From Bugibba: Blue Lagoon Sunset Cruise

The best part of this evening cruise is the timing. You leave Bugibba as the light softens, reach Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon around sunset, and return beneath the night sky. It gives you the lagoon in two moods: bright and inviting for a swim, then quiet and atmospheric after dark.

I like the simple plan and the price. For $28, you get a 3.5-hour boat trip, a swim stop, onboard toilets, and a clear view of Malta’s northern coast from the water. I also like the choice you have at Comino: swim and snorkel, walk around, take photos, or stay aboard the Mermaid with a drink.

The main catch is that the Blue Lagoon can feel crowded, even during an evening outing. You also need to arrive on time, since boarding starts at 5:15pm, closes at 5:25pm, and the boat leaves at 5:30pm sharp.

Key points at a glance

• Sunset at the Blue Lagoon: Arrive at Comino during the evening light, with time for swimming and photos.
• A full 3.5-hour outing: The trip includes about an hour of cruising in each direction and 1.5 hours at the lagoon.
• Mermaid Cruises from Bugibba: Look for the blue, red, and white boat at Bugibba Jetty.
• A flexible stop at Comino: Swim, snorkel, walk, watch the sunset, or relax onboard.
• Bring your own essentials: Pack swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, beachwear, and a jacket for the return trip.
• Comino entry ticket required: You must register through the Maltese government website before visiting the Blue Lagoon.

Setting out from Bugibba at 5:30pm

Your evening begins at L-Menqa, the area around Bugibba Jetty. Find the boat called The Mermaid, identified by its blue, red, and white colors. Boarding begins at 5:15pm, so I would arrive with time to spare rather than aim for the final minutes.

The boat leaves at 5:30pm sharp. This is not a casual departure time. Boarding closes at 5:25pm, and a late arrival could mean missing the cruise altogether. The captain greets you at the boat, and the tour runs in English.

Once underway, you settle into a slow sightseeing cruise toward the northern part of Malta. The first hour is part of the experience, not just transport to the main stop. You get open views across the Mediterranean and a changing perspective on Malta’s coast.

The evening timing helps here. The harsh midday sun has eased, and the water takes on the warmer color of late afternoon. You can use this stretch to get comfortable, read the map leaflet provided onboard, and decide how you want to spend your time at Comino.

One hour of views across the Maltese waters

The outward cruise lasts about an hour. Since the boat is heading toward Comino, you get a broad view of the sea and the northern part of Malta before arriving at the lagoon.

I like this part because it prevents the Blue Lagoon from becoming a quick, isolated photo stop. You have time to settle into the pace of the evening. The cruise also gives you a reason to look away from your phone and watch the light change across the water.

The experience is still a boat ride, not a guided history tour. The information provided confirms an English-speaking guide, but it does not promise a long commentary about every cove or landmark. If you want a detailed lecture on Malta’s past, this is not the right choice. If you want relaxed sightseeing with a famous swim stop, it fits well.

Onboard toilets are available, which matters during a trip that lasts several hours. Drinks are not included, but you can buy them onboard, and the description specifically suggests relaxing with a chilled glass of wine or beer. Snorkels can also be rented onboard, so you do not have to bring your own equipment if you want to look beneath the clear water.

One and a half hours at Comino’s Blue Lagoon

The main stop lasts about 1.5 hours. That is enough time for a swim, a short walk, photos, and a little sitting around, but it is not a full afternoon at Comino. You will want to choose your priorities before stepping off or settling into your spot on the Mermaid.

The Blue Lagoon is the star of the outing. Its clear water makes it a natural place for a refreshing swim, and the sunset gives the familiar scene a different feel from a daytime visit. You can swim with the evening sky above you, take photos from the shore, or simply watch the colors change over the water.

Snorkeling is another option. Bring your own mask and snorkel or rent a snorkel onboard. The tour does not include snorkel rental, so budget for that if seeing the underwater view is important to you.

You may also walk around Comino during the free time. The stop includes a walk and sightseeing, but the available information does not promise a particular hiking route or a long guided walk. Keep your plans modest. This is a short stop built around the lagoon, not a full island exploration.

The biggest practical issue is crowding. The Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s best-known swimming spots, and the supplied rating of 4.7 from 22 reviews includes a note that the experience can sometimes feel crowded. The evening departure may soften the daytime rush, but you should not expect private access to the lagoon.

That is especially important if your picture of the Blue Lagoon is a totally empty patch of water. You can still enjoy the colors, sunset, and swim, but the scene may include plenty of other people and boats. I would treat the cruise as a convenient and pleasant way to see the lagoon, not as a secluded escape.

Sunset from the water, then the first stars

The timing is the real selling point. You are not simply visiting Comino and returning before dinner. The boat is planned around the transition from daylight to evening, giving you sunset views and a return cruise in the dark.

At the lagoon, you can decide how much time to give the swim. If you want photos, get them early. If you want to swim, change and get into the water while there is still enough light. Then leave time to dry off before the return journey.

Bring a jacket even if the afternoon feels warm. A boat ride after sunset can feel cooler, especially if you are wet from swimming. Sunglasses help during the brighter part of the cruise, while beachwear, swimwear, and a towel cover the obvious needs.

The return route takes you back past Mellieha at night. The views change from open Mediterranean brightness to lights along the coast and a darker sky overhead. The tour description highlights panoramic views of the stars, though the quality of stargazing will depend on the weather and how clear the sky is that evening.

This is a nice fit for couples who want an easy evening activity without planning a restaurant or a long walk. It also works for families, provided everyone is comfortable with a boat ride, an evening swim stop, and a firm schedule.

What the $28 price really covers

At $28 per person, this is good value if you want several parts of Malta in one outing: a coastal cruise, a visit to Comino, a Blue Lagoon swim stop, sunset views, and a night return. The price is especially fair for people who would otherwise need to arrange separate transport to the coast and a boat trip.

The price does not include drinks or snorkel rental. Those costs are optional, but they can change the final bill. You can avoid both by bringing your own water and snorkeling equipment, although the tour does provide the option to buy or rent onboard.

You also need a free Comino entry ticket from the Maltese government website. This is an important extra step, even though it does not add to the ticket price. Register at blcomino.com/product/blue-lagoon/ before the day of the cruise so you are not trying to sort it out at the jetty.

A map leaflet is included, which is useful for following the route and getting your bearings. This is not an all-inclusive boat party with meals, transfers, or a full range of equipment. It is a straightforward cruise with a popular swim stop, and the price reflects that.

Who will enjoy the Mermaid most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a relaxed evening on the water and do not need a packed schedule. The pace leaves room to sit, talk, take photos, and enjoy the change from late afternoon to night.

It is well suited to:

• Couples looking for a simple sunset outing
• Families wanting a boat ride and an easy swim stop
• Swimmers who want time in the Blue Lagoon
• Visitors staying around Bugibba who prefer to start locally
• Anyone who likes coastal views but does not want a demanding activity

You should think twice if you have limited mobility. The experience is listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments, and the boat, jetty, swimming stop, and island access may not be comfortable or practical for you.

You should also skip it if you dislike fixed schedules. The boat leaves at 5:30pm, the Blue Lagoon stop lasts about 1.5 hours, and the group returns to Bugibba at roughly 9:00pm. This is easygoing once onboard, but it is not a flexible private charter.

Practical preparation for the evening

Pack light, but pack for both swimming and a cool ride home. I would bring:

• Swimwear
• A towel
• Sunglasses
• Beachwear
• A jacket
• Snorkeling equipment, if you prefer not to rent it

Keep your belongings secure during the swim stop. The supplied information does not describe a locker service, so do not assume that valuables will be protected while you are in the water.

Wear something that makes it easy to move between the jetty, boat, and swimming area. If you plan to walk around Comino, comfortable footwear is sensible, though the tour does not specify a particular walking route.

Check the weather before you go. The cruise can change or be cancelled because of bad weather, unsafe seas, or insufficient capacity. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately.

Families, couples, and the crowded-lagoon question

The cruise is advertised as family-friendly and suitable for all ages. The boat ride gives children something to watch before the swim, while the lagoon provides a clear focus for the stop. Parents should still plan around the evening timing and remember that the return is not until about 9:00pm.

For couples, the sunset and starry return are the most appealing parts. You can make the outing feel special without booking an expensive private boat, though the shared setting means you will not have the lagoon or deck to yourselves.

The crowd issue deserves an honest note. A 4.7 rating from 22 reviews suggests that the overall experience is well received, but one specific comment describes it as sometimes crowded. I would book this for the scenery and the easy access to Comino, not for silence or privacy.

If the Blue Lagoon is your main reason for visiting Malta, consider your expectations carefully. The cruise gives you a scenic, well-timed visit, but you are sharing a famous location with other visitors. The sunset helps make the stop feel different, even when the lagoon itself is busy.

A simple evening, with a firm clock

The complete route is easy to understand. You meet at Bugibba Jetty, cruise north for about an hour, spend 1.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon, cruise back for about an hour, and finish at the same jetty around 9:00pm.

That simple structure is one of the tour’s strengths. You do not need to arrange a taxi between several locations or work out how to reach Comino independently. The tradeoff is that you have limited control over how long you spend swimming or walking.

I like the fact that you can choose your own level of activity. Swim, snorkel, walk, photograph the sunset, buy a drink, or stay onboard. The tour gives you a setting and a timetable, then leaves the actual evening largely up to you.

Should you book this sunset cruise?

Book it if you want an affordable evening cruise from Bugibba, a swim at the Blue Lagoon, and a return under the night sky. The $28 price is strong for the combination of transport, sightseeing, and free time, especially if you are happy to pay separately for drinks or snorkel rental.

Do not book it expecting an empty lagoon, a detailed historical tour, or unlimited time at Comino. Arrive early, get the required entry ticket in advance, bring a jacket and towel, and accept that the famous stop may be busy.

For couples and families who want an easy Maltese evening, I think this is a sound choice. The sunset timing, flexible free time, onboard facilities, and clear route make it a practical way to experience Comino without turning the day into a complicated expedition.

FAQ

Where does the Blue Lagoon sunset cruise start?

The cruise starts at Bugibba Jetty, at L-Menqa. Look for the boat called The Mermaid, which has blue, red, and white colors.

What time should I arrive?

Boarding begins at 5:15pm and closes at 5:25pm. The boat departs at 5:30pm sharp, so arrive before boarding closes.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts 3.5 hours. The scheduled return to Bugibba Jetty is around 9:00pm.

How much time do I get at the Blue Lagoon?

You have about 1.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, walking, photos, sightseeing, and enjoying the sunset.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The cruise includes a swim stop at the Blue Lagoon on Comino.

Are drinks included in the price?

No. Drinks are available to purchase onboard.

Can I rent snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkels are available to rent onboard, but rental is not included in the tour price.

Do I need a ticket to enter Comino?

Yes. You must sign up through the Maltese government website to receive an entry ticket for the Blue Lagoon. The ticket is free and can be obtained at blcomino.com/product/blue-lagoon/.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

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