Malta: Sunset Cruise to the Blue Lagoon

The best thing about this Blue Lagoon sunset cruise is the timing. You reach Comino after the hottest part of the day, when the light turns the water gold and the daytime crowds begin to thin. You can swim from the boat, use the 10-meter slide, or walk ashore with a free evening access pass.

I especially like the relaxed mix of coastal sightseeing and free time. The boat passes St. Paul’s Island, Coral Lagoon, Ghadira Bay, and Ahrax Point, then gives you roughly two hours to choose your own pace. I also like the fair onboard prices, spacious seating, deckchairs, and friendly crew. The main drawback is the late return: the ride back can feel chilly, and snorkeling becomes less rewarding as the light fades.

Key points at a glance

• Sunset timing cuts the worst heat and crowds: The evening slot is a calmer alternative to a daytime Blue Lagoon boat trip.
• A 10-meter slide adds real fun: You can also enter the water by steps or jump from the boat’s platforms.
• The cruise route is part of the experience: Expect cliffs, caves, coves, and photo stops around Malta’s northern coast.
• Two hours at Comino gives you choices: Swim, snorkel, walk on the island, photograph the sunset, or stay aboard.
• Food and drinks cost extra but are reasonably priced: Burgers, fries, snacks, and cocktails are available onboard.
• Plan carefully for Bugibba Jetty: Check-in is at 16:40, and the boat will not wait for late arrivals.

Why the sunset slot works so well

Malta’s Blue Lagoon is famous for clear cyan water, but its popularity can make a daytime visit feel crowded. This cruise tackles that problem by arriving later, when the sun is lower and the temperature is easier to handle.

You still get time for a proper swim, but the experience is less about racing into the water at midday and more about enjoying an evening by the sea. You can sit on an upper-deck chair with a drink, walk over Comino for sunset views, or spend your time in the water using the slide.

The timing also changes the mood onboard. The outward journey has music, commentary, and sightseeing. The return is quieter and more atmospheric, with the Maltese coast lit up after dark. If you want a party boat from start to finish, this may feel too mellow at times. If you want a social evening with room to relax, it hits a useful middle ground.

The advertised duration is 210 minutes, or about three and a half hours. The return to Bugibba is scheduled for 20:30. Exact daylight and sunset conditions vary with the date, so check the departure time when booking, especially outside midsummer.

Starting at Bugibba Jetty

The meeting point is the newly built Bugibba Jetty at Dawret il-Gzejjer, St. Paul’s Bay. This detail matters because older directions may point you elsewhere. Look for Katherine, who handles check-in at 16:40.

Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Check-in closes 10 minutes before the boat leaves, and the cruise does not wait for late arrivals. Malta’s traffic can be slow, with road works across the island, so allow extra time rather than relying on a last-minute taxi or bus connection.

One practical warning: finding the jetty can be harder than expected if you arrive at the last minute. Give yourself time to identify the correct entrance and walk down to the boat. A calm arrival makes a big difference when you are carrying towels, swimwear, and perhaps snorkeling gear.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You need to arrange your own way to Bugibba and back. English and Italian are used during the experience.

Cruising past Malta’s northern coast

The first hour is a sightseeing cruise rather than a straight transfer to Comino. That gives you a good look at the northern coast from the water, including rugged rock formations, small coves, cliffs, and sea caves.

The route passes St. Paul’s Island, a familiar landmark off Malta’s coast. You also pass Ghadira Bay, Coral Cove, and Ahrax Point. The exact approach and stopping pattern can depend on sea conditions, but the crew makes room for photos and points out sights along the way.

The boat may move close to some of the cliffs and caves. That is one of the more unusual touches of the trip. You are not simply looking at the shoreline from far offshore. You get changing views of the rock, water, and small inlets as the boat works north toward Comino.

The captain provides commentary in English and Italian. The information is light and practical rather than a long formal lecture. You get enough context to understand what you are seeing, then plenty of time to sit back, listen to music, and enjoy the ride.

The boat itself is built for a long stop at sea. There is room to stretch out, upper-deck seating, deckchairs, and lower areas that may be quieter. Several people have found the downstairs seating nearly empty while most passengers head upstairs. That gives you a useful choice: take the best sunset position above, or retreat below when you want peace and shade.

Arriving at the Blue Lagoon

At Comino’s Blue Lagoon, the boat stops for about two hours. This is the main event, but you are not forced into one style of visit.

You can enter directly from the boat using the steps, swim in the clear water, or use the slide from the upper deck. There are also jumping points from the boat, including a higher second-deck platform. The height can feel intimidating if you are not used to it, so the steps are the sensible choice for a gentle start.

The 10-meter slide is included in the ticket price. It is a fun extra for children, teenagers, and adults who want more action than a standard swim stop. You can use the boat facilities without paying an additional activity fee, though drinks, food, and rented equipment cost extra.

If you prefer dry land, you can disembark and explore Comino. A short walk gives you different views of the lagoon and better angles for sunset photographs. One useful strategy is to walk over to the island first, then return to the boat for swimming and the slide. That way, you use the last warm light for shore photographs before settling into the water.

The Blue Lagoon access system changed in May 2025. All visitors need a QR code for a designated time slot, and you must obtain the free evening access pass through www.blcomino.com. Select the evening slot that matches this cruise. Keep the pass available on your phone, since it is required if you leave the boat and enter the lagoon area.

You can also remain onboard for the full stop. That suits anyone who wants the views without walking on Comino, or anyone who prefers a deckchair and a drink to a swim.

Swimming, snorkeling, and the fading light

The water is the star here. In good conditions, it is clear enough to see fish below the surface, and you may spot crabs or other sea life close to the rocks. Some people have seen moray eels and octopuses, but you should treat those sightings as luck rather than a promise.

Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. Snorkeling equipment may be available to rent for a deposit, along with life jackets, but the exact supply can vary. A life jacket is a useful option for less confident swimmers and can make the water stop more enjoyable.

The tradeoff is light. At sunset, the water looks beautiful, but snorkeling visibility gradually decreases. If your main aim is to inspect the underwater world, a daytime trip gives you more light. If your priority is warm evening color, a quieter lagoon, and cooler air, sunset is the better choice.

The boat may anchor away from the thickest concentration of people, giving you room to swim and use the slide. Still, do not expect complete solitude in summer. The lagoon can remain busy, though it is generally less crowded than during the day. The exact level depends on the date and how many other evening boats are present.

Food, cocktails, and the onboard atmosphere

Food and drinks are not included in the $35 ticket, but you do not need to arrange dinner before boarding. The boat has a full-service bar and a small food offering, with burgers, fries, snacks, and drinks available for purchase.

Prices are one reason this cruise offers solid value. A burger has been listed at about €6.50, fries around €2.50, and cocktails roughly €5 to €8. Prices can change, but the general point is that you can eat onboard without paying luxury-boat prices.

The pineapple cocktails are a popular novelty and make a good photograph. They are sweet and fun, though alcohol strength can be uneven. Nonalcoholic drinks are available and may suit you better if you want to swim afterward or simply prefer a lighter drink.

Music is a major part of the atmosphere. The playlist leans toward upbeat holiday music on the way out and more relaxed sounds on the return. The crew keeps the mood social without turning the trip into a nonstop party. That balance suits couples, friends, and families with older children.

There is enough seating to avoid feeling trapped in one place. Upper-deck chairs are best for views and sunset, while downstairs seating can offer a quieter spot. Bring cash, as it is listed among the recommended items, and keep a little extra available for food, drinks, equipment rentals, or lockers.

Comfort, equipment, and small practical details

The boat is described as clean, steady, and spacious, with several seating levels. That matters on a cruise lasting several hours, especially when some people in your group want to swim while others want to read, eat, or sit in the sun.

Lockers are available for €2, with a €10 key deposit. Use one if you are carrying valuables you do not want left near the swimming area. You may find the boat atmosphere reassuring, but a locker is the sensible choice for passports, wallets, and expensive cameras.

Bring swimwear, a towel, camera, and cash. A light jacket or long-sleeved top is also wise. The ride back can feel cool after you have been in the water, even after a warm Maltese day.

This experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Boarding, moving around the boat, entering the sea, using the slide, and getting ashore at Comino can all involve uneven or awkward access. If you have mobility concerns, confirm the practical details before paying.

How the $35 price holds up

At $35 per person, this is a strong-value way to combine a boat ride, coastal sightseeing, a Blue Lagoon stop, and onboard entertainment. You are not paying only for transportation to Comino. The route past Malta’s northern coast, the slide, deckchairs, and roughly two hours in the lagoon are all part of the package.

Your final cost depends on how much you buy onboard. A meal, cocktail, locker, and equipment rental can add to the ticket, but the listed food and drink prices are moderate. You can also keep the cost close to the advertised fare by bringing your own towel and snorkeling equipment and buying only a soft drink.

The price is especially appealing if you compare it with booking separate transport, food, and a coastal sightseeing cruise. It is less attractive if you only want a quick swim and have no interest in the boat ride, music, or sunset. In that case, a simple ferry or another transfer may suit you better.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this outing for you if you want a social but not overly formal evening. It works well for friends who want music and a slide, couples looking for sunset photographs, and families whose children are old enough to enjoy swimming from a boat.

It also suits anyone who dislikes the strongest midday heat. The cooler timing makes sitting on deck more pleasant, and the lower evening light gives the Blue Lagoon a softer look.

You may want a different option if you want serious snorkeling, a long visit on Comino, or a very quiet boat. The evening departure limits underwater light, and music plus onboard activity creates more of a holiday atmosphere than a peaceful nature trip.

Should you book the Hornblower sunset cruise?

I would book it if your ideal Malta outing combines clear water, easy sightseeing, and a relaxed evening mood. The price is sensible, the boat gives you plenty to do, and the sunset slot improves the Blue Lagoon experience by avoiding the worst of the daytime heat.

Book early enough to arrange the required evening QR access pass, and do not cut it close at Bugibba Jetty. Bring a towel, a jacket for the return, cash, and your own mask if snorkeling matters to you.

Skip it only if you need step-free access, want guaranteed solitude, or care more about bright underwater visibility than sunset color. For most people who want one enjoyable evening on the Maltese coast, this is a well-balanced choice.

FAQ

Where does the sunset cruise depart from?

It departs from Bugibba Jetty at Dawret il-Gzejjer, St. Paul’s Bay. This is the newly built jetty and the correct meeting address.

What time should I arrive?

Check-in is at 16:40, and you should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Check-in closes 10 minutes before departure, and the boat will not wait for late arrivals.

How long is the cruise?

The advertised duration is 210 minutes, or about three and a half hours. The scheduled return time is 20:30.

How much time do I get at the Blue Lagoon?

The cruise includes about two hours for swimming, using the slide, relaxing onboard, or walking on Comino.

Do I need a Blue Lagoon access pass?

Yes. Since May 2025, visitors need a QR code for a designated time slot. Obtain the free pass through www.blcomino.com and select the evening slot.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are available to buy onboard at the full-service bar and food counter. Burgers, fries, snacks, cocktails, and nonalcoholic drinks are offered.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

The activity is listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments. Boarding, moving around the boat, entering the water, and accessing Comino may be difficult.