Malta: Sunset Cruise to the Blue Lagoon

The best part of this four-hour cruise is the timing. You reach Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon after the daytime rush, when the light softens, the water still glows, and the return trip runs beneath the stars. It is part boat ride, part swim stop, and part relaxed evening out.

I like the coastal sightseeing on the way there, especially the views of St. Paul’s Island, Coral Lagoon, caves, and rocky coves. I also like the easy onboard setup: deck chairs, music, food and drinks for purchase, and a 10-meter slide for anyone who wants more than a quiet swim.

The main drawback is the long stop at the lagoon. Two hours can feel just right if you swim, walk, eat, and watch the sunset, but it may feel slow once darkness arrives. You also need to arrange your own transport to Bugibba Jetty and arrive early, since the boat will not wait.

Key points at a glance

• Blue Lagoon after the crowds: Swim at Comino during the scheduled 6:15 PM to 8:30 PM stop.
• A scenic northern coast route: Pass St. Paul’s Island, Ghadira Bay, Coral Cove, Ahrax Point, caves, and rock formations.
• A 10-meter slide: Jump directly from the boat into the clear water at the lagoon.
• Easy evening atmosphere: Relax on deck chairs with music, drinks, food for purchase, and sunset views.
• Good value at $34: The cruise and boat facilities are included, though meals, drinks, lockers, and transport are extra.
• Plan carefully: Check in behind the LOA restaurant at 4:40 PM and arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.

Why sunset changes the Blue Lagoon experience

The Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s best-known swimming spots, and during the middle of the day it can be extremely busy. This cruise uses a later sailing to give you a different view of Comino. The water remains the main attraction, but the fading light changes the mood from beach stop to evening outing.

You can spend the stop swimming, sitting on the upper deck, walking along the shore, or ordering something to eat. The scheduled lagoon visit runs from 6:15 PM to 8:30 PM, though the exact sunset color and amount of daylight will depend on the date.

I would choose this tour for the atmosphere rather than for a packed list of activities. You get time to slow down, watch the sky change, and return to Malta in the dark with music playing and stars overhead. If you want constant movement, the two-hour stop may feel too long.

Starting at Bugibba Jetty

The meeting point is Hornblower Cruises Malta at Sirens Quay, 24 Triq San Geraldu, St. Paul’s Bay. It is behind the LOA restaurant, where Katherine checks passengers in. Check-in is listed for 4:40 PM, and it closes 10 minutes before departure.

Give the full address to your taxi driver. The information also warns about road works and heavy traffic across Malta, so arriving 30 minutes early is sensible, not excessive. The boat follows a schedule and will not delay for late arrivals.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to make your own way to the jetty and back afterward. This matters if you are staying far from St. Paul’s Bay, since an evening return may require more planning than a daytime excursion.

Once onboard, settle in before the boat gets moving. You can find a seat on the upper deck, choose a deck chair, or stay near the facilities. The boat has a bar and food service, but those purchases are separate from the $34 ticket.

The first hour along Malta’s northern coast

The first section is a sightseeing cruise lasting about an hour. This is not simply transport to Comino. The route gives you broad views of Malta’s northern coast, along with coves, caves, and unusual rock formations that are easier to appreciate from the water.

The boat passes Ghadira Bay and Ahrax Point, with scenic views along the way. You also pass St. Paul’s Island, a well-known feature off Malta’s northern coast. There is time for photographs, though the boat continues moving and the views change quickly.

Coral Lagoon is another notable sight on the route. It is one of the places where your camera earns its space in your bag, especially in the late afternoon light. Commentary is provided in English and Italian, and captains including Kevin have explained points of interest as the boat travels.

The ride can feel smooth and calm, but the sea may be wavy on the way out or back. If you are sensitive to motion, sit where you feel most comfortable and keep the first hour relaxed. The cruise is designed as a scenic ride, not a high-speed trip.

Two hours at Comino’s Blue Lagoon

The central stop is the Blue Lagoon, where you have just over two hours. The boat remains available to you, but you can also disembark and explore Comino. That choice gives the trip some flexibility for different types of passengers.

If you want to swim, bring swimwear and a towel. The water is known for its clarity, and the boat provides a direct way to get in, including a 10-meter slide. The slide is one of the more distinctive features of this outing, but it is optional. You can use the ladder or simply remain onboard.

The upper deck works well for people who want to watch the sunset without getting wet. Deck chairs let you stretch out, and you can buy a drink while looking across the lagoon. Some passengers prefer to walk along the shore, while others stay on the boat for the views and facilities.

The shoreline is quieter than it is during the day, but do not picture a deserted island. August can still be busy, and the Blue Lagoon is a popular place year-round. The later time reduces the daytime pressure, yet the boat and the lagoon remain part of a well-known Malta excursion.

As daylight fades, swimming becomes less important and the atmosphere takes over. You can eat onboard, listen to music, or take photographs in the last warm light. If your ideal evening means hours of swimming, arrive ready to use the water early in the stop.

Food, drinks, music, and the boat itself

Food and drinks are not included, but they are available for purchase onboard. That arrangement keeps the base price low, although you should carry some cash for extras. The cruise also has a full-service bar, and the pineapple cocktails have become one of the more memorable drink options.

A refillable pineapple is a playful choice if you want a holiday photograph, but it is not a reason by itself to book the tour. The more useful point is that you can remain onboard for dinner and drinks instead of needing to find somewhere to eat during the short evening stop.

Music is part of the experience, particularly during the return to Malta. The tone is relaxed, with what has been described as a strong playlist and easy background music. This is not a silent nature cruise. If you want complete quiet, the soundtrack may not suit you, but most people looking for a social evening will find it fits the setting.

Food and drink prices are described as reasonable, though the tour does not specify a fixed menu in the supplied details. Budget for purchases if you want dinner, cocktails, or snacks. The ticket includes the cruise and unlimited use of boat facilities such as slides and deck chairs, not the items sold at the bar.

Lockers are available for an additional €2 with a €10 key deposit. Keep this in mind if you bring valuables or prefer not to leave items beside your seat. A small dry bag is useful for a phone, camera, and cash, but the tour specifically advises bringing a camera and cash.

The return beneath the stars

The journey back takes about an hour. By then, you may be wet, fed, and ready to sit down. The route feels different in darkness, with fewer coastal details visible and more attention on the open water, music, and night sky.

This is one of the strongest reasons to choose the sunset departure instead of a standard daytime boat trip. You see the coast in late afternoon, swim in the fading light, then return after dark. The experience has a clear beginning, middle, and end without requiring a second evening activity.

The boat may sway on the way back, depending on the sea. Bring a light layer if you tend to feel cool after swimming, though no specific clothing beyond swimwear is required. Once the cruise ends, you return to the same meeting point at 24 Triq San Geraldu.

What the $34 price really covers

At $34 per person, this is a strong value if you plan to use the boat’s main features. You receive the coastal cruise, the Blue Lagoon stop, deck chairs, slides, and access to the onboard setting for four hours. A separate visit to Comino could cost more once you add transport, food, and the time needed to arrange everything.

The price is less impressive if you do not swim, do not buy anything onboard, and dislike spending two hours in one place. The cruise is built around the lagoon stop, so you should see that as the main event rather than a brief photo break.

Your real spending may rise with drinks, dinner, locker use, and transport to Bugibba. Still, the base cost stays manageable for an evening excursion, especially for couples, families with older children, and groups of friends who want a simple plan.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours ahead, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Malta schedule depends on weather, though you should still check the forecast and keep the departure time in mind.

The new Blue Lagoon access rule

From May 19, 2025, Maltese authorities require visitors to the Blue Lagoon to show a QR code for a designated time slot. You need to obtain the free access pass through blcomino.com before going.

This is a practical step you should not leave until the last minute. The cruise has a scheduled Blue Lagoon visit from 6:15 PM to 8:30 PM, so your access details should match the required time. During that period, you can remain onboard or disembark and explore Comino.

The QR code is separate from the cruise price and booking details. Save it somewhere easy to display, and check the official instructions before your departure date. Rules around popular sites can change, so use the current information on the official access website.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this experience to you if you want several Malta highlights in one easy evening: a boat ride, coastal views, a swim, sunset, food, and music. It works especially well for couples and friend groups, and families whose children are comfortable around open water may enjoy the slide and swimming stop.

It also suits people who find daytime Blue Lagoon visits too crowded. The later departure gives you a better chance to enjoy the setting without the full daytime rush, though summer dates can still be busy.

This is not the best pick for anyone with mobility impairments, as the activity is listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments. It may also disappoint you if you want a quiet, private sailing or a short stop with no time spent on the boat.

Bring swimwear, a towel, a camera, and cash. You may also want a light layer for the ride back. Snorkeling gear is not listed as included, so bring your own if you want to look beneath the clear water.

Should you book the Blue Lagoon sunset cruise?

I would book it if you want a good-value evening with plenty of choice. Swim from the boat, use the slide, walk on Comino, eat onboard, or simply sit back with a drink and watch the sunset. The crew, including check-in host Katherine and captains such as Kevin, help give the trip a friendly, informal feel.

I would skip it if you need hotel pickup, cannot arrive early at Bugibba Jetty, or prefer a tightly scheduled tour with constant sightseeing. The two-hour lagoon stop asks you to slow down, and that is either the tour’s strength or its weakness.

For most visitors, the combination of clear water, a quieter evening at Comino, the coastal route, and a star-filled return makes the $34 fare worthwhile. Just arrange your QR access pass, plan your transport, and arrive before check-in closes.

FAQ

Where does the sunset cruise depart from?

It departs from Hornblower Cruises Malta at Sirens Quay, 24 Triq San Geraldu, St. Paul’s Bay. The meeting point is behind the LOA restaurant.

What time should I arrive at the jetty?

You should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Check-in is scheduled for 4:40 PM and closes 10 minutes before departure. The boat does not wait for late arrivals.

How long is the Blue Lagoon stop?

The scheduled stop runs from 6:15 PM to 8:30 PM, giving you just over two hours at the Blue Lagoon and Comino.

Do I need a QR code to visit the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. From May 19, 2025, visitors must show a QR code confirming their designated time slot. You can request the free access pass through blcomino.com.

Are food and drinks included in the ticket?

No. Food and drinks are available to purchase onboard but are not included in the $34 price. Lockers also cost extra, at €2 with a €10 deposit for the key.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, a camera, and cash. Snorkeling gear is not listed as included, so bring your own if you want to snorkel.