Full-Day Catamaran Cruise with Lunch in Island of Malta

A full-day catamaran cruise in Malta is interesting in a simple way, you see the coast from the water, then you get real swim time without being herded like luggage. This one is designed for people who want a calmer day at sea, on a large craft with space to spread out.

I especially like the small-group feel that comes from a max of 44 people, plus the on-board setup with shaded tables and comfortable deck seating. I also like that you get included drinks all day, so you can focus on the views instead of budgeting for every soda.

The main drawback to consider is that the itinerary is weather dependent, and you might swap stops depending on conditions. If rough seas or rain are a big worry for you, plan to be flexible and bring a cover-up for the deck.

Key highlights you will actually care about

• Max 44 guests on the Tip Top One, with room to move instead of wall-to-wall bodies
• Comino Crystal Lagoon swim (weather permitting), with a St. Paul’s Island second swim
• On-board lunch served with beer, wine, soft drinks, and water all day
• No Blue Lagoon stop to avoid overcrowded water
• Restrooms on board, plus shaded seating and bean bags for sun time
• Snorkel gear available with a EUR 20 deposit, if you want to borrow it

Why the Tip Top One day cruise feels calmer than most Malta boat trips

Malta’s coastal waters are beautiful, but some boat days can feel like a floating crowd control exercise. This cruise is set up specifically so you do not have that problem. The Tip Top One is a 44-person catamaran craft, and the vibe stays relaxed because the boat is not packed to the point where you cannot breathe.

You get multiple places to enjoy the water: sun spots on the deck with bean bags, plus shaded tables if you want a break from the sun. From the start, the tone is practical and easy, and the crew runs a smooth operation so you spend your day on the sea instead of waiting around.

I also like the way the itinerary keeps you away from the worst bottlenecks. They even state they will not stop in the Blue Lagoon because the water gets crowded. That matters, because cramped boats tend to lead to shorter swim windows and more time standing in lines.

The other quiet win is the on-board layout. You are not just staring out a narrow window. You can actually sit, walk around, and reposition yourself for shade or sun as the day changes.

Getting to Picard Tigné and timing your day around a 10:30 departure

This cruise starts at Picard Tigné Seafront in Sliema at Daycruisemalta.com – Tip Top One. The practical detail is the timing: boarding starts at 10:15, they close boarding at 10:25, and departure is 10:30 sharp.

That means you want to arrive early, not casually. If you are coming from Valletta, the tour suggests taking the ferry. If you are thinking about driving, they recommend against your own car due to parking.

Once you are on board, the day runs until about 17:00, and it returns back to the meeting point. If you hate rushed mornings, build in extra buffer time for getting to Sliema and finding the exact dock area.

The feel on board: drinks, restrooms, shaded tables, and space to actually relax

The boat includes restrooms on board, which is a small detail until you are stuck on a day charter with no facilities. You also have shaded tables, which is important if the sun is strong and you want to eat and cool down without stepping off the boat.

The deck setup is part of the charm. You can claim a bean bag on the trampoline-style seating area for sunning, or sit at a cushioned spot if you want to keep things comfortable. Several experiences highlight that everyone gets a fair chance to relax, not just the early arrivals who grab the best spots.

On top of that, you get an all-day drinks plan: wine, beer, soft beverages, and water included. It keeps the day from turning into constant small purchases, and it also means you can linger longer between swim moments and feel like this is a real vacation day.

A nice bonus is that the cruise includes a lively, easy atmosphere. Reviews mention music, and the overall feel is friendly without being noisy or chaotic.

Morning start: the traditional Maltese platter and cruising with a view

Before the main swim stops, you begin with a traditional Maltese platter. This is a good warm-up, especially if you want to settle in, nibble, and get your bearings while the catamaran heads out.

You also start cruising around Malta’s island region. The goal here is not just transportation. It is sightseeing from the water, so you get a sense of how the coastline looks from above waves, cliffs, and coves.

This early part of the day is where you should slow down. If you treat the cruise like a checklist, you miss what makes it work. The early snack and the first stretch of sailing set you up for the later swim time, when you want to feel hungry, rested, and ready.

Stop 1 choice: Comino Crystal Lagoon or Gozo’s Ramla l-Hamra when conditions shift

Your first big stop is Comino, usually with Crystal Lagoon access, but only when weather permits. Comino is the star name people know, and this cruise tries to give you that experience without the crowd drama that comes with the most famous lagoon area.

If Comino is not workable due to weather, the tour uses an alternate option: Ramla l-Hamra in Gozo. That flexibility is not a bait-and-switch, it is a reality check. Malta’s water can change quickly with wind, so having an alternative stop keeps the day from collapsing.

Either way, you will get a proper swim window built into the plan. And when you get to the lagoon area, you are not just dropping anchor and leaving. There is time for relaxing, swimming, and taking in the shoreline scenery.

The takeaway: do not plan your expectations around one exact beach name. Plan for one beautiful first swim stop, and let the crew do the weather math.

Why they skip the Blue Lagoon, and how you still get great water time

The tour explicitly says it will NOT stop in Blue Lagoon because the waters are overcrowded. That tells you the company knows what ruins the experience: not the location, but the number of boats and people in the same water at the same time.

When you remove that bottleneck, you usually get more breathing room in the water and more time to enjoy what you came for. The day still includes the signature lagoon-style vibe, especially around Crystal Lagoon, but without the major crush.

This is also where the catamaran’s style helps. Instead of a tiny boat wedged into a crowd, you have more room on board and a smoother rhythm when it is time to swim.

If you are the type who likes the sound of waves, clear water, and a few minutes to yourself before the next group arrives, this decision is a big deal.

Lunch on board: chicken and pork options, salad, potatoes, bread, and note-taking for dietary needs

Lunch is served on the boat and includes chicken, pork, fresh green salad, potatoes of the day, and fresh bread. If you do not eat chicken and/or pork, you are asked to leave a note, including whether you need a vegetarian option.

This matters because on sea days, food is one of the biggest mood-makers. Here, you are not guessing. The menu is clear, and there is a process for dietary needs.

You also get the drinks with lunch and beyond: wine, beer, soft beverages, and water all day. That means you can eat slowly, rest in the shade, and then head back to the deck for the next swim stretch without feeling like the day is a series of hard stops.

One review also mentions seconds and an even more full feeling spread. Even if you are not counting on that, the practical point stays the same: lunch is not a sad snack. It is a real meal served in a calm setting.

St. Paul’s Island and the Grand Harbour loop: the second swim plus sightseeing value

After lunch, the cruise heads toward St. Paul’s Island for a second swim. Time permitting, there may also be a short visit around the Grand Harbour area, plus a harbor tour.

This is a smart mix of experiences. Comino-style water is about swimming and lagoon views. St. Paul’s Island shifts the day toward more open-water scenery and a different set of coastline shapes. Then the harbor part adds a Malta-city flavor, so the cruise does not feel like one long swim day without context.

A key note is that this part is also time dependent. The schedule can adjust based on conditions, and that can change how much of the harbor sightseeing you see. Still, the core idea stays: you get two swimming chances and some sightseeing around Malta’s big water moments.

If you like photos, this is also where you will get more variety. Lagoon light looks different than harbor light, and your pictures will look less repetitive.

Comfort details that add up: bean bags, shaded tables, group size, and how the crew manages it

The most repeated compliment is the comfort and space factor. The boat is large, but it still feels personal because the group size is limited. Many people highlight that it does not feel overcrowded, and you can find a spot that matches your energy level, sun or shade.

You have bean bags and deck seating for sun time. You also have shaded tables for eating and cooling off, which is a big deal on a day that runs from late morning until early evening.

And then there is the crew. Several reviews praise the staff for friendly service and thoughtful safety. You feel taken care of, not just processed. One named mention includes Manny and the crew, and that kind of specific acknowledgment is usually a sign the team actually shows up for the job, from helping with comfort to keeping the pacing smooth.

Practical tip: bring a light layer for the deck. Even in warm months, sea breeze can cool you off after swimming.

Price and value: is $156 worth it for a 6.5 hour catamaran day?

At $156 per person for roughly 6 hours 30 minutes, this is not the cheapest thing you can book in Malta. But it is also not trying to compete with bare-bones boat rides.

You are paying for a bundle that reduces decision fatigue:

• two swim opportunities (Comino or alternative, then St. Paul’s Island)
• lunch on board with food that is clearly spelled out
• drinks included all day
• restrooms on board and seating options throughout
• a crowd-avoiding philosophy, they skip Blue Lagoon

When value is good, it is because the included pieces remove the hidden costs. Here, drinks are included, and food is included. That alone can make the total feel fair versus buying everything separately at ports and on land.

Also, the group size helps justify the price. A less crowded cruise can be worth more than you expect, because your day feels longer when you are not squeezed into tight spaces.

If you are the kind of traveler who wants a calm, scenic water day, this price is easier to defend.

Who this cruise suits best, and who might want a different style

This trip fits best if you want:

• a less crowded catamaran day in Malta
• real swim time without racing through a crowded dock scene
• a meal and drinks handled for you
• enough room to relax, not just stand and watch

It may be less ideal if you hate being on a boat for most of the day. Even though it is comfortable, it is still a full-day sea activity. Also, because the itinerary is weather dependent, you cannot treat it as a rigid schedule.

If you are traveling as a couple, a family, or a group of friends, the deck comfort and seating options make it workable for mixed ages. If you are solo and want a friendly vibe without a party atmosphere, this also looks like a solid fit.

Should you book the Tip Top One full-day cruise with lunch?

Yes, you should book it if your top priority is a comfortable, not-overcrowded Malta water day. The biggest selling point is not just where you go, it is how you get there and how the day feels, calm pacing, shaded areas, bean bags, restrooms, and the crowd-avoidance approach with the Blue Lagoon skip.

Book it with flexibility in mind because the first stop can change based on conditions, and the schedule can shift. But if you arrive ready for a sea day, this looks like a strong use of your time in Malta.

If you want the quickest Malta boat option, skip this. If you want a slower, more breathable cruise experience with food and drinks taken care of, this is a very good call.

FAQ

What time does the Tip Top One catamaran cruise depart?

Boarding starts at 10:15 and closes at 10:25, with a 10:30 departure. The cruise returns around 17:00.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Daycruisemalta.com – Tip Top One – PicardTigné Seafront, Tas-Sliema, Malta. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is about 6 hours 30 minutes.

What is included in the price?

Lunch is included, along with drinks (wine, beer, soft beverage, and water) all day. The cruise also includes Comino Crystal Lagoon as weather permits, a second stop, and a harbor tour.

Does the tour stop at the Blue Lagoon?

No. The tour states it will not stop in the Blue Lagoon due to overcrowded waters.

What lunch is served on board?

Lunch includes chicken and pork, fresh green salad, potatoes of the day, and fresh bread. If you do not eat chicken and/or pork, or if you need a vegetarian option, you should leave a note.

Are snorkel masks and snorkels included?

Mask and snorkel can be borrowed, but there is a EUR 20 deposit if the set is damaged or lost.

Is a towel included?

No. Towel is not included.

How do drinks work during the cruise?

Wine, beer, soft beverages, and water are included all day, so you can have drinks during the cruising and between swim stops.

Is the itinerary fixed?

It can change due to weather conditions, including whether the first stop is at Comino’s Crystal Lagoon or an alternative location.