From Bugibba: Blue Lagoon Sunset Cruise

The best part of this evening cruise is the timing. You leave Bugibba while there is still daylight, reach Comino for a sunset swim at the Blue Lagoon, then cruise back past Mellieha under the stars. It gives you sea views, a swim, and a night ride in one compact outing.

I like the relaxed choice built into the stop: you can get into the clear water, walk around, take photographs, or stay aboard The Mermaid with a drink. I also like the straightforward length, about 3.5 hours, which leaves most of your evening free. The main caution is that the Blue Lagoon can feel crowded, and the boat leaves Bugibba sharply at 5:30pm, so late arrivals risk missing the trip.

Key points at a glance

• Sunset timing: Leave Bugibba at 5:30pm, reach Comino during the evening light, and return around 9pm.
• Blue Lagoon stop: You get about 1.5 hours for swimming, walking, photographs, snorkeling, and sunset views.
• Two ways to enjoy it: Swim in the lagoon or stay aboard The Mermaid with a drink bought onboard.
• Practical extras: Toilets and map leaflets are included, while drinks and snorkels cost extra.
• Required entry ticket: You must arrange the free Maltese government access ticket for Comino before the trip.
• Best suited to: Couples, families, and anyone wanting an easy evening on the Mediterranean rather than a full-day boat outing.

Why this sunset cruise works so well

This is a simple sea trip with a pleasant rhythm. You meet at Bugibba Jetty, board The Mermaid, watch Malta’s northern coast slide past, spend time at Comino, and return after dark. There are no complicated transfers or long stretches on land.

The sunset gives the trip its character. A daytime cruise to the Blue Lagoon can focus on swimming and bright blue water. This one adds changing light, cooler evening air, and the chance to see the sky after the sun has gone down. You get two different moods in one outing.

It is also a useful option if you are staying around Bugibba and do not want to arrange transport to another harbor. The start and finish are both at L-Menqa, at the Bugibba Jetty. Look for the blue, red, and white boat named The Mermaid.

The schedule is tight at the beginning. Boarding opens at 5:15pm and closes at 5:25pm. Departure is set for 5:30pm sharp, so I would treat the boarding time as a real deadline, not a suggestion.

Boarding at Bugibba and the first hour at sea

The captain greets you at the boat, and the evening begins with a cruise north toward Comino. The first sightseeing section lasts about an hour, giving you time to settle in and enjoy the Maltese coast from the water.

There is no need to rush straight into an activity. You can use this opening hour to find a comfortable place onboard, take photographs, and enjoy the changing view. The cruise is family-friendly and also suits couples marking a special occasion.

The boat has toilet facilities, a small but useful feature on an evening trip. You also receive leaflets for tracking the route, which can help you follow the journey as you pass the northern part of Malta.

Drinks are not included, but you can buy wine or beer onboard. That gives the ride an easy, informal feel, though you should budget separately if you want more than the basic cruise. Snorkels are also available to rent, so you do not have to bring your own equipment.

The Blue Lagoon stop: 90 minutes at Comino

The main stop at Comino lasts about 1.5 hours. The plan includes a photo stop, free time, a boat cruise, sightseeing, walking, swimming, snorkeling, and sunset views. You can shape the stop around your own energy level.

If the water is your priority, bring swimwear, a towel, and beachwear. The Blue Lagoon is known for its clear water, and the evening setting gives you a chance to swim with the sunset above you rather than in the strong midday sun.

If you prefer to stay dry, use the stop for photographs and views. You can also remain onboard The Mermaid, relax with a purchased drink, and watch the changing colors over the water. That flexibility matters for families with mixed interests or for anyone who does not want to swim in the evening.

You should expect the Blue Lagoon to be popular. The supplied feedback includes a note that it can be crowded, so the setting may not feel quiet or private. The sunset helps, but it does not remove the lagoon’s popularity. If you want the calmest possible experience, focus on the open-water views and the ride itself rather than expecting an empty swimming spot.

The required Comino access ticket is an important practical detail. You must register through the Maltese government website and obtain the free Blue Lagoon entry ticket before accessing the island. The tour information provides this link: https://blcomino.com/product/blue-lagoon/. Do not leave this task until the last minute.

Sunset, photographs, and the return after dark

The cruise is planned around the evening light. As the sun drops over the Maltese waters, you will have a natural photo session without needing a separate sightseeing stop. The color and visibility will depend on the weather, but the route gives you open views toward the horizon.

After the Blue Lagoon stop, the boat heads back down past Mellieha. This final hour changes the feel of the trip again. Instead of bright sea views, you get Malta at night and a wide view of the starry sky when conditions allow.

The boat is due back at Bugibba Jetty at about 9pm. That timing is useful if you want dinner afterward or need to fit the cruise around another evening plan. Still, allow some flexibility in case weather or sea conditions affect the schedule.

The night return is one of the more unusual details of the outing. Many boat trips finish before sunset, but this one lets you see the coast in daylight, golden evening light, and darkness. You get variety without paying for a longer full-day excursion.

What the $28 price includes

At $28 per person, this is priced as an accessible evening activity rather than a luxury cruise. The value comes from combining transport to Comino, the sunset setting, a swimming stop, and the return journey in one booking.

Your fare includes:

• The sunset boat cruise
• A swim stop at the Blue Lagoon
• Map leaflets
• Toilet facilities onboard

You pay extra for drinks and snorkel rental. This is fair for a short boat outing, but it means the advertised price is not the complete cost if you want refreshments or equipment.

The trip offers particularly good value if you would otherwise need to arrange separate transport to Comino and pay for another activity there. It is less compelling if you mainly want a long, quiet swim, since the total Comino stop is about 90 minutes and the lagoon may be busy.

The reserve-now, pay-later option can help if your Malta schedule is still changing. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The cruise can also be changed or canceled because of bad weather, unsafe seas, or insufficient bookings.

Who will enjoy The Mermaid most

This is a good fit for couples who want a scenic evening without committing to a full day at sea. A sunset over the water, a swim at Comino, and a return beneath the stars give the outing a special-occasion feel without requiring a formal dinner cruise.

Families can also make good use of it. The route is easy to understand, the activity is suitable for all ages, and each person can choose between swimming, walking, sightseeing, or sitting onboard. Bring jackets for children and adults, since the sea air may feel cool after sunset.

It also suits visitors who have already spent the day sightseeing and want something slower. You are not being pushed from one site to another. The main work is simply getting to the jetty on time and deciding how to use the Blue Lagoon stop.

This is not the right choice for people with mobility impairments, as the activity is not suitable for them. It may also disappoint anyone seeking a private or uncrowded lagoon experience. The boat setting is social, and the popular Blue Lagoon can be busy.

What to bring for a comfortable evening

Pack for both swimming and cooler weather. The useful list is short:

• Sunglasses for the early cruise
• Swimwear and beachwear
• A towel
• A jacket for the return journey
• Any personal items you need for the boat

You can rent a snorkel onboard, but you may prefer to bring your own if you already have one. Drinks are available for purchase, so you do not need to plan the evening around carrying refreshments, though the cost is not included.

Wear something practical for boarding and walking. The experience includes time on the boat and time around the Blue Lagoon, so clothes that handle both settings are more useful than an outfit intended only for dinner.

Timing details that matter

The critical times are easy to remember:

• Boarding begins at 5:15pm.
• Boarding closes at 5:25pm.
• Departure is at 5:30pm.
• Return to Bugibba is expected around 9pm.

The boat leaves from Bugibba Jetty at L-Menqa. Find The Mermaid, identifiable by its blue, red, and white colors. The meeting point is also the end point, which keeps the evening simple.

The tour is conducted in English with a live guide. No other language is listed, so English is the practical choice for understanding the welcome and any information given during the cruise.

Weather matters more than on a land tour. Bad weather or unsafe seas can lead to a change or cancellation, and the tour may not run if capacity is too low. That is a normal concern for a small boat outing, but you should avoid placing an important dinner reservation immediately afterward.

Should you book this Blue Lagoon sunset cruise?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced evening on the water, especially if you like having several choices at one stop. The strongest reasons are the sunset swim, the night cruise back past Mellieha, and the easy Bugibba departure point.

Think twice if your main goal is solitude. The Blue Lagoon can be crowded, and 90 minutes is enough for a taste of Comino rather than a long beach day. You will also need to arrange the free government entry ticket before going.

For most couples and families staying near Bugibba, this is a practical way to see Comino without giving up an entire day. Arrive early, bring a jacket and towel, secure your entry ticket, and treat the lagoon as one part of a broader evening at sea. At $28, the mix of cruise time, sunset views, swimming, and stargazing makes a strong case.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

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

What time should I arrive?

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

What time does the cruise return?

The boat is scheduled to arrive back at Bugibba Jetty around 9pm.

How long is the experience?

The cruise lasts about 3.5 hours.

Is swimming included?

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

Can I rent snorkeling equipment?

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

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are available to buy onboard.

Do I need an entry ticket for Comino?

Yes. You must sign up through the Maltese government website to receive the free entry ticket for access to Comino’s Blue Lagoon.

Is the cruise suitable for children?

The cruise is described as family-friendly and suitable for all ages.

Is the activity suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is 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 tour may be changed or canceled because of bad weather, unsafe seas, or insufficient capacity. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.