A Real Review of a Catamaran Trip in Malta (2025)

So, you are thinking about a day at sea in Malta, right? It’s basically one of the first things people want to do. You see the pictures of that unbelievably blue water, and, well, you just want to be in it. I get it, honestly. Last summer, we finally did the big catamaran day out, and to be honest, it was pretty much exactly what we hoped for, but with a few surprises, you know? The feeling of the big, stable boat cutting through the waves is just a little different from a smaller boat. In a way, it’s like a floating social club, with the sun on your face and the promise of a swim stop just around the corner. We really want to give you a feel for what the whole day is like, sort of from start to finish. It’s arguably more than just a boat ride; at the end of the day, it’s a huge part of the whole Malta holiday vibe.

Choosing Your 2025 Malta Catamaran Adventure

Okay, so first things first, you have to actually pick a trip, which is, frankly, a bigger deal than you might think. There are just so many choices. You see them lined up at the Sliema Ferries or in St. Paul’s Bay, all with their signs and posters, you know? You could go for a full-day trip, which typically runs from about 9 or 10 in the morning until 5 in the evening, more or less. Or, you could opt for a half-day or a sunset cruise, which is obviously a shorter and sometimes a more relaxed option. The departure points are pretty much all along that northern coast, so it’s fairly easy to find one near your hotel. We went from the Bugibba area, and it was just super convenient. Seriously, the biggest question is whether you want a party atmosphere with a younger crowd or something a bit more family-oriented. At the end of the day, knowing what you want helps a lot with finding the perfect trip for you. You just have to decide what kind of vibe you’re after, basically.

Decoding the Itineraries: Blue Lagoon, Gozo, and Beyond

Right, so let’s talk about where you actually go, because that’s what it’s all about. Almost every single tour will tell you it’s going to the Blue Lagoon on Comino, and frankly, they all do. The water there is just as stunning as it looks in photos; it’s literally like a swimming pool. The thing is, it gets incredibly busy, so your catamaran will almost certainly anchor a little way out from the main crush of people. Still, you are right there. Most trips will then sail on, usually past the coast of Gozo. You often don’t stop on Gozo itself on these trips, but you get to see its rugged cliffs from the water, which is honestly quite amazing. Sometimes, there is a second swim stop in a place like the Crystal Lagoon or Santa Marija Bay, which are typically a bit quieter. For instance, our boat stopped at Crystal Lagoon, and it was just as blue but with way fewer people. I mean, exploring these gorgeous swim spots is the whole point of the day, so it’s good to know what’s on offer, you know?

Private Charter vs. Shared Tour: What’s Right for You?

This is a pretty big decision, so you should really think about it. A shared tour is, you know, what most people do. It’s cost-effective, you might meet some new people, and everything is sort of sorted for you—the food, the drinks, the route. It’s basically a package deal for a great day. On the other hand, a private charter is a whole other level of experience, really. You have the entire catamaran just for your group. So, that means you can choose the music, decide how long you want to stay at a swim spot, and just have that feeling of exclusivity. Of course, it is significantly more expensive. For a big family or a group of friends, though, it could arguably work out to be a surprisingly good value. At the end of the day, it’s about budget and what kind of day you imagine. Do you want a social party, or do you want your own private slice of the Med for a day? That is that. You can always look at the different price points and see what fits your holiday plans.

What to Genuinely Expect Onboard: The Day-of Experience

So, on the actual day, there’s this sort of excited energy in the air. You get to the jetty, you see the massive catamaran waiting, and you just can’t wait to get on, right? Finding your spot is the first mission; people tend to flock to the big nets at the front to sunbathe, which is, I mean, a classic move. As the boat pulls away from the shore, the music usually starts up, and you just feel the holiday mode switch on completely. The first hour or so is just pure sailing, watching the Maltese coast drift by. You see all the little towns and fortifications from a totally new perspective. Honestly, it’s a very cool way to see the island. It’s more or less a couple of hours of just relaxing and taking it all in before you get to the first main stop. Frankly, the on-board experience is just as much a part of the fun as the swimming itself, you know?

The Crew, The Vibe, and Your Fellow Sailors

A good crew really makes a huge difference, to be honest. Our crew was just great; they were professional but also super friendly and always ready with a drink or a hand to help you out of the water. They are basically running the show, making sure everyone is safe and having a good time. The vibe on a shared tour is typically very social and upbeat. There’s often pop music playing—not too loud, but enough to create a fun atmosphere, you know? You will likely find a mix of people onboard: families with kids, groups of friends in their twenties, and older couples, all sort of mixed together. It’s a pretty friendly environment, really. Everyone is there for the same reason: to enjoy the sun and the sea. You can pretty much gauge the quality of a tour by its crew and the general mood on the boat, as a matter of fact.

Food and Drinks: Fueling Your Sea Day

Alright, let’s get to the important stuff: the food and drinks. Most full-day catamaran trips include a lunch buffet and an open bar, which is just fantastic value. The open bar usually serves local beer, wine, water, and soft drinks. It’s nothing super fancy, but it’s cold and plentiful, which is literally all you need when you’re out on the water. For lunch, you can typically expect a cold buffet. For instance, ours had a few different kinds of salads, like a bean salad and a pasta salad, plus cold cuts, ham, cheese, and lots of fresh Maltese bread. It’s pretty simple food, but after a few hours of swimming and being in the sun, it honestly tastes amazing. Don’t expect a gourmet meal, basically. It’s more like a really good picnic at sea. For what you pay for the day, the included lunch and drinks are almost always a great deal, seriously.

The Star Attractions: A Closer Look at Malta’s Coastal Jewels

Okay, the locations are obviously the reason you book the trip in the first place. When the catamaran finally drops anchor, that’s when the real fun begins, you know? The captain usually gives a little speech, tells you how long you have, and then it’s just a free-for-all. People start jumping off the sides, using the slide if there is one, or just climbing down the ladders. That first plunge into the cool, clear Mediterranean water is, I mean, absolutely perfect. You can literally see the sandy bottom many meters below you. The boats usually have some snorkels and masks you can borrow, so you can just float around and look for fish. It’s this part of the day, just floating there with the boat bobbing nearby, that really sticks with you. Seriously, these swim stops are pure magic, and you’ll want to make the most of every single minute you get.

Comino’s Blue Lagoon: More Than Just Blue Water

The Blue Lagoon is, frankly, the star of the show, and it kind of knows it. The color of the water is actually wild; it just doesn’t look real, even when you’re right there. The thing is, your catamaran will anchor in a designated spot, so you will be swimming in a slightly deeper area away from the main beach, which is actually a good thing. The main beach area gets incredibly packed. From the boat, you have a bit more space, and you can swim right off the back. A really smart thing to do is to swim towards the ropes and just look at the shades of blue change. Sometimes, the catamarans can’t get you right into the shallowest parts, but you’re still in the famous lagoon. Anyway, a lot of trips also stop at the Crystal Lagoon, which is right next door. It’s just a little less famous but arguably just as beautiful and way less crowded. As a matter of fact, seeing both lagoons gives you a better experience overall.

Sailing Past Gozo’s Majestic Cliffs and Caves

After your Comino swim, the boat often heads towards Gozo, Malta’s sister island. Now, most day trips don’t actually dock there, but you get a fantastic tour of the southern coastline from the water, which is just brilliant. You will sail past the massive Ta’ Ċenċ cliffs, which are really impressive and high. The captain usually points out different landmarks and some of the famous sea caves. You really get a sense of how rugged and natural the island is, you know? It’s a very different view from what you see when you’re on land. It’s a very relaxing part of the trip, too it’s almost a time to just sit back with a drink, feel the sea spray, and admire the scenery. You might sail past Mgarr Harbour, the main port in Gozo, and see all the colorful fishing boats. It’s sort of a quiet, beautiful moment in the day, and it’s something you definitely will want your camera ready for. To be honest, this scenic cruise is a real highlight.

Practical Tips for Your 2025 Catamaran Day

Alright, so a little bit of planning goes a long way to making your day perfect. At the end of the day, it’s about being comfortable so you can just relax and enjoy everything. You should basically act as if you’re going to the beach for a full day, but you can’t just pop back to your hotel for something you forgot. The sun on the water is also surprisingly strong, a lot stronger than on land because of the reflection, you know? So being prepared is really key. I mean, just a few small things can make your whole day so much better. For instance, getting there a bit early to pick a good spot on the boat is a really good idea. Honestly, just following a few simple tips will make your whole experience smoother, and you’ll get more out of it. You can check out some practical guides before you go.

What to Pack: Beyond Just Your Swimsuit

So obviously, you’ll bring your swimsuit and a towel. But what else, right? Sunscreen is absolutely non-negotiable; bring a high factor and apply it more often than you think you need to. A hat and sunglasses are also pretty much essential. I’d also really recommend a long-sleeved shirt or a kaftan, something to cover up with when you feel like you’ve had enough sun. Another great tip is to bring a waterproof bag or a Ziploc for your phone and money; it just gives you peace of mind. Some people bring their own snorkel, too it’s almost a guarantee you’ll get a good fit that way. Oh, and bring some cash. A lot of boats might offer extra things like pineapple cocktails or ice cream that aren’t included in the open bar. Basically, packing smart for the day is a simple thing that makes a huge difference, you know?

Booking in Advance vs. Last-Minute Deals

You might be wondering if you should book your catamaran trip before you even get to Malta, or just wait and see. Frankly, there are pros and cons to both. If you’re traveling during the peak season, like July or August, I would definitely suggest booking in advance online. The most popular boats and companies can, and often do, sell out completely. Booking ahead just gives you that security, and you won’t have to waste precious holiday time shopping around. On the other hand, if you’re there in a slightly quieter month, like May, June, or September, you could wait. You might be able to find a last-minute deal by just walking along the seafront and talking to the vendors. It gives you a little flexibility with the weather, too. I mean, at the end of the day, it just depends on your travel style and how much you like to plan things out.

Weather Watch: What If the Seas Get Rough?

This is a pretty common worry, especially if you’re not used to being on boats. What happens if the weather turns bad? First, the good news is that in summer, the weather in Malta is typically very stable and calm. It’s almost always sunny. However, the wind can sometimes pick up, making the sea a bit choppy. The catamaran companies are really experienced and they watch the weather constantly. Your safety is, you know, their main concern. If the conditions are dangerous, they will cancel the trip. If that happens, you will almost always get a full refund or the option to rebook for another day. If you’re prone to seasickness, it could be a good idea to take some medication beforehand, just in case. Catamarans are very stable boats, much more so than monohulls, so that really helps. You can just sit towards the back and center of the boat, where the movement is less noticeable, you know? Frankly, checking the tour company’s weather policy is always a good move.

Is a Maltese Catamaran Trip Truly Worth It? A Frank Look

So, at the end of the day, is this trip really worth a full day of your holiday and your money? In my honest opinion, yes, absolutely. For most people, it will probably be one of the best days of their trip. It’s a way to see the most beautiful parts of the Maltese islands in a really fun and relaxing way. It’s just an amazing experience for couples looking for a romantic day, for families who want an easy and fun activity for the kids, and for groups of friends wanting a social day out on the water. Now, if you really hate crowds or get seriously seasick, you might want to reconsider or maybe opt for a shorter, private trip. But for pretty much everyone else, it’s an iconic Malta experience that you probably shouldn’t miss. I mean, it’s one of those holiday memories that just really sticks with you, you know? Just seeing the value in the day’s experience is easy.

Finding Value: How to Get the Most Bang for Your Euro

To really feel like you got your money’s worth, it’s just about managing your expectations and leaning into the experience. First, remember that “all-inclusive” usually means local drinks and a simple buffet, so don’t expect cocktails and fine dining. Just enjoy the free-flowing drinks and the simple, tasty food for what it is. Second, accept that the Blue Lagoon will be busy; instead of getting annoyed by it, just enjoy the incredible color of the water and the fun atmosphere from your boat’s perfect mooring. Basically, pick a tour that matches the vibe you’re looking for, whether that’s a party boat or a more relaxed family affair. Once you’re on board, just let go. Don’t worry about the time; just swim,