Full-Day Catamaran Cruise with Lunch in Island of Malta

Malta is best seen from the water. This cruise pairs spacious catamaran comfort with swimming stops around Comino and St. Paul’s Island, so you get scenery, sea time, food, and a little sightseeing in one day. I especially like the 44-person maximum and the choice between shaded tables, cushioned seating, and bean bags in the sun.

I also like that lunch, wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are included throughout the cruise. The main consideration is that the boat does not stop in the Blue Lagoon itself because of the crowds, and the route can change with weather. If you want a busy beach stop, this is not that trip. If you want clear water without being packed onto a boat with hundreds of people, it makes much more sense.

Key points to know before booking

• Maximum of 44 people: The boat is designed for a less crowded day, with space to sit, stretch out, and move around.
• Two swimming opportunities: The usual plan includes a stop near Comino, followed by another swim around St. Paul’s Island.
• Lunch and drinks included: Expect chicken, pork, salad, potatoes, bread, wine, beer, soft drinks, water, coffee, and cake.
• Blue Lagoon viewed, not visited: You cruise past the famous sight but avoid stopping in its packed waters.
• Shade and onboard facilities: Shaded tables, restrooms, bean bags, and deck seating make six and a half hours at sea easier.
• Weather controls the route: Crystal Lagoon, Ramla l-Hamra, the Grand Harbour, and the timing of stops can change.

Why the Tip Top One feels different from Malta’s big boat trips

Malta’s most famous swimming areas can become crowded very quickly. The Blue Lagoon is the classic example: beautiful water, plenty of photo opportunities, and a great many boats competing for the same patch of sea.

Tip Top One takes a different approach. The boat carries a maximum of 44 people, and that limit matters. You are less likely to spend the day shoulder to shoulder, hunting for a seat or waiting for a clear path to the swimming ladder. The catamaran has shaded tables for lunch, side seating with views, and bean bags on the forward nets for sunbathing.

I would not call it a private cruise. Forty-four people is still a group, and the exact number aboard can vary. But compared with the large boats seen around Comino, the setup should feel calmer and easier to manage. Several people specifically enjoyed having enough room for couples, families, and older passengers to use different parts of the boat without crowding one another.

The mood is another part of the appeal. Music plays during the cruise, but the atmosphere is generally described as relaxed rather than party-focused. You can sit with a drink, watch the coast pass, and let the crew handle the practical details.

Boarding in Sliema at 10:15

The departure point is the Tip Top One berth at the Picard Tigné Seafront in Tas-Sliema. Boarding begins at 10:15 am, closes at 10:25, and departure is scheduled for 10:30 sharp. I would treat that time seriously. Missing a large ferry is inconvenient. Missing a catamaran that has already left is much worse.

If you are staying in Valletta, the ferry is the suggested way to reach Sliema. The departure point is near public transportation, but your ticket does not include a transfer. If you are considering driving, think twice. Parking is described as difficult, so a taxi is the more sensible option.

Once aboard, you can settle into a shaded table or find a place on the open deck. The crew usually begins with a traditional Maltese platter, giving you something to eat while the boat gets underway and the coastline opens up.

That first snack is useful for another reason. A full day on the sea can feel long if you wait until lunch to eat, especially if the water becomes choppy. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where you can see the horizon, eat lightly at first, and avoid assuming that an open bar means you should drink early in the day.

Comino and the Crystal Lagoon without the Blue Lagoon crush

The first major stop is planned for Comino’s Crystal Lagoon, weather permitting. Crystal Lagoon sits close to the famous Blue Lagoon, but the two are not treated the same way on this cruise.

You will see the Blue Lagoon from the boat, but the catamaran does not stop there. That decision is central to the experience. You give up the chance to step into the exact water most people associate with Comino, but you also avoid the packed anchorage and heavy boat traffic that make the area less peaceful.

At Crystal Lagoon, the focus is swimming and enjoying the water from the boat. Bring a towel, since one is not included, and expect to handle your own mask and snorkel arrangements. Equipment can be borrowed, but a EUR 20 deposit is required if the set is damaged or lost.

The water conditions decide how much of this plan happens. If Crystal Lagoon is not suitable, the first stop may move to Ramla l-Hamra in Gozo. That means you should think of the swimming location as weather-dependent rather than guaranteed.

The stop is not designed as a long land visit. You are not being sent ashore for a beach afternoon or a walk around Comino. This is a water-based outing, best suited to someone who wants to swim, sunbathe, take photos, and enjoy the boat itself.

Lunch with chicken, pork, salad, potatoes, and bread

Lunch is served onboard after the first stop. The planned meal includes chicken, pork, fresh green salad, potatoes of the day, and fresh bread. Portions are described as generous, with seconds available on some sailings.

That is an important part of the price. A $156 cruise can look expensive if you compare it only with a basic boat ticket. Here, the fee also covers a proper meal, a traditional platter earlier in the day, and drinks throughout the cruise. Wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are included, and some sailings also provide coffee and cake.

You should notify the operator if you do not eat chicken or pork, or if you need a vegetarian meal. Dietary accommodation has been handled well, including requests involving gluten and lactose intolerance, but it is still your responsibility to leave the note when booking.

The lunch setup is casual. You eat at a shaded table rather than stopping at a restaurant, so this is not a formal dining experience. That works well with a swimsuit, sea air, and a day built around swimming. If you are sensitive to motion, you might prefer a smaller portion and a quiet seat while the boat is moving.

St. Paul’s Island and the second swim

After lunch, the catamaran cruises toward St. Paul’s Island for another opportunity to get into the water. This second stop helps balance the day. You are not asked to spend six and a half hours simply sitting on deck while the boat follows a sightseeing route.

The exact anchorage depends on sea conditions and the captain’s judgment. The aim is to find a pleasant place for swimming away from the worst crowds. You can stay aboard, swim, relax on a bean bag, or sit in the shade. The choice is yours, which makes the stop work for mixed groups.

People who enjoy snorkeling should find the two-stop structure useful, though the boat does not promise a particular marine-life experience. Bring your own equipment if you have it, or arrange to borrow a set with the required deposit. A towel is not supplied, so pack one before leaving your hotel.

On some departures, the crew also uses a small tender to take people closer to caves and sheltered coastal spots. This is a memorable extra when conditions and time allow, but I would not book the cruise solely for that feature. The confirmed core of the day is the catamaran cruise, swimming stops, food, drinks, and coastal sightseeing.

A possible Grand Harbour visit before returning

If the schedule and weather cooperate, the route can include a short tour of the Grand Harbour. This gives you a different view of Valletta and the Three Cities, with Malta’s built-up shoreline seen from offshore.

The harbor section is shorter and less active than the swimming stops. I see it as a bonus rather than the main reason to book. If you want an in-depth historical tour of Valletta, choose a land-based guide. From the boat, the value comes from seeing the harbor entrance, fortifications, and waterfront from a broad viewpoint.

The cruise returns to Sliema at about 5 pm. The full experience lasts approximately six hours and 30 minutes, including the time spent anchored, eating, swimming, and cruising between sites.

What the boat offers during six and a half hours

A day at sea can become uncomfortable if the boat lacks basic facilities. Tip Top One has onboard restrooms, shaded tables, cushioned seating, and room to walk around. That makes it more suitable for families and older passengers than a small open boat with little protection from the sun.

The bean bags are a major part of the appeal. You can stretch out on the forward deck and sunbathe, then move back to the shade when Malta’s midday heat becomes too strong. Having both options is better than being assigned one cramped seat for the entire cruise.

The bar remains available through the day, with wine, beer, soft drinks, and water included. That saves you from carrying a large supply of drinks, though I would still bring sun protection and perhaps a small personal snack if you have particular dietary needs.

The catamaran’s size also helps with the views. You can sit at a table, use the side seats, or move toward the front for a more open view of the sea. The boat is not silent, since music is part of the atmosphere, but the mood is generally easygoing.

Is $156 good value for Malta?

At $156 per person, this is not Malta’s cheapest boat outing. The price makes sense only if you value comfort and an all-day package rather than simply wanting transport to Comino.

For the fee, you receive:

• Approximately six and a half hours on the water
• A traditional Maltese platter
• Lunch with chicken, pork, salad, potatoes, and bread
• Wine, beer, soft drinks, and water throughout the day
• Two planned swimming opportunities
• Sightseeing around Comino and the Blue Lagoon
• A possible Grand Harbour tour
• Shaded seating and onboard restrooms
• A maximum capacity of 44 people

Large, cheaper cruises may offer similar coastal views, but the difference is often the amount of personal space. If you see value in avoiding an overcrowded boat, having a table for lunch, and getting unlimited included drinks, the extra cost is easier to justify.

I would not recommend paying this price if you mainly want a quick Blue Lagoon visit. This cruise specifically avoids stopping in the Blue Lagoon. You are paying for a slower, more comfortable day with swimming and sightseeing away from the heaviest crowds.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I think this is a strong choice for couples, families, and small groups who want a full day at sea without a nightclub atmosphere. It also suits people who like to choose between sun and shade, rather than committing to one style of boat trip.

It can work for mixed-age groups because the boat has tables, restrooms, open deck space, and seating options. Parents should still remember that swimming conditions and boat movement require normal care around children.

You will probably enjoy it if you want:

• A quieter alternative to packed Comino cruises
• Two chances to swim
• Food and drinks included in the price
• A comfortable boat with shade and restrooms
• A relaxed day with some sightseeing
• Flexible seating for sunbathing or staying cool

You may prefer another activity if you want a long visit on land, a detailed historical tour, a high-energy party boat, or a guaranteed Blue Lagoon stop. The route is weather-dependent, and the advertised stops can change.

The cruise requires at least 10 people to operate. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability. The booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed for personal reasons, so check your schedule carefully. If poor weather cancels the cruise, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number is not reached.

My practical advice for a smoother day

Arrive early enough to board by 10:15. Wear a swimsuit under your clothes, bring a towel, and pack strong sun protection. A hat and sunglasses are useful, but secure them carefully on deck.

Bring a small waterproof bag for your phone and valuables. You will be moving between swimming, lunch, shaded tables, and open seating, so keeping essentials together saves time.

If you want a bean bag in the sun, board promptly. The boat has a good amount of space, but the most appealing seats are still the first ones people choose.

Leave dietary notes when you book. Chicken and pork are the standard lunch meats, while vegetarian alternatives and other dietary requests need advance notice.

Finally, keep your plans flexible. Crystal Lagoon may be replaced by Ramla l-Hamra, the Grand Harbour may be shortened or omitted, and swimming locations can change with the weather. The crew’s job is to find the safest and most enjoyable route available that day.

Should you book Tip Top One?

I would book this cruise if your ideal Malta day includes clear water, two swims, a proper lunch, open bar service, and plenty of room to sit or stretch out. The strongest reason to choose it is not simply the view. It is the combination of limited passenger numbers, attentive service, and a relaxed pace.

I would skip it if your main goal is to stand on the Blue Lagoon shore or spend the day exploring Comino on foot. For everyone else, the $156 price is reasonable when you use the full package: food, drinks, facilities, swimming, caves when available, and a more comfortable boat than the crowded alternatives.

FAQ

Where does the Tip Top One cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Daycruisemalta.com, Tip Top One, at Picard Tigné Seafront in Tas-Sliema, Malta. It returns to the same meeting point.

What time should I arrive?

Boarding begins at 10:15 am, boarding closes at 10:25 am, and the boat departs at 10:30 am sharp. The scheduled return is around 5 pm.

Does the cruise stop at the Blue Lagoon?

No. The cruise sights the Blue Lagoon but does not stop there because the waters are overcrowded. The first swimming stop is planned for Crystal Lagoon in Comino, weather permitting, or Ramla l-Hamra in Gozo.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch includes chicken, pork, fresh green salad, potatoes of the day, and fresh bread. A Maltese platter is served earlier, and wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are included throughout the day. Coffee and cake may also be served.

Are snorkeling equipment and towels provided?

Towels are not included. Masks and snorkels can be borrowed, but a EUR 20 deposit is required in case the equipment is damaged or lost.

Can the itinerary change?

Yes. Weather conditions can change the swimming stop and route. A Grand Harbour visit is included when time permits, and the cruise can be canceled if weather is poor or the minimum number of 10 people is not reached.