Malta: Blue Lagoon, Beaches & Bays Trip by Catamaran

The best part of this Malta boat trip is simple: you get a full day on the water without being packed onto a small, cramped vessel. The catamaran heads from St Paul’s Bay toward the Blue Lagoon, then finds other swimming spots along Malta’s coast when weather and sea conditions permit.

I like the spacious layout, with sun loungers, netting at the front, clean toilets, and three ladders for getting in and out of the water. I also like the choice between a daytime outing and a sunset departure, plus the optional barbecue and onboard cocktail bar. The main consideration is the atmosphere: music, dancing, and drinks are part of the plan, so this is not the right boat for silence or a secluded beach visit. The catamaran does not stop on land.

At a glance

• The Blue Lagoon is the first swimming stop, with the catamaran anchoring farther out rather than inside the busiest part of the lagoon.
• The route can include two or three water stops, such as Crystal Lagoon, Anchor Bay, Mellieha Bay, Golden Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, Ramla Bay, Imgiebah Bay, or Half Rock.
• You get a large, stable catamaran, rather than a narrow boat with limited room to sit or stretch out.
• The optional barbecue costs extra and includes halal chicken kebabs, salads, bread, a side, and one drink.
• Sun loungers are first come, first served, so arrive early if a prime spot matters to you.
• This suits a lively group, with music, dancing, swimming, cocktails, and a social onboard mood.

From Sirens Quay to the Blue Lagoon

Meet behind Loa restaurant at Sirens Quay, in the St Paul’s Bay area. The trip lasts about six hours, though the exact departure time depends on the option you book. You return to the same place at the end.

The boat itself is a major part of the value. It is a modern sailing catamaran with more room than many small sightseeing boats. You can stretch out on a sun lounger, settle into a shaded seat toward the rear, or lie on the forward nets above the water. The nets are a fine place to feel the motion of the sea, though anyone sensitive to spray may prefer the back of the boat.

Arrive early if you want a lounger. There are only so many good places, and the best ones go first. The rear loungers offer more shelter, which matters on the return ride when the wind can feel cool, especially on an afternoon or sunset sailing.

The catamaran heads first to the Blue Lagoon, Malta’s famous swimming stop near Comino. The boat does not anchor inside the lagoon itself. Instead, it anchors a little farther out, giving you access to the clear water while avoiding at least some of the tightest crowding in the lagoon.

You will enter the water from the boat, not walk onto a beach. Three separate ladders make this easier, and you can climb back aboard without competing for a single narrow exit. Bring your own goggles if you want to snorkel, since the tour information does not promise rental gear.

What the Blue Lagoon stop is really like

The Blue Lagoon is the headline attraction, and the water is the reason. In good conditions, the turquoise color is striking, especially from the upper deck or catamaran nets. Once you are swimming, the view changes: you see the hulls, cliffs, and open sea rather than a traditional beach scene.

That distinction matters. This is not a beach day with a towel on the sand. You stay aboard the catamaran and swim from the stern or side ladders. If you want to wander ashore, stretch your legs on Comino, or reach a café, this excursion will disappoint. There is no land stop.

The boat’s position away from the center of the lagoon can make the experience more comfortable, but conditions vary. On a busy summer day, the wider Comino area can still feel crowded with boats. The earlier you arrive at the departure point, the better your chance of securing a comfortable place to sit while everyone heads into the water.

Allow time simply to swim. This is not a rushed photo stop. You can float, snorkel, sunbathe, and return to the boat when you are ready, within the schedule set by the crew. Keep your sunglasses and hat on the boat, and apply sunscreen before you board. Malta’s sun is strong, and the bright water reflects it back at you.

Crystal Lagoon, caves, and the other possible stops

After the Blue Lagoon, the route depends heavily on wind and sea conditions. That flexibility is practical rather than disappointing: the crew can choose safer and more enjoyable water when the planned route is not suitable.

Crystal Lagoon is one of the most appealing possible stops. Steep cliffs surround the area, and the water is deeper than at the Blue Lagoon. That makes it a better setting for confident swimmers and snorkelers who want to look around caves and swim near rock walls.

The deeper water also means you should be honest about your comfort level. You will be entering from the catamaran, not wading in from a shallow beach. If you are not a strong swimmer, stay close to the boat and use the ladders when you need a break.

Anchor Bay offers a different kind of stop. The boat can pause near the bay where Popeye Village sits in its film-set setting. You view the village from the water rather than touring the set. It is a pleasant change from swimming, especially if you want photographs of the colorful buildings tucked into the bay.

Other possible stops include Mellieha Bay, Golden Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, Ramla Bay, Imgiebah Bay, and Half Rock. These places are selected for swimming and snorkeling, but the exact combination is not guaranteed. Do not book this trip expecting a fixed checklist of bays. Book it for a flexible day on Malta’s coast, with the Blue Lagoon as the one named priority.

Music, cocktails, and the mood onboard

The music gives this boat trip its personality. The catamaran is designed for a social day, with music playing while you cruise, sunbathe, and swim. You may see dancing, and the general feel is closer to a floating beach party than to a quiet nature cruise.

That is a strength if you are visiting with friends or want to meet other people around your age. The minimum age is 12, but the overall setup is aimed at people who enjoy music, swimming, and drinks. Families with young children, anyone seeking a calm boat ride, or people who dislike a party atmosphere should look for a different outing.

The bar sells cocktails and other drinks. They are not included in the $62 price, so plan for extra spending if you want to drink onboard. One practical point: cash is listed among the recommended items, but payment by card is available onboard according to the trip information. Bringing some cash still keeps things simple.

You cannot bring your own food or drinks, and smoking is not allowed. That may feel restrictive, but it keeps the deck less cluttered and directs food and drink purchases through the boat’s bar and barbecue service.

Is the optional barbecue worth adding?

The barbecue is purchased on the day, not included in the basic fare. The meal consists of halal chicken kebabs, a choice of couscous, pasta salad, or green salad, bread, and one drink. Vegetarian food is available, which is useful if your group has mixed preferences.

At about €15 according to the onboard pricing information, the barbecue is reasonably priced for a meal served at sea. It also saves you from packing lunch, which you are not allowed to bring. You can buy cocktails separately at the bar.

The food is best viewed as a convenient boat lunch or dinner, not a gourmet meal. It fits the day well because you can eat without losing time searching for a restaurant between swimming stops. If you have a large appetite or specific dietary needs beyond the stated vegetarian option, check with the crew before relying on it.

The barbecue works especially well on a longer daytime outing. On a sunset cruise, the meal adds a relaxed evening rhythm: swim earlier, eat onboard, then watch the light change along the coast.

Choosing the daytime or sunset departure

The daytime sailing gives you the strongest sun for swimming and the clearest conditions for seeing the water. It is the better choice if your priority is snorkeling, swimming in several places, and spending as much time as possible outdoors.

The afternoon or sunset option has its own appeal. The air is less hot, the light changes as the boat returns, and the horizon becomes part of the entertainment. A light jacket or windbreaker is a smart addition, since the return trip can feel fresh once the sun drops.

A sunset sailing may also feel less intense than the middle of the day, but the timing can limit how much daylight you have for swimming. Check the exact start time before booking and choose based on your priorities rather than assuming one option is automatically better.

The price and what you get for $62

At $62 per person, this is not Malta’s cheapest way to reach the Blue Lagoon. Small boats and basic ferry options may cost less, but they usually do not offer the same combination of deck space, loungers, swimming ladders, music, and a bar.

The real value is the boat itself. You are paying for a six-hour outing with an expert crew, several possible swimming locations, and room to sit or lie down. If you compare it with a crowded vessel where you spend the whole day on a plastic seat, the larger catamaran can feel worth the difference.

The price does not cover drinks or the barbecue. Add those costs before you decide what the trip will cost you in practice. If you only want one quick swim at the Blue Lagoon, this may be more boat time than you need. If you want a full half-day at sea with facilities and a social mood, the fare is fair.

Practical advice before you board

Wear swimwear under your clothes and pack a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. You should also bring a light jacket for the ride back, particularly if you choose the sunset option.

Shoes are not allowed onboard, so wear something easy to remove at the meeting point. Oversize luggage is also not allowed. Bring only what you need for the water and the six-hour outing.

Arrive early for the best choice of loungers. The front nets are popular, while the rear area gives you more shelter. There is no need to compete for a land-based beach chair because the boat never stops on shore, but a good onboard spot can make a big difference during the cruising portions.

The route is weather dependent. Strong wind or rough water can change the order of stops or remove a planned bay from the day. The catamaran is described as stable, but no boat can make choppy conditions feel completely calm. If you are prone to seasickness, sit in the central area of the boat and avoid spending the entire ride on the forward nets.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users because of the boat layout and water access. It is also not suitable for children under 12.

Who should book this catamaran trip?

Book it if you want a lively day with clear water, music, sun, and plenty of time aboard a comfortable boat. It is a strong choice for friends, couples who enjoy a social setting, and anyone who wants to combine the Blue Lagoon with possible stops at Crystal Lagoon, Anchor Bay, or other Maltese bays.

You will get the most from it if you are happy to swim from ladders and accept a flexible route. The catamaran gives you a good base for the day, but it does not deliver a guided land tour or a quiet look at Comino.

Skip it if your ideal Malta outing includes a silent sail, a beach picnic, a guaranteed visit to every named bay, or time ashore at Popeye Village. You should also skip the barbecue if you need a highly specialized meal, since the menu is limited to the choices provided onboard.

Final verdict

I would book this trip for a comfortable, social day on the water, especially if the alternative is a small boat with little room to move. The Blue Lagoon is beautiful, the possible secondary stops add variety, and the catamaran gives you useful comforts such as loungers, ladders, toilets, music, and a bar.

Go in with the right expectations. The route can change, the Blue Lagoon is not a land stop, and drinks and lunch cost extra. Arrive early, bring sun protection and a wind jacket, and choose the sunset option if you prefer softer light and a cooler ride home. For a full six hours of swimming, scenery, and easygoing boat-party energy, the $62 fare offers solid value.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip start?

The meeting point is at Sirens Quay, behind Loa restaurant.

How long does the activity last?

The boat trip lasts six hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

Does the catamaran stop at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. The Blue Lagoon is the first swimming and snorkeling stop, but the catamaran anchors slightly farther out rather than inside the lagoon.

Does the tour stop on land?

No. The catamaran does not stop on land at any point during the activity.

Which other locations might the boat visit?

Depending on weather and sea conditions, possible stops include Crystal Lagoon, Anchor Bay, Mellieha Bay, Golden Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, Ramla Bay, Imgiebah Bay, and Half Rock.

Is lunch included?

No. An optional barbecue can be purchased onboard on the day. It includes halal chicken kebabs, a choice of side dishes, salad, bread, and one drink.

Are drinks included in the price?

No. Drinks, including cocktails, can be purchased at the onboard bar.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash. A light jacket is also useful for the return ride, especially on a sunset sailing.

Who should not book this activity?

The trip is not suitable for children under 12 or wheelchair users. It is also a poor fit if you want a quiet cruise, since music, dancing, and drinks are part of the experience.