Malta: Sunset Cruise to the Blue Lagoon

The best part of this cruise comes when the Blue Lagoon begins to empty and the evening light settles over Comino. You can swim in the clear water, walk along the shore, or stay aboard for music, deck chairs, and views of the sunset. The quieter evening setting makes a big difference compared with the daytime rush.

I like the scenic ride past St. Paul’s Island, Coral Lagoon, caves, and rocky coves. I also like the boat’s easygoing setup: a full-service bar, food for purchase, upper-deck seating, and a 10-meter slide for anyone who wants more than a quiet swim. The main drawback is the fixed schedule. You must reach Bugibba Jetty early, and the Blue Lagoon stop can feel long once darkness arrives.

At a glance: what makes this cruise worth considering

• Blue Lagoon after the daytime crowds: The scheduled stop runs from 6:15 PM to 8:30 PM, giving you a later and calmer way to see Comino.
• A scenic northern-coast route: You pass St. Paul’s Island, Ghadira Bay, Coral Lagoon, Ahrax Point, sea caves, and rock formations.
• Swimming or staying dry: Use the slide, swim from the boat, walk on Comino, or relax on deck.
• Food and drinks available onboard: Cocktails, including pineapple drinks, and meals can be bought during the cruise.
• A starry return ride: The boat heads back to Malta for about an hour with music and night views.
• Good value at $34: The cruise and boat facilities are included, but food, drinks, lockers, and the required Blue Lagoon access pass process are separate.

Setting out from Bugibba Jetty

The boat leaves from Hornblower Cruises Malta at Sirens Quay, 24 Triq San Geraldu, St. Paul’s Bay. The meeting point is behind the LOA restaurant, a detail worth giving directly to your taxi driver because the departure information can otherwise be confusing.

Katherine checks people in at 4:40 PM. You should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure, and check-in closes 10 minutes before the boat leaves. Do not cut this close. Malta’s traffic can be slow, and road works are common across the island. The boat does not wait for late arrivals.

Once aboard, you can choose between the upper deck, deck chairs, and indoor or lower seating areas. The boat has a bar, food service, music, and onboard facilities included in the ticket price. You should bring swimwear, a towel, a camera, and cash. Snorkeling gear is also a sensible addition if you want to make the most of the clear water, although it is not listed as an included item.

The experience is offered in English and Italian. Commentary along the route gives you more context for the islands and rock formations, rather than leaving the sightseeing to the view alone.

The northern coast cruise, about one hour

The first hour is mainly about Malta from the water. This is not just transport to Comino. You get broad views of the coast, small coves, caves, and pale rock formations that are hard to appreciate from land.

The route passes Ghadira Bay and Ahrax Point, then continues toward Comino. St. Paul’s Island is one of the main photo stops and a useful landmark on the way. You may have free time to take pictures, but the exact amount of time at each sightseeing point is shaped by the boat’s schedule.

Coral Lagoon is another scenic pass-by. It is a good place to keep your camera ready, though you should think of it as a viewing stop rather than a separate swim stop. The boat keeps moving toward the main event, the Blue Lagoon.

I like this opening section because it gives the cruise a proper sense of place. You are not simply dropped at a famous swimming spot. You see the northern coast, the water, and the rocky shoreline from a moving viewpoint. If the sea is choppy, the ride may feel wavy on the way out and back, so anyone sensitive to motion should choose a stable seat and take care with food before departure.

Arriving at the Blue Lagoon near sunset

The boat’s scheduled Blue Lagoon stop is from 6:15 PM to 8:30 PM. This timing is the heart of the trip. During the day, the Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s busiest sights. In the evening, it can feel more peaceful, with fewer people around and softer light over the water.

You can choose how active you want to be. The simplest option is to stay on the boat, settle into a deck chair, and watch the color change across Comino. If you want to get into the water, you can swim from the boat or use the slide. The 10-meter slide is a memorable feature, but it is clearly aimed at confident swimmers and people who enjoy a little excitement.

You can also disembark and walk along Comino. This suits you if you would rather explore on foot than spend two hours in the water. Bring suitable footwear if you plan to walk, and remember that the island will be getting darker as the evening goes on.

The water is the star here. The Blue Lagoon is known for its exceptionally clear, turquoise color, and the fading daylight gives it a different mood from the bright midday scene. You will not get the same strong sunlight for photographs, but you gain a quieter atmosphere and a sunset backdrop.

The two-hour stop is generous. That is good news if you want to swim, take photographs, eat, and sit down without rushing. The tradeoff is that the final part can feel slow, especially once it gets dark. One practical approach is to split your time: swim soon after arrival, walk or take photos next, then return to the boat for food and music.

Food, cocktails, and the onboard atmosphere

Food and drinks are not included in the $34 ticket, but they are available to purchase onboard. That makes the cruise easier than a bare-bones boat transfer, especially if you want dinner without arranging another stop after returning to Malta.

The pineapple cocktails are one of the more distinctive touches. They make a fun photograph and fit the relaxed holiday mood, while refillable pineapple drinks are a practical option if you want to keep using the same container. Prices are described as reasonable, but you should still budget separately because the advertised fare covers the cruise and facilities, not the bar or meals.

Music plays an important role in the mood. The ride back is designed to be calm, with music under the stars and the boat moving across the dark water. If you want a quiet cultural tour with constant narration, this is not that. If you like a social evening with a soundtrack, drinks, swimming, and open views, the setup works well.

The crew is another strength. Katherine handles the meeting point, and the onboard team includes the captain and hosts. Specific crew members praised during the season include Kevin, Johann, and the captain, who are noted for friendly service, commentary, and helping people enjoy the slide safely. Staff names and assignments can change, but the useful point is that the service is hands-on rather than purely self-guided.

The return to Malta beneath the stars

After the Blue Lagoon stop, the journey back to Bugibba takes about an hour. The character of the cruise changes once the sun has gone down. You lose the bright views of coves and cliffs, but the lights, music, and open sky become the focus.

This is a good time to sit on the upper deck if conditions are comfortable. You may see a strong spread of stars away from the brighter parts of Malta, and the gentle movement of the boat can make the final ride feel restful. If you are cold after swimming, bring a light layer. A towel is useful not only for drying off but also for sitting comfortably after time in the water.

The return ride is also why I would not treat this as a simple sightseeing boat. It is closer to a sunset social cruise with swimming built into the middle. The route out gives you coastal scenery and commentary. The lagoon provides the main activity. The return supplies the slower, more atmospheric finish.

You arrive back at the same meeting point at 24 Triq San Geraldu. Since the trip ends there, you will need to arrange your own onward transport. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What the $34 price really covers

At $34 per person, the cruise offers good value if you want several elements in one outing: coastal sightseeing, transport to Comino, a long Blue Lagoon stop, deck chairs, the slide, and an evening return by boat.

The price is less of a bargain if you mainly want a short swimming transfer or a fully catered dinner. Food and drinks cost extra, and lockers are also separate. A locker costs €2 with a €10 key deposit. The fare does not include hotel transport either, so add the cost of getting to and from Bugibba.

The biggest value is the timing. You are paying for access to the Blue Lagoon during a part of the day when it can be less crowded, plus a sunset cruise and an hour on the water after dark. If the sunset and atmosphere matter to you, this offers more than a standard daytime boat ride.

A free QR code access pass is now required for the Blue Lagoon. Maltese authorities introduced this requirement on May 19, 2025. You need to visit blcomino.com for the access pass and follow the designated time-slot instructions. Do this before departure rather than assuming the boat ticket alone covers entry.

Who should book this experience

I would recommend this cruise to couples, groups of friends, and families with older children who can manage a boat, swimming, and a late return. It works especially well if you want a relaxed evening but still want an activity, since you can choose between swimming, walking, food, music, and deck-chair time.

It is also a good choice if you have already seen Malta from land and want a different view of the coast. The route brings together several sights without requiring you to organize separate transport to Comino.

I would be more cautious if you have limited mobility. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and moving between boat, shore, swimming areas, and the slide may be difficult. It is also not ideal if you dislike fixed schedules, late evening rides, or time on a moving boat.

If your priority is a quiet, small-group nature trip, this may feel too social. The music, bar, slide, and mixed onboard activity give it a lively holiday feel. The boat can also feel crowded in August, even though the evening timing usually helps.

Smart ways to enjoy the four hours

Arrive early, not merely on time. Aim for the Bugibba Jetty at least 30 minutes before departure, with the LOA restaurant and Sirens Quay as your landmarks. Traffic and road works can easily turn a short journey into a stressful one.

Wear your swimwear under your clothes and keep your towel accessible. Bring cash for purchases and the locker deposit, plus a camera and snorkeling gear if you have it. A light layer for the return trip is useful after sunset.

At the lagoon, swim first if that is your main reason for booking. The water and light are best before it gets fully dark. Then use the remaining time for food, a walk on Comino, or a deck chair with music.

Do not forget the QR access pass. The Blue Lagoon now has a designated time-slot system, and your scheduled stop is 6:15 PM to 8:30 PM. Check the official access instructions before you leave for the jetty.

Finally, leave room in your budget for the onboard menu. The ticket price is attractive, but the full evening cost depends on whether you buy cocktails, dinner, or a locker.

Should you book the Malta sunset cruise?

Book it if you want the Blue Lagoon with a sunset setting, a scenic northern-coast ride, swimming, music, and the option of a slide and onboard dinner. The strongest parts are the evening timing, friendly crew, clear commentary, pineapple cocktails, and peaceful return beneath the stars.

Skip it if you want a short visit, guaranteed solitude, or a fully inclusive meal. The two-hour lagoon stop is generous but may feel long after dark, and you must handle your own transport and Blue Lagoon QR access pass.

For $34, this is a strong-value evening on the water, provided you see it as a relaxed social cruise rather than a formal sightseeing tour. Get there early, bring swim gear, and plan to enjoy the lagoon before the sunset fades.

FAQ

Where does the sunset cruise depart from?

It departs from Hornblower Cruises Malta, Sirens Quay 24, Triq San Geraldu, St. Paul’s Bay, behind the LOA restaurant.

What time should I arrive?

You should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Katherine checks people in at 4:40 PM, and check-in closes 10 minutes before departure.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts four hours. The boat ride to the Blue Lagoon takes about one hour, and the return journey also takes about one hour.

How long do you stop at the Blue Lagoon?

The scheduled stop is from 6:15 PM to 8:30 PM, giving you just over two hours at the Blue Lagoon and Comino.

Is food included in the ticket?

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

Do you need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Since May 19, 2025, visitors need a QR code showing their designated Blue Lagoon time slot. You can request the free access pass through blcomino.com.

Can you cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve-now, pay-later booking is also available.