The Comino catamaran: the comfortable full day

Two hulls change the whole day. A catamaran sits flat on the water, so the crossing is smoother, the deck is wider, and finding a spot to lie down does not become a competition the way it can on traditional single-hull boats. This one is among the most modern in the Bugibba fleet, with genuinely usable shaded seating, which on an August day is worth more than any other feature.

The route earns its keep too: the Blue Lagoon anchorage with time to swim and go ashore, a Crystal Lagoon swimming stop from June to October (a scenic pass in the cooler months), and a photo stop at the Santa Maria Caves. The waterslide straight into open sea is the crowd-pleaser.

Departure from Bugibba Jetty, then a cruise along the northern cliffs, coves and rock formations towards Comino. At the Blue Lagoon you can swim from the boat, take the slide, or head ashore to explore Comino beyond the beach (the government e-ticket applies if you land; swimming needs nothing).

The second swim stop at the Crystal Lagoon runs in the warm months, weather permitting. The bar and kitchen sell food and drinks all day, snorkel gear can be purchased on board or bring your own, and the shaded lounge areas rotate as the sun moves. Expect roughly seven hours out.

Anyone who wants the full Blue Lagoon day without the scrum: couples who plan to actually relax, older travellers who value a stable boat and a real seat in the shade, and families whose children will live on the waterslide. If motion sickness has ever ruined a boat day for you, the catamaran hull is the practical fix.

Budget purists can do the same route for 9 euro less on the traditional boat; comfort is exactly what the difference buys.

The 30 euro fare includes the catamaran cruise, the Blue Lagoon stop with time ashore, the Crystal Lagoon swim stop in season, the Santa Maria Caves photo stop, seating in sun and shade, and the waterslide. Not included: food and drinks (onboard bar and kitchen), snorkelling equipment (buy on board or bring your own), towels, and the Comino landing e-ticket if you go ashore.

Base rate checked 2026-07-13; see the live calendar below for your date.

June to October is when the full itinerary runs, Crystal Lagoon swim included. July and August fill the deck, though this boat crowds more gracefully than most; June and September remain the connoisseur months. From November to May the Crystal Lagoon stop becomes scenic rather than swimmable and the cruise turns into a quieter sightseeing day.

Departure is from Bugibba Jetty (open in Google Maps) on the St Paul's Bay promenade, an easy walk from the surrounding resorts and a direct bus ride from Sliema or Valletta. The booking confirmation names the berth; fifteen minutes early is plenty.

Board early and scout the shaded seats first; they are the boat's scarcest resource by noon. Bring your own snorkel to skip the onboard purchase, a towel, and reef-safe sunscreen. The slide queue is shortest during the first lagoon hour while everyone else is still swimming. If you want to walk to Santa Maria Bay or the tower on Comino, sort the landing e-ticket the night before.