Quiet seas, big views, no cattle-car crowds. This full-day catamaran outing in Malta is built around Tip Top One and Comino Crystal Lagoon style swimming, with a calmer pace than the big-party boats. The crew, including Manny, keeps the day organized so you spend less time waiting and more time on the water.

I love the space on board: bean bags, shaded seating, and even onboard facilities mean you can actually spread out for a 6.5-hour ride. I also like the practical extras like all-day drinks plus a proper lunch (not a sad snack), and the fact the plan avoids the worst of the Blue Lagoon crush. The one drawback to weigh: the itinerary shifts with weather, and the ticket is non-refundable if you cancel.

Key things I’d zero in on before you book

• Small max capacity (44 people) for easier moving, better sun-and-shade choices, and a less hectic vibe
• Two swim chances built into the day, with St. Paul’s Island on the plan and Comino/Gozo for stop 1
• No stop at Blue Lagoon waters (they will still show it from the water), so you’re not trapped in the bottleneck
• Onboard comfort like shaded tables, bean bags, and restrooms on the catamaran
• Lunch plus all-day drinks included, with wine, beer, soft drinks, and water served throughout
• Tender rides at select points, which can include a short cave/lagoon experience depending on conditions

A Spacious Malta Catamaran Day From Sliema

This cruise runs from Sliema, with the Tip Top One departing on a set schedule: you board around 10:15, boarding closes 10:25, and the boat leaves 10:30 sharp. You’ll be back at the same meeting point around 17:00, so it’s a full, satisfying day without turning into a 10-hour endurance test.

The boat itself is a big part of the value. With a stated maximum of 44 people, you’re not stuck in a tight row of bodies. There are shaded tables for eating and hanging out, plus comfortable sun options like cushioned bean bags on deck for stretching out between swims.

Also, it’s one of the smoother-feeling day trips because it’s not just sightseeing from one side of the boat. You get areas to relax, move around, and actually find shade when the sun gets serious. And yes, there are restrooms on board, which matters a lot on a day cruise where you might be tempted to skip meals just to avoid the headache.

Tip on getting there: transfers aren’t included. Sliema is well connected, but if you’re coming from Valletta, the tour info suggests using the ferry. If you do drive, be prepared for parking hassle; taxis are recommended as the easier move.

Why This Cruise Skips Blue Lagoon Crowds

Malta’s Blue Lagoon area is famous, and that fame creates crowds in the water. This catamaran plan avoids that problem by stating it will not stop in the Blue Lagoon due to overcrowded waters. You’ll still get views of Blue Lagoon as part of the day, but the key is that you’re not anchored where everyone converges at once.

That choice changes the whole feel of the trip. When you’re not fighting for swim space, you can enjoy the water and just relax when you’re ready. You can also keep your energy for the stops that matter most to you—Comino’s clearer water (weather permitting) and a second swim later around St. Paul’s Island.

The practical trade-off: if Blue Lagoon is the one place you picture as your main swim destination, you’ll want to know the plan steers you away from the overcrowded waters. In return, you’re more likely to get the thing most people want from a boat day: time in the water without the stress.

Stop 1: Comino Crystal Lagoon (Weather Permitting) or Ramla I-Hamra in Gozo

Stop 1 is designed around two strong options, and the day can switch based on weather.

If conditions allow, you’ll head to Comino Crystal Lagoon, positioned just around the well-known Blue Lagoon area. The whole point is to keep you close to the same general scenery while aiming for a less congested swimming setup.

If Comino conditions aren’t ideal, the plan can change to Ramla I-Hamra in Gozo. That’s a very different feel from Comino—more of a Gozo coastline moment than a small-lagoon swim vibe. Either way, you’re getting that “Malta from the water” perspective early, before the day gets fully loaded.

Here’s how I’d think about it as a reader: you’re not paying to merely sit on a boat. You’re paying for a day with a real swimming break, and the first stop is structured to deliver that. Weather flexibility is part of the deal, but the schedule is built so you still end up with meaningful water time.

Lunch on Board: Pork, Chicken, Salads, Bread, and Included Drinks

The day starts with a traditional Maltese platter, which sets the tone before you’re deep into swimming mode. It’s a nice way to get your bearings and settle in, especially since the departure is early enough that you’ll appreciate food sooner rather than later.

Lunch follows with a menu that’s filling and straightforward: chicken and pork, fresh green salad, potatoes of the day, and fresh bread. There’s also a clear instruction to leave a note if you don’t eat chicken and/or pork, or if you need a vegetarian option.

What I like here is that they build in a process for dietary needs instead of forcing you to guess last minute. Some people also mentioned second helpings being available, which fits the “real meal, not a token bite” vibe.

Drinks are the other big comfort factor. Wine, beer, soft beverage, and water are included all day, and coffee and cake are also mentioned in the onboard offerings. If you’re used to paying extra for every drink on day cruises, this is where the value math starts making sense fast.

One more detail worth knowing: you’ll have seating at tables under shaded area, which is ideal in Malta’s midday sun. You won’t have to eat standing up, or hunt for a shady corner.

St. Paul’s Island Swim and a Harbour Tour When Time Allows

After lunch, the cruise heads toward St. Paul’s Island, with time set aside for a second swim. This matters because a lot of Malta cruises do one quick swim and then turn the rest of the day into slow wandering. Here, the water time is built in, and it gives you a better “day at sea” rhythm.

Sometimes there’s also a short Grand Harbour moment and even a harbour tour, but it’s explicitly time-dependent. The key is that they’re not promising you a long harbor segment every time. You’re still getting the main water-driven plan, and the harbor visit is treated as a bonus if timing allows.

You may also get a tender-style cave/lagoon experience at certain points. Some people described being taken in a small boat through caves/lagoon with a short, set-duration ride (about 20 minutes). That’s the kind of extra that can make the day feel more special than just “anchor, swim, move on.”

If you’re planning your expectations: you’re doing a water-forward day. You’re not building a museum day. The value is in seeing Malta by sea, then cooling off in two separate swimming windows.

Comfort You Can Actually Use: Shade, Bean Bags, and Onboard Restrooms

On a day cruise, comfort is not a luxury detail. It’s how you decide whether the day feels relaxing or cramped.

On Tip Top One, you can choose between shade and sun. That includes shaded seating at tables plus bean bags and deck lounging space (often described as enough for everyone to find their own spot). There’s also mention of music onboard, and the overall atmosphere tends to feel laid back rather than party-constant.

The onboard restrooms are a practical win. You don’t have to do the “stand there and hope” routine on busy boats. It keeps you feeling human during long stretches between stops.

And because the group limit is relatively low, you’re less likely to spend your time politely navigating around other people’s towels and flip-flops. More room also makes it easier for families with kids or for multi-generational groups to spread out without feeling like you’re bumping elbows every five minutes.

There’s still a basic reality to water days: you’ll be outside a lot. Bring what you need to be comfortable in the sun, and plan to shift between shade and deck time as the day changes.

Price and Logistics: Is $156 Worth It?

At $156 per person, you’re paying for a lot more than transport across the water. You’re getting:

• a large catamaran with restrooms and onboard seating
• a Maltese platter plus a full lunch
• two swimming-oriented breaks (Comino/Gozo plus St. Paul’s Island)
• all-day drinks (wine, beer, soft drinks, water)
• optional extras like harbour sightseeing when time allows

The value is strongest when you compare it to the hidden costs that usually stack up on day cruises: drinks purchased separately, snack-based meals, and the time cost of dealing with crowds. Here, the day is structured so your spending stays predictable and your time feels efficient.

Logistics are the other part of the value equation. The cruise doesn’t include transfer to and from the boat. If you’re staying outside Sliema, factor in how you’ll get there. The tour info suggests ferry from Valletta and taxis over driving because parking is difficult.

Also, remember the trip requires good weather. If it’s canceled for poor weather, you should expect a different date or a full refund. If you cancel yourself, it’s non-refundable. So treat it like a weather-dependent summer plan: if your Malta trip has flexible days, this is easier to match.

Who This Catamaran Cruise Suits Best (and Who Should Rethink)

This cruise is a strong fit if you want Malta by sea without the chaos. The most praised parts are the not-overcrowded boat size, easy seating options, and the friendly crew. If you’d rather relax than fight for swim space, this style of itinerary makes sense.

It also works well for people who want structure without being rushed. The day includes food, drinks, and two swim points, but it still leaves room to lounge on deck.

It may not be ideal if:

• you specifically want Blue Lagoon waters as your main swim destination, since you won’t stop in those overcrowded waters
• you’re booking on a tight schedule and can’t handle weather-related shifts
• you don’t want to arrive with your own towel planning, since towel isn’t included

Should you book Tip Top One?

I’d book this if your priority is a calm, comfortable catamaran day with proper meals and included drinks, plus swimming stops around Malta that don’t revolve around crowd-chasing. The $156 price makes more sense when you value the full lunch, the open drink flow, and the chance to spread out on board instead of feeling packed in.

If you’re the kind of person who wants maximum control over swim spots or you’re strictly chasing Blue Lagoon’s exact water entry, then you should read the plan closely and decide if the alternative swimming areas fit your mental picture of the day.

FAQ

What time does the cruise leave from Sliema?

Boarding is around 10:15, boarding closes at 10:25, and departure is at 10:30 sharp. You return back to the meeting point around 17:00.

Where is the meeting point for Tip Top One?

You meet at Daycruisemalta.com – Tip Top One at PicardTigné Seafront, Tas-Sliema, Malta.

How long is the full-day cruise?

It runs about 6 hours 30 minutes.

What stops are included during the day?

The plan includes Comino (Crystal Lagoon) as stop 1 weather permitting, and a second swim at St. Paul’s Island. A short visit to Grand Harbour may be included if time allows. If Comino isn’t workable, stop 1 can switch to Ramla I-Hamra in Gozo.

Is there a Blue Lagoon stop?

No. The cruise does not stop in Blue Lagoon due to overcrowded waters, though Blue Lagoon is still part of the sightseeing from the water.

What food and drinks are included?

You get lunch onboard (chicken, pork, fresh green salad, potatoes of the day, and fresh bread) plus wine, beer, soft drinks, and water all day.

Can the cruise accommodate vegetarian or dietary needs?

Yes. You should leave a note if you don’t eat chicken and/or pork or if you need a vegetarian option.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Masks and snorkels can be borrowed, but they require a EUR 20 deposit if the set is damaged or lost. Towels aren’t included.

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