Malta: Sunset Cruise to the Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon feels calmer at sunset. I love the long Blue Lagoon swim with the light fading over the water, and I love the onboard full-service bar with pineapple-style cocktails that make for easy photos.

One thing to plan carefully: entry to the lagoon now depends on a QR code time slot (required since 19 May 2025), and the boat will not wait if you’re late.

Key things you will notice on this cruise

• A real sunset swim window with the lagoon feeling less crowded than daytime
• 10-metre slide fun plus unlimited access to deck chairs onboard
• Pineapple cocktails and a full bar, with music to match the mood
• Scenic cruising past St Paul’s Island, Ghadira Bay, Coral Cove, and more
• Flexible lagoon time since you can stay onboard or disembark and explore Comino

Why a sunset Blue Lagoon trip feels different

The Blue Lagoon is famous for a reason, but the best version of it is often the one you experience after the day-trippers thin out. On this cruise, you get the look of the lagoon in the evening light, when the water still looks glassy, but the vibe is calmer.

I also like that this is not only a swim stop. You get a moving, scenic cruise along Malta’s northern coast first, so you’re not stuck on the boat waiting for your one highlight. The route passes recognizable coastal landmarks and stretches of dramatic rock, coves, and cave-like scenery as you head toward Comino.

Price and what $34 actually buys you

At around $34 per person, the value comes from what is included: the boat cruise plus unlimited use of onboard facilities like slides and deck chairs. Food and drinks are not included, so you should think of this as a cruise with a snack-and-drink option, not a full all-inclusive meal plan.

That balance is why the price feels fair. You can spend on drinks if you want to, or keep it simple with water and a snack from whatever the bar and food service offer onboard that evening. The reviews consistently flag that food and drinks are not priced like a tourist trap, which matters when you are out for a few hours and might snack once or twice.

Meeting point and the one rule that saves your day

This departs from Hornblower Cruises Malta at Sirens Quay 24, Triq San Geraldu, St Pauls Bay, right behind LOA restaurant. The check-in person is Katherine, and she is there to check you in at 16:40.

Now the practical part: check-in closes 10 minutes before departure time, and the boat will not delay for late arrivals. Traffic and road works can slow you down, so aim to reach the jetty at least 30 minutes early, even if you think you have time.

The cruising part: St Paul’s Island to Coral Lagoon views

Before you reach the lagoon, you will spend time cruising and sightseeing, not just sitting on a dock. The route is designed for views, with passing panoramas of St Paul’s Island and other coastline highlights along Malta’s northern shore.

You should expect a mix of photo stops and slow passes where you can watch the water and rocks slide by. In the evening, that works even better because the coastline changes color. One minute the rocks look warm and coppery, the next the light turns cooler, and the water turns from bright to deep.

Stop for photos: St Paul’s Island and the Coral Lagoon area

You get a photo stop at St Paul’s Island and another moment around Coral Lagoon, with the boat continuing on for scenic views. These are not long shore visits where you need to plan footwear and a walk. Think of them as lookouts, where you can stand, snap a few pictures, and take in the geography from the best seat in the house.

A small plus here is that it keeps you engaged even before you reach the water break. If you hate being rushed or waiting around, these quick stops help your trip feel like it is moving from start to finish.

Blue Lagoon time slot: swimming, snorkeling, and that 10-metre slide

Your main highlight is the Blue Lagoon stop scheduled from 18:15 to 20:30. During this time, you can choose to stay onboard or disembark and explore Comino, so you can tailor the evening to your energy level.

This is also when the water action happens. You can swim in the lagoon, and you can snorkel if you bring your gear. One of the simplest upgrades you can make is to pack a small snorkeling kit yourself, since the water is famously clear and you will want to get eyes-on right away.

And yes, there is a 10-metre slide, with unlimited use included in your ticket. If you want the most fun per minute, this is when to aim for it, because the slide is best when you are already in a relaxed, evening mood. The reviews make it clear people love the jump-from-deck energy here, including the feeling of going from boat height straight into the turquoise water as the sun drops.

What it feels like once the sun drops

The mood shift is the point. During your lagoon time, you are likely to notice the water still looks bright, but the surroundings get quieter, and the boat becomes the social center.

Back onboard, the vibe tends to stay relaxed. There is music in the background, and the return journey can feel almost meditative as you watch the sky darken over the sea. One recurring detail in feedback is the sheer star visibility on the way back, because there is less glare at night and the boat is moving through open water.

Onboard comfort: deck chairs, bar service, and the pineapple drink moment

The boat is set up for comfort, with deck chairs and lounging space you can use without paying extra. Since these are included, it is worth planning to actually use them, not just stand around for the view.

The bar is a big part of why this cruise feels like a proper evening plan. You get full-service drinks onboard, and the pineapple-style cocktail concept gets called out again and again. It also makes sense for photos, because it is a visual gimmick that does not feel forced, especially when the sunset is doing half the work for you.

If you are traveling with friends, this is also the kind of trip where group energy stays positive. You can swim and then regroup for drinks, music, and conversation without needing to coordinate a long hike or complex shore program.

Comino on the way back: quieter moments and easy photo stops

After the lagoon, the cruise continues around the Comino area for sightseeing views. You may get photo stop moments and scenic cruising rather than a full, structured walking tour.

What you are really buying here is atmosphere. Comino during evening hours is far less hectic than it is in the middle of the day. That gives you a better chance to enjoy the shoreline, take pictures without constant crowd obstacles, and soak in the “island at dusk” feel.

If you do disembark at the lagoon time window, a good approach is simple: go when you feel rested from swimming, walk just enough to reset your legs, and return before you feel rushed. You do not want your best photos to happen while you are scrambling to beat the schedule.

A few practical considerations before you go

First, the lagoon access requirement. Since 19 May 2025, Maltese authorities require a QR code showing your designated time slot for Blue Lagoon entry. You get a free access pass by visiting blcomino.com. This matters because it can add one more thing you need ready before you arrive at the jetty.

Second, think about how you handle heat and water time. Your lagoon window is late, but you will still be in swimwear with sun exposure earlier in the window, then cooler air as it gets darker. A towel and a change of dry clothes can make the return more comfortable.

Third, the boat can feel wavy sometimes depending on conditions. Nothing here sounds extreme, but it is a real sea setting, not a lake. If you are sensitive to motion, plan accordingly before you board.

Who this cruise suits best (and who should skip it)

This works especially well if you want an easy Malta evening with a clear highlight: sunset swimming plus a fun onboard setup. It is a great match for couples who want something scenic without dealing with public transit, and for groups who want “activity plus drinks plus views.”

It is also a smart choice for people who do not want a long day on the clock. The total duration is about 4 hours, so you still have most of your day free for sightseeing and dinner.

If you have mobility impairments, note that it is not suitable for that. The format is boat-based and involves getting on and off and moving around the deck.

Value check: included fun versus what you may pay for

Let’s break it down so you can budget without surprises.

Included in your ticket:

• the boat cruise
• unlimited use of boat facilities like deck chairs and the slide

Not included:

• food and drinks
• lockers, if you want them (lockers cost €2 with a €10 deposit for the key)
• hotel pickup and drop-off

My advice: assume you will want at least one paid drink, maybe a snack, and bring cash so you are not stuck when you are ready to buy. The bar is part of the atmosphere, and the pineapple drink moment is one of those “you’ll remember this” parts of the evening.

Small details that make the experience smoother

One small way to make this trip better is to pack like a swimmer, not like a sightseer. You will want swimwear, a towel, and a camera. If you can, bring snorkeling gear too, because the water clarity is a big part of why people get excited once they are in.

Also, plan for the check-in rule. Katherine checks you in at 16:40 behind LOA restaurant, and check-in closes 10 minutes before departure. Arrive early enough that you can find the spot without racing.

Finally, be ready for the kind of guidance that turns a cruise into an experience. Feedback repeatedly mentions that the captain and hosts keep things friendly and informative, with names like Kevin called out, along with staff like Johann. Even if you focus mainly on swimming and the sunset, that kind of onboard narration helps the route feel like more than just transportation.

Should you book this sunset cruise?

Yes, if you want an evening that combines scenery, a real swim window, and onboard fun without a complicated plan. This is the kind of cruise that makes the Blue Lagoon feel more manageable, because you are not just showing up for a quick look, you are actually using the water time and then enjoying the return under stars.

You might want to think twice if you do not want to deal with the new QR code time slot requirement, or if you are very strict about having no costs beyond the ticket since food and drinks are on you. Also, if you are hoping for a long, organized walk on Comino, you should know the focus is the water and scenic cruising.

If you line everything up, arrive early, bring swim gear, and get your QR code pass ready, this cruise is a strong pick for Malta at sunset.