From Bugibba: Blue Lagoon Sunset Cruise

Sunset turns a short boat trip into Malta magic. From Bugibba, this $28 evening cruise heads toward Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon, giving you sea views, a sunset swim, and a starry ride home. I love the easy three-and-a-half-hour schedule and the chance to see the lagoon after the daytime crowds have thinned. The main consideration is that the boat can feel crowded, and boarding is strict.

I also like the simple setup. You meet The Mermaid at Bugibba Jetty, buy a drink onboard if you wish, and let the captain handle the route. You can swim, walk around Comino, or stay on deck with a cold beer and watch Malta fade into evening.

This is not a quiet private yacht outing. It is a family-friendly group cruise with a fixed departure, shared facilities, and weather-dependent sailing. For the price, though, it offers a pleasant way to combine Blue Lagoon scenery and sunset without giving up a full day.

Key points before you book

• The Mermaid leaves Bugibba at 5:30pm sharp: Boarding begins at 5:15pm and closes at 5:25pm, so arrive early.
• Blue Lagoon time lasts about 1.5 hours: You can swim, snorkel, walk, take photos, or relax onboard.
• The sunset is the star of the trip: The route follows Malta’s northern waters as evening settles in.
• You must arrange a free Comino entry ticket: Sign up through the Maltese government website at blcomino.com.
• Drinks and snorkels cost extra: Drinks are sold onboard, and snorkel equipment can be rented.
• The tour returns to Bugibba around 9:00pm: You get a complete evening out without needing a separate night excursion.

Why this Blue Lagoon cruise works well at sunset

The Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s best-known sights, but timing makes a big difference. During the day, the area can feel busy and highly arranged around swimming, photos, and boat traffic. This trip reaches Comino in the evening, when the quality of the light changes and the experience becomes less about a quick daytime stop.

I like the rhythm of this outing. You start with a boat ride, reach the lagoon while there is still time for a swim, then make the return journey under darker skies. That gives you three different moods in one trip: bright Mediterranean water, golden-hour views, and a nighttime cruise.

The boat is The Mermaid, marked in blue, red, and white. Look for it at Bugibba Jetty, also listed as L-Menqa. The captain greets you at the boat, and the English-language tour keeps the arrangements straightforward.

The price is $28 per person. That is a fair value if you want a boat outing and a swim stop in one package. The cruise includes the sunset ride, the Blue Lagoon stop, onboard toilets, and map leaflets. It does not include drinks or snorkel rental, so budget a little more if those matter to you.

Arriving at Bugibba Jetty for the 5:30pm departure

Your first task is simply getting to Bugibba Jetty on time. Boarding begins at 5:15pm, and the boat departs at 5:30pm sharp. The boarding window closes at 5:25pm, which leaves very little room for a late arrival.

I would treat 5:15pm as your target arrival time, not the time you begin walking toward the jetty. The boat is easy to identify by its blue, red, and white colors, but a busy waterfront is not the place to be searching at the last moment.

The check-in arrangement is pleasantly simple. You look for The Mermaid, meet the captain, and board. There is no mention of hotel pickup, so you should plan your own way to Bugibba Jetty.

Before the cruise, make sure you have completed the required Comino entry registration. The Blue Lagoon access ticket is free, but you must sign up through the Maltese government website before visiting the island. This is an easy detail to miss, and it is worth handling before you arrive at the jetty.

The first hour: cruising Malta’s northern waters

Once The Mermaid leaves Bugibba, the first section is a sightseeing cruise of about one hour. The boat travels toward the north of the island, giving you time to settle in and watch the Maltese coast from the water.

This part is not a guided walking tour with a long list of stops. Its appeal is the open view and the changing light. You can sit back, take photographs, and enjoy the sea crossing before reaching Comino.

I would use this hour to get comfortable rather than burn through every photo immediately. Sunglasses help while the sun is still bright, and a light jacket becomes useful later. The boat has toilet facilities, which is a practical comfort during a three-and-a-half-hour outing.

The tour includes leaflets to track the map. They are a small touch, but useful if you want to follow the route rather than simply sit back and watch the horizon.

The boat ride also gives you a chance to decide how you want to use your time at the lagoon. You can swim, rent a snorkel, take a walk, or remain onboard. That flexibility suits mixed groups, especially families where not everyone wants the same kind of evening.

The Blue Lagoon stop: 1.5 hours at Comino

The main stop lasts about an hour and a half. At the Blue Lagoon, you have free time for swimming, snorkeling, sightseeing, photography, and a short walk around Comino.

The water is the obvious attraction. If you want a refreshing swim with the sunset overhead, this is the moment to bring your swimwear and towel into easy reach. Beachwear, sunglasses, and a towel are specifically recommended, and I would avoid packing them at the bottom of your bag.

The sunset gives the lagoon a different character from a standard midday swim. The sea may shift from bright blue to softer evening tones as the sun drops, while the surrounding views take on warmer colors. The exact sunset conditions depend on the date and weather, but the cruise is planned around this transition.

You do not have to swim. You can stay onboard The Mermaid with a drink, take in the scenery, or use the free time for photographs. This makes the outing suitable for couples, families, and anyone who likes the idea of the Blue Lagoon but does not want to spend the whole stop in the water.

Snorkel rental is available onboard, but it is not included. If snorkeling is central to your plans, ask about renting equipment early. Drinks are also available to purchase, including the option of a chilled beer or wine mentioned for the cruise. You should not assume either drinks or snorkel gear is part of the $28 price.

The main drawback is the possibility of crowding. The experience has received a strong 4.7 rating from 22 reviews, but one clear note is that it can sometimes feel crowded. That matters most during the Blue Lagoon stop, when passengers may all want the same swim and photo time.

Exploring Comino after sunset

The program allows you to explore Comino after sunset, but you should think of this as a short, flexible stop rather than a long island hike. The available time is about 1.5 hours, and the focus is the lagoon, swimming, sightseeing, and scenic views.

A short walk can help you see the area from a different angle, while staying close enough to return to the boat without stress. As daylight fades, keep track of the meeting arrangement and do not wander farther than the schedule allows.

The required entry ticket applies to accessing the Island of Comino. It is free to obtain, but it is still mandatory. This is one of the most important practical points in the entire trip because a beautiful evening can become needlessly complicated if you arrive without the required registration.

The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. You should take that seriously when deciding if the island stop and boat access will work for you. The supplied details do not describe specific boarding assistance, so anyone with access concerns should check directly with the provider before booking.

The return cruise past Mellieha

After the Blue Lagoon stop, the boat begins the journey back toward Bugibba. The return section takes about one hour and passes down past Mellieha at night.

This is where the cruise becomes more relaxed. The active part of the evening is over, and you can sit with a drink, talk with your group, or look up at the night sky. The panoramic view of stars is one of the more appealing features for anyone who likes being on the water after dark.

The return is not just transport back to the jetty. It gives you a final hour of open sea and nighttime views, making the whole experience feel more complete than a simple sunset transfer.

You should arrive safely back at Bugibba Jetty around 9:00pm. The timing works well for an evening in Malta because it leaves the rest of the night open. At the same time, remember that the boat does not offer a flexible finish. If the departure is delayed by weather or sea conditions, the schedule may change.

What the $28 price really includes

At $28 per person, this cruise is priced for an accessible group outing rather than a premium boat charter. I think the value is strongest if you want three things together: a coastal sightseeing ride, time at the Blue Lagoon, and a sunset setting.

Included in the price are:

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

Not included are drinks and snorkel rental. Those extras are optional, but they can affect the final cost if you want to spend the whole lagoon stop in the water or enjoy a drink during the ride.

The price also does not replace the required Comino entry registration. The ticket itself is free, but you still need to complete the sign-up process through the stated website.

Compared with arranging a separate boat ride and finding your own way to Comino, the package is convenient. You have a fixed route and a captain, and you do not need to plan separate sunset transport. The tradeoff is less privacy and less control over how long you stay.

What to pack for this evening on the water

Pack for two temperatures: the warm part of the evening and the cooler ride home. The recommended items are practical:

• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Jacket
• Beachwear

I would add a small bag that keeps your towel and dry clothing easy to reach. You may want a jacket once the boat is moving after dark, even if the afternoon felt warm.

If you want to snorkel, you can rent equipment onboard. If you prefer your own gear, the available information does not confirm that personal equipment is supplied or restricted, so ask the provider before you go.

A phone or camera is useful for the sunset and lagoon views, but protect it around the water. There is no need to overpack. The best approach is light beach gear, one warm layer, and enough room for anything you buy onboard.

Families, couples, and different comfort levels

The cruise is described as family-friendly and suitable for all ages. I can see why. The schedule is not an exhausting full-day program, the boat has toilets, and passengers can choose between swimming and simply sitting onboard.

Families should pay close attention to the fixed boarding time. A late arrival can mean missing the boat, since boarding closes at 5:25pm and departure is at 5:30pm.

Couples may like the timing and atmosphere. A sunset over the Maltese waters, a swim at the Blue Lagoon, and a starry ride back create a pleasant evening without requiring a formal dinner or elaborate plan.

This outing also suits solo visitors who want an easy way to see Comino from the water. The English-language guide and simple meeting point reduce the need for complex arrangements.

I would be more cautious if you dislike group outings, crowded swimming spots, or fixed schedules. The boat can feel crowded at times, and you cannot extend the lagoon stop if you are having a wonderful swim.

Weather, sea conditions, and cancellation terms

The cruise may be changed or canceled if the weather is poor, the sea is unsafe, or there are not enough bookings to operate it. That is a sensible policy for a boat trip, but it means you should avoid making the cruise the only important plan of your holiday.

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.

The best evening will depend on calm conditions and a clear enough sky for the sunset and stars. No boat operator can guarantee perfect colors or visibility, so book this for the overall sea outing rather than for one exact photograph.

My verdict: should you book The Mermaid?

I would book this cruise if you want an affordable evening on the Mediterranean with a proper stop at the Blue Lagoon. The $28 price is reasonable for the cruise, swim stop, onboard toilet, and return ride, especially if you value convenience more than privacy.

You should book early enough to complete the free Comino entry registration, then arrive at Bugibba Jetty before 5:15pm. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, and a jacket. Buy a drink onboard if you like, but remember that drinks and snorkels cost extra.

I would skip it if you need full mobility access, want a private boat, or prefer a quiet and flexible visit to Comino. For everyone else, this is a cheerful, well-timed way to see the Blue Lagoon in a softer evening light, with enough free time to swim and enough sea time to make the ride itself worthwhile.

FAQ

Where does the Blue Lagoon sunset cruise begin?

The cruise begins 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 jetty?

Boarding begins at 5:15pm and closes at 5:25pm. The boat departs at 5:30pm sharp, so arrive early.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts about 3.5 hours. It is scheduled to return to Bugibba Jetty around 9:00pm.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The cruise includes a swim stop at the Blue Lagoon on Comino, with about 1.5 hours for swimming and other free-time activities.

Do I need a ticket to visit Comino?

Yes. You must sign up through the Maltese government website to get an entry ticket for the Island of Comino. The ticket is free.

Are drinks and snorkels included?

No. Drinks are available to buy onboard, and snorkels are available to rent. Neither is included in the tour price.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

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