A sea day on Malta that actually feels spacious. This full-day catamaran cruise (Tip Top One) takes you around Comino and St. Paul’s Island, keeps you away from the worst bottlenecks, and serves a proper on-board lunch. I love the easy comfort—bean bags, shaded tables, and clean restrooms—and I love that the itinerary is built around time to swim, not just sit and watch. One thing to keep in mind: the exact stops can shift with weather, so you’re signing up for the sea, not a guaranteed script.

If you’ve ever looked at photos of Blue Lagoon days that look like a parking lot, you’ll appreciate how this trip is designed. You’ll still cruise past it for the sightlines, but you won’t be stuck stopping in the overcrowded water. And with a max of 44 people aboard, the vibe stays relaxed, the staff can move around easily, and you can actually hear yourself think.

Key Points at a Glance

• Small-by-design catamaran: maximum 44 people, so you’re not wedged shoulder-to-shoulder.
• Two swimming chances: one around Comino (Crystal Lagoon if weather allows) and another at St. Paul’s Island.
• Lunch plus all-day drinks: pork and chicken lunch with wine, beer, soft drinks, and water included.
• Shade is real: shaded tables under cover, plus bean bags and open deck space for sun lovers.
• Blue Lagoon without the crowd stop: you’ll see it, but you won’t anchor there.
• On-board comfort: restrooms, and borrowed snorkel gear is available with a EUR 20 deposit.

Why This Catamaran Feels More Like a Sea Day Than a Crowd-Run

The big difference with Tip Top One is simple: it’s not built for maximum bodies. With a maximum of 44 travelers on a large catamaran, you’ll feel the space right away—more room to walk, more room to sit, and more room to breathe.

You can choose your own mood. Some people claim the bean bags up on deck, others hang out at shaded tables below. Either way, there are on-board restrooms, which matters more than you’d think when you’re on the water for hours.

And the staff attitude is part of the value. People often mention how attentive the crew is and how the captain plans routes to keep things calmer than you’d expect. That’s the kind of detail that turns a basic cruise into a good day.

10:30 Sharp in Sliema: Getting On and Settling In

This tour leaves from Daycruisemalta.com – Tip Top One at PicardTigné Seafront, Tas-Sliema. Boarding starts at 10:15, boarding closes at 10:25, and departure is 10:30 sharp—so don’t aim for “close enough.”

You’ll use a mobile ticket, and the meeting point is near public transportation. Transfers to and back aren’t included, so plan your own ferry/taxi timing if you’re coming from Valletta.

What to bring is mostly about comfort. Bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, and any essentials you like for a long day in the sun. Also note: a towel isn’t included, so pack one unless you know you’ll have access to one.

Your Morning: Maltese Platter, Drinks, and a Controlled Approach to Blue Lagoon

The day starts with a traditional Maltese platter. It’s a nice early touch because you’re already on Maltese time—relaxed, watching the water, and not rushing straight into your first swim.

You’ll also get drinks all day, including wine, beer, soft beverages, and water. That means you’re not hunting for refreshments mid-cruise, and you can keep the day easy.

Then comes the key choice: you’ll sightsee the Blue Lagoon, but the operator states you will not stop there due to overcrowding. You’ll still get the views and photo opportunities, but you avoid the “everyone lines up in the same small anchorage” feeling.

Comino Stop: Crystal Lagoon If Weather Allows (Or Ramla l-Hamra Instead)

Your first main water time is usually around Comino, with the plan to stop at Crystal Lagoon if weather permits. Crystal Lagoon is the kind of place that makes you want to jump in right away—easy to reach, scenic, and ideal for a swim.

If weather doesn’t cooperate, the plan shifts to Ramla l-Hamra in Gozo. Same idea—beautiful coastal setting, with the day still centered on water time rather than sitting on board.

Either way, this is where the cruise earns its keep. The experience is built around swimming in good water and taking short breaks to enjoy the scenery instead of treating the islands like just another shore stop.

What to watch for

Because the itinerary can change due to weather, pack with flexibility. If you’re traveling in shoulder season or a windy period, expect “if the sea cooperates” energy. The good news is the route adjustments are designed to keep you on the water with meaningful stops.

Lunch on Board: Pork, Chicken, Salads, Potatoes, and Proper Bread

Lunch is one of the easiest “value wins” on this cruise. You’ll get chicken, pork, fresh green salad, potatoes of the day, and fresh bread served on board after your first main stop.

If you don’t eat chicken and/or pork, or if you need a vegetarian option, the operator asks you to leave a note. This isn’t a restaurant where you can walk up and order anything you want on the spot, so communicate dietary needs early.

Where lunch gets extra points for me is the setting. You’re eating with table seating under shaded areas, and you’re not trapped inside. Pair that with all-day drinks and it feels less like “ration time” and more like a genuine midday break.

St. Paul’s Island Swim Plus a Harbour Option When Time Allows

After lunch, the cruise heads toward St. Paul’s Island for your second swim. This is the part of the day that keeps the whole experience from feeling like a one-swim cruise.

St. Paul’s is a great follow-up because it adds variety. You’re not just repeating the same type of stop. You’re moving to a new spot, with new views, and a fresh chance to cool off.

Time permitting, the operator may also include a short visit around Grand Harbour. Even if it’s brief, it’s a nice way to shift from island-water scenery to the larger scale of Malta’s harbors.

The Snorkel and Towel Reality Check

If you want to snorkel, masks and snorkels can be borrowed, but there’s a EUR 20 deposit in case the set is damaged or lost. If you’re picky about fit, consider bringing your own.

And don’t forget the towel. Since it’s not included, you’ll want to bring one so you’re not stuck drying off awkwardly or improvising with dry clothes.

How the Timing Works (and Why You Usually Get Enough Swim Time)

The day runs about 6 hours 30 minutes, with an arrival back around 17:00 in Sliema. Boarding is early, but the schedule is built to keep you doing stuff, not just watching.

One reason people love this trip is that it doesn’t feel rushed in the water. You get time to relax before swims, and there’s time after too, so the whole day stays balanced. In particular, the two-swim structure makes the day feel complete.

Also, if you want shade, you get it. If you want sun, you also get it. That flexibility is what turns a “boat tour” into something that feels like your day on the sea.

Who This Cruise Fits Best

This is a great pick if you want Malta’s water highlights without the stress of overcrowded anchorages. If you’re the type who hates waiting, hates pushing past people, and hates that loud, chaotic vibe on some big boats, you’ll likely feel comfortable here.

It’s also a good fit for mixed ages. The boat has lots of seating options and easy spaces to move around, from shaded tables to open deck bean bags. That flexibility matters when your group includes different comfort levels with sun and sea time.

One possible drawback: this isn’t built for long shore adventures. If what you want is lots of time walking on islands or touring historic sites on land for hours, you may feel the day is mostly water-based.

Price and Value: Is $156 Worth It?

At $156 per person for roughly a half-day plus and a full lunch with drinks, this can be good value—mainly because several big costs are bundled in.

You’re not just paying for movement on a boat. You’re getting:

• Lunch (pork, chicken, salads, potatoes, bread)
• All-day drinks (wine, beer, soft beverages, water)
• On-board amenities (including restrooms)
• A day built around two swimming opportunities
• Harbour sightseeing option if time allows

Transfers and a towel aren’t included, and snorkel gear is optional with a deposit. Still, when you add up food + drinks + the catamaran experience, the pricing makes sense if you’re the type who will actually use the included on-board offerings.

Should You Book Tip Top One?

Book it if you want Malta’s sea highlights with space, comfortable seating, and an itinerary built around swimming rather than crowds. This is especially appealing if Blue Lagoon-type spots make you nervous, because you’ll get the sightlines without stopping in the most crowded water.

Skip it if you need guaranteed exact locations every day, since weather can change the plan. Also, if your idea of a perfect day is long land tours, this one keeps most of its magic on the water.

If you’re flexible, sun-ready, and you care about comfort and swim time, this is one of the better ways to spend a day near Comino and St. Paul’s without feeling like you’re part of a parade.

FAQ

What time does the cruise leave from Sliema?

Boarding starts at 10:15, boarding closes at 10:25, and the cruise departs at 10:30 sharp. You return around 17:00.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts and ends at Daycruisemalta.com – Tip Top One at PicardTigné Seafront, Tas-Sliema, Malta.

What’s included in the price?

Lunch is included, along with wine, beer, soft drinks, and water all day. The cruise includes Comino Crystal Lagoon (weather permitting), a second stop in Malta, and a harbour tour if time allows.

Will we stop in the Blue Lagoon?

The operator states there will be no stop in the Blue Lagoon due to overcrowded waters. You will still sightsee it.

Can I get a vegetarian option?

You can request it by leaving a note if you don’t eat chicken and/or pork or if you need a vegetarian option.

Are snorkel masks and snorkels included?

Masks and snorkels can be borrowed, but there is a EUR 20 deposit if the set is damaged or lost.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. The itinerary can also change due to weather conditions.

You Might Also Enjoy

Hersonissos: Luxury Sunset Catamaran Cruise Sushi & Open Bar1h Refreshing Sailing Tour in Barcelona with Open Bar & SnacksLisbon Sunset Sailing Tour on Luxury Sailing Yacht with 2 DrinksHalf Day Premium Catamaran Cruise in Santorini including Oia