From Bugibba: Blue Lagoon Sunset Cruise

Sunsets over Malta water are the kind of thing you remember. This Blue Lagoon Sunset Cruise is built around that exact moment, with a swim stop at Comino and time to explore after the sun drops. You’ll cruise out of Bugibba Jetty, watch the sky change color, then come back under night skies.

Two things I really like here are the simple format and the timing. You get a full Blue Lagoon window plus the return in the dark, so you are not rushing to see everything. Second, the boat setup is practical for the experience, with onboard toilets and a live English guide to help the trip run smoothly.

One heads-up before you book: the cruise can feel crowded at peak times, since it’s popular and the Blue Lagoon stop is shared. If you want quiet, you’ll need to accept that this is a famous place and other people know it too.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Mermaid boat from Bugibba Jetty with clear meeting instructions and an English-speaking guide
• Swim stop at Comino’s Blue Lagoon with time for photos, walking, and snorkeling if you bring gear
• Golden-hour to night timing, with panoramic views as the sky turns dark
• Drinks available to buy onboard, so you can keep the mood relaxed without packing your own
• Leaflets to follow the map plus onboard toilet facilities for a smoother trip
• Not for reduced mobility, so check suitability before you plan

Sunset on the water from Bugibba Jetty

This cruise is basically a floating viewpoint with a very specific goal: get you to Comino at the right time for sunset and a real chance to swim in famously clear water. The departure point is Bugibba Jetty, and you’ll want to look for the boat called The Mermaid in blue, red, and white colors.

There’s something comforting about the flow here. You board, the captain greets you, and then you head out. No complicated transfers, no long bus ride, just sea time plus a planned stop where the whole trip makes sense.

And yes, the sunset part matters. Malta does skies well, and when you’re out on open water, you see more of the horizon than you would from shore.

The timing matters: boarding closes at 5:25 pm

The schedule is tight in a good way, because it’s built for sunset. Boarding begins at 5:15 pm and closes at 5:25 pm, and the boat leaves at 5:30 pm sharp. If you show up late, you miss the boat, so plan to arrive early and not treat the jetty like a casual meet-up.

The cruise duration is listed as 3.5 hours with starting times depending on availability, but this specific departure sequence runs from late afternoon into the evening. You return back by 9:00 pm, and you’ll come back down past Mellieha at night.

This is one reason the experience feels good for short breaks. If you’re staying in the Bugibba area, you can do this without eating up half your day. It also pairs nicely with dinner plans afterward, since you’re back before 9.

Cruising north toward Comino: the first hour on the water

Once you depart, you start cruising toward the north of the Island of Comino. The route is part sightseeing, part relaxation. For the first section, you’re on the boat for about one hour as you head into position for sunset.

What you should take from this: you are not just waiting around for the main event. The time on the water is what makes the whole experience feel “special,” because you’re watching the coastline and sea under changing light.

Bring your sunglasses early and keep a light layer handy. Even in summer, evenings can cool down over water, and having a jacket helps if there’s breeze.

Blue Lagoon at sunset: photo time, swim time, and a little exploration

The centerpiece is the Blue Lagoon, Comino, where you spend about 1.5 hours. This stop includes a photo stop, free time, boat cruising in the area, sightseeing, time to walk, and of course swimming and snorkeling.

This is the moment you came for, but it helps to understand what the time is really for. The schedule doesn’t just drop you in for a quick photo. You get enough time to do a proper swap between “look at it” and “get in it.”

If you want the best photos, arrive ready for golden light. The cruise is timed so you’re in the area around sunset, which means the water and cliffs can look dramatically different just minutes apart. If you’re the type who takes a few photos and moves on, you’ll be happy here. If you’re the type who waits for the perfect shot, you’ll still have time, just don’t plan to spend the whole 1.5 hours glued to one spot.

One small logistical note: snorkels are not included. If you care about snorkeling, either rent them onboard (if available) or bring your own from home if that’s allowed for your plan. You will still be able to swim without snorkel gear.

Swimming in clear water, plus how to use the swim stop well

The listing is very clear about the swim stop. You’ll have access to the crystal clear waters of Blue Lagoon for swimming. Even if you are not a swimmer who loves snorkeling, the swim itself is often the best part because the water is the show.

You’ll want the basics ready before you head in:

• Swimwear under your clothes
• A towel so you can dry off comfortably after
• Sunglasses for glare when you are up on deck
• Beachwear and a jacket for the ride after you get out

The cruise also includes toilet facilities onboard, which is genuinely useful on a half-day sea outing. It reduces stress and helps you stay relaxed.

And since drinks are available to purchase onboard, you can grab something before or after your swim. The trip description even mentions chilled wine or beer as an option, so if you want to keep the sunset mood going, this is when you do it.

After the sun goes down: walking on Comino and night views

A standout detail here is that the plan includes time to explore Comino after sunset. That matters because Blue Lagoon is not only about the water. You also get moments on foot, plus a chance to soak up the atmosphere once the lighting changes.

The experience is described as family friendly, and that matches what this stop offers: a mix of scenic cruising, swimming, walking, and relaxed onboard time. Couples celebrating something special can enjoy the sunset vibe too, especially since the sky shifts beautifully from late light into evening dark.

On the boat return, the trip is set up for evening views too. You’ll be back past Mellieha at night, and the experience highlights panoramic views of the starry sky by night. Even if the stars are partially blocked by clouds or haze, you still tend to get a nice night-sky moment at sea.

Drinks, gear, and what is included in the ticket value

Let’s talk value, because $28 is not a fortune, but you want to know what you’re actually getting.

Included:

• Sunset boat cruise
• Swim stop at Blue Lagoon, Comino
• Leaflets to help you track the map
• Toilet facilities onboard

Not included:

• Drinks (available to purchase onboard)
• Snorkels (available to rent onboard)
• Comino entry ticket requirement (you must handle it yourself)

So what is the real value? You are paying for time, access, and timing. The cruise gives you the platform, the route, and the moment when Comino looks its best. You are also getting a structured stop at the Blue Lagoon that is more “experience” than “self-guided chaos.”

If you planned to go independently, you would still need transport across water, find the right timing, and deal with snorkeling or swim logistics on your own. Here, you show up, board the boat, and follow the plan.

Comino entry ticket requirement, and why it affects your planning

There’s one admin item you cannot ignore. To access the Island of Comino, you must sign up with the Maltese Government Website to get an entry ticket. The ticket is described as free to purchase through a specific page.

This is important because the cruise includes time on the island side of the experience, not only in the water. If you forget the entry ticket step, you may end up stuck at the last minute when access rules apply.

So I strongly suggest you handle the ticket requirement before you go, not while you’re standing at the jetty hoping everything will work itself out. Planning this one detail in advance keeps your evening smooth.

Price and logistics: $28 for 3.5 hours that ends by 9

$28 per person for a 3.5-hour sunset cruise is fairly reasonable, especially when you factor in the swim stop at Comino. The biggest cost drivers in this kind of experience are boat time plus the route to a specific, high-demand area.

The trip also finishes in time for dinner. You return by 9:00 pm, which means you are not planning your entire night around a tour schedule. If you want to go out after the cruise, this timing gives you options.

The logistics are simple, but you must be punctual. Boarding begins at 5:15 and closes at 5:25. The boat departs at 5:30 sharp, so treat it like a real departure, not a “swing by when you’re ready” situation.

Who this sunset cruise is best for

This is a good fit if you want a low-effort, high-reward evening in Malta. You’ll likely enjoy it if you:

• Want sunset views without complicated day planning
• Enjoy swimming and want one clear chance to do it at Blue Lagoon
• Like family-friendly activities that still feel special
• Prefer an experience with onboard facilities and a live guide

It may not suit everyone. The tour is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and that’s worth respecting. Water access and movement around a boat and at stops can be difficult.

And about crowds: you may find it can be busy. Comino and Blue Lagoon are popular for a reason, and a sunset cruise naturally attracts people looking for the same view. If you’re okay with that, you’ll still have a great time.

Should you book the Mermaid Blue Lagoon Sunset Cruise?

Yes, if you want a straightforward evening that mixes sunset scenery with a real swim stop. For $28, you get boat time, access to the Blue Lagoon area, walking time on Comino after sunset, and onboard basics like toilets. The schedule also makes it easy to fit into a Malta trip without sacrificing your whole day.

I’d book this cruise if you are flexible on crowds and you are willing to prepare a few practical things: arrive early for boarding, bring swimwear and a towel, and sort out the Comino entry ticket ahead of time. If that sounds like your style, this is a smart way to experience one of Malta’s most photogenic horizons, from out on the water.

FAQ

What time does the Blue Lagoon Sunset Cruise leave Bugibba?

Boarding begins at 5:15 pm at Bugibba Jetty, and the boat departs at 5:30 pm sharp. Boarding closes at 5:25 pm.

How long is the cruise to Blue Lagoon?

The duration is listed as 3.5 hours. The Blue Lagoon stop itself is about 1.5 hours.

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet at Bugibba Jetty. Look out for the boat called The Mermaid in blue, red, and white colors.

Is the live guide in English?

Yes, the live tour guide is listed as English.

What is included in the ticket price?

The ticket includes the sunset boat cruise, a swim stop at Blue Lagoon, Comino, leaflets to track the map, and toilet facilities onboard.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are available to purchase onboard.

Do I need a ticket to access Comino?

Yes. You must sign up with the Maltese Government Website to get an entry ticket to access the Island of Comino. It’s described as free to purchase.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

Snorkels are not included. Snorkels may be available to rent onboard. You should bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to swim.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No, it is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments.