Malta: Blue Lagoon, Beaches & Bays Trip by Catamaran

This is one of those Malta days that feels more like a beach party with a purpose, not a slow sightseeing slog. You’ll cruise out on a modern catamaran from Sirens Quay, then spend hours floating, swimming, and snorkeling in famous turquoise water while music and a cocktail bar keep the mood up.

I especially love how the boat anchors away from the crowds for the Blue Lagoon swim, and I really like the way the crew keeps things fun with lively onboard vibes. The main thing to watch for is that the schedule depends on weather and sea conditions, so your exact second and third stops may shift.

You’re not signing up for quiet contemplation here. This is a lively, social catamaran trip with limited space planning (sun beds are first come, first served), and it’s not the right fit if you want a day entirely on land.

Key things I’d plan around

• Blue Lagoon swim without the chaos: the catamaran anchors slightly out, so you get turquoise water without being packed in tight at the shoreline.
• 2 to 3 swimming stops: after the Blue Lagoon, you may visit Crystal Lagoon, Anchor Bay (Popeye Village film set), and other top Malta coves.
• Music plus a bar: dance music onboard and a cocktail bar mean you can spend the ride between swims having fun.
• Optional BBQ on board: available on the day, with chicken halal kebabs and included sides if you choose it.
• Sun beds are limited: you’ll want to arrive early to claim the best spots on deck.
• Bring real swim gear: there are ladders for easy entry, but you’ll still want sunscreen, a towel, and anything for snorkeling comfort.

A half-day on the water, built around swim time

For me, the value of a catamaran day like this is simple. Malta’s coastline is stunning, but a big chunk of the best water only really shows up if you go out by boat and get time to swim. At 6 hours, this trip gives you that “in the water” rhythm instead of turning the day into a checklist.

The boat itself is described as modern and set up for comfort: you can lounge on sun loungers or relax on the catamaran nets, then hop in using three separate ladders. That matters in practice because you do not have to fight for one awkward ladder, and it helps keep the flow smooth when the boat drops anchor for swimming.

One note on the energy level: it’s a lively cruise. There’s dance music onboard, and drinks are available at the bar. So if you’re seeking quiet, this is probably not your day.

Getting there: Sirens Quay and the “right side of early”

The tour starts and ends at Sirens Quay. The meeting point is described as located behind Loa restaurant, and after your final swim stop you head back to the same location.

This is not one of those tours where you can stroll in at the last second. I’d plan to arrive early because sun beds on board are first come, first served, and several people specifically advise queuing to secure deck space. One tip I like: loungers toward the back of the ship are more sheltered, which can help if the wind cools things down later in the day.

Also, you’ll want cash on hand. Drinks can be purchased onboard, and cash is listed as something to bring. That said, at least one review notes you can also pay with card on board, so it sounds like you’ll have options if you prefer not to travel with cash.

Stop 1: Blue Lagoon swimming, anchored out for calmer water

The first swim stop is always the Blue Lagoon in Malta. The boat does not anchor inside the Blue Lagoon itself. Instead, it anchors slightly further out, away from the densest crowds.

What that means for you: you still get the iconic turquoise water, but you’re less likely to feel packed in right beside other groups at the waterline. The trip is built around this feeling, because the Blue Lagoon stop is the big swimming moment.

A smart practical detail here is the entry setup. The boat has three separate ladders, so you can get in and out without playing “traffic control” at a single point. Bring your swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen, and you’ll be set.

If you like snorkeling, bring your goggles if you have them. At least one person says they wished they’d brought their own, which is a good reminder because onboard gear comfort is personal.

One more practical reality: the catamaran is described as not stopping on land at any point. So if your idea of a perfect Blue Lagoon visit includes walking around, you’ll want to temper expectations and focus on the water experience rather than shore time.

Stop 2 and Stop 3: how weather picks your best bays

After the Blue Lagoon, you’ll usually get one or two additional stops, depending on sea conditions and weather. The exact order can change, but the options are all excellent for swimming and snorkeling.

Here are the possibilities worth mapping in your head before you go:

Crystal Lagoon

Crystal Lagoon is known for steep, dramatic cliffs and clear water that is deeper than the Blue Lagoon. That depth matters for snorkeling because it can make the water feel more “alive” and give you more to explore around the underwater terrain.

This is also where the optional BBQ may happen. If you choose it, the meal includes chicken halal kebabs plus a choice of couscous, pasta salad, green salad, bread, and one drink. In other words, it’s not just a snack. It’s a proper add-on if you want something warm between swims.

Anchor Bay and Popeye Village’s film set

Anchor Bay is on the list as a potential stop, with the chance to view the film set of Popeye’s Village. Even if you know Malta mainly for the water, this gives the trip a different flavor. You’re still at sea, still swimming, but you’re also seeing a recognizable landmark from a pop-culture context.

Other Malta bays that may replace or fill the remaining time

Depending on conditions, you might also go to Mellieha Bay, Golden Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa Bay, Ramla Bay, Imgiebah Bay, or Half Rock. The common thread is what you’re actually paying for: each of these is described as great for snorkelling and swimming.

The tradeoff is time and uncertainty. If you’re the kind of planner who wants specific scenery on specific days, you might feel a bit at the mercy of the sea. But for most people, that weather-based flexibility is also the secret sauce. It helps the crew pick the best water access rather than forcing you into places when conditions aren’t right.

The onboard vibe: music, cocktails, and making deck time count

This is a catamaran day with a clear social angle. Dance music runs onboard, and there’s a cocktail bar where you can buy drinks. Several reviews call out good music and great cocktails, while at least one person says the music selection could be better. In practical terms, think of it as an upbeat party soundtrack, not a concert.

What I like about this format is that it gives you easy “in-between” moments. Between swim stops, you’re not stuck just staring at the water. You can lounge on deck nets, grab a cocktail, and socialize, which makes the time feel full even if you’re not constantly in the sea.

One small planning trick: bring a wind layer if you tend to get cold. A wind jacket is specifically recommended for the route back because evenings can feel fresh even after a warm day.

Food on board: optional BBQ plus simple reality checks

Food is not included unless you choose the optional BBQ, and drinks are always extra. That said, if you do opt in, the BBQ meal described for the Crystal Lagoon stop includes a full set of sides and one drink.

Based on feedback, people tend to rate the BBQ lunch as better than expected. One vegetarian-friendly note also appears in the reviews, saying there was plenty to eat even with dietary needs like vegetarian. Just keep in mind the BBQ description lists specific sides, so if you have strict dietary requirements, you’ll want to be ready to ask what’s available on the day.

For drinks, expect bar pricing. Reviews mention cocktail costs around €8, so budget accordingly if you plan to drink more than occasionally. Cash is listed as something to bring, though card payments are also mentioned in at least one review.

What the 6 hours feels like in real time

Six hours sounds short on paper, but it works because the tour is structured around a rhythm: cruise, anchor, swim, cruise, swim again, then return to Bugibba (back to the start point at Sirens Quay).

You should expect downtime too. The sun loungers and nets are part of the experience. People who enjoyed this trip highlight how spacious the boat feels compared to smaller, more cramped options. That lines up with a lot of what matters on a day like this: you want room to move, dry off, and actually relax between swims.

If the sea is a bit rough, the good news is the boat is described as stable even with somewhat rough conditions in at least one review. Still, Malta can have chop, so if you’re sensitive to motion, pack that common-sense item like motion sickness medication.

Who this trip suits best, and who should skip it

This is a good match if you want:

• A social catamaran day with music and a bar
• Major swimming time in Malta’s famous bays
• A straightforward half-day format with multiple water stops
• A crew that keeps things organized, with people singled out for excellent care, including a crew member named Neil in one standout review

You should probably skip it if you want:

• A quiet, mostly seated sightseeing day
• A day centered on land walking, because the trip is described as not stopping on land
• Something that works for wheelchair users, since it’s not suitable
• A kid-friendly experience, because it’s not suitable for children under 12

If you’re traveling with friends or you’re in your “meet people and swim a lot” phase of travel, this is exactly the kind of day that hits.

Price and value: why $62 can feel like a steal

At about $62 per person for a 6-hour catamaran outing, the value comes from what’s included: the catamaran tour itself, an expert crew on board, and use of sun beds. Drinks and the optional BBQ are extra, but you’re not paying separately for the core experience of boat time and multiple swim stops.

A lot of cheaper day trips exist, and the tradeoff is often crowding and comfort. One review directly compares this style of boat to smaller, cheaper options, saying the catamaran felt larger and better equipped, with more space to lounge and sunbathe. That kind of “less cramped” comfort can be worth money on a summer day, especially when you’re spending hours between swims.

So the way I’d think about it is this: if you’re planning to swim and you want comfort and onboard energy, the price makes sense. If you only want one quick swim and you hate music and bars, you might prefer a quieter option and spend less.

Should you book Malta Blue Lagoon, Beaches & Bays by Catamaran?

I’d book it if you want a classic Malta water day with a party edge, and you’re happy to let the sea decide the best bays. The standout reasons are the Blue Lagoon swim anchored out, the mix of other snorkel-ready bays, and the overall deck setup with loungers and nets so you can actually rest after swimming.

Skip it if you need quiet, if land stops and shore walking matter to you, or if you’re not comfortable with onboard music and drinking being part of the vibe.

If you do book, my two best tips are these: arrive early to get the better sun bed spots, and pack a wind layer for the ride back. That combo alone makes the day feel smoother.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran trip?

The duration is 6 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Sirens Quay and ends back at Sirens Quay (behind Loa restaurant).

How many places does the boat stop for swimming?

You’ll stop in 2 to 3 different locations. The first stop is the Blue Lagoon, and the other stops depend on weather and sea conditions.

Is swimming included, and is snorkeling possible?

Yes. You’ll have swimming at each stop, and several stops are described as great for snorkelling and swimming.

Is the BBQ included in the price?

No. The BBQ is optional and can be purchased on the day of your trip.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included and can be purchased at the bar onboard.

Is this trip suitable for wheelchair users and children under 12?

No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users, and it is also not suitable for children under 12.