure helped them claim a comfortable place in the sun or shade. The upper deck has the best open-air feel, while the lower areas give you some shelter and a better chance of hearing announcements.

The boat is built for a full day at sea, not just a quick crossing. You have room to sit, lie down, or move around, and there are toilets onboard. A shower and pool noodles were also available during some departures, though you should treat extras such as these as useful additions rather than guaranteed features.

Once the catamaran leaves Sliema, the pace is deliberately easy. This is one of the main reasons I would choose it over a faster boat if you want the journey itself to be part of the day. The sailing can be smooth, but the sea is not always gentle. Several people found the trip out rough, especially before reaching Comino, so motion sickness tablets are sensible if you are prone to seasickness.

A boat made for sun, shade, and swimming

The Spirit of Malta is a large sailing catamaran with several places to settle in. You can sunbathe for much of the day, but do not underestimate the Maltese sun. A breeze can make the heat feel mild while your shoulders quietly turn red, so bring plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and water-friendly clothing.

The front of the boat can be exciting when the sea is lively, but it may also get sprayed. One useful tip is to keep bags away from the forward seating area or use the hooks near the upper deck. If you want the smoothest ride, the rear of the boat near the captain was suggested as a better choice when conditions are rough.

The upper deck offers the broadest views, but announcements can be hard to hear there. If you care about knowing exactly where the boat is going, sit closer to the crew or lower down. This is not a major problem because the route is flexible, but it is worth knowing that the captain’s commentary may not carry well across the whole boat.

The crew receives especially strong praise for being friendly, attentive, and quick at the bar. Names such as Hector and Axel were singled out by name for making the day more fun, while the wider crew was often praised for keeping the boat clean and helping with special celebrations. The staff also played requested music for hen parties, so the atmosphere can feel personal rather than purely routine.

Swimming in Comino’s clear bays

The exact stops are not fixed. The captain chooses bays according to wind and sea conditions, with the Blue Lagoon in Comino included when weather allows. On some days the catamaran visits both the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon. On others, rough water means Crystal Lagoon is viewed from the boat or replaced by another swimming area.

That flexibility is practical, but it means you should not treat every named bay as guaranteed. One passenger was disappointed when Crystal Lagoon was removed from the route, while others were pleased with the alternative stop. The Blue Lagoon remains the main attraction, but the changing plan is part of how the crew manages the day safely.

Swimming from the catamaran is the real highlight. You avoid the crowded strip of shore at the Blue Lagoon and enter the water from a boat with more space around you. The sea is bright and clear, and there is time to swim and snorkel rather than simply jump in for a quick photograph.

Bring your own snorkel gear if you have it. The supplied information does not promise equipment rental, and a waterproof phone case is a smart addition if you want photographs without risking your phone. Pool noodles were available on at least some sailings, which can help if you prefer to float rather than swim hard.

Jellyfish were spotted during one July departure, so pay attention before entering the water. This is not a reason to skip the stop, but it is a reminder to look around and follow the crew’s advice. The swimming areas are not private, and other boats may be nearby, particularly around the Blue Lagoon.

What the Blue Lagoon visit is really like

The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but it is also Malta’s most famous swimming stop. That brings crowds on land. From the catamaran, you get a better view of the water and can swim without joining the tightly packed shore area.

The boat anchors close enough for you to enjoy the lagoon, and you may be able to swim toward the beach or nearby caves. The exact setup depends on the captain and conditions. One optional extra mentioned during the stop is a fast boat trip into a cave, with a charge payable separately. It is not part of the cruise price, but several people considered it a memorable add-on.

I would not book this cruise expecting a guided visit through Comino. You receive scenery and access to the water, but not a detailed talk about the island’s history or geology. The captain’s announcements may also be difficult to hear from the top deck. For me, that is fine because the boat is designed around swimming and social time, not formal sightseeing.

The Blue Lagoon can also feel less peaceful than photographs suggest. The water may be lovely, but the area is popular. The catamaran helps by giving you a comfortable base away from the shore, yet you will still share the bay with other boats.

Lunch with cold cuts, salads, and plenty of bread

Lunch is served during one of the swimming stops, which makes sense on a long day when everyone is ready to eat. The spread includes turkey, smoked gammon, salami, cheddar cubes, feta, bread rolls, summer potato salad, bulgur wheat salad, vegetarian rice salad, pasta salad, and a tomato and onion salad that is vegan.

This is not a restaurant meal, but it is a good fit for a day at sea. The portions are generous, and several people were surprised by how much food was provided. The salads make the meal more varied than a simple sandwich, while the cold cuts and cheese give you something filling after swimming.

Food quality can vary by personal taste. Many people found lunch delicious and better than expected, while one person found the pasta disappointing. I would describe it as a plentiful buffet with useful vegetarian and vegan choices, rather than a culinary reason to book the cruise.

The crew encouraged people to eat more, which is welcome on a seven-hour outing. You are in the sun, swimming, and drinking, so a proper lunch matters. Bread rolls and snacks also help prevent the open bar from becoming an unfortunate substitute for food.

If you have a serious allergy, take the medication you need. The boat does not carry an EpiPen, according to one specific onboard warning. The published food details identify vegetarian and vegan salad choices, but they do not promise a fully allergy-free preparation area.

Open bar and the changing music

The open bar includes wine, beer, soft drinks, minerals, and water throughout the day. A reusable cup was provided on one departure, and the bar staff were praised for serving drinks steadily even when the boat was busy.

The drink selection is sensible rather than elaborate. Beer and wine receive particularly good marks, while one person wanted more soft drink choices, such as juices. If you want a wider range of alcohol, extras may be available at an additional price, but the standard package covers the basics well.

I like the way the mood changes gradually. The journey out is generally calmer, with time to sit in the sun, watch the coast, and talk. After lunch and the swimming stops, the music becomes more energetic, and dancing takes over on the return to Sliema.

This makes the cruise suitable for a mixed group. You can stay on the upper deck and relax while the party grows below or nearer the speakers. On several departures, passengers and crew danced together, and the music included a mix of styles rather than only one narrow club sound.

Still, do not mistake this for a quiet sailing yacht. If you dislike loud music or social drinking, the final part of the cruise may feel too lively. The experience works best when you are happy with a day that starts as a scenic boat ride and finishes as a floating party.

Is $105 good value for seven hours?

At $105 per person, this is more expensive than basic bus tours or cheaper boat trips to Comino. The price makes more sense when you count what is included: seven hours on a spacious catamaran, several swimming opportunities, buffet lunch, and an open bar with alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.

The boat itself is part of the value. A cheaper excursion may get you to Comino, but it may offer less space, a shorter stop, or fewer included drinks. Several people preferred this catamaran to less expensive double-decker tours because they had time to swim, sunbathe, eat, and stay at the bays for a useful length of time.

The value is strongest for adults who will use the full package. If you do not drink alcohol, you can still make good use of the boat, food, water, music, and swimming stops. But if you want a short, quiet, low-cost visit to the Blue Lagoon, this is more day than you need.

The overall score is 4.6 from 934 ratings, and the most repeated strengths are clear: friendly staff, plentiful food, flowing drinks, clean facilities, good music, and enough time in the water. The main cautions are rough seas, a flexible route, occasional difficulty hearing the captain, and the possibility that one expected lagoon will be skipped.

Who should book the Spirit of Malta?

I would choose this cruise for couples, groups of friends, solo adults, and celebrations such as hen parties. Solo passengers can fit in well because the boat encourages a sociable atmosphere, and the crew works hard to make people feel included.

It also suits you if you want several experiences in one day: a scenic cruise, swimming, snorkeling, lunch, drinks, and music. You do not need to organize separate transport to Comino or hunt for a restaurant during the busiest part of the day.

I would think twice if you are highly sensitive to motion, want a guaranteed visit to every named bay, or prefer a quiet nature trip. The open sea can be rough, and the route changes. People under 17 cannot join.

Cancellation is flexible if your plans change, with a full refund available when you cancel at least 24 hours ahead. You can also reserve now and pay later. The host or greeter support is available in English, Italian, French, and Spanish.

Should you book this Comino cruise?

Book it if you want a full, social day on the water and value the convenience of lunch and drinks included. The strongest reason to choose it is not simply the Blue Lagoon. It is the combination of a comfortable catamaran, long swim stops, a generous buffet, helpful staff, and a relaxed-to-party rhythm.

Arrive early, pack sunscreen, a hat, snorkel gear, a waterproof phone case, and motion sickness medicine if you need it. Sit toward the rear in rough weather, and remember that the Blue Lagoon is popular even when viewed from a boat.

I would recommend the Spirit of Malta to anyone who wants Comino with less rushing and more time in the sea. Just accept the flexible route and lively finish, and you are paying for a complete day out rather than a simple transfer to one crowded lagoon.

FAQ

Where does the Spirit of Malta catamaran depart from?

It departs from Sliema at 10:30am. The boat is opposite The Black Sheep bar and is easy to identify because it is the only catamaran in that area of the bay.

What time does the cruise return to Sliema?

The cruise returns at approximately 5:30pm.

Is the Blue Lagoon guaranteed?

The Blue Lagoon is visited when weather conditions allow. The captain may adjust the route and swimming stops according to the prevailing weather.

Does the cruise visit Crystal Lagoon?

Crystal Lagoon may be included, but it is not guaranteed. Rough conditions can mean the boat only passes by it or replaces it with another swimming stop.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The buffet includes cold cuts, cheeses, several salads, bread rolls, and vegetarian and vegan salad options.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes beer, wine, water, minerals, and soft drinks. Additional drinks may be available for a separate charge.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You need to arrange your own transport to and from the Sliema meeting point.

Can children join the cruise?

No. The experience is not suitable for people under 17.