Comino day trips, but with catamaran comfort. On the Spirit of Malta you sail from Sliema, stop for swimming and snorkeling, and the open bar keeps wine and beer flowing while the buffet lunch is more filling than you might expect. The only catch: the day is weather-dependent, so the order of swim spots can shift, and the ride can feel choppy on certain departures.

I like that this trip is built for people who want a full day on the water without the stress of constant transfers. You also get on-board conveniences like toilet facilities, plus a laid-back-but-fun crew that keeps the energy moving. The tradeoff is that this is more party cruise than history lecture, so if you want quiet, in-depth commentary, you’ll want a different style of tour.

Key takeaways before you go

• Weather-driven route means swim stops are chosen based on conditions, not a rigid script
• Spirit of Malta catamaran comfort gives you space to spread out on sun decks and shaded areas
• Open bar all day covers wine, beer, minerals, and soft drinks, with water on board
• Lunch that holds you over includes cold cuts, cheeses, salads, bread rolls, and vegetarian options
• Music and dancing after lunch ramps up the vibe, while the top deck still works if you want to chill

Getting on the Spirit of Malta in Sliema

Your day starts in Sliema. The Spirit of Malta sails at 10:30am, and you’ll return to Sliema around 5:30pm, so you get a real chunk of daylight for Comino water time.

Finding the boat is refreshingly easy. In the bay area, it’s the only catamaran around, and it’s located opposite The Black Sheep bar. That matters because boat tours can eat your morning if you’re hunting for the right dock.

Once you’re aboard, the whole setup is designed for a slow, comfortable cruise. Think sunbathing, shade-hopping, and lounging while the coastline slides by. A lot of people also love that the catamaran format feels steadier than the faster speedboat-style outings, especially on the way there.

How the weather controls your Comino route

Here’s the real logic behind this cruise: there’s no fixed programme. The captain sails according to prevailing weather conditions, then chooses the best bays for swimming. That sounds vague, but it usually means fewer wasted stops and more time where the water looks good.

The big target is Comino’s Blue Lagoon, but it’s listed as weather permitting. On rougher or windier days, you may spend more time at other sheltered swimming spots instead. Either way, the day is built around multiple swim moments, not just one quick dip.

One practical point: you should plan for the possibility of choppier water during the sail to the lagoons. You’ll see this in the feedback as a recurring theme. If you’re sea-sick-prone, you’ll be happier if you take the usual precautions and pick a calmer spot on board.

Blue Lagoon swimming time, snorkel views, and the cave speedboat add-on

The Blue Lagoon stop is the headline, and for good reason. This is the kind of water where you can actually tell why people plan entire trips around Comino. The boat typically anchors so you can swim right from the water, with an easy option to head toward the beach area.

What I like about this style of stop is the flexibility once you’re in the water. You can keep it simple and swim and snorkel near the boat, or you can push further toward caves if you want a more adventurous outing once you’re in that area.

One extra you may hear about on board is a speedboat cave option paid separately during the Blue Lagoon time window. Some people strongly recommend it because it’s a different perspective than just swimming the surface. If caves are your thing, you’ll want to ask what’s available on the day, then decide quickly so you don’t miss your window.

Also, a quick nature note. Some areas around Comino can have jellyfish at times, so it’s smart to keep an eye out when you’re in the water. Simple protection like swim shoes can help you feel more confident.

Extra lagoon stops, including the Crystal Lagoon possibility

Besides Blue Lagoon, the cruise includes other scenic bays around Malta and Comino. The exact spots can change day to day because the captain is working with the conditions, not a printed schedule.

In some departures, you may get a second big-name lagoon stop such as the Crystal Lagoon area. When that happens, it turns the day into a two-lagoon swim marathon, with time to rinse off, reorder your beach towel strategy, and hit the water again without feeling rushed.

Even if your day includes just one main lagoon, the cruise design still helps. You get swimming/snorkeling at different bays, and that variety can keep the day from feeling like one long crowded beach session.

If you’re trying to capture photos or video, bring gear that handles splashy boat life. People recommend a waterproof phone case, and it makes sense. Between sea spray and the chaos of people doing their best to not get soaked, waterproof protection is cheap insurance.

Buffet lunch and open bar, plus vegetarian options

Lunch on this cruise is served as a buffet during one of the swim stops, which is a smart way to keep the momentum. You’re not waiting on a meal after you’re done with the water, and it also helps you avoid the feeling of being hungry and overheated.

The buffet lineup is also more diverse than what you might expect from a day trip. You get:

• Cold cuts such as turkey, smoked gammon, and salami
• Cheddar cubes and feta cheese
• Several salads, including potato salad, bulgur wheat salad (vegetarian), vegetarian rice salad, pasta salad, and tomato and onion salad (vegan)
• Bread rolls

That vegetarian and vegan coverage is genuinely useful. If you don’t eat meat, you’re not stuck with one sad option.

Then there’s the open bar. The included drinks cover wine, beer, and soft drinks, plus mineral water throughout the day. The vibe here matters as much as the inventory. The crew works hard to keep things flowing, so you don’t end up staring at the bartender or waiting for your next drink.

One nice bonus from the onboard culture: people have also described small extra treats after lunch. It’s not a guarantee you can plan your expectations around, but it’s part of what keeps the lunch feel like more than just fuel.

Music and party energy on deck, with room to chill

After lunch, the atmosphere shifts. The plan is music and dancing to popular tracks, with party energy building toward the later part of the cruise. You’ll hear that the music is a mix of cultures and genres, and it tends to start more laid-back, then grows more upbeat as the day goes on.

At least some crew members show up as real personalities. Names that pop up in the feedback include Hector, and an Axel is also mentioned. That human factor matters on a cruise like this. When the crew is having fun and actively steering the mood, the party feels like an event, not just background noise.

That said, you’re not forced into the dance floor. The boat has a top deck where you can tan, watch the water, and stay out of the chaos if you want a calmer experience. This is one of the biggest reasons the trip works for mixed groups, including bachelorettes and mixed-age friend groups.

Also, on-board comfort helps you keep enjoying it. Toilet facilities are on board, and the overall boat setup is kept clean, which you notice fast once you’re spending hours in salt air and sunscreen.

Price and value at around $105 for 7 hours afloat

At about $105 per person for roughly 7 hours, the real question is what you get that you’d otherwise pay for separately.

You’re paying for:

• A full catamaran outing with sailing and time in multiple swim locations
• Buffet lunch
• An open bar (wine, beer, soft drinks, plus minerals and water)
• A party atmosphere after lunch

That can be great value if you treat this as your main day. If you were to buy lunch and drinks plus pay for separate boat transport, the math usually stops being friendly fast.

I also think this is a strong value choice compared with cheaper, more basic day trips. You’re not just getting a ride; you’re getting a day built around water time, food, and drinks. One review theme is that the catamaran experience felt better than faster boats, mainly because it’s more comfortable for lounging.

Two practical price-adjacent notes:

• There’s no hotel pickup, so you need to get yourself to Sliema
• It’s not suitable for people under 17, so plan accordingly for families

Who this cruise is best for in Malta

This is one of those Malta experiences that fits a wide range of travelers as long as you match your expectations.

Book it if you:

• Want maximum time in Comino water, not a quick photo stop
• Like a mix of relaxing and fun
• Want food and drinks included so you don’t manage a budget mid-day
• Travel in groups, including bachelorette and friend celebrations

It also works well for solo travelers. One of the charms of a cruise setup is that you don’t have to invent social plans all day. You can talk with people during drinks and meals, then retreat back to your spot when you need quiet.

Avoid it if you need:

• Deep history or structured sightseeing narration. This cruise is about sea time and fun, not museum-style commentary.
• A totally quiet day. There’s music and dancing after lunch.

If you’re sea-sick-prone, you can still consider it, but plan for it. The route is weather dependent, and some departures can feel rougher on the way out. Taking sea-sickness precautions is one of the smartest moves you can make.

Pack list for sun, sea, and swim comfort

This is a full-day boat day, so your packing list should aim at staying comfortable in sun, water, and salt spray.

Bring:

• Sunscreen and a hat. Sun can sneak up even when you’re moving on water
• Swim wear you can actually use in and out of the water
• A waterproof phone case if you care about photos or video
• Water shoes or protective footwear if you want less worry in the shallows
• Sea-sickness medication if you get motion sick. People explicitly recommend this, and it’s good common sense

Also think about what happens when people splash. One tip from the day-to-day reality of boat life is to keep bags and belongings secured. People mention hooks near the upper cabin area so you can hang items above the splash zone.

And yes, bring your dancing feet if you’re into the party phase. Just remember, you can enjoy the energy without being on the dance floor all day.

Should you book the Blue Lagoon catamaran cruise

If your top priorities are Blue Lagoon water time, a real buffet lunch, and unlimited drinks in a comfortable sailing setting, I think this cruise is a strong pick.

I’d especially consider booking if:

• You want an all-in-one day plan that includes food and drinks
• You’re okay with a route that adapts to weather
• You like the idea of cruising early and turning into a party later, without losing the option to chill on deck

Skip it if you’re expecting a quiet, deeply narrated sightseeing tour, or if you need hotel pickup and fully organized, unchanging stops.

My final advice is simple: go early enough to claim a good spot, pack like it’s a beach day plus a boat day, and treat the day as a floating hangout with multiple swim breaks. If that sounds fun to you, you’ll likely feel it the moment you step aboard.

FAQ

What time does the Spirit of Malta cruise depart and return?

It departs from Sliema at 10:30am and returns at approximately 5:30pm.

Where do I meet the boat in Sliema?

You’ll find the vessel opposite The Black Sheep bar in Sliema. It’s described as the only catamaran in that bay area, so it should be easy to spot.

How long is the cruise?

The cruise runs for about 7 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What is included with the ticket?

The ticket includes a buffet lunch and an open bar of wine, beer, and soft drinks, plus water. Food includes cold cuts, cheeses, salads, and bread rolls.

Does the cruise have an open bar?

Yes. There is an open bar with wine, beer, and soft drinks during the day.

Will you definitely visit the Blue Lagoon?

The cruise plans to visit the famous Blue Lagoon in Comino, but it is listed as weather permitting.

Is snorkeling or swimming included?

Yes. The cruise includes swimming and snorkeling stops in different bays, with time in the water at each stop.

Is it suitable for kids and teens?

No, it is not suitable for people under 17.