Malta: Sunset Cruise to the Blue Lagoon

Golden light makes Comino feel entirely different. This 210-minute cruise combines a scenic ride along northern Malta with about two hours at the Blue Lagoon, timed for cooler air, softer light, and fewer people than the daytime rush. I like the quiet evening setting and the chance to swim straight from a comfortable boat rather than squeeze onto a crowded beach.

I also like the relaxed mix of activities. You can use the 10-meter slide, jump from the upper deck, walk onto Comino, sit on a deck chair, or order food and drinks from the onboard bar. The main consideration is the return ride: once the sun goes down, it can feel chilly, and the water may be too dark for serious snorkeling.

The best parts of the cruise at a glance

• Sunset timing: The Blue Lagoon is generally calmer and cooler in the evening than during the main daytime period.
• A proper swimming stop: You get about two hours at the Blue Lagoon, with access to the water from the boat and time to walk on Comino.
• A 10-meter slide: The slide and jumping platforms add a lively, playful side to what could otherwise be a simple sightseeing cruise.
• Comfort onboard: Deck chairs, indoor and outdoor seating, a bar, and food make it easy to spend the whole afternoon at sea.
• Good value at $35: Food and drinks cost extra, but the boat ride, facilities, and Blue Lagoon stop are included.
• Easy evening atmosphere: Music, friendly staff, and a less intense schedule give this trip a social but unhurried feel.

Why sunset is the smart time for the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is famous for its bright cyan water, but its popularity is also its problem. During the day, Comino can feel crowded, hot, and heavily scheduled. This evening departure offers a more pleasant tradeoff. You still get the famous water and rock scenery, but you arrive after the hottest part of the day and after many daytime boats have left.

The timing also changes the mood. In full sun, the lagoon is all bright color and activity. Later, the rocks turn warm gold, the water takes on darker shades, and the coastline looks softer from the boat. Several departures have arrived at a spot with enough room for swimming, sliding, and relaxing without feeling packed in.

Do not expect complete solitude, especially in summer. One August departure still found the lagoon busy, although much less so than during the day. The experience is best described as quieter, not empty.

The two-hour stop gives you a useful choice. You can stay onboard and swim from the boat, use the slide, and enjoy the upper deck. Or you can take the free access pass required for the evening and walk onto Comino for photos and views over the lagoon. If you want both, walk onto the island soon after arrival, then return to the boat for swimming before the light fades.

Leaving Bugibba Jetty and heading north

The meeting point is the newly built Bugibba Jetty on Dawret il-Gzejjer, St. Paul’s Bay. Look for Katherine at 16:40 for check-in. Check-in closes 10 minutes before departure, and the boat will not wait for late arrivals.

Arrive at least 30 minutes early. Malta’s traffic can be slow, and road works are common across the island. One person had trouble finding the access route and arrived stressed after transport delays. This is not the sort of excursion where arriving at the advertised departure time is good enough.

Once underway, the first hour is a scenic coastal cruise. The boat passes St. Paul’s Island, Ghadira Bay, Coral Cove, and Ahrax Point, with rugged cliffs, small coves, caves, and unusual rock formations along the way. The captain provides commentary in English and Italian, and the boat sometimes moves close to the cliffs or into sheltered bays for photographs.

That sightseeing section gives the trip more substance than a simple transfer to Comino. You are not just sitting on a boat waiting for the swim stop. The captain points out the places you pass, and the crew makes photo pauses along the route. The pace remains relaxed, with music playing while you look out over Malta’s northern coast.

St. Paul’s Island, Coral Cove, and the coastal views

St. Paul’s Island is passed rather than treated as a long shore visit. You get time for photographs and views from the boat, but this is not an island exploration stop. The same goes for Coral Cove, where the interest lies in the rock formations, clear water, and coastal setting.

The route can include close views of caves and cliffs. On some departures, the captain has taken the boat right into cave openings, which is a memorable extra if conditions allow. The exact path may vary, but the supplied schedule includes scenic views, photo opportunities, and time to look around as you pass.

Ahrax Point adds more rugged northern scenery before the boat continues toward Comino. Bring a camera, but do not spend the whole ride staring at a screen. The best views are broad ones, with Malta’s pale cliffs, open water, and low evening sun doing most of the work.

Two hours at the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is the main event, and the stop is long enough to feel useful rather than rushed. You can swim in clear water, use the steps from the boat, ride the slide, jump from the upper deck, or simply stretch out on a sun lounger.

The 10-meter slide is free to use as part of the boat facilities. It is high enough to feel thrilling, particularly when you first look down from the top. A lower jumping point is also available, and life jackets can be borrowed for a deposit if you are not a confident swimmer.

The boat gives you a practical alternative to the beach. You can leave your towel and return to your seat, order a drink, and get back into the water without carrying everything onto shore. Lockers are available for €2, with a €10 key deposit, so use them if you prefer not to leave valuables in the seating area.

If you want to snorkel, bring your own mask and snorkel or ask about equipment availability and any deposit. Some departures have had rental equipment onboard. The clear water can reveal fish, crabs, moray eels, and even octopuses, but visibility becomes less useful as evening arrives. This is better for a refreshing swim and casual snorkeling than for a serious underwater session.

The island itself is worth a short walk. The official access system now requires visitors to present a QR code for a designated Blue Lagoon time slot. The evening slot is the one you need for this cruise, and the pass is free. Arrange it through the official Blue Lagoon access website before you go, rather than assuming you can simply step ashore.

Food, cocktails, and the onboard mood

The boat has a full-service bar and a kitchen, but food and drinks are not included in the $35 price. That is fair, since you can choose whether to spend extra. The menu has been praised for reasonable prices, with examples including a burger for around €6.50 and fries for about €2.50. Meat-free choices are also available.

Cocktails are part of the fun, especially the drinks served in pineapples. They make a good holiday photograph and cost less than you might expect for a boat excursion. If you prefer something lighter, non-alcoholic options are available. Some drinks have been described as strong, so ask for a milder option if that is not your style.

The music is a major part of the atmosphere. The playlist leans toward upbeat, familiar holiday music on the outward journey, then settles into more mellow sounds on the return. The result is social without requiring you to join in. You can chat, lie on a deck chair, eat, or simply watch Comino turn gold.

The boat is large enough to offer different seating styles. The upper deck is the popular choice for sun, views, and access to the slide. The downstairs area can be quieter and, on some trips, nearly empty. If you want shade or a calmer seat, head below early.

The return under the evening sky

The scheduled return to Bugibba is 20:30. By then, the air may feel noticeably cooler, especially after swimming. Bring a light jacket or extra top even if the afternoon is warm. This simple item could make the final part of the cruise much more comfortable.

The return journey is less about commentary and more about atmosphere. You can listen to music, watch the coastline sparkle, and enjoy the last light over Comino. Weather can add its own drama. One departure encountered a thunderstorm on the way back, while another had a particularly striking sunset. Those conditions cannot be promised, but the evening timing gives you the best chance of seeing changing light.

The trip lasts 210 minutes, though one person felt the actual outing was closer to three and a half hours than four. Plan your evening around the stated return time, not a vague idea of a full half-day cruise.

Is $35 good value?

For $35 per person, this is a strong value if you want several experiences in one outing. The price includes the boat cruise, the coastal sightseeing, use of the deck chairs and slide, and about two hours at the Blue Lagoon. You are paying for a relaxed boat base as much as for transportation.

The value improves if you plan to swim. A standard scenic boat ride can feel expensive once you add a separate beach stop, but here the swimming platform, slide, seating, and bar are all part of the setup. You also avoid the hottest part of the day.

Food and drinks cost extra, so your final spending depends on your habits. You can bring cash and buy a burger, fries, cocktail, or soft drink, or spend nothing onboard. Lockers and any rental equipment also cost extra or require a deposit.

This is not the best choice if you want a silent sailing trip, a private boat, or a long guided visit on Comino. The music, slide, bar, and social mood make it more of a fun excursion than a quiet nature outing.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would recommend it to couples, friends, families with older children, and anyone who wants a flexible evening by the sea. You can be active for five minutes, then sit down for half an hour. That freedom is one of the trip’s best qualities.

It suits confident swimmers and cautious swimmers alike because you can use a life jacket, enter by steps, or remain onboard. However, people with mobility impairments should note that this activity is not considered suitable for them.

It is also a good fit for anyone who has already seen Malta’s Blue Lagoon during the day and wants a calmer second look. If your main goal is snorkeling, choose an earlier outing with stronger daylight. If your main goal is atmosphere, swimming, sunset, and an easygoing boat ride, this later departure makes more sense.

Small details that make the day easier

Bring swimwear, a towel, camera, and cash. A light jacket is wise for the return, and your own snorkeling gear may be useful if you care about seeing underwater life.

Use the correct meeting address: Bugibba Jetty Dawret il-Gzejjer, St. Paul’s Bay. Do not rely on an older departure point. Arrive 30 minutes early, find Katherine for check-in, and leave plenty of time for traffic.

You can cancel without charge up to 24 hours before departure, and reserve now while paying later. The host or greeter speaks English and Italian.

Should you book the sunset cruise?

Book it if you want the Blue Lagoon with less heat, softer light, and a better chance of finding breathing room. The combination of coastal scenery, two hours for swimming, a free slide, affordable onboard food, and a lively playlist gives you a lot for $35.

Skip it if you need full accessibility, dislike music and group boats, or want bright daylight for extended snorkeling. For most people who want a fun and practical evening on the water, this is one of Malta’s better-value ways to see Comino. Go early to the jetty, reserve the correct evening access slot, and pack a jacket for the ride home.

FAQ

Where does the sunset cruise depart?

It departs from the newly built Bugibba Jetty at Dawret il-Gzejjer, St. Paul’s Bay.

What time should I arrive?

Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Check-in with Katherine is at 16:40, and check-in closes 10 minutes before departure.

How long does the cruise last?

The stated duration is 210 minutes. The scheduled return time is 20:30.

Is food included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are available onboard for an additional charge.

Can I use the slide for free?

Yes. The boat facilities, including the slide and deck chairs, are included in the price.

How long do we stay at the Blue Lagoon?

The cruise includes about two hours at the Blue Lagoon.

Do I need a Blue Lagoon access pass?

Yes. Since May 2025, visitors need a QR code for a designated time slot. You need to arrange the free evening slot through the official Blue Lagoon access website.

Are lockers available?

Yes. Lockers cost €2 and require a €10 deposit for the key.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments.