An afternoon sunset cruise to the Blue Lagoon

The best part of this Malta cruise comes late in the day, when the fierce midday heat softens and the boat heads back beneath a setting sun. You get time to swim at the Blue Lagoon, splash from the onboard waterslide, and watch the cliffs glow orange on the return to Bugibba.

I like the warm late-afternoon water at Comino and the chance to enjoy the Blue Lagoon after many daytime boats have begun to leave. I also like the strong value: for $36.04, you get roughly four hours on the water, two swimming stops, loungers, slides, and use of the catamaran facilities.

The main drawback is crowding. The Blue Lagoon can still be very busy, and two hours may feel long if you are not interested in swimming or sitting by the water. Bring a jacket for the ride home, since the boat can feel cool after sunset.

Key points to know before booking

• Late-afternoon timing: The cruise leaves the hottest part of the day behind and returns with a sunset over Malta’s coast.
• Two swimming stops: You get about 30 minutes at Crystal Lagoon and two hours at the Blue Lagoon.
• Family-friendly boat fun: Padded loungers and waterslides make the boat itself part of the attraction.
• A busy famous bay: Blue Lagoon is beautiful, but summer crowds, boats, litter, and fuel smells can affect the experience.
• Good price for a half-day outing: At $36.04, the cruise includes the main boat facilities, though food, drinks, and lockers cost extra.
• Arrive early: Boarding opens 30 minutes before departure and closes five minutes before departure.

Why the sunset timing matters at Blue Lagoon

Malta’s Blue Lagoon is famous for its bright cyan water, but the time of day changes how you experience it. A midday visit can mean harsh sun, packed boats, and very little shade. This afternoon cruise reaches Comino later, when the sun is lower and the water has been warmed throughout the day.

That timing is especially useful for families. Children can swim in shallow water while the heat is easing, then use the boat’s slide before the return trip. You can also stay on board if the shore feels too crowded. The boat has padded sun loungers, seating areas, washrooms, and a bar where you can buy drinks.

The late departure may also reduce the worst of the daytime rush. On some evenings, the boat reaches the lagoons before larger commercial boats arrive or after some have begun to leave. Do not expect an empty bay, especially in summer, but the timing gives you a better chance of finding breathing room than a peak midday cruise.

The sunset is the final reward. The boat heads back along the coast, passing sea caves and tall Maltese cliffs. In clear conditions, the sun can appear to drop directly into the Mediterranean. A green flash is possible, though it is a rare natural moment, not something to count on.

Leaving Bugibba Jetty with practical planning

The meeting point is Bugibba Jetty on Dawret Il-Gzejjer in San Pawl il-Baħar. The boat returns to the same place at the end, which keeps the outing simple if you are staying in the Bugibba area or using nearby public transport.

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Boarding opens then, and early arrival gives you the best chance of choosing a good place to sit. One useful tip is to look for space toward the back of the upper level, away from the captain’s area. Covered seating is available on the lower level, while the upper deck has loungers and some covered sections.

The boat can carry up to 250 people, though some departures may feel much less crowded. One account described roughly 100 people on board with plenty of room. Still, capacity varies, so do not book this expecting a small private cruise.

The departure point may not always be obvious in a busy harbor. The operator has been described as using a modern boat that can be identified in the port, but you should still check your confirmation carefully and allow time to locate the correct vessel. Missing the departure because you arrive late or cannot find the boat does not qualify for a refund.

The boat is more than transport

This is not simply a ride to Comino followed by a wait on shore. The boat supplies much of the entertainment, which helps make the price work.

You can stretch out on padded loungers, sit beneath cover, buy drinks at the bar, and use the onboard waterslides. The slide is a clear hit with children, but adults can use it too. Some people also jump from the boat into the sea when conditions allow.

The boat has washrooms, though lines can form when people return from swimming and want to change. If you plan to change clothes, head back a little early rather than waiting until the final minutes at Blue Lagoon.

You may bring your own drinks and snacks, according to the practical advice provided for this cruise. Food and drinks are also available for purchase from the onboard kitchen or bar, but they are not included. Personal item lockers are available for €2.00, so avoid bringing more valuables than you need.

Pack two towels if you can. One can go on the lounger, while the other stays dry for after swimming. Your own mask and snorkel are also worth bringing if you care about seeing fish, since the included facilities do not specifically mention snorkeling equipment.

Crystal Lagoon gives you a quieter water stop

The first real swimming stop is Crystal Lagoon, where the boat spends about 30 minutes. This is a short stop, but it breaks up the journey and gives you a chance to get into the water before reaching the more famous bay.

The setting can feel calmer in the late afternoon, and the stop works well for a quick swim or a drink on board. You can also use the onboard facilities instead of swimming.

Conditions are not always perfect. Jellyfish have been present on some trips, and when the boat moors farther from shore, swimmers may gather around the vessel. That can churn up the water and make the stop less appealing for anyone seeking clear, quiet swimming.

For that reason, think of Crystal Lagoon as a pleasant extra rather than the main reason to book. Thirty minutes is enough for a quick swim, a few photographs, or a look at the coast without making the whole cruise feel rushed.

Two hours at the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is the centerpiece of the trip. You have about two hours to swim, snorkel, sit by the water, or remain on the boat and use its slide.

The shallow water makes the area suitable for families and casual swimmers. The bright color is striking, especially when the sun is still strong, and the warm water can feel close to the air temperature. If you want to snorkel, bring your own mask and goggles. The clear water can reveal fish, although visibility changes with boat traffic and the number of people in the bay.

You can disembark at Comino, but access tickets are available through blcomino.com. The supplied information does not give the ticket price, so check the current arrangement before you go.

The shore is lightly developed. Expect food trucks rather than a built-up resort area. Some loungers and umbrellas may be available for hire, but late in the day the staff may have left. That can mean you find equipment available without the usual rental process, though you should not rely on this.

Two hours is a sensible amount of time if you plan to swim and use the slide. It may feel excessive if you only want a quick look at the lagoon. There is little to do on Comino beyond enjoying the water, shore, food trucks, and views, so your enjoyment depends heavily on how much you like swimming and sitting in the sun.

The biggest issue is the bay’s popularity. In summer, large boats can fill the water, while litter around the rocks and fuel smells may take away from the natural beauty. Staying on the boat can help you avoid the worst of the shore crowd, but you will still see and hear the activity around the lagoon.

Sea caves and the return along Malta’s cliffs

After the lagoon stops, the boat follows the coast toward Bugibba. The route includes sea caves and views of Malta’s enormous cliffs, with the light changing as the sun drops.

The cave viewing is scenic but brief. If you prefer more swimming time, you may find this part less exciting. If you enjoy coastal scenery and photography, it gives the return journey a useful focus instead of making it only a ride back.

Bring a light jacket or sweater. Once the sun disappears, the wind on the open boat can feel surprisingly cold, even after a warm afternoon in the water. This is one of the simplest packing choices that can improve the final hour.

Cloud cover can also change the sunset. The cruise cannot control the weather, so a cloudy evening may produce muted colors or no visible sunset at all. The trip still includes the lagoons and coastal ride, but the sunset should be treated as a bonus.

Is $36.04 a fair price?

At $36.04 per person, this is a solid value if you want several activities in one outing. The price covers the boat ride, approximately two hours at Blue Lagoon, the Crystal Lagoon stop, sea cave viewing, padded loungers, waterslides, and use of the catamaran facilities.

You would pay extra for meals and drinks, and lockers cost €2.00. Depending on how much you buy on board, your final cost can rise. Bringing your own snacks and drinks can keep the outing closer to the advertised price.

The value is strongest for families and active couples who will use the slide, swim at both stops, and enjoy the sunset. It is weaker for someone seeking a quiet, uncrowded boat ride or a guided cultural tour. There is no mention of a detailed historical commentary, so the appeal is the sea, swimming, and scenery rather than formal sightseeing.

The rating of 4.2 from 75 ratings reflects that split. The boat, sunset, slide, and price earn strong approval, while the crowds and Blue Lagoon itself are the main sources of disappointment.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would choose this trip for families with children, casual swimmers, and anyone who wants an easy half-day on the water. The shallow Blue Lagoon, boat slide, loungers, and late timing give you several ways to enjoy the afternoon.

It also suits couples and friends who want photos, a swim, and a sunset without paying for a full-day trip to Gozo and Comino. The boat is modern and includes a bar, covered seating, upper-deck loungers, and washrooms.

I would hesitate if your priority is solitude. The boat may have room, but Blue Lagoon can be crowded, particularly during the summer. I would also choose another type of outing if you want a small sailing boat, a quiet cove, or a tour centered on Maltese history.

Keep in mind that service animals are allowed, the experience is near public transport, and most people can participate. The route can change because of weather, shallow water, or other legitimate operating reasons.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

Confirmation is provided when you book, and the experience is offered in English. It is commonly booked about nine days ahead, so reserving earlier is sensible during busy periods.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather cancels the cruise, you will be offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

The cruise requires good weather, so check the forecast and keep your plans flexible. Late arrival is a bigger risk than most people expect: boarding closes five minutes before departure, and a missed departure due to lateness or non-arrival is not refunded.

Should you book the Blue Lagoon sunset cruise?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced afternoon of swimming, boat fun, and coastal scenery, especially with children. The late timing, warm water, waterslide, Crystal Lagoon stop, and sunset return create a fuller experience than a simple transfer to Comino.

Skip it if crowds ruin the appeal of famous places, or if you want a peaceful, small-group cruise. The Blue Lagoon is genuinely beautiful, but it is heavily visited and can suffer from boat traffic, litter, and fuel smells.

For the best version of the day, arrive early, choose a good upper-deck seat, bring two towels, pack a jacket, and carry your own snorkel and snacks. If those details sound like your kind of afternoon, $36.04 is a sensible buy.

FAQ

Where does the cruise begin?

It begins at Bugibba Jetty on Dawret Il-Gzejjer, San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta.

Where does the cruise end?

The cruise ends back at the Bugibba Jetty meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately four hours.

How much time is spent at the Blue Lagoon?

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

How long is the Crystal Lagoon stop?

The Crystal Lagoon stop lasts about 30 minutes.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but they are available to purchase on board.

Are lockers available?

Yes. Personal item lockers are available to hire for €2.00.

Is the waterslide included?

Yes. The waterslide and use of the catamaran facilities are included.

How early should I arrive?

Boarding opens 30 minutes before departure and closes five minutes before departure. Arriving at least 30 minutes early is recommended.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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