St. Paul’s Bay: Half-Day Luxury Catamaran Tour with Drinks

The best thing about this St. Paul’s Bay catamaran trip is its small 20-person limit. You get room to stretch out, a better chance of personal service, and far less of the elbow-to-elbow feel found on Malta’s big day boats. The route takes you to Santa Maria Caves, Blue Lagoon, and Crystal Lagoon in one well-paced morning or afternoon.

I like the unlimited drinks and the two shared paddleboards, which add real value to the $74 price. I also like the crew’s flexibility: Captain Dustan and the other guides share local information, help with swimming, and can adjust the route when wind makes a stop unsafe. The catch is simple: this is better for swimming and scenery than serious snorkeling, since the lagoons have limited underwater life and no reefs.

At a glance

• Small boat, small group: The catamaran carries no more than 20 people, with padded seats and sun loungers.
• Three strong coastal stops: See Santa Maria Caves, then swim at Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon.
• Drinks included: Water, soft drinks, beer, and white and rosé wine are available throughout the trip.
• Useful water gear: Snorkel masks are available with a €10 deposit, and two SUP paddleboards are shared among the group.
• Four hours well used: The schedule leaves time for cruising, cave views, swimming, and a relaxed return to St. Paul’s Bay.
• Weather can change the plan: The captain may move the boat to calmer water or alter the route if conditions turn rough.

Why the 20-person limit matters

Many Malta boat trips are built around carrying as many people as possible. This one takes the opposite approach. With space for only 20, you can move around the deck, find a padded sun lounger, and get to the rail for the best view without fighting a crowd.

That smaller size also changes the mood. The crew can keep an eye on swimmers, top up drinks, take photos, and help people onto the paddleboards. It is a good fit for couples, families with older children, friends, or a small work group that wants a social day without a packed upper deck.

The catamaran leaves from Fekruna Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay. Arrive early and be ready to board on time. The boat leaves promptly, and it is not required to wait for late arrivals. That matters here because the route has several timed stops, and a delay at the start cuts into your swimming time.

The full trip lasts four hours. You spend part of that time cruising between stops, so this is not four straight hours in the water. That balance is part of the appeal: you get the view from the boat, a comfortable place to sit, and enough time at two lagoons to cool off without turning the day into a tiring marathon.

The ride out from Fekruna Jetty

After boarding, the crew gives a safety briefing of about 10 minutes. This is a useful start, especially for anyone planning to use the paddleboards or swim away from the boat. The crew speaks English, and Captain Dustan has been singled out for sharing information about Malta, Comino, and the surrounding caves.

The first transfer takes about 45 minutes. Rather than treating this as dead time, use it to settle into the boat and watch the coast change from the St. Paul’s Bay area to the open water around Comino. You can sit in the sun, find shade if available, or enjoy a drink while the crew gets everyone comfortable.

The boat has a more polished feel than a basic transport vessel. You have room to lie down, padded areas for relaxing, and sun loungers. Still, remember that this is a boat day. The deck can be bright, wind can pick up, and the ride may feel rough to anyone prone to seasickness.

Santa Maria Caves from the water

The first main stop is Santa Maria Caves, with about 15 minutes set aside for sightseeing. The catamaran moves close to the rock formations so you can see the cave openings and the clear water around them from a good angle.

This is a viewing stop rather than a long swim. Have your camera ready before the boat reaches the caves, since the time here is short. The low angle from the water gives you a different view than a land visit, and the rocks are at their most striking when the sun catches the water near the cave entrances.

The paddleboards may add an extra option around the caves, depending on conditions and the crew’s decision. Reports from the trip describe using the boards to get closer to a cave and a small beach area. Do not assume this will always happen, though. Wind, waves, and boat traffic can change what is safe.

Blue Lagoon: Malta’s famous swim stop

Blue Lagoon gets about an hour, making it the main swimming stop. Its pale turquoise water and bright rock surroundings explain its fame, but fame brings crowds. The advantage of this trip is that the catamaran can position itself away from the thickest concentration of boats when conditions and space allow.

You can swim from the boat, snorkel, float, or stay on deck with a drink. There is also an option to get off and spend time on the beach. Ask the crew about the exact plan on your sailing, since access and boat positioning can depend on conditions.

The water looks spectacular, but set your expectations correctly. This is a scenic swim, not a major marine-life site. The seabed does not offer the reefs or large variety of fish that a serious snorkeler may want. I would bring a mask for a look around, but I would choose this trip for the color of the water, the views, and the relaxed boat setting rather than for underwater exploration.

An hour is a sensible amount of time. You get a proper swim without spending the entire trip in one place. If Blue Lagoon is too windy, the captain may move to calmer water instead. That is a sensible tradeoff for safety, though it means the exact experience can vary by day.

Crystal Lagoon and the quieter water

Crystal Lagoon follows Blue Lagoon, with about 45 minutes for swimming and sightseeing. For many people, this is the more peaceful stop. The water is clear, the surrounding rock is dramatic, and the smaller setting can feel less pressured than Blue Lagoon.

This is where the shared paddleboards are especially useful. Two boards are available for the group, so you may need to take turns rather than expect one for every person. You can use them to paddle along the rocks or toward a cave area when the crew approves it.

The SUP boards are not a guaranteed private activity. If all 20 people want a turn, time will be limited. Still, they add variety and give you a way to explore close to the boat without paying an extra rental fee.

Snorkel masks are included with a €10 deposit. Bring your own mask if you prefer a better fit, but the supplied option lets you take a quick look without arranging separate equipment. As at Blue Lagoon, expect clean, attractive water and some fish, but not a reef system or a major snorkeling habitat.

Drinks, snacks, and the value of $74

At $74 per person, this is not Malta’s cheapest boat outing. The price makes more sense once you count what is included: a four-hour catamaran trip, an experienced crew, water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, rosé wine, snorkel masks with a refundable-style deposit arrangement, and shared paddleboards.

The drink service is one of the strongest parts of the package. You do not need to keep buying a beer or soft drink every time you return to the boat. Several people also describe light snacks or nibbles being offered, but food is not formally included in the core details, so you should not count on a full lunch.

That distinction matters. If you need a proper meal, eat before boarding or ask about the optional food menus available for an extra charge. The trip is only four hours, but swimming and sun can make you hungry.

I consider the price fair for someone who values space and service. If you only want transport to a lagoon and do not care about crowd size, a cheaper large boat may suit you. If you want padded seating, a smaller group, drinks, and crew attention, the extra cost is easier to justify.

What the crew adds to the day

The crew is central to this outing. Three guides may be on board, and their role goes beyond steering the boat. They explain parts of Maltese culture and the coast, help with the swimming activities, keep drinks topped up, and assist with photos and videos.

Captain Dustan is specifically named in the trip feedback as someone who shares information about Malta, Comino, and the caves. That local commentary gives the cruise more character than a simple ride between swimming spots.

The crew also has to make practical calls. On a choppy day, the boat may move to calmer water, and one trip used a bus transfer to reach a better departure point when conditions made the original plan unsuitable. This shows the route is not rigid, but it also means you should accept that weather may change the promised order or location of stops.

You can also play your own music on board, according to the trip details from past departures. Keep in mind that a shared boat means music should suit the whole group, but this option can make the ride feel more relaxed for a private party or group of friends.

What to bring and what to expect on deck

Pack the basics for a proper boat day:

• Swimsuit or other beachwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat

Towels are not supplied. You should bring one, even if you plan to stay dry, because the deck can get wet around the swimming areas.

The sun is strong on Malta, and the open deck gives you little shelter from glare. Apply sunscreen before boarding and bring it with you. A hat with a secure fit is more useful than a loose one on a moving boat.

The catamaran is not suited to everyone. The activity is not recommended for people with back problems, mobility impairments, visual impairments, seasickness, or motion sickness. Boarding, moving around the deck, and getting in and out of the water all require a reasonable level of mobility.

Timing, transport, and weather

The meeting point is Fekruna Jetty, and the boat returns there at the end. Transportation to the jetty is not included, though an additional transportation service may be available. Check your booking details carefully so you know how you will reach the departure point.

The route normally allows about 45 minutes for the first transfer, 15 minutes at Santa Maria Caves, one hour at Blue Lagoon, 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon, and about one hour for the return transfer. The timing gives you a full half-day without taking over your entire schedule.

Weather can alter the plan. The crew may switch to calmer water, change the order of the stops, or modify the route. That is especially important if Blue Lagoon is the main reason you are booking. You should see the lagoons as the intended route, not an absolute guarantee in rough conditions.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Malta plans are still shifting, but the strict departure time remains the main practical rule.

Who should book this catamaran trip?

I would choose this trip if you want a comfortable small-group boat day with swimming, drinks, and scenery. It works especially well for people who dislike crowded party boats but still want a social atmosphere and a chance to meet others on board.

It also suits a group celebrating a holiday or organizing a relaxed half-day outing. The crew can help with photos, the boat has space to spread out, and the drinks are already handled.

I would look elsewhere if your main aim is serious snorkeling, a full meal, or a long beach stay. The underwater life is limited, the food is extra, and much of the Blue Lagoon time is based around swimming from the boat rather than spending hours on shore.

Should you book it?

Book this St. Paul’s Bay catamaran tour if you value space, attentive service, and a short but well-planned route. The strongest reasons are the 20-person limit, good drink selection, shared paddleboards, and the crew’s willingness to adjust for weather.

Skip it if $74 feels high for a swimming trip or if you want deep snorkeling. For most people seeking a polished half-day on Malta’s northern waters, the combination of Santa Maria Caves, two lagoons, and a small boat makes the price reasonable. Arrive early, bring a towel, eat beforehand, and leave room in your plan for the sea to make the final call.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start and finish?

The tour starts at Fekruna Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay and returns to the same meeting point at the end.

How long is the catamaran trip?

The experience lasts four hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

How many people can join the catamaran?

The catamaran accommodates up to 20 people, allowing for a smaller group than many large boat excursions.

What drinks are included?

Bottled still water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, and rosé wine are included.

Is food included?

Food is not included in the standard price. Optional menus may be available for an additional fee, so eat before boarding if you need a full meal.

Are snorkeling equipment and paddleboards available?

Snorkel masks are available with a €10 deposit. Two SUP paddleboards are provided for the group to share.

Can I swim at Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon?

Yes. The trip includes swimming and snorkeling time at both Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, with about one hour at Blue Lagoon and 45 minutes at Crystal Lagoon.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The crew may change the route, move to calmer water, or modify the stops based on sea and weather conditions. The boat departs on time, so arrive early at Fekruna Jetty.