Bugibba: Scenic Sunset Cruise with Blue Lagoon Swim Stop

The best part of this Bugibba cruise is the timing. You reach Comino’s Blue Lagoon as the hard daytime glare fades, giving you a chance to swim in clear water beneath the setting sun, then watch the sky darken on the ride home. Captain Matthew and his crew run the evening aboard the red, blue, and white boat named The Mermaid.

I like two things here: the relaxed reggae soundtrack keeps the trip from feeling formal, and the long stop gives you a real choice. You can swim, sit with a beer or wine, or simply watch Malta slide past from the deck. The main drawback is that the boat is not suited to people with mobility impairments, and the 5:30 pm departure is firm, so a late arrival could spoil the evening.

Key points to know before booking

• Blue Lagoon at sunset: Swim in Comino’s famous clear water as the light softens, or stay aboard and enjoy the view.
• Captain Matthew at the helm: The captain and one support crew member greet you at Bugibba and keep you informed during the trip.
• Reggae sets the mood: Old and new reggae songs create a casual, family-friendly atmosphere rather than a formal sightseeing tour.
• Moonlit return: The trip heads back past Mellieha, with the sea and sky changing from sunset color to moonlight.
• Bring cash and swim gear: Drinks and food cost extra, while masks and snorkels can be rented with a cash deposit.
• Good value for an evening on the water: At $28 per person, the 3.5-hour trip includes the cruise and swim stop, but not refreshments or snorkeling equipment.

From Bugibba Jetty to the open sea

Your evening starts at Bugibba Jetty. Look for the Mermaid Cruises sellers, who can direct you to the boat, or spot The Mermaid, the red, blue, and white vessel used for the cruise.

Boarding begins at 5:15 pm and closes at 5:25 pm. The boat leaves at 5:30 pm sharp, so treat those times as part of the booking rather than a loose suggestion. I would arrive early enough to find the jetty, meet the crew, and settle in without rushing.

Captain Matthew and his crew greet you as you board. The live tour guide language is English, and the evening has a simple, social setup rather than a heavy program of commentary. The main feature is the sea, the music, and the changing light.

Once The Mermaid pulls away, the cruise heads north along Malta’s coast. You can take in the water and shoreline while reggae songs play in the background. This makes the trip a good fit if you want something gentler than a busy daytime boat outing.

There is WiFi and a restroom aboard. Safety equipment is available for emergency use, though you should still follow the crew’s instructions and take care around the water.

Why the Blue Lagoon stop works at sunset

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is the centerpiece of the evening. The water is known for its clear appearance, and the stop gives you the chance to swim rather than only view it from the boat.

The timing changes the feel of the place. A midday visit can be all about bright water and strong sun. Here, the sunset becomes part of the swim, with the sky above you shifting as you float. It is a simple idea, but a good one: you get the famous lagoon and a more atmospheric hour of the day.

You do not have to swim. You can relax aboard The Mermaid and watch the scene from the deck instead. That choice matters for families with different energy levels, couples who want a quiet evening, or anyone who prefers a boat ride to getting wet.

Bring your own swimwear and towel. Beachwear is also listed among the suggested items, along with sunglasses. Masks and snorkels are not included, but you can rent them aboard with a cash deposit.

The stop is not described as a guided snorkeling session. If you rent equipment, think of it as a way to look around on your own during the swim break. If you only want a quick dip, you can keep your packing simple.

The ride home past Mellieha

After the Blue Lagoon stop, the boat makes its way back down past Mellieha. This section gives you time to dry off, buy a drink, and settle into the second half of the evening.

The changing light is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise instead of a standard daytime boat ride. The sunset gives way to a darker sky, and the return takes place with the sea lit by moonlight. You get two distinct moods in one outing: warm evening color on the way out, then a calmer night ride back.

The cruise is scheduled to arrive at Bugibba Jetty around 9 pm. The total activity is listed as 3.5 hours, while the stated departure and return times suggest an evening from 5:30 pm to 9 pm. Check the confirmed starting time when you book, since operating times can depend on availability.

This return is not just transport back to Bugibba. It is when the reggae music, the night sky, and the quieter water do much of the work. If you prefer a packed itinerary with several stops, the ride may feel long. If you like unhurried time at sea, it is a useful part of the experience.

Reggae, drinks, and the onboard mood

The music gives this trip its character. You will hear old and new reggae hits while the boat moves along the northern coast. The mood is relaxed and informal, with no need to dress up or treat the cruise as a formal dinner outing.

Food and drinks are not included. You can buy them aboard, and the supplied information specifically mentions chilled wine and beer as options. Bring cash, especially if you plan to rent snorkeling gear, place a deposit, or make purchases onboard.

There is no included meal, so do not book this as a dinner cruise. Think of it as a sunset boat ride with refreshments available for purchase. If you need a full meal, plan around that separately.

The music may be a major plus for you, but it is also worth considering your own taste. This is not a silent scenic cruise. The reggae soundtrack is part of the point, so anyone wanting complete quiet should choose a different kind of boat trip.

Who will enjoy this Bugibba sunset cruise?

I see this as a flexible outing for several kinds of visitors.

Couples get a sunset setting, a drink option, and a moonlit return without needing to plan a full evening around restaurants or sightseeing. The cruise also suits a birthday or special occasion if you want something casual rather than grand.

Families can choose their own pace. Swimmers can enjoy the lagoon, while others can remain aboard. The experience is described as family-friendly and suitable for all ages, though the lack of suitability for people with mobility impairments is important to note.

Friends may like the easygoing combination of music, open water, swimming, and drinks. The long ride gives you time to talk and enjoy the evening without moving from one activity to the next.

You should think twice if you dislike boats, need a fully accessible activity, or want a highly structured sightseeing tour with constant historical commentary. The English-language guide and crew are there, but the cruise is mainly about atmosphere and scenery.

What the $28 price includes

At $28 per person, this is priced as an accessible evening activity rather than a luxury cruise. The value comes from the length and combination of experiences: a coastal boat ride, a Blue Lagoon swim stop, sunset views, reggae music, and a moonlit return.

The price does not include food, drinks, or snorkeling equipment. That keeps the starting cost low, but your final spend will rise if you buy several drinks or rent gear. A cash budget is the practical move.

You are also paying for time, not just a quick photo stop. The cruise lasts about 3.5 hours, and the lagoon stop is long enough for a proper swim according to the supplied details. That makes the price reasonable for anyone who wants a full evening on the water rather than a short harbor ride.

The value is weaker if you only want to see the Blue Lagoon for a few minutes. It is stronger if you plan to use the whole evening: swim, relax, listen to music, enjoy a drink, and stay outside for the return under the night sky.

Practical tips for a smoother evening

Arrive before boarding begins at 5:15 pm. Boarding closes at 5:25 pm, and departure is at 5:30 pm sharp. The boat leaves from Bugibba Jetty, so allow time to locate the Mermaid Cruises sellers or identify The Mermaid itself.

Pack lightly, but bring the useful items:

• Swimwear and beachwear
• Towel
• Sunglasses
• Cash
• Any personal items you need for a few hours at sea

You can use the restroom and WiFi aboard. Food and drinks are available for purchase, but they are not part of the ticket.

If swimming is your priority, bring your towel where you can reach it easily. If you prefer to stay dry, you can leave the swim gear at home, though the boat’s stop at the Blue Lagoon is the main activity of the evening.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which may help if your Malta schedule is still shifting.

What the strongest praise tells you

The most consistent positive points are the length of the ride, the crew, the clear water at the stop, and the chance to see the sunset from the boat.

One especially useful detail is that Captain Matthew and the support crew keep people informed during the trip. That matters on an evening cruise because you want to know when the swim stop is coming, how much time you have, and what to expect on the way back.

The Blue Lagoon stop also receives strong approval for its water and setting. The combination of a refreshing swim and the sunset is the experience’s clearest selling point.

The timing can help with the feel of the stop as well. One account describes the area as less crowded and praises the amount of time available to stop and watch the sunset from the boat. You should not treat that as a guarantee, but it does suggest that the evening departure can feel calmer than a peak daytime visit.

The overall rating is 4.6 from 77 ratings, which supports the idea that this is a well-liked, low-pressure boat outing. It does not mean every passenger will want the same pace or music, so use the details to decide if the style fits you.

Should you book the Mermaid Cruises sunset trip?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced evening on the water with a real swim stop, relaxed reggae music, and two different views of Malta’s coast: sunset on the way out and moonlight on the way back.

I would especially consider it if you are staying near Bugibba, traveling with a family or couple, or looking for an easy activity that does not require a full day. Captain Matthew and the crew, the clear Blue Lagoon water, and the long return ride give the outing more substance than a quick sunset photo trip.

Skip it if you need accessible facilities, dislike music during scenic outings, or want food included in the ticket. Also be strict about the boarding time. Arriving at Bugibba Jetty before 5:25 pm is part of making this relaxed evening work.

FAQ

Where does the sunset cruise start and finish?

The cruise starts at Bugibba Jetty and ends back at the same meeting point.

What time should I arrive?

Boarding begins at 5:15 pm and closes at 5:25 pm. The boat departs at 5:30 pm sharp.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts 3.5 hours. The stated return time is around 9 pm.

Is swimming included?

You can swim at Comino’s Blue Lagoon during the stop. Bring swimwear and a towel.

Are food, drinks, masks, and snorkels included?

Food and drinks are not included, but you can buy them onboard. Masks and snorkels are available to rent with a cash deposit.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments.