Three swims, one calm catamaran.

This half-day cruise is built around Comino’s most photo-worthy water, with time at Santa Marija Bay for cave views, then two real swim stops at Crystal Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon.

What I like most is the way the boat packs value into a short window, especially the included snorkeling equipment and the included drinks setup (beer, wine, Pepsi, Sprite) for adults. I also like that you get WiFi and a restroom on board, so you can keep things easy without planning around your phone battery or bathroom breaks.

One thing to consider: it is not for you if you get seasick. Also, the water can feel cool outside peak summer months, so plan for a chilly first jump.

Key highlights you’ll feel right away

• Small-group size (max 15) keeps the vibe relaxed and gives you room to lounge
• Santa Marija Bay photo stop lets you admire the Santa Maria Caves from the water in about 15 minutes
• Two lagoon swims (Crystal Lagoon for about 45 minutes, Blue Lagoon for about 1 hour) means you are not stuck with only one good swim
• Snorkeling gear and SUP boards included so you can switch between floating, swimming, and paddling
• Drinks on board, unlimited soft drinks, plus beer and wine for adults makes this feel more like a floating beach day than a typical sightseeing cruise

From St Paul’s Bay to Comino, the timing is the whole point

This is a true half-day outing, but it still feels like a getaway. The schedule gives you sailing time to reach Comino, then puts most of the attention on water time. Practically, that means you do not spend half your day in transit. You spend it in the bays.

Plan on the day feeling like this: more time on the route getting to Comino, then concentrated swimming breaks, then sailing back. The operator notes extra travel time to reach the island of Comino and again on the way back toward Xemxija. Even if you never measure it minute by minute, you’ll notice the pacing is designed around short, repeatable “best-of” moments.

Start point is ABC Diving The Boathouse in St Paul’s Bay (Triq il-Fekruna). The activity ends back at the same meeting point. That matters. You do not have to reorganize your whole afternoon afterward.

And yes, it’s in English, and you use a mobile ticket. If you like low-friction travel, this one is set up that way.

Santa Marija Bay (Santa Maria Caves) photo stop: pretty views, no gear scramble

Your first stop is Santa Marija Bay on the north side of Comino. The Santa Maria Caves are known for their cave systems, including formations that divers love. You do not need diving experience here. You get a straightforward photo stop from the water, and that’s exactly the right tradeoff for a half-day trip.

What to expect in this portion:

• About 15 minutes for photos and admiring the caves from the boat
• You’ll be close enough to see what makes the coastline famous, without needing to manage wetsuits, training, or extra equipment
• It’s more scenic than active

Drawback to keep in mind: this is a short stop. If you’re the type who wants to explore on foot or swim immediately, this part might feel brief. The good news is the day saves the longer water time for the lagoons.

If you’re a photographer, this is still useful because it’s an easy “setup moment.” Get your shots fast, because then you shift into swim mode.

Crystal Lagoon: the calm switch that makes the trip feel longer

After the first cave views, you head to Crystal Lagoon. This is your second major chance to get in the water, and the time is long enough to actually enjoy it rather than just rinse off and rush back.

Expect about 45 minutes here. That is enough for a slow swim, floating, snorkeling if you want to use your gear, or just sitting back and enjoying the color and clarity.

Why this stop is valuable:

• It gives you a different feel from the Blue Lagoon. You are not repeating the same water scene back-to-back.
• It’s a breather in the schedule. You get time to reset before the most famous lagoon.

Practical note: you will likely want to keep an eye on entry and exit. Catamaran swimming setups can vary depending on conditions. The boat does have snorkeling equipment and swimming gear options on board, but you still want to move carefully.

Also, Crystal Lagoon is included with “admission ticket free,” which is nice because you’re not doing extra payments or paperwork for the water time itself.

Blue Lagoon: one hour to swim, relax, and choose your level of effort

Then comes the big name: the Blue Lagoon. This is where the turquoise reputation earns its paycheck. The stop is about 1 hour, and you can swim right from the boat. There’s also an option to disembark and enjoy the beach area if you want sand time instead of a full-time water float.

This is the stop I consider the main payoff for most people. The scenery is the headline, but the structure helps too:

• You have enough time to do more than one thing. Swim first, then lounge.
• You are not forced into a timed parade. Hour-long stops usually give you some breathing room.

Two considerations to plan for:

• Water temperature can be cool, especially outside summer. People have mentioned that it feels chilly in October, while others had no trouble jumping in. If you are sensitive to cold water, think about bringing a swim layer if your operator allows it, or plan your first entry slowly.
• Blue Lagoon can be busy in general. What helps you here is that the day is run to feel less rushed and avoid the busiest moments when possible. That shows up as a calmer experience rather than a chaotic stampede at the rail.

If you want a simple “do the famous thing” moment without a full-day tour, this hour is a strong compromise.

What’s included on board, and why it matters more than you think

This tour is not just scenery. It’s set up like a floating day at the beach, with real comfort and real extras included.

Included for everyone

• Bottled still water
• Unlimited soft drinks (Pepsi and Sprite)
• Use of snorkeling equipment
• 2 stand-up paddle boards (to share)
• WiFi on board
• Restroom on board

That’s a solid mix. WiFi and a restroom sound small, until you’ve been on boats where you suddenly feel stranded with no plan for either. Here, you have both. And the snorkeling and paddleboards are a big deal because they turn one swim stop into multiple activities.

Included for adults: beer, wine, and the laid-back vibe

Alcoholic beverages are included for people aged 21 and over. The service notes that each adult guest is served 4 beer cans (50CL) and half a bottle of wine. Soft drinks are unlimited for everyone, and water is on board too.

Why I think this matters: it lowers the mental load. You do not have to negotiate for drinks or decide if you should pay extra for them. You can focus on the day: swim, paddle, chill, then swim again.

One more practical touch: the crew tends to stay attentive and checks in regularly for what you want to drink. That helps keep the experience smooth, especially if you are in and out of the water.

Not included, so plan ahead

• Lunch is not included, but it is available upon request with at least 2 days notice. Price is Euro 30 per person.
• Towels are not included. Bring your own if you want dry comfort after swimming.
• Private transportation is not included.

If you’re doing this in the morning or early afternoon and you get hungry, you’ll probably want to either snack before you go or arrange lunch early enough. This is one of those small planning items that keeps the day stress-free.

The boat and group size: why max 15 feels like more than a number

This catamaran has a maximum of 15 travelers, which is a big part of why the trip earns such high marks. On a smaller boat, you can usually move around without bumping into people every time you want to grab a drink or switch positions for photos.

From the way the day runs, you also get a more personal crew style. The captain provides explanations during the cruise with a light sense of humor, and the staff is active about checking in. You’re not stuck asking twice for the same thing.

There’s also enough room for lounging. That matters because you will spend time just sitting and taking in the water between swim sessions. If you hate crowded boats, this size is a real advantage.

One minor caution from real-world experience: the onboard restroom exists, but some people have found the toilet setup not very convenient. If that is a concern for you, go easy on liquids before the sailing time and plan short bathroom breaks.

Weather, seasickness, and staying on schedule

This activity requires good weather. If it gets canceled due to poor weather, you’ll either be offered a different date or a full refund.

The operator also emphasizes that the catamaran departs promptly at the scheduled time. If you show up late, the vessel is not obligated to wait because it needs to follow the itinerary. So build in real buffer time at the meeting point.

Also, it is not suitable for individuals prone to seasickness. That’s straightforward. If you know you get sick on boats, this is not the day to test your luck.

What to do instead if you are even slightly unsure:

• Consider travel meds if you’ve used them before
• Plan to stay toward the middle of the boat if you can
• Avoid heavy alcohol before you’re off the dock, even though drinks are included later

Value at about $59.91: why the included extras change the math

The price is $59.91 per person for about 4 hours. That might sound like a standard half-day excursion until you look at what’s baked in.

You are getting:

• Multiple scenic stops (caves photo stop plus two lagoon swimming stops)
• Snorkeling equipment included
• Paddleboards included
• Unlimited soft drinks plus beer and wine for adults
• WiFi and a restroom
• Bottled water

Value is not just the sticker price. It’s whether you have to pay extra for the “stuff that makes it fun.” Here, the most common add-ons are already covered. The snorkeling and paddleboard time can easily turn one swim into a whole experience, and the drinks keep you from feeling like you’re rationing your own fun.

For a short trip that prioritizes water time, this is the kind of deal that works well if you want convenience more than checklists.

If you’re traveling as a group, the small-group cap also adds value. Fewer people usually means better comfort, easier movement, and a calmer vibe at the stops.

Who this Comino catamaran suits best (and who should reconsider)

This tour fits best if you:

• Want relaxing water time rather than a packed day of transfers
• Enjoy swimming and want real time at Crystal Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon
• Like having activity options onboard, with snorkeling equipment and paddleboards included
• Appreciate a small boat with a crew that stays attentive with drinks and questions

It’s less ideal if you:

• Are prone to seasickness (the operator says it’s not suitable)
• Want lots of land time or a long stop to fully explore
• Need towels or included lunch without planning ahead (both are not included)

If you’re visiting Malta and you want a Comino highlight that feels like a beach day, this hits the sweet spot.

Should you book this half-day scenic catamaran?

Yes, if you want a half-day Comino experience that focuses on swimming at multiple lagoons, with snorkeling gear and paddleboards already included, and with a small group size that keeps it comfortable. The mix of cave views plus two swim stops also makes the time feel efficient.

If cold water or boat motion worries you, take that seriously and plan around it. And if you want lunch, request it early, because it is not automatically included.

Overall, this is a strong pick for travelers who want Malta to feel easy, scenic, and quietly fun, without turning the day into a logbook of stops.

FAQ

How long is the half-day catamaran experience?

It runs for about 4 hours. The operator also notes extra travel time to reach Comino and again on the way back.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at ABC Diving The Boathouse, Triq il-Fekruna, St Paul’s Bay (SPB 4813), Malta.

Will I return to the same meeting point?

Yes. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What stops are included during the cruise?

You pass by and/or stop for Santa Marija Bay (photo stop for Santa Maria Caves), then swim at Crystal Lagoon, and then swim at the Blue Lagoon.

What swimming or water activities are included?

The tour includes snorkeling equipment. It also includes use of 2 stand-up paddle boards (to share).

Are drinks and snacks included?

Bottled still water is included. Soft drinks (Pepsi and Sprite) are unlimited. Beer and wine are served to guests aged 21 and over, and the tour serves 4 beer cans (50CL) and half a bottle of wine per adult guest.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included. It is available upon request with at least 2 days notice, for Euro 30 per person.

Are towels provided?

No. Towels are not included.

Is the tour suitable for people who get seasick?

No. The tour is not suitable for individuals prone to seasickness.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.