Malta: Catamaran Cruise, Comino Caves & Lunch with Drinks

Summary

Catamaran day in Malta with swimming stops, family crew, lunch and coastal views

You’ll slip into Malta’s easy rhythm on this catamaran cruise: sunbathing on bean bags as you pass Valletta’s walls, swimming off Comino’s quieter coves, sharing a fresh lunch with wine, then drifting home through Grand Harbour’s golden light. It feels personal—a day run by people who actually care if you’re comfortable.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed so quickly—maybe it was the way the Maltese sun hit the deck or just how the crew greeted us by name (I’m still not sure if they memorized everyone or just guessed well). We left Sliema right on time, no fussing around, and I found myself sinking into one of those huge bean bags before we’d even passed Valletta’s bright limestone walls. The air smelled faintly salty and there was this soft hum from the engine—enough to lull you but not drown out someone’s quiet laughter nearby.

Our captain—he introduced himself as Mark—kept things light. He pointed out where we were heading next (“Crystal Lagoon if the wind lets us!”) and made sure everyone knew when it was time to grab a drink. There was a moment when we drifted close to Comino’s caves; you could smell seaweed and hear water slap against rock. I tried to pronounce “Għar ta’ Bla Saqaf” like Mark did—definitely didn’t nail it. Li laughed when I tried anyway. Swimming there felt different than any pool—cooler, a bit wild, almost private since there weren’t crowds like at Blue Lagoon (which we only skirted past).

Lunch came just after that swim: chicken, pork, potatoes that tasted vaguely buttery (or maybe I was just hungry), fresh bread still warm enough to steam up my sunglasses. Someone asked for a veggie option and the crew handled it without blinking. There was local wine too—not fancy but honest—and cold beer for anyone who wanted it. After eating, some people napped in the shade while others swapped stories about other catamaran cruises in Malta (apparently this one’s less packed). I liked that nobody rushed us back onboard after swims; time felt slower here.

We stopped again near St. Paul’s Island for another swim—I floated on my back and watched clouds drift by while kids splashed nearby. On our way back toward Sliema, we got a short tour through Grand Harbour: Valletta’s bastions glowing gold in late afternoon light, tiny boats darting between Senglea and Vittoriosa. It wasn’t dramatic or showy—just quietly beautiful in its own way. I still think about that view sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day catamaran cruise in Malta

• Depart from Sliema harbor
• Enjoy traditional Maltese platter
• Stop at Crystal Lagoon Comino
• Swim and relax on boat
• Lunch with chicken, pork, salad
• Cruise to St. Pauls Island
• Second swim stop
• Short visit to Grand Harbour
• Return to Sliema around 5 PM

Top questions

Is lunch included on this Malta catamaran cruise?

Yes, lunch is included and features chicken, pork, salad, potatoes of the day, fresh bread, plus vegetarian options if requested.

Does the cruise stop at Blue Lagoon?

No, due to overcrowding the boat does not stop at Blue Lagoon but passes nearby and anchors at Crystal Lagoon or another bay instead.

Are drinks provided during the trip?

Yes, wine, beer, soft drinks and water are available all day at no extra cost.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The catamaran departs from Sliema in Malta.

What time does boarding start for this cruise?

Boarding begins at 10:15 AM and closes at 10:25 AM for a sharp 10:30 AM departure.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is included; guests should make their own way to Sliema port.

Are children allowed on board?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome but infants must sit on an adult's lap.

Will we visit Grand Harbour during this tour?

A short visit through Grand Harbour is included if time permits before returning to Sliema.

What’s included

Your day includes all-day access to wine, beer and soft drinks; a fresh Maltese-style lunch with options for vegetarians; two main swimming stops including Crystal Lagoon (weather permitting) or another scenic bay; shaded seating areas; restrooms onboard; plus a short sightseeing cruise through Grand Harbour before returning to Sliema in the late afternoon.