From Bugibba: Blue Lagoon Sunset Cruise

Sunset makes a swim stop feel special. This $28 evening cruise combines a scenic ride from Bugibba, time at Comino’s Blue Lagoon, and the chance to swim beneath a fading Maltese sky. I like the easy family-friendly format, and I like that you can spend the evening either in the water or relaxing aboard the Mermaid with a drink.

The main catch is crowding at the Blue Lagoon, along with the firm departure time. Boarding begins at 5:15pm and closes at 5:25pm, so arriving late can mean missing the boat. You’ll also need to arrange the free Comino entry ticket before going.

Key points to know before booking

• The Mermaid leaves Bugibba at 5:30pm sharp: Find the blue, red, and white boat at Bugibba Jetty, also identified as L-Menqa.
• The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about 1.5 hours: You can swim, snorkel, walk, take photos, or simply enjoy the sunset from the boat.
• The evening light is the main attraction: The cruise heads north first, giving you open views across the Mediterranean before returning past Mellieha after dark.
• The $28 price covers the core experience: Your cruise, swim stop, map leaflets, and onboard toilet are included, while drinks and snorkel hire cost extra.
• You must get a Comino entry ticket: The free ticket is available through the Maltese government website at blcomino.com/product/blue-lagoon/.
• Crowds are possible: The experience has a 4.7 out of 5 rating from 22 ratings, but the practical warning is simple: the Blue Lagoon can feel busy.

Why an evening cruise works well in Malta

Malta’s Blue Lagoon is famous for bright, clear water and dramatic coastal views. In the middle of the day, it can be an energetic place, with many boats and people gathered around the small bay. This cruise visits in the evening, when the mood changes and the sun begins to drop.

That timing gives the trip a clear purpose. You are not spending three and a half hours on a boat just to reach a swimming stop. The ride itself becomes part of the outing, with sunset views on the way north and a darker, quieter return past Mellieha.

I like this arrangement for couples, families, and anyone who wants a gentle night out without committing to a full-day excursion. You get sea views, a swim, and a sunset in one package. It is simple, but the timing makes it feel more memorable than a standard daytime boat ride.

The experience is conducted in English with a live tour guide. No guide name is provided, so you should think of this mainly as a scenic cruise with guidance rather than a history-heavy sightseeing tour.

Finding the Mermaid at Bugibba Jetty

The meeting point is Bugibba Jetty, listed as L-Menqa. Look for the Mermaid, a boat in blue, red, and white. The boat returns to this same meeting point at the end of the evening, which keeps the logistics straightforward.

Boarding starts at 5:15pm. The boat leaves at 5:30pm sharp, and boarding closes at 5:25pm. I would treat those times as fixed, not approximate. A sunset cruise cannot wait for late arrivals without spoiling the schedule for everyone else.

The information provided does not give a hotel pickup service, so you need to make your own way to the jetty. Give yourself enough time to find the correct boat and complete boarding without rushing. The name Mermaid matters because the jetty may serve more than one vessel.

The boat has toilet facilities, a useful touch on a three-and-a-half-hour outing. Drinks are not included, but you can buy them onboard. A chilled glass of wine or beer is part of the suggested way to enjoy the ride, though you can also keep the evening alcohol-free.

The first hour: cruising north toward sunset

Once the Mermaid leaves at 5:30pm, the first part of the trip is a sightseeing cruise of about one hour. The route heads toward the north of Malta, across the open Mediterranean waters.

This section gives you time to settle in and find your preferred place onboard. You can watch the changing color of the water, take photos, and enjoy the coastal views without having to organize anything yourself. The boat ride is also a useful pause after a busy day on Malta.

The sunset is the focus here, not a long list of attractions. As the light changes, the sea and coastline take on warmer colors. Your best views may depend on where you sit and how the boat is positioned, so keep your camera ready rather than waiting until the final moments.

There is no promise of a private or small-group setting. The rating is strong, but the available feedback also points to occasional crowding. If you need a quiet, secluded boat ride, this may not be the right choice. If you can accept some company in exchange for a low price and a well-timed route, the first hour should feel easy and pleasant.

Blue Lagoon at Comino: 90 minutes to choose your pace

The main stop at Comino lasts about an hour and a half. This is the heart of the excursion, with time for swimming, snorkeling, walking, photos, and sunset views.

The Blue Lagoon is known for its clear water, and this is your chance to see it from close up rather than only from the boat. Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to get in. A jacket is also wise because the temperature can change quickly once the sun disappears.

You do not have to swim. You can stay onboard, enjoy the views, and watch the sky change color over the water. That flexibility makes the cruise suitable for mixed groups, especially when one person wants a swim and another would rather sit with a drink.

Snorkels are available to rent onboard, but they are not included in the price. If snorkeling is important to you, ask about the rental before the stop begins. The information provided does not state how much the rental costs, so budget for an extra charge.

The 1.5-hour stop sounds generous, but it goes quickly once you account for getting ready, swimming, drying off, and taking photos. You will have time for a refreshing dip and a relaxed look around, but this is not an open-ended beach visit.

The Blue Lagoon can also be crowded. One posted comment describes the experience as really great while noting that it was sometimes a bit crowded. That is a fair expectation to carry with you. The evening timing may soften the busiest part of the day, but it does not guarantee an empty lagoon.

Sunset, stars, and the return past Mellieha

After the Blue Lagoon stop, the Mermaid begins the journey back toward Bugibba. The final sightseeing cruise lasts about one hour and takes place at night, passing down by Mellieha.

This return leg gives the experience a second mood. The outward trip is about sunset and open water. The return is about the dark sea, coastal lights, and views of the night sky. On a clear evening, you can look up at the stars from the boat, though the quality of the view will depend on cloud and light conditions.

I like the fact that the cruise does not rush back immediately after sunset. You get a full evening on the water, with the changing light acting almost like a second attraction. The boat is due back at Bugibba Jetty around 9:00pm.

The schedule is especially convenient if you want to keep the day free for other sightseeing. You can visit Malta during daylight, then finish with a water-based outing. The downside is that the fixed evening timing may not suit everyone, particularly if you have dinner reservations or another activity planned for 9:00pm.

What the $28 price really includes

At $28 per person, this is a reasonably priced way to combine transport, sightseeing, and a swim stop. You are paying for a 3.5-hour boat experience rather than only a transfer to Comino.

The included items are:

• Sunset boat cruise
• Swim stop at the Blue Lagoon
• Map leaflets
• Toilet facilities onboard

The value is strongest if you want all three main elements: a boat ride, sunset scenery, and time at the lagoon. Booking separate transport and arranging your own visit to Comino could require more planning, even if the cruise does not include every extra.

You need to pay separately for drinks and snorkel rental. Those costs are not stated, so do not assume the $28 covers refreshments or equipment. Bring what you need for swimming, and treat onboard drinks as optional.

The price does not remove the need for planning. You must sign up through the Maltese government website to obtain the free ticket required to access Comino. Use the provided website, blcomino.com/product/blue-lagoon/, before your cruise date. This is an important step, not a minor suggestion.

What to pack for a comfortable evening

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, beachwear, and a jacket. Sunglasses help during the brighter part of the trip, while a jacket becomes more useful after sunset when you are exposed to the evening air on the water.

Keep your towel and dry clothes easy to reach. You may want to swim at the lagoon, then sit outside for the return cruise. The supplied information does not specify changing-room facilities, so plan for a practical boat-trip routine rather than a full beach-club setup.

If you want to snorkel, you can rent a snorkel onboard. You may also prefer to bring any personal equipment you already have, though the tour information specifically confirms rental availability rather than private equipment rules.

A drink can be bought onboard, but you should not count on included refreshments. The map leaflets are included and can help you track the route as the boat moves around Malta and Comino.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend this cruise to couples looking for a scenic evening, families who want an activity that works for different ages, and people who enjoy the sea without needing a demanding excursion. The mix of swimming, sitting, sightseeing, and sunset watching gives you several ways to spend the time.

It is also a good choice if you want to celebrate a special occasion in a relaxed way. A sunset over the Mediterranean, followed by a swim in clear water and a night ride back, has more atmosphere than a basic harbor trip.

You may want to think twice if you dislike crowds or need a highly private experience. The Blue Lagoon can be busy, and the boat may not feel spacious at every point. People with mobility impairments should also note that the activity is not considered suitable for them.

The cruise is conducted in English, so it suits you if you are comfortable following an English-speaking guide. The available information does not promise commentary in other languages.

Weather, cancellations, and timing

The cruise can change or be canceled because of bad weather, unsafe seas, or insufficient bookings. That is normal for a sea excursion, and it is better than going out in poor conditions.

The sea and sunset are central to the experience, so weather has a direct effect on what you see and how comfortable you feel. Keep your plans flexible around the cruise, especially if you are visiting Malta during unsettled weather.

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 schedule is still taking shape. Even with that flexibility, the boarding deadline remains strict on the day.

Should you book the Blue Lagoon Sunset Cruise?

Book it if you want an affordable, easygoing evening with three strong ingredients: a Mediterranean sunset, a swim in the Blue Lagoon, and a starry return cruise. The $28 price is fair for the time on the water and the included Comino stop, especially if you value convenience.

Go in with sensible expectations. This is not a private yacht charter, a food tour, or a quiet escape from other people. The lagoon may be crowded, drinks and snorkel hire cost extra, and you must arrange the free entry ticket in advance.

For couples and families, the balance is appealing. For independent visitors who prefer an empty cove or a flexible schedule, a different Comino outing may suit better. If the Mermaid’s fixed departure works for you, arrive early, pack a jacket, secure the Comino ticket, and let the evening do the work.

FAQ

Where does the Blue Lagoon Sunset Cruise start?

It starts at Bugibba Jetty, also identified as L-Menqa. Look for the Mermaid, which has blue, red, and white colors.

What time should I arrive at the boat?

Boarding begins at 5:15pm and closes at 5:25pm. The boat leaves at 5:30pm sharp.

What time does the cruise return?

The Mermaid is scheduled to return to Bugibba Jetty at about 9:00pm.

How long is the activity?

The cruise lasts 3.5 hours. The itinerary includes about one hour of sightseeing before the Blue Lagoon, 1.5 hours at Comino, and about one hour on the return cruise.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The cruise includes a swim stop at the Blue Lagoon on Comino.

Do I need a ticket to visit Comino?

Yes. You must sign up through the Maltese government website for a free entry ticket to access Comino. The provided website is blcomino.com/product/blue-lagoon/.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are available to purchase onboard but are not included in the tour price.

Can I rent a snorkel?

Yes. Snorkels are available to rent onboard, but the rental is not included.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

Yes. Toilet facilities are available onboard.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

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

What should I bring?

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

What happens if the weather is poor?

The cruise may be changed or canceled because of bad weather, unsafe seas, or insufficient capacity. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.