Comino is the kind of day you remember. This half-day catamaran from St Paul’s Bay lets you hop between Santa Maria Bay, Crystal Lagoon, and the Blue Lagoon in about 4 hours, with drinks and water gear onboard. The best part for me is how the pace stays relaxed: short sightseeing, then proper swim stops where you can actually enjoy the color of the water. The main catch to consider is that it’s not a good fit if you’re prone to seasickness, since the schedule depends on the sea being calm enough.

Two things I like a lot: the included refreshment setup (beer, wine for age 21+, and unlimited Pepsi/Sprite), and the snorkeling + paddleboarding gear so you’re not stuck just watching from the rail. The other big win is the small max size—this caps at 15 people—so the boat feels comfortable instead of crowded. The drawback: the on-board bathroom exists, but one review flagged it as unfavourable, and you’ll want to plan for that.

Key things to know before you go

• Small-group feel (max 15) keeps the vibe calm and the crew easy to reach.
• Photo stop at Santa Maria Bay (about 15 minutes) focuses on views of the Santa Maria Caves from the water.
• Crystal Lagoon (about 45 minutes) is your second swim chance with clear, calm water.
• Blue Lagoon (about 1 hour) is the main swim/sun block, with an option to disembark.
• Snorkeling gear + 2 stand-up paddle boards to share mean you can do more than just swim.
• Departing promptly matters—if you’re late, the boat doesn’t wait.

Why this half-day Comino catamaran is a smart pick

This tour hits a sweet spot: you get the Comino highlights without burning a whole day traveling between stops. From the start at ABC Diving The Boathouse in St Paul’s Bay, you’ll head out toward the island and return to the same meeting point at the end. The tour also builds in extra travel time to and from Comino, so the “4 hours approx.” is really about staying efficient while still giving you meaningful water time.

You’re also buying a lot of convenience. The tour includes WiFi on board, a restroom, bottled still water, and a drink program that’s hard to beat at this price point. You don’t need to bring your own snorkel setup or share equipment stress; you get snorkeling gear and two paddle boards for the group to share.

For the money (about $59.91 per person), the value comes from the combo: time on the water in multiple bays + included gear + included drinks. If your goal is “swim, relax, see Comino’s best colors,” this is the kind of package that keeps you from spending extra once you’re there.

Price and included value: what you’re really paying for

At roughly $60, you’re essentially paying for access to a small catamaran experience that includes both location time and onboard extras. Here’s what’s specifically included:

• Bottled still water
• Alcoholic drinks: beer & wine (white & rosé) for people 21+
• Soft drinks: Pepsi & Sprite unlimited
• Snorkeling equipment
• 2 stand-up paddle boards (to share)
• WiFi on board
• Restroom on board

The drink plan is fairly structured: each guest is served 4 beer cans (50CL) and half a bottle of wine. That’s helpful because it reduces the guesswork about what you’ll get. You’re also not required to drink alcohol—soft drinks are unlimited, and bottled water is there too.

Lunch is not included, but it is available on request with minimum 2 days’ notice at €30 per person. If you’re the type who hates planning food last minute, this is the only real pre-work you might need.

What’s not included (and you should plan around):

• Towels
• Private transportation

Meeting point and timing: how to make the start go smoothly

You start at ABC Diving The Boathouse, Triq il-Fekruna, St Paul’s Bay SPB 4813 and you end back there. The meeting point is described as near public transportation, which is a relief if you’re not driving.

One rule to respect: the catamaran will depart promptly at the scheduled time. If you arrive late, the vessel isn’t obligated to wait. So I’d treat the “check-in” moment like the start of a show: arrive early, get settled, and don’t sprint in at the last second.

Also note the max group size is 15. That makes time on board feel more personal, but it also means the crew needs everyone aboard on time to keep the itinerary working.

Santa Maria Bay: the caves photo stop from the water

Your first major highlight is a Santa Maria Bay stop, around 15 minutes. This is a photo stop timed for the Santa Maria Caves on the north side of Comino. Even if you’re not doing any underwater activity here, the point is clear: you’re there to admire the cave formations and the way the coastline drops into deep blue water.

Why this stop works:

• It’s short, so it doesn’t eat up time you want to spend swimming later.
• It gives context to the whole trip—Comino looks different when you see the caves from the sea.
• You get a quick “wow” moment early, before the longer lagoon swims.

The trade-off is that 15 minutes is just enough for photos and a look around. If you love lingering in one place, you’ll likely prefer the longer lagoon stops later in the day.

Crystal Lagoon swim: clear water and 45 minutes of freedom

Next up is Crystal Lagoon, with about 45 minutes on the water. This is where the tour shifts from scenic viewing to relaxing swimming. Crystal Lagoon is described as pristine, with clear water that invites you to float, swim at your own pace, and enjoy the quiet.

This stop is a good match for different energy levels:

• If you want an easy swim, you can keep it simple and just float.
• If you want to be active, snorkeling gear and paddle boards are part of what you’ll have access to during the stops.
• If you’re traveling with kids or a mixed group, the time block lets people split up their energy—some swim, some rest on board.

A practical consideration: there’s no mention of towels being provided, so if you plan to get in and out multiple times, bring a plan for drying off. The tour is also explicitly not suitable for people prone to seasickness—so pay attention to how the boat rides on the day you go.

Blue Lagoon hour: the main swim stop and optional beach time

Then you get your longest stop: Blue Lagoon, about 1 hour. This is the headline location for many people, and it delivers the big turquoise-water moment you came for. Here you can swim, take it easy in the water, or choose to disembark and spend time near the beach area.

Why I think this stop is the heart of the experience:

• One hour is enough time to actually enjoy the water without feeling rushed.
• It’s long enough to use snorkeling gear properly, if conditions are right.
• The optional beach landing gives you a choice if you want a break from swimming and just sit somewhere more traditional.

The main drawback to know ahead of time: conditions can vary by season. One review specifically mentioned that in October the water was cool. You might still enjoy the swim, but if cold water makes you unhappy, consider dressing with that in mind (especially during windy stretches).

On-board comfort: small group space, Wi‑Fi, snacks, and the toilet question

Part of why people rate this so highly is the on-board setup. You’re on a beautiful, spacious, clean catamaran, and because there are up to 15 people, you can usually find a spot to lounge without feeling squeezed. The crew is also described as attentive, checking in regularly about drinks and helping people with gear.

Included onboard comfort extras:

• WiFi on board
• Restroom on board
• Bottled still water
• Organized drink service (beer/wine + unlimited soft drinks)

There’s one caution from a review: the toilet situation was flagged as unfavourable. That doesn’t mean the restroom is unusable—just that you shouldn’t expect “easy and comfortable” like you might on a long-land vehicle. If that matters to you, keep your expectations realistic.

Also worth noting: this kind of outing is not built for heavy mobility issues. The tour lists “moderate physical fitness level” as the expectation, which makes sense given the movement on and off the boat and the swimming stops.

Snorkeling and paddle boards: how to use the included gear well

The tour provides snorkeling equipment and two stand-up paddle boards (to share). If you want to do more than casual swimming, this is where the experience earns its value.

Practical way to think about it:

• Use snorkel gear when the water is calm and visibility is best—often that lines up with the lagoon stops.
• Paddle boards are great for short sessions, especially if the water feels smooth. With sharing boards, you’ll want to be flexible and take your turn without getting stuck waiting for a specific time.

A couple of reviews also mention fun floating aids like noodles and “freely flowing” drinks while you relax. That combo makes the boat feel like a floating hangout rather than a strict tour.

If you’re new to snorkeling or not sure you’ll love it, you can still have a good time here. The stops aren’t built around snorkeling-only. Swimming, sunning, and scenic viewing are all part of the plan.

Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)

This is a great match if you want:

• A laid-back half day with swimming time in multiple Comino lagoons
• A small-group feel (max 15)
• Included drinks and simple onboard comfort
• A mix of scenic moments and water time

It’s also attractive if you’re traveling with a variety of ages and energy levels. One family-style review mentioned a mix of kids and teens enjoying both the swimming and the relaxed on-board vibe, and that makes sense with the length of each stop.

It’s not a good match if:

• You’re prone to seasickness
• You hate cold water; the water can be cool depending on season (one October comment noted this)

If you’re the type who wants a tightly guided history lecture, this probably won’t scratch that itch. The emphasis is on being on the water, enjoying views, and having the time to swim.

Should you book this half-day scenic catamaran?

I’d book it if your goal is simple: see Comino’s most famous water colors and actually swim in them, without turning the day into a logistics project. The pricing feels fair because you’re getting gear, water, restroom access, WiFi, and a full drink setup—not just transportation to a single spot.

I’d hesitate if you know you get sick on boats or if you need a very cushy, predictable onboard comfort level for bathroom use. And if you’re visiting in cooler months, plan your expectations for water temperature.

If you’re choosing between a short scenic cruise and a swim-forward day, this one leans toward the swim-and-relax side. The best version of this trip is the day when the sea cooperates, the crew keeps things moving on time, and you treat the lagoons like your own personal timeout.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran experience?

It’s listed as about 4 hours.

Where does the tour start and where does it end?

It starts at ABC Diving The Boathouse, Triq il-Fekruna, St Paul’s Bay SPB 4813 and ends back at the same meeting point.

What stops are included during the trip?

The itinerary includes a photo stop at Santa Maria Bay (Santa Maria Caves), then swim time at Crystal Lagoon, and swim time at Blue Lagoon.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are bottled still water, beer and wine (for ages 21+), Pepsi and Sprite (unlimited), snorkeling equipment, 2 stand-up paddle boards to share, WiFi on board, and a restroom on board.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included, but it’s available upon request with minimum 2 days’ notice for €30 per person.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Towels are not included, so plan to bring your own.

What if the weather is bad?

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