Four hours, three lagoons, and great crew. This half-day Comino catamaran is built around scenic swim stops at Santa Marija Bay, Crystal Lagoon, and the Blue Lagoon, with free beer, wine, and soft drinks plus snorkeling gear and paddle boards on board.

The trade-off is simple: it is not for people prone to seasickness, and the catamaran departs promptly, so late arrivals can miss the start of the day.

Key Highlights Before You Go

• Small max group size (15 people) keeps the boat from feeling crowded at the stops
• Beer, wine, and unlimited soft drinks are included, with set portions for alcohol
• Snorkeling equipment + 2 stand-up paddle boards are there when you want them
• Three planned water moments: quick caves photos, a Crystal Lagoon swim, then Blue Lagoon for longer relaxation
• Restroom and WiFi on board so you stay comfortable even on a half-day schedule
• A prompt departure keeps the timing tight, which is great if you like structure

A Half-Day Catamaran Loop Around Comino’s Best Water

This is the kind of trip that works when you want the big Malta and Comino sights without burning an entire day. You sail out, hit three distinct water stops, and return back to where you started at ABC Diving The Boathouse in St Paul’s Bay.

What I like most is the pacing. You get a short taste at Santa Marija Bay, then a proper swimming stretch at Crystal Lagoon, then the main event at the Blue Lagoon for an hour. Add in the included drinks and the on-board gear, and it is a very low-effort way to make the coast part of your vacation.

Meeting at ABC Diving The Boathouse in St Paul’s Bay

You meet at ABC Diving The Boathouse on Triq il-Fekruna in St Paul’s Bay (SPB 4813). The tour ends back at the same meeting point, so you are not dealing with a transfer at the end of your day.

Plan to show up early, because the boat departs promptly. If you roll in late, the crew is not obligated to wait. That matters on a half-day tour, where every minute counts for reaching Comino and getting your time in the water.

How the Timing Works: Travel Time Plus Three Stop Periods

The total experience runs about 4 hours. The extra time is there because you need travel time to reach the island of Comino and time to head back toward Xemxija.

Once you are moving, the schedule is straightforward:

• Santa Marija Bay: 15 minutes for a photo stop
• Crystal Lagoon: 45 minutes for swimming and relaxing
• Blue Lagoon: 1 hour, including an option to step off near the beach area

This is a good format if you want swims without feeling rushed into constant moving around. You still need to be ready to jump in quickly, though, since the boat is on a plan and the crew will keep the day moving.

Santa Marija Bay Photo Stop and the Santa Maria Caves Views

Santa Marija Bay is your quick visual warm-up. From the water, you get to appreciate the Santa Maria Caves on Comino’s north side. This is not an on-foot or underwater visit here. You stay aboard and the stop is for photos and taking in the formations from sea level.

Why I think this works: a short caves stop lets you appreciate the dramatic scenery without turning your day into an activity-heavy checklist. If you like photos, you will get a clean chance to frame the caves against the deep-blue water from the catamaran’s deck.

The only real limitation is time. Fifteen minutes goes fast, so treat it like a scenic checkpoint, not a long exploration.

Crystal Lagoon: 45 Minutes of Clear-Water Swimming

Next is Crystal Lagoon, where the focus shifts from views to water time. You get about 45 minutes here, which is enough to swim, float, or snorkel without feeling like you’re constantly checking the clock.

This stop is great if you enjoy that “try a little snorkeling, then just float” rhythm. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, so you can bring your own confidence (or lack of it) and still get going. If you prefer a calmer option, you can also choose to just relax and enjoy the clarity from the surface.

A practical note: you are on the open sea, so water and wind conditions can change fast. If it is a cool season, you might find the first minutes in the water a bit of a shock, even though the lagoon itself looks inviting.

Blue Lagoon: The Main Swim Stop With Beach Time Option

The Blue Lagoon is the headline stop, with about an hour on site. This is where the turquoise water reputation fits the reality: you are here for swimming, easy hanging out, and the option to disembark and enjoy the area around the lagoon.

What makes this worth the extra time is flexibility. You can:

• swim right off the boat
• snorkel using the provided gear
• stay relaxed in the sun
• if you want a change of pace, step off near the beach area

I also like that the Blue Lagoon slot is long enough for a real break. The trip is short overall, so that hour is your best chance to feel like you actually spent time in Comino, not just passed through it.

Drinks, WiFi, Restroom, and Included Gear That Actually Helps

This tour is unusually comfortable for a half-day. You get bottled still water, WiFi on board, and a restroom. Those sound like small things until you are on a boat and the schedule is tight. They make the difference between coping and enjoying.

Then there is the included fun stuff:

• Snorkeling equipment (available for use on board)
• 2 stand-up paddle boards to share
• Unlimited soft drinks (Pepsi and Sprite)
• Beer and wine (white and rosé), served to guests aged 21 and over, with set portions per person

This is not a “maybe you’ll get something” situation. The boat is set up so you can participate right away when you hit the lagoons. And because there is a limited number of people (max 15), you are less likely to feel like you are queuing for gear or space.

One caution: towels are not included. If you expect to get sandy or want to dry off after beach time at Blue Lagoon, bring your own or plan to buy something locally.

The Crew and Boat Feel: Spacious, Clean, and Attentive

The big theme here is attention. The captain and crew keep things moving without being pushy, and they check in regularly about what you want to drink. There is also a friendly vibe onboard, with the captain providing explanations that can include humor.

Even better, the boat tends to feel calm and comfortable, with enough room to lounge where you want. Multiple people also note that it does not feel crowded, which lines up with the small group limit.

The one real downside that came up in feedback is not about the scenery. It is about the toilet setup. If you are sensitive to small onboard facilities, this is the detail to consider.

Seasickness Reality Check and Who This Trip Fits

This catamaran is simply not for people prone to seasickness. If you know you get sick on boats, skip it. The tour’s style is relaxing, but the ocean ride part still matters, and the schedule does not cater to people who need frequent stops.

On the physical side, it calls for moderate physical fitness. That usually means you should be comfortable moving around the boat, getting in and out for swimming, and handling water activities without major assistance.

This is a great match for:

• couples who want scenery and easy time in the water
• families with kids who can swim or snorkel with supervision
• anyone who wants a short Malta highlight day without heavy logistics

It is less ideal if you want a land-heavy itinerary or if you want a long, in-depth underwater experience.

Price and Value: What You Really Get for $59.91

At about $59.91 per person for roughly four hours, the value is strongest because you are not paying extra for the basics that make the trip fun. You get:

• multiple scenic locations tied to real swimming time
• snorkeling equipment and SUP boards
• WiFi and a restroom
• a drinks package (including set portions of beer and wine plus unlimited soft drinks)
• bottled water

You are paying for a “ready-to-enjoy” format. You show up, you sail, you swim, you snack-drink, you come back. There is no need to find rentals or hunt down food planning in the middle of the day.

If you want a longer meal, lunch is available only by request with at least 2 days notice, priced at Euro 30 per person. Also remember that towels are not included, so factor that into your packing list.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Sail in Malta

• Arrive early enough that you are not rushing to board when doors close. The boat departs promptly.
• Bring a towel for Blue Lagoon beach time and any post-swim drying.
• Expect cool water in cooler months. The lagoons are gorgeous year-round, but temperature can surprise you.
• Use the gear when it is convenient. Snorkel equipment and paddle boards are there for your stops, so do not overthink it.
• Bring swimwear you feel good in. You will likely change plans on the spot depending on wind and comfort.
• If you want photos of the caves, plan your timing. Santa Marija Bay is short, so be ready to move quickly when the boat is positioned.

One more fun possibility: sometimes you may spot dolphins on the ride back. It is not guaranteed, but it is the kind of extra moment that makes a short tour feel extra special.

Should You Book This Half-Day Scenic Catamaran?

I think this is an easy yes if you want Comino’s signature water in a short window, and you like a relaxed schedule. The small max group size, the included snorkeling and paddle boards, and the drinks all support that laid-back vibe.

I would skip it if seasickness is a real issue for you, or if you need more time than the schedule offers. It is half day, so you get memorable stops, not a slow, all-day exploration.

If you are deciding between tours, this one is a strong pick when your goal is: sail, swim, and enjoy the scenery with minimal planning and good onboard comfort.

FAQ

How long is the half-day catamaran experience?

It lasts about 4 hours (approx.).

What are the main stops on the route?

You have a photo stop at Santa Marija Bay (Santa Maria Caves), then stops at Crystal Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included for use on board.

Are stand-up paddle boards included?

Yes. There are 2 stand-up paddle boards to share.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included, but it is available upon request with at least 2 days notice. The price is Euro 30 per person.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at ABC Diving The Boathouse, Triq il-Fekruna, St Paul’s Bay (SPB 4813), Malta. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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