20 people means way more sea time. I like how this half-day catamaran keeps things small-group and calm, with space to relax as you head out from St. Paul’s Bay. The big payoff is the close-up time at the Santa Maria Caves, where you see the rock formations from the water instead of from a crowded viewpoint.

One thing to plan around: this tour is not designed for everyone. If you are prone to motion sickness, you should skip this one, since the trip is not listed as suitable for people who get sick on the water.

Key things to know before you go

• Fekruna Jetty start, prompt departure: the boat leaves on schedule.
• Santa Maria Caves viewing from the water: short stop, strong visual payoff.
• Blue Lagoon swim, snorkeling, and optional beach access: about an hour to get in the water.
• Crystal Lagoon for a calmer second swim: another clear-water break with great views.
• Drinks and shared water toys included: soft drinks, beer, wine, snorkel masks (deposit), and SUP paddleboards.

St. Paul’s Bay catamaran value: what you really pay for at $74

You are paying for a more comfortable style of sightseeing, not just transportation. For around $74 per person, you get a 4-hour outing that bundles the best Malta water experiences into one smooth plan: caves near Comino, plus two swimming stops. The price also includes a real perk that adds up fast on island time, unlimited drinks (soft drinks, beer, and white or rosé wine) along with bottled still water.

The other big value is the group size. This is an exclusive catamaran for just 20 guests, which changes the whole rhythm. You spend less time waiting, less time squeezing past people, and more time choosing where you want to sit or lie down. Even the deck setup matters on a half-day trip. With fewer passengers, it feels easier to spread out and actually enjoy the views instead of just bracing for the next crowd.

Also, pay attention to what is not included. Food is optional (with menu options available for an extra fee), and towels are not provided. So plan on bringing a towel if you want one ready for your swim time.

Checking in at Fekruna Jetty and the short safety briefing

Everything starts at Fekruna Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. You meet there, board the catamaran, and then do a 10-minute safety briefing. After that, you head out and settle in quickly because the trip is designed to move through highlights without long delays.

Two practical notes make or break the experience:

• Arrive on time. The catamaran departs promptly, and if you are late, the operator is not obligated to wait.
• Expect weather-based changes. The itinerary can be modified if conditions demand it, so you should dress for sun and spray even if the morning looks calm.

In real terms, this matters because the whole day is built on timing. You want to be ready when it is time to get close to the caves and when it is time to jump in at the lagoons.

Santa Maria Caves stop: the quick hit that looks best from the water

Your first major scenic moment is the Santa Maria Caves. The time is about 15 minutes for sightseeing, so you do not linger. That brevity is part of the design. They keep it tight, so you get the strongest views early, then move on before the day gets hot or crowded.

From the boat, the caves area is all about scale and texture: dramatic rock formations, clear water, and that steep sense of coastline you simply do not get from shore. If you like photography, this is where you can grab the angles that make the caves look almost sculpted by water.

The only drawback is the stop length. If you want a long, slow exploration, this is not that kind of stop. It is more of a “see it properly from here, then get on with the swim stops” situation.

Blue Lagoon (Malta): swim time, snorkeling, and the option to head to shore

The Blue Lagoon stop is your main water break, with about 1 hour for sightseeing plus swimming and snorkeling. This is where the trip earns its name in everyday terms: turquoise-looking water, people floating and swimming, and that clear moment where you remember you are on Malta’s coastline, not just on a boat tour.

What you get, equipment-wise:

• Snorkel masks are included, but there is a 10 EUR deposit.
• You also get access to 2 SUP paddleboards to share, so you can switch from floating to exploring depending on how you feel in the water.

There is also an optional beach opportunity. If you want to stretch your legs on shore or take a break on a sandy spot near the lagoon, you can. Just note that this is an option, not the main event.

A balanced heads-up on snorkeling: the water is beautiful for cooling off and for casual look-ins, but this is not sold as a reef-heavy snorkeling safari. If you go hoping for lots of dramatic underwater wildlife, you might feel the underwater scene is limited. I still think it is worth it for the color, the swimming time, and the way the boat positions you to enjoy the lagoon without feeling packed in.

Crystal Lagoon: a calmer second swim with great views

After Blue Lagoon, you go to Crystal Lagoon for about 45 minutes. This stop is shorter than Blue Lagoon, but the vibe is different: calmer and more relaxed, with clear water that invites you to swim at your own pace.

This is also the stop where the paddleboards can add extra fun. Some people find that using the SUPs gives them a better way to reach the cave-like area and even get a different perspective on the shoreline when conditions allow. The lagoon’s setting makes that sort of “small adventure” feel natural instead of forced.

Snorkeling expectations are similar here. The water is great for getting in and cooling down, and visibility usually helps, but it is not portrayed as a guaranteed marine-life hotspot. If your top priority is swimming and enjoying the scenery from the water, you are exactly in the right category.

Drinks, snacks, and the crew touches that make it feel premium

On tours, drinks can be a gimmick. Here, they are part of the comfort package. You get bottled still water, soft drinks, beer, and wine (white and rosé). In practice, that means you are not rationing your holiday enjoyment every time the boat changes speed or you climb back on board.

Add snacks into the mix and you stop thinking about hunger. The overall plan keeps you comfortable during the sailing and during the lagoon stops, and that matters on a half-day trip. If you do not eat before you board, you can feel it faster once you have been out on the water in sun and wind.

Other small touches that matter:

• The crew is very hands-on with help during swimming and paddleboard use.
• There is an emphasis on friendly attention, including taking photos and videos for you.
• If you like music, the boat experience can include your playlist, which helps the day feel more like hanging out with a group than just being herded from stop to stop.

One standout detail from the captain side: Captain Dustan is specifically mentioned for sharing information about Malta and the surrounding cave areas. Even if you are not a trivia person, that kind of commentary can make the scenery feel more grounded.

Timing and transfers: how the route stays smooth even when it gets choppy

The trip is built with transitions, not just stops. After the safety briefing, there is about 45 minutes of transfer as you head to the caves and lagoons. Then you are back on the move again after your second swim, with about 1 hour for the return transfer to Fekruna Jetty.

Weather is the main variable. If conditions get choppy, the operator may adjust the route. One helpful detail from real-world experience: when seas got rough at the start, they moved to calmer waters first, and there was a bus available for transport, which reduced stress. That is exactly the kind of contingency you want to hear about before a boat day.

So my practical tip is simple: bring sun protection and expect a bit of spray. Even if the day is mostly calm, you are on open water. Also, if you are sensitive to motion, do not try to “tough it out.” This is not marketed as suitable for people prone to seasickness or motion sickness.

Paddleboards and snorkel masks: what’s included, what costs extra, what you should bring

This tour includes fun gear, but it also nudges you to pack smart.

Included:

• Snorkel masks, with a 10 EUR deposit
• 2 SUP paddleboards to share

Not included:

• Towels

I would treat towels and water shoes as your practical “comfort kit.” Even if you swim in open water just once, a towel makes the rest of the day easier, and you avoid the awkward scramble when everyone is drying off at once.

What to bring (from the tour guidance):

• sunglasses
• sun hat
• towel
• sunscreen
• beachwear

If you skip sunscreen, the sun does not care that you are on a boat. It still bakes you, especially with wind that tricks you into thinking you are not getting sunburned.

Who should book this catamaran and who should skip it

This trip fits best if you want a half-day water outing that stays social but not crowded, and you are happy to trade “all day exploring” for “high-impact stops.”

You are a strong match if:

• you like short, well-timed swim breaks
• you want close-up cave views from the water
• you appreciate included drinks and snacks so the day feels easy
• you prefer a smaller group over packed boats

You should skip if:

• you have back problems
• you have mobility impairments
• you are visually impaired (not suitable per tour info)
• you are prone to seasickness or motion sickness

In plain terms, this is for people who can move comfortably on and off the boat and who can enjoy the water without feeling sick.

Price and logistics: when $74 feels like a bargain, and when it does not

At $74 per person, you are not just buying a ticket. You are buying:

• multiple scenic stops packed into 4 hours
• two lagoon swimming sessions
• drinks that are not an add-on
• shared SUPs
• snorkel masks (deposit required)

That package is why it can feel good value, especially compared to tours where you pay extra for drinks, equipment, or longer time. Here, the day is built so you use what you paid for. When the group is only 20 people, that value also shows in how the crew can keep things moving.

Where value depends on your preferences:

• If you want a long snorkeling program with serious underwater viewing, this might feel short. The stops are timed, and snorkeling is more “in the moment” than “all session.”
• If you want beach time above all else, the Blue Lagoon stop includes an optional beach component, but this is still a boat-driven day.

So the best way to judge it for yourself is to ask one question: do you want a calm, drink-friendly, swim-and-see day, or do you want a long, wildlife-focused snorkeling expedition?

Should you book this St. Paul’s Bay half-day luxury catamaran?

I would book it if your idea of a great Malta day is simple and sensory: clear water, cave views from the deck, a couple of swim breaks, and a small group that keeps things relaxed. The combination of 20 guests max, the Santa Maria Caves stop, and the Blue Lagoon plus Crystal Lagoon timing is a strong match for a half-day plan.

I would not book it if you are likely to get sick on the water, need accessibility accommodations not supported here, or you are expecting big, reef-style snorkeling. This tour is about swimming and scenery, with extra comfort baked in.

If you want the best odds of a smooth day, show up early, protect yourself from sun, and plan your expectations for swimming first, snorkeling second. Then you get to enjoy the kind of Malta water trip that feels like a private day without the private price.

FAQ

How long is the St. Paul’s Bay half-day catamaran tour?

The tour duration is 4 hours. Starting times vary, so you should check availability for the exact departure.

How many people are on the catamaran?

The catamaran is exclusive for up to 20 guests.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Fekruna Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What drinks are included?

The tour includes bottled still water, soft drinks, beer, and wine, specifically white and rosé.

Are snorkeling masks included?

Snorkel masks are included, but there is a 10 EUR deposit.

Are towels provided?

No, towels are not included.

Is food included?

Food is not included. Optional menus are available upon request for an additional fee.

Is the itinerary affected by weather?

Yes. The itinerary is subject to weather conditions and may be modified accordingly.

Is the tour suitable for people who get seasick or have mobility issues?

No. It is not suitable for people prone to seasickness or motion sickness, and it is also not suitable for people with back problems, mobility impairments, or visual impairment.