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

If you’re looking to combine comfort, scenic beauty, and a touch of exclusivity during your Maltese holiday, this half-day luxury catamaran tour might be just what you need. With a small, intimate group of only 20 guests, you’ll enjoy close-up views of Malta’s iconic caves and lagoons, all while unwinding on a spacious, well-equipped boat. The experience is priced at $74 per person, offering a good balance between affordability and a premium vibe.

One aspect we really appreciate is how personalized and relaxed the journey feels, thanks to the limited number of guests and attentive crew. However, it’s worth noting that if you’re not comfortable with boats or prone to seasickness, this tour might require some consideration. This trip is ideal for travelers seeking a luxurious, scenic, and social day on the sea, especially those who value quality service over crowded boat trips.

Key Points

• Exclusive Experience: Small group size of only 20 guests ensures a more private, comfortable environment.
• Stunning Locations: Visits to Santa Maria Caves, Blue Lagoon, and Crystal Lagoon provide iconic Maltese scenery.
• Relaxation & Adventure: Opportunities to swim, snorkel, and use paddleboards make it engaging without feeling rushed.
• Excellent Service: Knowledgeable crew, unlimited drinks, and optional snacks elevate the overall experience.
• Value for Money: For the price, you’ll get a well-organized tour with exceptional views and hospitality.
• Flexible & Easy: Check availability for your preferred time, with options to cancel up to 24 hours beforehand.

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point & First Impressions

The tour begins at Fekruna Jetty in St. Paul’s Bay, where you’re greeted by a professional crew ready to make your half-day on the water smooth and enjoyable. It’s worth arriving a bit early—reviewers mention that punctuality matters since the boat departs promptly. The check-in process is straightforward, and the crew is friendly, eager to share what’s in store.

Once onboard, you’ll notice the boat’s spacious deck and comfortable seating, perfect for soaking up the sun or chatting with fellow travelers. The small group size, capped at 20 guests, immediately sets this apart from larger, more crowded tours. Many reviews highlight this as a huge plus—they felt more like guests on a yacht rather than just another number on a big ship.

The Santa Maria Caves: Nature’s Art

Your first stop is the Santa Maria Caves, a highlight for most guests. The crew navigates close enough for you to appreciate the dramatic rock formations from the water, giving you a close-up view that larger boats simply can’t provide. The caves are a natural wonder that impress with their jagged shapes and crystal-clear waters.

Guests often remark on how the captain and guides share interesting tidbits about the caves’ geology and history, adding an educational touch to the sightseeing. It’s a quick stop—about 15 minutes—but enough to marvel at nature’s artistry. The overall impression is one of awe, especially considering you get to see this site from a very intimate vantage point.

Blue Lagoon: The Star Attraction

Next, you arrive at the Blue Lagoon, arguably Malta’s most famous swimming spot. Here, the water’s striking turquoise hue and calm conditions make for unforgettable swims. Many reviewers mention how the lagoon often gets crowded, but thanks to the boat’s small size, you’re usually able to find a quiet corner to relax.

Guests get approximately an hour of free time to swim, snorkel, or simply lounge on the boat. The option to step ashore and enjoy the picturesque beach adds a bit of flexibility—some prefer exploring the shoreline, while others opt for a lazy float in the refreshing waters. One reviewer shared that the crew kept the drinks coming and had snorkel masks available for rent, making it easy to explore underwater life.

Crystal Lagoon: Serenity & Beauty

After the Blue Lagoon, the tour heads to Crystal Lagoon, a quieter, more secluded spot. Here, the waters are just as clear but less crowded, providing a peaceful backdrop for swimming and relaxing. Many mention how tranquil this stop is, perfect for unwinding after the busier Blue Lagoon. The 45 minutes allocated are enough to enjoy the serenity, take photos, and maybe even try the paddleboards provided.

Guests appreciate that the crew is attentive, offering assistance and making sure everyone feels comfortable in the water. The natural beauty here is striking, and some reviewers noted how the calm environment made it feel like a private oasis.

Additional Highlights & Service

Throughout the trip, the crew—whose professionalism and friendliness earn frequent praise—keeps the mood light and enjoyable. They’re eager to share local insights, assist with water activities, and keep drinks topped up. Unlimited soft drinks, beer, and wine are included, which guests say adds to the luxurious feel.

Snorkel masks are available for a €10 deposit, and paddleboards are shared among your. Many reviewers rave about the quality of service, with some mentioning how guides like Dusan and the captain made everyone feel at home, even proactively taking photos to help preserve the memories.

The Return & Overall Value

As the tour winds down, you’re transferred back to the jetty, feeling relaxed and recharged. Reviewers consistently mention how the small group size, well-planned itinerary, and excellent crew make this trip a standout value—especially considering it costs just $74 per person. Compared to larger boats that can feel crowded and impersonal, this experience offers a more intimate and memorable outing.

What to Expect and What to Bring

To enjoy this cruise fully, a few essentials are recommended: sunglasses, sun hat, towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. The tour departs promptly, so arriving early guarantees you don’t miss out. The weather can influence the itinerary, so it’s flexible based on conditions, but the crew communicates any changes clearly.

While food isn’t included, optional menus are available for purchase, so you might want to plan for light snacks or bring your own. Towels aren’t provided, so bringing one is a good idea if you plan to swim or sunbathe.

Practical Details

• The tour lasts around 4 hours, with multiple stops for sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing.
• It’s suitable for most people, but not recommended for those with back problems, mobility issues, or seasickness.
• You can reserve with the option to pay later and cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
• Guides speak English, and the experience is primarily centered around providing a luxurious, laid-back day on the water.

Authentic Experiences & Honest Insights

Based on reviews, the crew’s local knowledge and friendly attitude stand out as major highlights. Guests felt well cared for, with some mentioning the crew proactively sharing interesting facts about Malta, which added depth to the trip. The small group size fosters a more personal experience—many felt like they had a private charter rather than a commercial boat tour.

Guests also appreciated the quality of drinks and snacks, which helped create a true sense of indulgence. The availability of paddleboards and snorkel gear provided fun ways to explore the surroundings, even if underwater life was limited at the stops. Several reviews mention that the Blue Lagoon can get crowded, but the boat’s small size usually allows for a more private experience.

Pricing, at $74, is viewed as excellent value given the inclusions, the personalized service, and the stunning locations. When compared to larger, more commercial trips, this tour offers a more relaxed, less rushed atmosphere that many visitors find worth the extra touch of luxury.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who value small group intimacy and high-quality service. It’s perfect for those who want to avoid the busier, more impersonal boat excursions and prefer a more luxurious, relaxing vibe. Families, couples, or friends looking for a memorable day on the water will find this trip well-suited to their needs.

However, if you’re prone to seasickness or have mobility issues, it’s best to carefully consider whether a boat trip of this nature is suitable. The tour is also ideal for people who want a balanced mix of sightseeing, swimming, and leisurely time without rushing from site to site.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, with time divided between sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the catamaran ride, an experienced crew, unlimited soft drinks, beer, wine, and snorkel masks (with €10 deposit). Paddleboards are shared and included.

Can I bring my own food?
Food isn’t included, but optional menus are available for purchase. You can also bring your own snacks if you wish.

Is there transportation to the meeting point?
Transportation isn’t included, but it can be arranged for an additional fee.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, towel, sunscreen, and beachwear for swimming and sunbathing.

Are there any restrictions?
This tour isn’t suitable for people with back problems, mobility issues, or seasickness. It’s best to be ready for some movement on the water.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons, and you can reserve with the flexibility to pay later.

This half-day luxury catamaran tour offers a fantastic way to see some of Malta’s most breathtaking coastlines without the crowds or the chaos of larger boats. The small group setting, combined with attentive service and stunning locations, makes it memorable for couples, families, or anyone wanting a relaxed yet adventurous day on the water.

You’ll love the chance to swim in the Blue and Crystal Lagoons, explore caves from a close-up perspective, and savor drinks while taking in the spectacular scenery. The overall value, especially considering the personalized experience and knowledgeable crew, makes it a smart choice for anyone seeking high-quality, authentic Maltese maritime fun.

If you’re after a well-organized, intimate, and scenic escape on the sea, this tour deserves a spot on your Malta travel list.