Comino: Blue Lagoon Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Open Bar

Few days in Malta feel this easy, you lean back on the Spirit of Malta catamaran and let Comino’s coves do the talking. I love the way this cruise blends real sailing with long swim time, and I love that your lunch plus an open bar are included in the ticket. The one drawback to plan around is that the route is not fixed, so weather can affect which lagoons you get to.

You also get two moods in one day: a relaxed cruise with top hits on board, then later a party phase with dancing. Expect toilets on the boat and an atmosphere that works for couples, friends, and even solo travelers, as long as you are ok with a day that is more about sea time than history stops.

Key Things I’d Book This For

• The catamaran itself: Spirit of Malta is described as one of the best boats in Malta, and it tends to feel less cramped than the “party ferry” crowd.
• Open bar all day: beer, wine, and soft drinks run alongside your included lunch.
• Swim and snorkeling breaks: you stop in multiple bays, not just one quick dip.
• Blue Lagoon in Comino, weather permitting: when conditions line up, it is the big payoff.
• Onboard vibe that shifts: chill sailing most of the day, then music and dancing later.

Sliema to Comino, on the Spirit of Malta Catamaran

This is a 7-hour sea day built around comfort and time in the water. The Spirit of Malta sailing catamaran leaves Sliema at 10:30 am and heads toward Comino’s best swimming areas, with a return to Sliema around 5:30 pm. No hotel pickup is included, so you are walking up to the boat on your own.

Finding the vessel is straightforward. It is the only catamaran in that part of the bay, and you will spot it opposite The Black Sheep bar in Sliema. That detail matters, because it is easy to get turned around when you are looking for boats in a busy waterfront zone.

What I like here is the “built for cruising” feel. You are not bouncing around like you are on a tiny speedcraft all day. Still, real sea weather happens, and some reviews mention rougher stretches out to the lagoons. The sweet spot is booking this when you are ready for a day on the water, not a guarantee of a perfectly smooth ride.

If you are prone to seasickness, take it seriously. Several people specifically advise bringing sea-sickness medication. If you want to maximize comfort, aim for seating where you feel the motion less, often back of the boat is the move when conditions turn.

Why This Day Trip Feels Better Than a Land Tour

At $105 per person, this is not the cheapest thing you can do in Malta. But it is also not “just a ticket.” You are paying for a full day on the water, with a buffet lunch and an open bar. When you price it against a typical pay-as-you-go boat day, the math usually starts to make sense fast, especially if you actually drink beer or wine.

You also avoid the “sit on a bus, rush, repeat” rhythm. This cruise is about time at the stops. The boat anchors in different bays, and you get swimming and snorkeling breaks that are long enough to actually enjoy the water, not just splash and go.

One more practical advantage is space. Reviews repeatedly say the catamaran does not feel as jammed as other options in the same area. You can find sun time, shade time, and places to hang out between swims. Some people even mention extra water-friendly items onboard like pool noodles, plus a shower.

Finally, this is not a history lecture cruise. If you want guided talking points about Malta’s past, this is not that style. If you want a fun sea day, with views and a swim-focused plan, this fits.

Weather-Driven Stops, and How to Think About That

The biggest “read the fine print” point is that there is no fixed program. The captain sails according to prevailing weather conditions. That means the day can vary: you will stop for swimming and snorkeling in different bays, and you visit the famous Blue Lagoon in Comino when weather permits.

On paper, that can sound annoying. In practice, it often makes the experience better because safety and comfort come first. When conditions are rough, you do not want a plan that forces every stop anyway.

Here is how to handle this mindset as a traveler. If Blue Lagoon is your number one priority, you are still likely to get it on many days, but you should treat it as weather-dependent. If your priority is actually swimming in clear water and spending time on the sea, you can stay happy even if the exact combination of bays changes.

One tip from real experience: you might need to keep your expectations flexible for places like Crystal Lagoon too. One review notes the captain changed the plan at the last minute when Crystal Lagoon got too rough, even though it had been on the expectation. That is not a failure, it is the reality of sea days.

The Blue Lagoon Payoff in Comino (and What to Do There)

When the weather cooperates, Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the main event. Even if the shore area gets busy, the boat side of the experience is different. You anchor offshore and swim from there, which means you are not stuck in the packed beach crowd. The water color is exactly why this spot has a reputation, and the boat visit is the way to access it without spending your day walking through lines.

Once you are in the water, you have choices. People mention swimming over and exploring the beach area, and some also mention going toward caves. There is even an optional add-on linked to the cave area: a 600 horsepower boat ride into the caves is offered at Blue Lagoon for an extra cost, and one review says not to miss it.

If you are bringing a waterproof phone case, this is a great place to use it. People also advise snorkeling gear in general terms, and if you want to film, plan for spray. Some visitors get soaked more than they expected, especially depending on where they sit and how the water moves against the hull.

Also keep an eye out for jellyfish. One review specifically warns about watching for them. It is not a reason to panic, just a reminder to be cautious when you enter the water and to know where others are snorkeling safely.

Lunch on Board: Buffet Food That Actually Fills You Up

Lunch is served during one of the swimming stops. The buffet includes a mix of meats, cheeses, and salads, plus bread rolls. Included items include cold cuts such as turkey, smoked gammon, and salami, and cheeses like cheddar cubes and feta. For salads, there are options such as summer potato salad, bulgur wheat salad, vegetarian rice salad, pasta salad, and Roma tomatoes and onion salad, with a vegan option listed too.

What stands out from the feedback is not just that food exists, it is that the portions feel generous. Multiple reviews say there was more food than expected and that it was plentiful enough for a long day. One person even calls it more filling than they expected, which matters because you are burning calories swimming.

Food quality seems strong overall, but it is worth being honest: one review says the pasta was not great. That tells you the lunch is buffet-style, built for lots of people, not fine dining. Still, most comments rate the lunch and included snacks as genuinely good.

If you are picky, I’d go with the “protein plus salad plus bread rolls” approach. If you are vegetarian, you have multiple salad choices and a vegetarian rice salad listed. If you have allergies, the safest move is to bring your own allergy medicine, since one review mentions there is no epipen on board.

The Open Bar: Beer, Wine, and Soft Drinks, Kept Flowing

If you are looking for value, this is one of the main reasons people love the cruise. The open bar includes beer, wine, and soft drinks, plus water and minerals throughout the day. Reviews repeatedly say the bar service is efficient, with one person praising the bartender for keeping up with everyone.

A lot of sea-day value comes down to whether the bar feels “real” or “cheap and annoying.” Here, it seems more like the real thing. People describe drinks as cold and plentiful, and at least one review points out beer quality from a Belgian perspective, which is a funny and useful detail.

You may also receive a reusable cup for drinks, which is a small but practical touch. And if you are expecting a strict “only these hours” open bar, you should plan for it to run across the day alongside lunch and the later party phase.

One small improvement suggested in feedback is more soft drink options, like juices. If you are a non-alcohol drinker, you will still have soft drinks, but if you need very specific brands or flavors, you might want to plan a backup expectation.

The Party Portion: Music, Dancing, and a Good Time Without Pressure

A key detail people love is the music plan. It is not a nonstop club blasting at max volume all day. One review describes the day as chill first, then party later after the Crystal and Blue Lagoon stops.

After lunch, the vibe shifts. You get music and dancing to top hits and groovy rhythms. If you love that kind of atmosphere, you will probably have a grin on your face the entire ride back. If you prefer quiet, you can still opt out by staying where the sound feels less intrusive, like on deck areas that let you enjoy sun and wind.

This is also a common “celebration day” for groups. Reviews mention bachelorette parties and friendship groups, and the atmosphere seems welcoming for mixed cultures. One review specifically praises the music as a great mix of cultures, with something for everyone.

Just be realistic: if you want silence and a book every minute, this is not that. But if you want fun, then chill, then fun again, it hits the mark.

Comfort and Safety Tips That Matter in Real Life

A day on the Blue Lagoon catamaran sounds simple, but comfort depends on small choices. Here is what I would do if I booked this again.

First, arrive early. People emphasize getting a good spot on the ship. If you want shade, grab it early. If you want sun, get there before everyone locks in their towels. One review says they arrived around 45 minutes before departure and found room to switch between sun and shade.

Second, pack sun protection like it is your main activity. You are on a boat in strong Malta sun, and with sea breeze you can underestimate how fast you burn. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and ideally sunglasses.

Third, be ready for spray. Depending on seating, you might get wet. One reviewer describes getting soaked sitting on the right hand side near the front. If you hate wet gear, hang bags using hooks above the cabin mentioned in reviews, or choose seating that stays drier.

Fourth, consider motion. Some reviews describe rough water going out. If sea sickness is your issue, bring medication. If you want to reduce discomfort, seating closer to the captain or near the back is suggested by at least one review.

Fifth, bring snorkeling essentials if you have them. The cruise includes snorkeling stops, and some reviews mention snorkeling gear and water shoes as helpful. Even if you do not bring your own, you still want water-friendly footwear and a waterproof phone setup if you plan to film.

Who This Catamaran Cruise Is For (and Who Should Skip It)

This is best for people who want a full day at sea with swims, food, and drinks included. It is also ideal if you like the “social but not chaotic” style. Reviews include solo travelers and big groups, and the general theme is that the crew is friendly and attentive.

It suits celebration trips too. The mix of chill sailing plus dancing later makes it feel like a floating party without being a full club night.

It is not for everyone. The cruise is not suitable for people under 17. If you are traveling with teens, check other options that match their age.

If you are extremely sensitive to rough water and you hate motion, this might still be rough on the wrong day. Weather changes the plan, and while catamarans are often comfortable, open water is open water. If you are that traveler, pick a calm weather window or bring motion meds.

Final Call: Should You Book This Blue Lagoon Catamaran?

I think this is a strong buy if your goal is a fun sea day with included lunch and real open bar, plus serious time in the water. For many people, the value comes from getting everything in one ticket: transportation on a top boat from Sliema, multiple swim stops, buffet lunch, and unlimited-ish drinks all day.

Book it if:

• Blue Lagoon in Comino is on your list, and you are flexible about weather.
• You want a mix of relax and party, with dancing later.
• You appreciate that this is not a history-heavy tour, it is a water-focused experience.

Skip it if:

• You need a strict schedule and guaranteed stops, because the captain sails based on conditions.
• You want quiet and low energy the whole day.
• You are traveling with someone under 17.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

It lasts about 7 hours. It departs at 10:30 am and returns to Sliema at around 5:30 pm.

Where do I meet the boat in Sliema?

Meet opposite The Black Sheep bar in Sliema. The Spirit of Malta is the only catamaran in that area of the bay.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What food and drinks are included?

A buffet lunch is served during one of the swimming stops. Food includes cold cuts, cheeses, salads, and bread rolls. The open bar includes beer, wine, minerals, water, and soft drinks.

Does the cruise always visit the Blue Lagoon in Comino?

Blue Lagoon is visited weather permitting. The cruise does not have a fixed program and sails according to prevailing weather conditions.

Is swimming or snorkeling part of the experience?

Yes. The cruise includes swimming and snorkeling stops in different bays, with the lunch served during one stop.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.