Blue water, good tunes, and open bar. This is the kind of Malta day that feels made for relaxing: on the Spirit of Malta catamaran cruise, I like the roomy sailing setup and the easygoing vibe, plus you get an open bar with lunch and plenty of time in the water. The included buffet has more choices than you’d expect for a boat day, and the drink service keeps moving.

One thing to consider: the ride is weather-dependent, so the captain can shift the exact swim stops and how the day plays out. If you’re prone to sea sickness, plan for that too, since the trip out to Comino can feel bouncy depending on the conditions.

Key things to love (quick hits)

• Spirit of Malta catamaran: a cruising-focused sailing boat that feels calmer than the high-speed style of day trips.
• Open bar all day: wine, beer, soft drinks, and water included, with staff working to keep lines short.
• Swimming-focused schedule: no fixed routine, but you’ll spend meaningful time in different bays.
• Blue Lagoon access when conditions allow: plus an optional speedboat cave add-on at Blue Lagoon.
• Crew energy: names like Hector and Axel show up in praise, and the onboard vibe goes from chill to party later.
• Food that actually fills you up: cold cuts, cheeses, multiple salads, bread rolls, and a proper buffet setup.

Sliema to Comino: The catamaran day that replaces a bus tour

This cruise starts in Sliema, and you’ll board the Spirit of Malta at 10:30am. You’re back around 5:30pm, so it’s long enough to feel like a real escape, not a quick photo stop.

The value here isn’t just the destination. It’s the format: you’re on a sailing catamaran built for cruising, and you’re not constantly changing plans. From what people describe, the boat feels comfortable and not cramped, with plenty of space to find a sun spot, then move around as the light and weather shift.

Meeting the boat across from The Black Sheep in Sliema

The meeting point is simple: the Spirit of Malta is the only catamaran in that area of the bay, located opposite The Black Sheep bar in Sliema. That matters because you’re spending less energy hunting for the right vessel and more time actually enjoying the day.

Because this is a popular Blue Lagoon day, I’d treat arriving a bit early as part of the strategy. Even if you don’t rush, getting settled sooner helps you pick where you want to sit for the ride out and back.

What’s on board: open bar, toilets, and a buffet lunch

This cruise is set up around three comforts: food, drinks, and time. The open bar includes wine, beer, and soft drinks, plus water throughout the day. People often highlight how hard the bartender works to keep the drinks flowing, so you’re not stuck waiting.

Lunch is served as a buffet during one of the swim stops. The included spread is built like a solid picnic that happens to be on the water:

• cold cuts: turkey, smoked gammon, salami
• cheeses: cheddar cubes and feta
• salads: summer potato salad, bulgur wheat salad (vegetarian), vegetarian rice salad, pasta salad, roma tomatoes & onion salad (vegan)
• bread rolls

If you’re picky, you’ll still find options. There are multiple vegetarian and vegan-friendly choices, and the mix of cold cuts + salads makes it easy to eat what you actually like. One practical perk: you’re not just getting a token snack and sent back out to sea.

There are toilets on board, which sounds obvious until you’re stuck on a day trip without them. Also, if conditions turn choppy, having that onboard space to reset helps a lot.

How the day really works: weather-dependent swim stops

This cruise doesn’t run on a rigid checklist. There’s no guaranteed fixed route, because the captain sails according to prevailing weather conditions. That’s not a downside so much as a smart safety and comfort approach—when the sea is rough, the captain adjusts.

What you can count on is the structure:

• the boat sails to scenic bays around Malta and Comino
• you stop for swimming and snorkeling at different locations
• one of the swimming stops includes the buffet lunch
• the most famous stop is Blue Lagoon in Comino when weather permits

In other words, you’re buying time in the water and a boat-day atmosphere. If Blue Lagoon is the one stop you’re chasing, understand that weather can influence how the plan unfolds.

Snorkeling and swimming: sun, comfort, and a few real-world cautions

Most people book this for one reason: swimming time in standout water. The catamaran layout helps because you can choose your comfort level—shade if you need it, sun if you want it, and easy access for hopping in and out.

A few practical tips from the kind of details that actually matter:

• Bring a hat and sunscreen. Malta sun doesn’t ask permission.
• Pack a waterproof phone case if you want to film without risking disaster.
• If you get motion sick, bring sea sickness medication and consider where you sit on the boat. Some people specifically recommend the back area when the water is rough.
• Watch for jellyfish in the sea, especially if you’re swimming near busy water.

And yes, people mention that the ride can feel rough on the way out on certain days. Once you’re in the water, it usually becomes worth it fast, but don’t ignore the sea part.

Comino’s Blue Lagoon: why arriving by boat changes everything

Blue Lagoon is busy from the shore. From a boat, it’s a different experience. The main benefit of doing it by catamaran is that you’re not stuck dealing with the crowded beach entry and exit rhythm.

When the captain can make it, you’ll visit Blue Lagoon in Comino for swimming. Some days also include other lagoon stops, depending on sea state—like whether conditions allow you to reach places such as Crystal Lagoon and still keep everyone comfortable.

Two things to keep in mind while you’re there:

• The shore can be crowded, but you’re not forced to live there. You can swim and float where the water is calmest.
• If the water is warm and you’re using your time well, this becomes the highlight of the whole Malta trip, not just a photo moment.

Optional speedboat cave experience at Blue Lagoon

One add-on you might hear about at Blue Lagoon is a 600 horsepower speedboat ride into nearby caves. It’s usually an extra cost, but people who tried it describe it as a standout. If you want more than swimming and snorkel—if you want motion and a thrill—this is the type of add-on that can turn Blue Lagoon into a bigger story.

Lunch on the water: cold cuts, salads, and eating without rushing

Lunch is served during one of the swim stops, so it feels natural, not forced. You swim, you reset, you eat, then you go back out again.

The buffet setup is where this cruise gets better than the “boat snack” stereotype. The selection covers different tastes and dietary needs. Between the cold cuts and cheeses, plus multiple salads (including vegetarian and vegan options), you’re not stuck with one bland choice.

A small but helpful detail: because the day is long, the included portions matter. People often say the food amount exceeded expectations, and that you get enough to actually feel satisfied for a full afternoon.

The music and party vibe: chill sailing, then a dance session

This cruise shifts tone after lunch. Before lunch, the atmosphere is more relaxed. After lunch, music comes on and the onboard energy ramps up with singing and dancing to top hits.

That sounds like a theme-park thing. It’s not. It’s more like a moving beach party where you can still control your level of participation. Stay on the top deck for sun and views, or join in for the dancing.

A couple of honest considerations:

• If you plan to listen for captain announcements, keep your seating in mind. Some people mention that announcements weren’t easy to hear from the top deck.
• If you’re after total quiet, know this is a social cruise. You’ll get music, and some folks lean into the party more than others.

Also, the crew’s vibe matters. Names that show up in praise include Hector and Axel, and you can feel that staff energy when drinks, music, and small moments all run smoothly.

Price and value: is $105 actually fair?

$105 for a 7-hour catamaran day with a buffet lunch and an open bar isn’t automatically cheap, but it’s also not out of line when you look at what’s included.

You’re paying for:

• catamaran transport between Sliema and Comino areas
• multiple swim stops (not just one quick stop)
• buffet lunch with meat, cheese, and multiple salads
• unlimited drinks in the form of wine, beer, soft drinks, plus water

Where this becomes a good deal is if you’ll actually use the included parts. If you plan to swim, if you’ll drink at least a few beers or glasses, and if you want to stay on the water for hours, the value starts to click.

Where it might not be the best match is if you want a history-heavy sightseeing tour. This cruise is focused on sea time and fun, not long explanations or museum-style stops.

Who should book this cruise, and who should skip it

You’ll probably love it if you’re:

• heading to Malta and want one major Comino day without the stress of planning every stop yourself
• traveling with friends, a group, or even solo and want an onboard social vibe
• excited about swimming and snorkel time more than land touring
• the type who likes music on vacation, but still wants the option to chill

You should think twice if you want quiet, structured sightseeing, or if you’re sensitive to motion and you don’t plan to take precautions.

Also, the cruise isn’t suitable for people under 17 years, so double-check if you’re traveling with younger teens.

Should you book the Spirit of Malta Blue Lagoon cruise?

If Blue Lagoon and Comino’s water time are on your list, I’d say this is a strong pick. The biggest wins are practical: the open bar, the buffered-from-rush lunch, the multiple swim stops, and the fact that the catamaran format gives you room to move and breathe.

Before you book, make peace with the weather-dependent nature of the day. And if the sea can make you sick, bring your plan for that.

FAQ

Where do I meet the catamaran in Sliema?

You’ll find the Spirit of Malta catamaran opposite The Black Sheep bar in Sliema. It’s also described as the only catamaran in that part of the bay, which makes it easier to spot.

What time does the cruise depart, and when do you return?

The cruise departs from Sliema at 10:30am and you return at approximately 5:30pm.

How long is the Blue Lagoon catamaran cruise?

The duration is listed as 7 hours.

Is the schedule fixed or does it change?

There is no fixed programme. The captain sails according to prevailing weather conditions, and swim/snorkeling stops can vary.

Is the Blue Lagoon in Comino guaranteed?

Blue Lagoon in Comino is visited weather permitting. If conditions don’t allow it, the day may be adjusted based on the captain’s decision.

What drinks are included in the open bar?

The open bar includes wine, beer, and soft drinks, with water also provided throughout the day.

What is included for lunch?

Lunch is a buffet with cold cuts (turkey, smoked gammon, salami), cheeses (cheddar cubes, feta), and a selection of salads (summer potato salad, bulgur wheat salad, vegetarian rice salad, pasta salad, and roma tomatoes & onion salad), plus bread rolls. Drinks are included via the open bar.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off is not included.

Who is the tour not suitable for?

The tour is not suitable for people under 17 years.

What languages are spoken, and what are the cancellation/payment options?

The host or greeter speaks English, Italian, French, and Spanish. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later.

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