REVIEW · MALTA
Blue Lagoon, Beaches and Bays Catamaran Sailing Tour
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Blue Lagoon looks unreal from a boat. This catamaran day turns Malta’s sea into the main event with multiple swim-and-snorkel stops, big open water time, and an included lounging setup.
The day is built around Comino Island (including Blue Lagoon), with your exact route shifting based on wind and sea conditions. That flexibility is part of the deal on the Med.
I like the ship setup: sunbeds and trampoline-style nets to lounge on (first-come, first-served), plus restrooms and an onboard bar for when you want a drink.
I also like the stop plan value: you’re on the water about 6 hours, and Blue Lagoon is guaranteed, with the odds of hitting other top swimming areas like Crystal Lagoon and Ghajn Tuffieha Bay.
The main drawback is practical: you need to manage crowds and timing. The boat can max at 140 passengers, and seating on nets/sunbeds goes fast, so arriving early matters.
In This Review
- Key things I’d plan around before you go
- Sea Breeze Catamaran: what the boat day feels like
- Price and value: where the $66.51 fits, and where it doesn’t
- Getting to Bugibba Jetty (and why the dock matters more than you think)
- How the stop plan works on Comino Island (and why your day might shift)
- Blue Lagoon: the guaranteed highlight and how to make the most of the 2 hours
- Crystal Lagoon and Ghajn Tuffieha: two different kinds of swimming
- Mellieha Beach and Ramla il-Ħamra: the “maybe” that can pay off
- Onboard comfort: nets, sunbeds, and the reality of first-come seating
- Food and drinks: optional BBQ lunch plus an onboard bar
- Music and summer atmosphere: what kind of day this becomes
- Who should book this, and who should rethink it
- Should you book the Blue Lagoon, Beaches and Bays catamaran tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the Blue Lagoon, Beaches and Bays catamaran tour?
- Is Blue Lagoon guaranteed on this tour?
- What other stops might the catamaran visit?
- Do you have snorkeling equipment available?
- What’s included in the ticket price?
- Is lunch included?
- Can I bring my own food or drinks on board?
- Are there age limits?
Key things I’d plan around before you go

- Blue Lagoon is guaranteed, and you’ll moor in a secluded private area for easier snorkeling.
- Stops change with weather, so you’re not booking a fixed “checklist” route.
- Seating is first-come, including sunbeds and the trampoline nets.
- Snorkeling gear is available, but it’s limited, so bring your own if snorkeling is a top priority.
- June to October is an adult-atmosphere day, and only ages 12+ can join in those months.
- BBQ lunch is optional (extra), but it’s a popular add-on for people who want a simple meal.
Sea Breeze Catamaran: what the boat day feels like
This tour sails on a large passenger catamaran called Sea Breeze. The operator markets it as Europe’s largest and most spacious passenger sailing catamaran, and you feel that the moment you step aboard: lots of room for lounging, moving between decks, and changing your view as the coastline slides by.
On board, you’ll find restrooms and an onboard bar. Drinks aren’t included, but having the bar on-site helps if you don’t want to wait until the next swimming stop for water, soda, or something stronger. Music is played at a medium level, though some departures can feel more party-ish than others, especially in the summer.
Two practical notes shape the whole experience:
- Shoes aren’t allowed on board due to the flooring. Plan to go barefoot or follow whatever footwear compromise the crew allows.
- Your best comfort spots are the nets and sunbeds, and they’re first-come, first-served. Once those are gone, you’ll still have space, just not always the best spots.
One more thing: people mention a fun slide onboard. That’s the kind of “extra” that makes the day feel more than just transport to swimming.
Other Blue Lagoon and Comino tours we've reviewed in Malta
Price and value: where the $66.51 fits, and where it doesn’t

At about $66.51 per person, this is a straightforward “pay once, sail all day, swim a lot” kind of price. The core value is that you’re buying:
- A catamaran tour
- Access to Comino swimming areas (Blue Lagoon is guaranteed)
- Time on the water (about 6 hours total)
- Lounge space using sunbeds and large nets on a first-come basis
- Some snorkeling equipment (available, not necessarily unlimited)
What’s not included is where your wallet may move later:
- Drinks are extra via the onboard bar.
- Lunch is extra. A local barbecue lunch is available for a fixed fee, and it includes a drink. The extra cost is widely referenced as 15€ onboard.
Is that BBQ worth it? I’d call it a “maybe, depending on your appetite and diet.” Many people say it’s good and good value for an included-feeling meal on the water. But you’ll also find people who weren’t impressed and prefer food options during the island stop. My practical take: if you want low-effort, grab the BBQ. If you like choice, you can skip it and eat ashore during a swimming stop where vendors are available.
Getting to Bugibba Jetty (and why the dock matters more than you think)

The tour starts back at the Bugibba Jetty (Dawret Il-Gzejjer, San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta). For anyone coming from Valletta, the guidance is to take a bus toward St Paul’s Bay and get off at the Moll bus stop.
Now, here’s the part to respect: this experience runs on strict times. You’re told to meet 30 minutes before departure, and boarding closes on schedule. If you arrive after boarding closes, you can be marked a no-show with no refund.
Also, confirm the actual departure point with extra attention. Some people found their taxi dropped them at a different dock than expected, with a short walk needed to reach where the catamaran actually left. That’s why I’d give yourself a buffer: arrive early enough not to stress about a 5–15 minute scramble in the sun.
If you’re using a mobile ticket, expect check-in with a QR scan and wristband-style access to the boat area and (at least for Blue Lagoon) additional entry handling. It’s fast when everything is smooth, but it can add time in busy periods. Early arrival fixes that.
How the stop plan works on Comino Island (and why your day might shift)
Your itinerary isn’t one fixed route. It varies by day based on weather and sea conditions, plus how accessible each swimming spot is that day. The good news: Blue Lagoon is guaranteed.
You may stop at two or three main locations for swimming and snorkeling. The most common set of options includes:
- Blue Lagoon (2 hours)
- Crystal Lagoon (1 hour)
- Ghajn Tuffieha Bay (1 hour)
- Sometimes a short photo stop at Popeye Village Malta (about 5 minutes)
- Possibly Mellieha Beach (1 hour) or Ramla il-Ħamra (red sand area in Gozo) depending on the day
One more schedule detail matters: on the sunset trip in October, the catamaran has only one stop in Blue Lagoon.
So what does “varies with conditions” mean for you?
- If it’s windy or rough, you might not be able to swim right at the exact mooring location. You may swim at alternate areas nearby.
- On a smooth-weather day, you’ll likely get the full “best-of Comino” feel: Blue Lagoon plus an extra lagoon/bay for variety.
Blue Lagoon: the guaranteed highlight and how to make the most of the 2 hours

Blue Lagoon is the headline stop for a reason: turquoise water, warm sun, and an easy “wow” factor when you spot it from the boat. The operator moors in a secluded private area on the Blue Lagoon, and that matters for snorkeling comfort. Many people find it less chaotic to get into the water from that private mooring than if you’re trying to work through the busiest sections of the beach.
You get about 2 hours at Blue Lagoon. That’s plenty if you plan your time:
- First arrival: rinse gear strategy. If snorkeling gear is limited, you may need to be quick.
- Middle window: swim and snorkel before the crowd swell.
- Last window: head back with enough time to reboard and avoid cutting it close.
One practical point: the secluded mooring can still mean a walk if you want to reach the main beach access areas. If your priority is “swim right away,” stay near the boat-side access. If your priority is “photo + sand + viewpoint,” you’ll likely want to take the walk when you arrive.
Also, manage the logistics at the lagoon itself. Some people report additional time required for access handling once you arrive at Blue Lagoon (passes/wristbands tied to time slots). Early check-in from the start helps keep this from eating into your swim time.
Other sailing and catamaran cruises we've reviewed in Malta
Crystal Lagoon and Ghajn Tuffieha: two different kinds of swimming
If your day includes Crystal Lagoon, you’ll notice the change in feel fast. The description focuses on sheer cliff drops and deeper, clear water that makes the area great for snorkeling, including around caves. You only get about 1 hour there, so it’s not a linger-and-lounges stop. It’s a swim-focused stop.
Then there’s Ghajn Tuffieħa Bay (often just called Ghajn Tuffieħa). This stop leans more toward sandy comfort and day-bath vibes. You get around 1 hour and it can feel like a reset:
- Swim and snorkel in calmer access points
- Use the sunbeds and trampoline nets again (still first-come)
- Spend the hour relaxing with a drink from the bar if you want that option
If the route includes it, Popeye Village Malta may come as a short add-on when you’re going toward Ghajn Tuffieħa. Think photo opportunity more than full walk-through. People describe it as a fast stop where your camera should be ready.
If you’re the type who likes variety—lagoon swimming, then a bay with sand—this is where the tour earns its keep. You’re not just repeating the same water texture twice.
Mellieha Beach and Ramla il-Ħamra: the “maybe” that can pay off
Not every departure hits Mellieha or Ramla. But it’s on the table as an alternate stop option.
Mellieha Beach is a long sandy beach, and a 1-hour stop gives you enough time to cool off and still get back onboard without feeling rushed. People often appreciate having a stretch of sand after lagoon swimming.
Ramla il-Ħamra is a red sand area in Gozo. The “different look” factor is the main draw here. If you catch it, you’ll likely feel like you saw something more than just the famous turquoise circles.
The key is expectation management: treat these as bonus stops that depend on weather and what the captain can access safely.
Onboard comfort: nets, sunbeds, and the reality of first-come seating

This is a big ship, but it’s still a shared space. Your best comfort comes early.
Here’s what to plan for:
- The nets and front lounging spots look great in photos, but they can get uncomfortable over time for some people.
- You may need to shift positions because crew access matters in busy areas of the boat.
- If you want the most relaxed feel, aim for a stable sunbed spot rather than a net position that pulls your balance toward “sit for photos, then switch.”
If you’re going in peak season, arrive early enough to get the seat you want. Some people mention that being late can mean nets and the best deck seating are already taken, even shortly after departure time. In practice, that means you should show up earlier than the minimum guidance if lounging is important to you.
Also: the sun on deck is real. Bring sun protection and plan for heat while you wait to board.
Food and drinks: optional BBQ lunch plus an onboard bar
Let’s talk about the extra meal decision.
The tour offers a barbecue lunch for a fixed fee (with a drink included). It’s sold onboard for around 15€. Many people say it’s fresh and tasty, and that it’s a straightforward way to avoid hunting food during a busy sailing day.
But not every experience hits the same. A small number of guests didn’t love the BBQ and preferred choosing from food vendors at a lagoon stop. If you’re picky, vegetarian, or just want choice, you may prefer skipping the onboard BBQ and eating during the island time.
Drinks are available through the onboard bar, and some people mention the fun factor of buying drinks on the water. Just remember: you’re not buying water included in the price.
One more practical tip: don’t count on a towel rental. People say towels aren’t available to rent, so bring one if you like drying off comfortably between swims.
Music and summer atmosphere: what kind of day this becomes
From June until October, this tour is described as having an adult atmosphere, and it’s restricted to people ages 12 and over. That doesn’t mean it’s rowdy all the time, but it does mean the overall vibe can feel more energetic in peak months.
Music is played onboard, and while the baseline is described as medium level, some people found it too loud for conversation and preferred a quieter deck area. If you’re sensitive to noise, plan to move toward a calmer corner of the boat when you want to talk or take in views.
The “right” vibe depends on what you came for:
- If you want a fun day with swimming breaks and a social mood, this fits.
- If you want total quiet and minimal stimulation, you may prefer a smaller craft or a different style of cruise.
Who should book this, and who should rethink it
This tour is a strong match if:
- You want Blue Lagoon as a guaranteed stop without doing the logistics yourself
- You like the idea of multiple swim stops (not just one quick dip)
- You’re comfortable with a first-come seating setup and want to secure a good spot by arriving early
- You enjoy sailing + snorkeling and don’t mind that sea conditions shape the exact route
It might be less ideal if:
- You hate crowds and want guaranteed quiet on the boat (max is 140, and peak departures fill fast)
- You need a super predictable itinerary every minute (stops can shift with weather and sea access)
- You strongly dislike music-on-deck days
Should you book the Blue Lagoon, Beaches and Bays catamaran tour?
Yes—if your main goal is a classic Malta highlight day with real time in the water. The value is strongest when you care about swimming spots like Blue Lagoon and you’re flexible about the other stops. The ship is comfortable for a big group, and the included lounging setup means you can actually spend the day relaxing, not just “getting there.”
But book smart:
- Arrive early for the best seating on nets/sunbeds.
- Double-check your dock location with extra margin; don’t assume taxis drop you at the exact boarding point.
- Bring sun protection and plan around strict departure timing.
If you do those things, you’ll likely get the version of this tour that people rave about: moored to a secluded Blue Lagoon swim area, good snorkeling opportunities, and a full day at sea that feels like Malta’s best weather moment—repeated across a couple of beautiful stops.
FAQ
How long is the Blue Lagoon, Beaches and Bays catamaran tour?
It’s about 6 hours on the water, then you return to the starting meeting point.
Is Blue Lagoon guaranteed on this tour?
Yes. A stop at Blue Lagoon is guaranteed, though other stops can change depending on weather and sea conditions.
What other stops might the catamaran visit?
Possible stops include Crystal Lagoon, Ghajn Tuffieħa Bay, Popeye Village Malta (short stop if included), and possibly Mellieha Beach or Ramla il-Ħamra in Gozo. Which ones you get depends on conditions.
Do you have snorkeling equipment available?
Some snorkeling equipment is available for you to use.
What’s included in the ticket price?
The catamaran tour is included, along with use of sunbeds and large lounging nets on a first-come, first-served basis. You also get swimming stop admissions listed for the stops.
Is lunch included?
No. A local barbecue lunch with a drink is available for a fixed extra fee (commonly mentioned as 15€ onboard).
Can I bring my own food or drinks on board?
No. You’re not allowed to bring your own food and drink onboard.
Are there age limits?
From June until October, it’s described as an adult-atmosphere experience and only guests 12 and over are allowed to take part.






























