Bugibba: Scenic Sunset Cruise with Blue Lagoon Swim Stop

Sunset looks better from the water. This 3.5-hour cruise from Bugibba combines a scenic ride along Malta’s northern coast, a swim stop at Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon, and a soundtrack of relaxed reggae music. At $28 per person, it offers a pleasant evening on the sea without the cost of a full-day boat trip.

I especially like the sunset swim and the easygoing mood onboard. You can jump into the clear water, stay on deck with a drink, or do a little of both. The crew, led by Captain Matthew, also earns praise for keeping passengers informed and providing a smooth trip. The main drawback is the strict boarding window, plus the fact that the cruise is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

The cruise is family-friendly, though the swim stop and evening timing may appeal just as much to couples and groups of friends. Bring a towel, swimwear, sunglasses, and cash. Drinks and snacks cost extra, and rental masks and snorkels require a cash deposit.

Five Details That Shape the Evening

• The boat is easy to spot: Look for the red, blue, and white vessel named The Mermaid at Bugibba Jetty, or find the Mermaid Cruises sellers for directions.
• Boarding is brief: Boarding runs from 5:15 pm to 5:25 pm, with departure at 5:30 pm sharp.
• The Blue Lagoon stop is the main event: You can swim in the clear water beneath the setting sun or remain onboard and enjoy the view.
• Reggae sets the tone: Old and new reggae songs create a relaxed, informal mood rather than a formal sightseeing atmosphere.
• The return is moonlit: The boat heads back past Mellieha, with the sea and sky changing as daylight fades.
• The cruise ends at Bugibba by 9:00 pm: You return to the same jetty, making this simple to fit into a Malta evening.

Meeting The Mermaid at Bugibba Jetty

Your evening begins at Bugibba Jetty, where you should arrive in time for the short boarding period. The crew starts welcoming passengers at 5:15 pm, but boarding closes at 5:25 pm. Since the boat leaves at 5:30 pm sharp, this is not a tour where you want to arrive at the last minute.

Look for the red, blue, and white Mermaid. If you do not see it right away, the Mermaid Cruises sellers can direct you to the boat. This meeting arrangement is straightforward, but you should allow yourself enough time to find the jetty and get oriented before boarding.

Captain Matthew and the support crew greet you at the boat. One of the best details about this cruise is the personal feel of that welcome. The crew is not simply there to point you toward a seat. Captain Matthew is praised for keeping people informed during the trip, which matters on a boat ride where passengers want to know what is happening and when the swim stop is coming.

The vessel has a restroom and WiFi. Safety equipment is onboard for emergency use. The information does not specify the boat’s size or seating layout, so you should expect a shared boat setting rather than a private charter.

Cruising North With Reggae and Open Water

Once The Mermaid leaves Bugibba at 5:30 pm, the cruise heads north along the coast. The ride itself is a major part of the evening, not just transportation to Comino. You get time to settle into the rhythm of the boat, watch the Maltese coast pass by, and see the light soften over the water.

The reggae music gives the cruise its character. The playlist includes older and newer reggae songs, creating a calm soundtrack without turning the trip into a loud party boat. I like this balance. You can chat with friends, listen to the music, or simply watch the sunset without needing to follow a formal commentary.

This is also where the cruise earns much of its value. A $28 boat ride to a famous swimming spot would be useful on its own, but the long scenic run adds a proper evening-out feel. You are not rushing from Bugibba to Comino and back. The journey gives you time at sea, which is exactly what many people want from a sunset cruise.

Still, expectations matter. This is a relaxed sightseeing and swimming trip, not a full guided tour of Malta’s coast. The supplied details do not promise detailed narration about every headland or historic site. If you want a lecture-heavy boat tour, this may feel light on information. If you want music, sea air, and an unhurried ride, that is part of the appeal.

Sunset at Comino’s Blue Lagoon

The cruise continues to the Blue Lagoon on Comino, one of Malta’s best-known swimming locations. The stop is planned around the evening light, giving you a chance to enter the clear water with the sunset overhead.

You can swim during the stop, so pack swimwear and a towel where you can reach them easily. Masks and snorkels are available to rent, though you need a cash deposit. You can also bring cash for drinks and food from the onboard service, since these are not included in the ticket price.

The strongest part of the stop is the choice it gives you. You are not required to swim. You can take a refreshing dip, sit back on the boat, or split the time between the two. That flexibility helps make the cruise work for mixed groups, especially when one person wants the water and another prefers a dry seat and a cold drink.

The Blue Lagoon is famous, and the cruise’s timing may make the stop feel calmer than a daytime visit. One particularly useful detail is the amount of time provided for the stop. It is long enough to enjoy a proper swim rather than taking a hurried dip before the boat moves on.

You should still remember that this is a shared stop at a popular location. The trip may offer a quieter feel than a busy daytime outing, but the Blue Lagoon remains a well-known place. Do not book this expecting a private patch of sea. Book it for the chance to enjoy the setting with the sunset and the boat’s relaxed atmosphere.

Choosing Between A Swim And A Drink Onboard

The cruise is designed around two equally valid ways to enjoy the evening. You can make the Blue Lagoon stop active with a swim, or you can treat the whole outing as a floating sunset lounge.

For swimmers, the clear water and late-day light are the draw. Bring beachwear, a towel, and sunglasses for the brighter part of the trip. If you plan to rent a mask or snorkel, keep cash available for the deposit. The supplied details do not confirm the rental price, so ask the crew onboard before taking equipment.

For non-swimmers, staying aboard is not a second-rate option. You can listen to reggae, watch the coastline, and order a beer or wine. Food and drinks are available to purchase, but the ticket covers neither. I would budget for at least one onboard purchase if you want the full sunset-lounge feel.

Families can enjoy the freedom to choose, though parents should keep in mind that safety equipment is described as being for emergency use only. The cruise is family-friendly, but children who dislike boat rides or cannot swim may prefer remaining onboard during the stop.

Couples also get a natural evening setting without the formality of a dinner cruise. The sunset, music, and later moonlight make it suitable for a special celebration. Friends can use it as an easy way to spend several hours together without planning separate transport, meals, and activities.

Watching Malta Change From Daylight To Moonlight

The return leg takes you back down past Mellieha. By this point, the sunset has given way to a darker sky, and the sea takes on a different mood. The final part of the cruise is less about a single sight and more about watching the evening unfold.

The promise of a magical night sky is simple but worthwhile. Away from the busy shore, you can look upward as the light fades. The moonlit water provides a quiet finish after the swim and music.

This gradual change from sunset to darkness is one reason the 3.5-hour schedule works well. A short cruise might give you a sunset photograph and little else. Here, you get the last daylight, the Blue Lagoon stop, and the return ride after dark.

The boat arrives back at Bugibba Jetty by about 9:00 pm. Since the activity ends where it begins, you do not need to arrange a separate pickup at another harbor. That makes the cruise practical for an evening plan in Bugibba, though you should not schedule anything immediately afterward in case the return takes a little longer.

Is $28 Good Value?

At $28 per person, this is a fairly accessible way to spend an evening on Malta’s water. The price includes the boat ride, the Blue Lagoon stop, the music, the crew, and the return to Bugibba. It also includes access to the onboard restroom and WiFi.

The value comes from the length and shape of the outing. You receive 3.5 hours, rather than a brief harbor loop. The cruise combines transportation, sightseeing, swimming, and sunset views in one booking. If you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip and a visit to the Blue Lagoon, the price looks sensible.

There are extra costs to remember. Food and drinks are available onboard but not included. Masks and snorkels cost extra to rent, and a cash deposit is required. Bring enough cash if you want to swim with equipment or buy refreshments.

The cruise is less valuable for someone who wants a private boat, a detailed coastal tour, or an all-inclusive meal. The ticket is for a shared, relaxed outing. Its strength is the simple pleasure of being on the water at the right time of day.

Practical Tips For A Smooth Evening

Arrive before 5:15 pm if you can. Boarding ends at 5:25 pm, and the 5:30 pm departure is firm. Finding the sellers or the boat should be simple, but a few extra minutes prevents a stressful start.

Keep swimwear, a towel, and sunglasses handy rather than buried in a bag. You may want to change or get into the water soon after reaching the Blue Lagoon.

Bring cash. You need it for onboard food and drinks, and for the deposit if you rent a mask or snorkel. The ticket does not include refreshments.

Wear beachwear that works both on deck and during the swim stop. A light layer may also be useful as the evening cools, though the supplied information does not specify what weather conditions will be like on a particular date.

The cruise is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Anyone in your group who has difficulty boarding boats, moving around the vessel, or managing a swim stop should consider this before booking.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Malta plans are still taking shape.

Who Will Like This Cruise Most?

I would recommend this cruise to couples wanting a relaxed sunset outing, friends looking for a low-pressure evening at sea, and families who appreciate having both swimming and onboard options.

It also suits people who want to see the Blue Lagoon but do not need a full-day boat adventure. The evening schedule gives you a taste of Comino without using an entire day of your Malta holiday.

Swimmers should enjoy the clear water and the sunset setting. Non-swimmers can still have a good time, since remaining onboard is encouraged as an alternative rather than treated as a problem.

You may want to skip it if you dislike shared boat trips, need step-free access, or want meals and drinks included in the ticket. It is also not the right choice if your main goal is a detailed history lesson about Malta. The live tour guide speaks English, and the emphasis is on atmosphere, scenery, and time in the water.

Should You Book The Bugibba Sunset Cruise?

Book this cruise if you want an affordable, easygoing evening that combines a scenic ride, a Blue Lagoon swim, and sunset views. The strongest reasons are the generous 3.5-hour schedule, Captain Matthew’s attentive approach, and the chance to watch the sky change from late afternoon to moonlight.

The $28 price is reasonable, provided you remember to budget for drinks, food, and optional snorkeling equipment. Arrive early, bring cash, and pack your swim gear where it is easy to reach.

I would choose it for a relaxed Malta evening, not for a private or highly educational boat trip. If reggae, open water, and a sunset swim sound like your kind of holiday plan, The Mermaid offers a pleasant way to make the most of the coast.

FAQ

Where does the sunset cruise depart?

The cruise departs from Bugibba Jetty in Malta. Look for the red, blue, and white boat named The Mermaid, or ask the Mermaid Cruises sellers for directions.

What time should I arrive for boarding?

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 cruise lasts 3.5 hours and returns to Bugibba Jetty by about 9:00 pm.

Does the cruise stop at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. The boat travels to the Blue Lagoon on Comino, where you can swim in the clear water or stay onboard.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the ticket, but they are available to purchase onboard.

Can I rent a mask and snorkel?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are available to rent. A cash deposit is required.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, beachwear, and cash.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

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