An afternoon sunset cruise to the Blue Lagoon

Catch the lagoon after the crowds. This four-hour cruise from Bugibba combines warm late-day swimming at Comino’s Blue Lagoon with a 30-minute stop at Crystal Lagoon, then returns along Malta’s cliffs as the sun drops. I especially like the onboard waterslides and the chance to enjoy the lagoon when the fierce midday heat has eased. The main catch is simple: the Blue Lagoon can still feel crowded, and two hours there may be too long if you are not keen on swimming.

This is a lively boat outing rather than a quiet sailing trip. I like the modern catamaran-style setup, padded loungers, covered seating, bars, and easy access to the water. You should also bring a jacket, since the ride back can feel cold after sunset, and arrive early if you want the best seat.

Five things to know before you book

• The timing is the real advantage: You reach the Blue Lagoon in the cooler late afternoon and return during sunset.
• The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about two hours: That gives you plenty of time to swim, snorkel, use the slides, or stay aboard.
• Crystal Lagoon adds a quieter swim: The 30-minute stop is useful for a quick dip before the longer Comino visit.
• The boat is set up for families: Padded loungers, waterslides, shallow water, and easy swimming make this especially appealing with children.
• The lagoon is not peaceful in high season: Boats, rubbish, fuel smells, and crowds can affect the experience.
• Boarding is strict: It opens 30 minutes before departure and closes five minutes before departure at Bugibba Jetty.

Why an afternoon cruise makes sense

Malta’s Blue Lagoon is famous for its clear, pale-blue water, but fame brings company. In the middle of the day, Comino’s most celebrated swimming area can be packed with boats and day-trippers. This departure avoids the hottest part of the day and aims to arrive later, when many full-day boats have begun leaving.

That timing can make a real difference. The sun has warmed the water all afternoon, so the sea may feel pleasantly close to the air temperature. You can swim without the first shock of cold water, then watch the light change across Comino and Malta’s cliffs.

The trip costs $36.04 per person, which is a fair price if you plan to use the boat’s facilities. You are not paying only for transport. The fare includes two hours at the Blue Lagoon, a Crystal Lagoon stop, padded loungers, waterslides, and access to the catamaran’s facilities. Food, drinks, and lockers cost extra, but you can buy refreshments onboard.

At this price, I see the outing as good value for a family or a group of friends who will swim and use the slides. If you want a small, quiet sail with personal attention, this is not the right style of trip.

Bugibba Jetty: arrive early and get oriented

The cruise begins at Bugibba Jetty, Dawret Il-Gzejjer, in St. Paul’s Bay. Boarding opens 30 minutes before departure, and boarding closes five minutes before departure. Do not cut this close. The departure point can be busy, and clear company signs or staff may not always be easy to spot.

The boat was described as modern and clean, with covered seating on the lower level and loungers on the upper level. The upper deck is the place to go for open views, though the best spots can disappear quickly. One useful tip is to arrive at least 30 minutes before boarding if you want a good position, especially near the back of the upper deck.

The group limit is 250 people. Actual numbers can vary, and one account described roughly 100 people onboard, with enough room to relax. Still, you should think of this as a sizable commercial boat, not a private charter. The atmosphere can be social and noisy, which suits families and groups better than anyone seeking silence.

There are onboard toilets and a bar, with food and drinks available for purchase. Padded loungers are included, which helps during the ride between stops. Personal lockers are available for hire at €2, so keep that small charge in mind if you do not want to leave valuables unattended.

Crystal Lagoon: a short swim with a scenic payoff

The boat spends about 30 minutes at Crystal Lagoon. This is enough time for a swim, a quick snorkel, or a drink on deck, but it is not a long stop. The lagoon offers a calmer late-afternoon setting before the main visit to Comino.

You may be able to swim from the boat, depending on where it moors and current conditions. In one account, the boat anchored farther out, leaving people swimming around the vessel. That can churn up the water and make snorkeling less clear, especially if several people enter at once.

Jellyfish are another possibility in these waters. One person reported a sting at the Blue Lagoon, while another found jellyfish at Crystal Lagoon. That does not mean you will encounter them, but it is sensible to keep an eye on the water and bring suitable swimwear. Swimming shoes can also help around rocky areas and are particularly useful for children using the slides.

Some people may find the Crystal Lagoon stop too brief. I think it works well as a warm-up swim, especially because the Blue Lagoon follows with much more time. If you want long, unhurried snorkeling at both locations, the schedule will feel tight.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, busy shoreline

The main stop lasts about two hours. That is enough time to swim, snorkel, splash, use the boat’s waterslides, or step ashore at Comino. The clear shallow water is the star, and the late afternoon light can make the color especially striking.

You do not have to leave the boat to enjoy the stop. This matters because the shore can be crowded and heavily used. Staying onboard gives you access to the slides, loungers, and your own place to change or relax. For families, that can be easier than trying to find space among the umbrellas and day visitors on Comino.

The slides are one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise. Children tend to love them, and adults who still enjoy a splash can join in. You can also jump from the boat into the water, although you should follow the crew’s instructions and use the designated areas.

If you go ashore, do not expect a developed village or a line of proper restaurants. Food vendors operate from trucks, and the setting is fairly basic. There may be lounge chairs and umbrellas available to hire, though late in the day the attendants may have left. That can mean free use, but it should not be treated as guaranteed.

The biggest weakness is the crowding. In summer, several large boats may gather in the lagoon, along with private craft. The water can lose some of its calm, and rubbish around the rocks can spoil the view. Fuel smells from nearby boats are also possible. The Blue Lagoon remains beautiful, but it is not an untouched swimming cove.

The late departure can help. Arriving after many full-day boats have gone may give you a quieter period, particularly in the first part of the stop. Timing varies with the day, weather, and other boats, so do not expect complete solitude.

Waterslides, loungers, and the choice of boat or shore

The boat’s facilities give this cruise a useful advantage over a simple ferry ride. Padded loungers let you rest without paying for a beach chair, and the slide creates an activity even when the lagoon itself is too crowded for comfortable swimming.

The lower covered deck is helpful if you need shade. The upper deck is better for sun, views, and sunset photographs, but it can become exposed and windy on the return. I would choose a place early, then move around during the cruise rather than defending one seat all afternoon.

You can also decide how active you want to be. Swim from the boat, go ashore, snorkel, slide, or simply sit with a drink. That flexibility is valuable for mixed groups, since not everyone needs to spend the whole stop in the water.

Bring your own snorkel and goggles if you have them. The water is clear enough for looking at fish, and having your own equipment avoids depending on rental availability. Pack two towels if you can: one for sitting or covering a lounger, and one for drying off.

Sunset on the return to Bugibba

The ride back is the visual reward. After leaving Comino, the route passes sea caves and Malta’s high coastal cliffs. As the sun lowers, the rock faces catch warm light, and the open water becomes the main show.

On a clear evening, sunset can be excellent. The sun may appear to drop into the sea, and the changing light makes the return journey feel less like a transfer and more like part of the experience. The famous green flash is mentioned as a possibility, but treat it as a lucky bonus rather than something you should expect to see.

Cloud can hide the sunset, and weather is outside the operator’s control. Even without a dramatic sunset, the cliffs and caves remain worthwhile. The tradeoff is temperature. Once the sun disappears, the boat can feel cold, particularly if you are wet and sitting outside.

Bring a light jacket or sweatshirt. Dry off before the return ride, and consider changing into warmer clothes before boarding for Bugibba. The restrooms can become busy as people leave the water and change, so returning to the boat a little early can save time.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this outing to families, couples who want a simple evening activity, and friends looking for swimming, slides, and scenery in one package. It is especially good for people who prefer a later start and want to avoid the worst midday heat.

The cruise also suits anyone who wants a little choice. You can swim from the boat, visit Comino, sit in the shade, buy a drink, or watch the sunset from deck. That range makes it easier for a group with different energy levels.

I would hesitate if your priority is quiet nature. The group limit is large, the Blue Lagoon is heavily visited, and the boat may feel busy. I would also skip it if you dislike commercial boat facilities, waterslides, music, or the general feel of a popular swimming attraction.

This is not the best choice for someone who wants a long visit to Gozo or Comino’s inland scenery. The focus is water, caves, coastline, and sunset. You spend only the afternoon and evening at sea, with no land tour beyond the Blue Lagoon stop.

Practical details that affect the value

The tour is offered in English and uses a mobile ticket. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The start and end point are both at Bugibba Jetty, so you return to where you began.

Routes and start or end locations can change because of weather, shallow water, or other legitimate operating reasons. Good weather is required, and the activity may be canceled if conditions are poor. If that happens, you are offered another date or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Missing the boat because of late arrival or non-arrival is not refundable, and changes made within 24 hours are not accepted. Since boarding closes five minutes before departure, early arrival is worth far more than a last-minute dash.

The tour usually sells about nine days ahead, so I would not leave it until the final afternoon of your Malta stay. That is especially true during summer, when the combination of swimming, sunset, and a moderate price is appealing.

Should you book the Blue Lagoon sunset cruise?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced half-day on the water with slides, swimming, caves, and sunset views in one outing. The late timing, warm water, onboard facilities, and flexible choice between boat and shore make it a strong pick for families and active groups.

Think twice if you expect the Blue Lagoon to be quiet or untouched. The lagoon is heavily visited, and the two-hour stop may feel long if you are not swimming. For most people, though, the cruise offers a pleasant balance of fun and scenery, especially when the evening light cooperates.

FAQ

Where does the sunset cruise depart?

It departs from Bugibba Jetty at Dawret Il-Gzejjer, San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta.

Where does the cruise finish?

The cruise returns to the same meeting point at Bugibba Jetty.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately four hours.

How long do you stay at the Blue Lagoon?

The scheduled stop at the Blue Lagoon lasts about two hours.

How long is the Crystal Lagoon stop?

The Crystal Lagoon stop lasts approximately 30 minutes.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but you can purchase them onboard. Food vendors may also be available on Comino.

Are lockers available?

Yes. Personal item lockers are available to hire for €2.

When should I arrive for boarding?

Boarding opens 30 minutes before departure and closes five minutes before departure. Arriving early is recommended if you want a preferred seat.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refundable.