If you want a Malta boat day with breathing room, this fits. It is built around Comino swims, easygoing crew energy, and time to enjoy the views without constant instructions. I especially liked the laidback pace and the chance to chase the Blue Lagoon when conditions cooperate. One thing to keep in mind: the exact order and how close you get at each spot can shift with wind and sea conditions.

The food and drinks are a big part of the value here. You get an all-inclusive cold cuts lunch plus a full bar setup (wine, beer, soft drinks, and water), and the vibe stays relaxed even with a larger group. My other favorite detail is the comfortable catamaran feeling, with plenty of space to hang out. The main drawback I’d flag is that music and guidance can be uneven, depending on the day.

Key points to know before you go

• Weather-flexible route: no fixed program, sail plans change based on prevailing conditions.
• Comino swim focus: multiple bays for swimming or snorkeling, plus Blue Lagoon time if weather allows.
• All-inclusive lunch and bar: cold cuts, cheeses, multiple salads, bread rolls, and an open bar.
• Not a speed-run: long enough stops that you can swim when you want, not on a strict schedule.
• Group size limit: maximum 80 travelers, so it can still feel busy if you pick the wrong seat.

A Malta Boat Day That Feels Unrushed, Not Rushed

This tour works well if you dislike the classic island-escape pattern: arrive, snap photos, sprint to the next spot, repeat. The rhythm is calmer. You sail to Comino, stop for swims, and then spend time anchored so you can choose when to get in the water.

That matters in Malta, where the best parts of the day are usually the water and the light. When you are not being waved on and off every five minutes, you can snorkel for real, float longer, or just sit and watch the coastline slide by. Even with other groups on board, the overall feel is more like sharing a day than following a conveyor belt.

Still, it is a boat trip, so movement and timing are never totally in your control. The day is shaped by conditions, especially around the Blue Lagoon area, where visibility and anchoring options can depend on wind.

Price and What $107.23 Covers (And Why It Can Be Good Value)

At $107.23 per person for about 7 hours, you are paying for the catamaran ride plus the full on-board essentials. The big value piece is the all-inclusive set-up: lunch and drinks are included, and that can save you money compared with doing a ferry plus separate meals and drinks.

Lunch is not just an afterthought. You get cold cuts like turkey, smoked gammon, and salami, plus cheeses including cheddar cubes and feta. There are also salads and sides such as summer potato salad, bulgur wheat (vegetarian), vegetarian rice, pasta salad, and tomato and onion. There are vegan options listed too, like a vegan Roma tomato and onion side.

For adults, the open bar is another value driver. Wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are included, with the clear rule that alcoholic beverages are only for 18+ (and the tour notes 17 years old and above for alcohol eligibility). If you plan to have a drink or two during a day on the water, this pricing starts to make more sense.

Sliema Start, 10:30 Departure, and How to Plan Your Morning

You meet at the Spirit of Malta Catamaran on Triq Ix – Xatt in Tas-Sliema. The start time is 10:30 am, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Because you depart mid-morning, you do not need an early airport-style wake-up. You can still enjoy a proper breakfast in Sliema and then walk, taxi, or use public transport to get to the pier area. The meeting point is described as near public transportation, which helps if you are trying to keep things simple.

One practical note, based on the way the day is structured: once you are on board, your time is tied to sailing and anchoring windows. If you are the type who likes to squeeze in extra activities before boarding, leave some buffer for check-in and getting settled.

How the Weather-Driven Route Works (And Why It’s Not a Dealbreaker)

This trip does not run on a rigid script. You sail according to prevailing weather conditions, and the itinerary is described in segments rather than a guaranteed checklist.

What that means for you: you should think of the day as a set of choices guided by the sea state. In good weather, you can expect the planned anchor stops. If conditions are rougher, you may still get the highlights, but the captain may adjust where you stop and how long you spend in certain areas.

It also explains why the Blue Lagoon is treated as weather permitting. On an ideal day, it is the reason many people book. On a less cooperative day, you might get beautiful Comino bays without exactly matching the postcard version of the Blue Lagoon swim.

Comino Stop: Multiple Bays for Swimming and Snorkeling

Comino is the core of the experience. You spend about 3 hours here, with time allocated for swimming and snorkeling in different bays. That variety is important. Even when you like snorkeling, repeating the same tiny patch of water all day gets old.

Then there is the Blue Lagoon stop, weather permitting. Admission is free for the Comino-related segment, and the time is built into that long Comino window.

One downside to be aware of: you might not always anchor right in the busy Blue Lagoon beach area. Some people wished they had pulled into the main beach area instead of anchoring nearby. That does not ruin the day, but it can change how easy it is to hop right in where you want, especially if you have mobility limits or just want the easiest entrance.

If you want the best results, aim for a day with clear skies and calmer water. Mid-season timing can be especially good, and the water comfort can vary widely from one day to the next.

St. Mary’s Tower Anchorage and the Monte Cristo Setting

After Comino, you may anchor in front of St. Mary’s Tower. This is weather permitting and lasts about 1 hour. The tower area is famous for being used as a backdrop for the Count of Monte Cristo story, which adds a cinematic angle to the stop.

Important practical detail: admission for this stop is not included. The listing does not specify an entry fee for you, so you should plan your expectations around viewing from the water rather than assuming you will enter anything on land during that hour.

This stop is more about the view and the feel of the coastline than it is about a structured sightseeing program. If you love photographing towers, cliffs, and sea walls from the waterline, you will likely enjoy this segment.

Valletta Transit Time That You Should Actually Enjoy

You spend about 3 hours navigating from Valletta to Comino and back. That is not marketed as a tourist walk in Valletta, so treat it as sea time, not an added sightseeing block.

This is where the catamaran layout matters. If you can find a comfortable spot, you can watch Malta and Comino drift by and enjoy the change in color and texture as the coastline opens up. On many days, it is also the time when people settle into the rhythm of the tour: drinks, snacks, photos, and relaxed conversation.

The tour does not include additional admissions during this segment. The value here is the ride itself, because it connects you to the Comino water experience without you needing to drive or rent a boat.

Lunch on Board: Cold Cuts, Cheeses, and Vegan Options

Lunch is served as a cold buffet style meal. You get a mix of meats and cheeses, including turkey, smoked gammon, salami, cheddar cubes, and feta. On the side, there is a solid range: summer potato salad, bulgur wheat (vegetarian), vegetarian rice, pasta salad, and tomato and onion (vegetarian and vegan listings appear).

There are also vegetarian and vegan options noted, which is a big deal for a boat day. Many tours only offer one token vegetarian item. Here, the menu lists multiple vegetarian choices, so you are more likely to find something you genuinely want to eat.

If you are a sweet-toothed soda drinker, one consideration from the lower-rated feedback is that sugar-free options were not offered, and some people wanted uncarbonated soft drinks like orange juice. If that matters to you, you might want to bring your own preferences, as long as you follow the tour’s rules about outside food and drink.

Open Bar Rules, 18+ Alcohol, and the Vibe You Can Expect

The open bar includes wine, beer, soft drinks, and water. Alcohol is restricted to 18+, and the tour notes 17 years old and above for alcohol eligibility, which you should double-check if you are traveling with a teen.

The bar is part of the relaxed feel on board. Several comments highlighted that drinks were consistently available and the service kept things moving without turning the day into a party bus.

Two things can affect your personal experience. First, the music volume. Some people loved the soundtrack being lively but not too loud. Others said it was too loud late in the day and the staff ended up enjoying the racket more than the passengers did.

Second, guidance style. Some days you might get clear verbal orientation, and other days you may get fewer details about what you are seeing. If you care about narration, you can still figure it out with a bit of curiosity, but do not expect a full guided lecture.

Crew Energy: Professional, Friendly, and Sometimes Light on Details

The crew gets strong marks for being easygoing and helpful. Multiple positive notes mentioned an accommodating atmosphere and good service. People also praised the overall professionalism and courteous behavior from the captain and crew.

The catch is that the level of explanation can vary. One criticism said there were no mentions of where you were going or what you were seeing. That can be frustrating if you want a running commentary while you watch the coastline.

What you can do: treat this as a day for views and water first, and background info second. If you are the kind of traveler who enjoys reading the scenery yourself, the lighter narration may feel fine.

Also, watch for language needs. The tour is offered in English, and one note said instructions were also given in Spanish if needed. That suggests the crew can adapt, but you should still plan around the fact that it is primarily an English-focused experience.

Comfort, Crowding, and How to Choose Your Spot

The catamaran is described as comfortable, and many comments focused on not feeling overly crowded. That is a key advantage when you compare it to smaller boats that can get cramped fast, or larger party boats that get noisy.

Still, the tour has a maximum of 80 travelers. If your idea of comfort means finding quiet space away from crowds, you will want to pick a good spot early. The best strategy on a boat like this is to settle quickly, then stay put during each anchored segment so you do not lose time.

Also consider the swim flow. One positive note called out about 2 hours for swimming, which aligns with the idea that you should spend real time in the water, not just a quick dip.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Might Prefer Something Else)

This tour fits you if you want a relaxed catamaran day with swimming time, a solid included lunch, and drinks without the hassle of planning each purchase. It is especially good for couples, friends, and families who want to focus on the water rather than a tight sightseeing agenda.

It is also a strong match if you like flexibility. Weather-driven routes can sound like uncertainty, but in real life they often help you get the best available conditions rather than forcing a plan.

You might reconsider if you want a highly structured program with nonstop commentary, or if you are very sensitive to music volume. If you need a very specific anchoring position close to a particular beach, you should understand that the captain may adjust based on weather.

Practical Tips to Get the Best Day in Comino

Since this is a swim-first day, treat packing like you mean it. Bring swimwear you are comfortable in, plus what you need for sun protection and quick drying. You will be on the water for hours, so plan for changing light and temperature.

If you care about drinks, consider your soda preferences. Some people wanted sugar-free options and uncarbonated soft drinks. Even if you do not bring extras, you can at least mentally prepare for what is available.

Finally, pick your day. This trip requires good weather, and it can be canceled or adjusted if conditions are not right. If your schedule is flexible, give yourself a backup day in Malta so you are not stuck with only one option.

Should You Book the Comino Blue Lagoon Prime Catamaran Tour?

Book it if you want a classic Comino day but with a calmer pace, included lunch, and an open bar that can keep the day from feeling like you are constantly budgeting. I’d also lean toward booking if you enjoy swimming in multiple bays and you like the idea that the captain makes real-world calls based on conditions.

Skip it or compare alternatives if you need a very guided experience with lots of narration, or if you are strongly sensitive to loud music and want guaranteed quiet. Also, if you are worried about last-minute changes, make sure you have enough time in your Malta itinerary to handle a weather or operational shuffle.

If you match the vibe, this tour is a strong value way to spend your day on Malta’s water.

FAQ

What is the tour duration?

The tour lasts about 7 hours.

When does the tour start and where do I meet?

It starts at 10:30 am at Spirit of Malta Catamaran on Triq Ix – Xatt, Tas-Sliema, Malta, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

Does the itinerary have fixed stops?

The route is not fixed. The operator sails according to prevailing weather conditions, so stops and timing can adjust.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes lunch (cold cuts, cheeses, salads, and bread rolls) and an open bar with wine, beer, soft drinks, and water.

Are there any age limits for alcohol?

Alcoholic beverages are only allowed for 18+.

Are tickets included for St. Mary’s Tower?

No. The St. Mary’s Tower stop has admission listed as not included.

What happens if weather is not good?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.