Malta: Sunset Cruise to the Blue Lagoon

The best reason to choose this cruise is simple: the Blue Lagoon after the day crowds have thinned. You sail from Bugibba past Malta’s cliffs, coves, and caves, then spend about two hours at Comino with time for a swim, a walk ashore, or a sunset drink on deck. It is part boat outing, part floating beach club, with a good dose of Maltese scenery.

I like the 10-meter slide and easy swim access, which turn the stop into more than a sightseeing cruise. I also like the practical value: $35 includes the boat, deck chairs, and use of the slide, while food and drinks sold onboard are reported to be reasonably priced. The main catch is timing. Snorkeling gets harder as the light fades, and the ride back can feel cool, so bring a light layer.

Key things to know before you book

• The evening timing matters: The Blue Lagoon is usually quieter than during the day, and the heat is easier to handle.
• You get real swim time: The stop lasts about two hours, with access to the water from the boat and the option to walk onto Comino.
• The boat is set up for relaxing: Expect upper-deck loungers, comfortable seating, a full-service bar, food, music, and a slide.
• The route is part of the experience: St. Paul’s Island, Ghadira Bay, Coral Cove, Ahrax Point, and rugged northern coastlines appear along the way.
• You must arrange the lagoon pass: Since May 2025, you need a free QR access pass for the evening time slot at www.blcomino.com.
• Getting there takes planning: Check in at Bugibba Jetty by 16:40 and arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. The boat will not wait for late arrivals.

Why sunset works better than a midday Blue Lagoon trip

The Blue Lagoon is famous for its clear, pale-blue water, but fame brings crowds. A daytime visit can mean sharing a small area with many boats and people. This late cruise does not promise an empty lagoon, yet the evening schedule usually gives you more breathing room than the busiest part of the day.

The timing also takes the edge off Malta’s summer heat. You can sit on the upper deck during the first part of the cruise, then swim once the worst of the afternoon sun has passed. The sunset light catches Comino’s pale rock and makes the water look even brighter.

There is a tradeoff. The later it gets, the less useful the light becomes for snorkeling. Some of the sea life remains visible, and visitors have spotted crabs, moray eels, fish, and even octopuses, but you should not choose this trip mainly for underwater viewing. Choose it for the mix of swimming, scenery, music, and golden-hour views.

Starting at Bugibba Jetty, not the old meeting point

The correct departure point is the newly built Bugibba Jetty on Dawret il-Gzejjer, St. Paul’s Bay. This detail matters because the meeting location has changed, and arriving at the wrong part of Bugibba can create a stressful start.

Katherine handles check-in at 16:40, and check-in closes 10 minutes before departure. Plan to reach the jetty at least 30 minutes early. Malta’s roads can be slow, and road works are common, so a last-minute taxi or bus ride is a poor plan for this outing.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to make your own way to Bugibba Jetty, and the boat leaves on time. One useful bit of advice: allow extra time to find the access route to the jetty. The area can be confusing, especially if you are rushing.

The northern Malta cruise, from St. Paul’s Island to Ahrax Point

The outward trip lasts about an hour and gives you more than a simple transfer to Comino. The boat passes St. Paul’s Island, Ghadira Bay, Coral Cove, Ahrax Point, and other stretches of Malta’s northern coast.

You will see rugged cliffs, natural rock formations, small coves, and sea caves. The captain may bring the boat close to some formations for photographs. On well-run departures, the commentary adds useful context without filling every minute with talk. Captain Kevin has received particular praise for his friendly, entertaining explanations, though the captain and crew can vary by date.

St. Paul’s Island makes a good early photo stop or passing view. Coral Lagoon and the surrounding coast are especially appealing if you enjoy unusual rock shapes and clear water. The route is not a full coastal tour of Malta, so do not expect a detailed visit at every named place. Most are viewed from the boat, with short pauses or scenic passes rather than long shore stops.

That format works well. You get a broad taste of the coast without giving up the main event at Comino. Sit on the upper deck if you want the clearest views and the best sunset position. The lower deck is calmer and can be nearly empty on some departures, which helps if you prefer shade or a quieter seat.

Two hours at the Blue Lagoon and Comino

The main stop lasts about two hours. You can remain on the boat, swim from the anchored vessel, use the slide, or walk onto Comino with the required evening QR pass.

The boat’s position matters. It may be moored away from the thickest concentration of day visitors, giving you room to swim and use the water facilities. This is not a private cove, and conditions change with the date, but the evening slot is usually the best choice if you want less pressure around the water.

Walking ashore gives you a different view. You can explore part of Comino, take photographs from land, and return to the boat for a swim or drink. One useful tip is to walk ashore first if sunset photos are important to you. The last warm light may look better from the island before you return for the slide and a swim.

The water is the star here. It is clear enough to see fish below the surface, and the colors become especially attractive as the sun drops. The beach and shoreline are worth a short walk, but do not expect hours of island hiking during this stop. Two hours sounds generous, yet time disappears once you have collected a drink, taken photos, walked ashore, and changed into your swim gear.

The slide, jumping platforms, and swimming setup

The 10-meter slide is the boat’s big playful feature. You can use it as often as you like during the stop, along with the deck areas and loungers. There are also jumping points from the boat, including a lower deck option and a higher platform for those who want more of a challenge.

The height can feel intimidating. You do not need to jump or use the slide to enjoy the trip. Steps provide a calmer way into the water, and life jackets are available for less confident swimmers. Snorkeling gear may be available to borrow for a deposit, but bringing your own mask and snorkel is the safer choice if you care about fit and quality.

Bring swimwear, a towel, and a camera. Keep valuables sensible and ask about the lockers if you want extra security. Lockers cost €2 plus a €10 key deposit. The boat has comfortable seating, but wet swimwear and sea spray can make the ride back chilly, especially on a breezy evening.

Food, cocktails, and the mood onboard

The boat has a full-service bar and kitchen, but food and drinks cost extra. The menu includes snacks and meals, with burger and fries prices reported around €6.50 and €2.50 respectively, while cocktails have been described in the €5 to €8 range. Prices can change, so use those figures as a guide rather than a promise.

The pineapple cocktails are a popular novelty and make a fun photograph. Some people find the alcoholic drinks strong, while the nonalcoholic versions suit anyone who wants the flavor without the alcohol. Refills have also been described as inexpensive, but again, check the current price onboard.

I like that you are not forced into a formal meal or expensive package. You can bring cash, buy a drink, and spend the rest of the time swimming or sitting on a deck chair. Vegetarian options have been available, though the exact menu is not specified.

Music is a major part of the mood. The playlist leans toward upbeat holiday music on the outward journey, then softer, more relaxed sounds on the return. This is not a quiet sailing excursion, so people seeking a hushed boat ride should choose their seat carefully. The lower deck can be a better refuge when the upper level gets lively.

The ride back under the changing light

The return is scheduled for 20:30. By then, the coast is lit by the last daylight and, later, the night sky. The ride back is a good time to sit with a drink, listen to music, and watch the Maltese shoreline pass by.

Do bring a thin jacket, sweater, or long-sleeved top. Several departures have felt cold on the return even after a warm afternoon. A towel also helps more than you might expect, since you may still be damp after swimming.

The cruise is advertised as 210 minutes, though one booking described a trip closer to three and a half hours than four. That is worth noting if you are arranging dinner, a taxi, or another evening plan. The stated return time is 20:30, but allow a little flexibility around that schedule.

What the $35 price really gives you

At $35 per person, this is good value if you want several activities in one outing. Your fare covers the boat cruise, access to deck chairs and other boat facilities, the slide, and about two hours at the Blue Lagoon.

You still pay for food, drinks, lockers, and any equipment rental. You also need to arrange transport to Bugibba Jetty and obtain the free evening access pass for Comino. Even with those extras, the price compares well with an outing that combines coastal sightseeing, a swim stop, onboard entertainment, and sunset views.

The strongest value comes from the timing. If your main goal is to see the Blue Lagoon in bright midday light, a daytime cruise may give you better conditions for snorkeling. If you want cooler weather, fewer people, and a more relaxed social atmosphere, the sunset departure earns its price.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

This trip suits couples, families with older children, groups of friends, and anyone who wants a lively sea outing without booking a private boat. You can be active on the slide, swim from the vessel, walk on Comino, or simply sit on deck with a drink.

It also works for people who have already seen the Blue Lagoon by day and want a different mood. The cooler air and evening light change the experience considerably.

I would be more cautious if you have limited mobility. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and boat access can be difficult. It is also not the best choice if you want a silent cruise, a serious snorkeling session, or a long walk around Comino.

The atmosphere is friendly and informal, but it is still a shared boat. Some departures feel spacious, while summer sailings can remain busy even in the evening. The phrase less crowded should not be read as empty.

Practical advice for a smooth evening

Book the free Blue Lagoon access pass before you go and select the evening slot. Keep the QR code ready on your phone. Without the correct time slot, you may not be able to enter the lagoon area from shore.

Arrive early at Bugibba Jetty. Check-in is at 16:40, and the boat will not hold its departure for late arrivals. Traffic and road works can add a surprising amount of time to a short journey.

Pack:

• Swimwear and a towel
• A light jacket for the return
• Cash for food, drinks, lockers, or deposits
• A camera or phone
• Your Blue Lagoon QR access pass
• Snorkeling equipment if you prefer to use your own

Wear footwear that is easy to remove and secure. You will move between deck seating, the swim area, and possibly the island shore. Take care with phones and cameras around the slide and jumping platforms.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Malta schedule is still shifting, but they do not change the need to arrive on time.

Should you book the sunset cruise?

I would book it if you want the best balance of scenery, swimming, sunset, and price. The evening departure avoids the worst heat, often reduces the crowds, and gives you a cheerful boat setting with food, cocktails, deck chairs, and the slide.

Choose a daytime option instead if underwater visibility is your top priority or if you want the brightest possible view of the Blue Lagoon. For everyone else, this is a smart way to see Comino without spending a full day in the hottest, busiest hours. Just secure the evening pass, arrive early, bring a jacket, and remember that the $35 fare does not include food or drinks.

FAQ

Where does the sunset cruise depart from?

It departs from the newly built Bugibba Jetty on Dawret il-Gzejjer, St. Paul’s Bay. This is the correct meeting point.

What time should I arrive?

Check-in is at 16:40, and you should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Check-in closes 10 minutes before departure, and the boat will not wait for late arrivals.

How long is the cruise?

The listed duration is 210 minutes, with a scheduled return at 20:30. The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about two hours.

Is food included in the $35 price?

No. Food and drinks are available to buy onboard but are not included in the ticket price.

Do I need a pass to visit the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 2025, visitors need a free QR code showing their designated time slot. Visit www.blcomino.com and book the evening slot before your cruise.

Can I use the boat’s slide and deck chairs?

Yes. The boat facilities, including deck chairs and the slide, are available for unlimited use during the cruise.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments, and access to the boat and water areas can be difficult.