If you love golden-hour views, this boat delivers. I really like the sunset timing plus the chance to swim in the famous Blue Lagoon waters on Comino. One thing to keep in mind, the boat can feel a bit crowded at times, especially around the swim stop.

This is an easy, family-friendly evening plan from Bugibba. You board the Mermaid at 5:15pm, cruise through the Mediterranean as the sky changes color, then you get time on Comino after sunset. My main caution is simple: you’ll want to arrive on time, because boarding closes at 5:25pm and the boat leaves at 5:30pm sharp.

Key things to know before you go

• Perfect sunset window, with cruising timed for the horizon glow
• Blue Lagoon swim stop, where you can cool off in clear Comino water
• Comino time after sunset, plus a relaxed walk and photo moments
• Starry-sky views at night, with big open-sky scenery from the water
• Onboard comfort basics included, toilets and English guidance, drinks and snorkels extra

Bugibba to Comino: a short trip with a big, scenic reward

The best part of this Blue Lagoon sunset cruise is that it’s built around the moment when Malta’s coasts look their most dramatic. You head out from Bugibba in the late afternoon, and the cruise gives you a moving viewpoint. As the sun drops, the water turns from bright to glassy, and the horizon becomes the main event.

I also like that this isn’t only about watching from the deck. The tour gives you a dedicated swim stop at the Blue Lagoon on Comino, plus time to explore the island after sunset. That combo matters because it balances photos with actual fun in the water.

Now for the consideration: you’re on a shared boat. Even if the vibe stays friendly, you may find it tight when people bunch up for photos or during the swim window. If you’re the type who hates crowds, bring patience and plan to move around.

Getting on board the Mermaid: timing, meeting point, and what to pack

Your evening starts at the Bugibba Jetty. Look for the boat called The Mermaid, with blue, red, and white colors. The captain greets you at the boat, and the check-in is quick but strict.

Boarding begins at 5:15pm and closes at 5:25pm. The boat departs at 5:30pm sharp, so I recommend arriving a little early, get settled, and avoid the last-minute shuffle.

What to bring is straightforward, but don’t skip it. Pack:

• Swimwear and a towel for the Blue Lagoon swim stop
• Sunglasses, because glare off the water can be intense
• A jacket, since evenings on the water can feel cooler once the sun is gone
• Beachwear you’re comfortable wearing for the Comino portion

Toilets are onboard, which is a real comfort on any evening outing. Drinks are available to purchase onboard, and snorkels are not included, though you can rent them.

The cruise north: how the sailing portion sets up the whole night

You don’t just sit still until Comino. After you set off, you spend about an hour cruising as you look toward the north side of the island area. This part is about the changing light and the “you are on the water” feeling.

As the sky shifts, the Mediterranean looks different every few minutes. That’s why the sunset timing is such a big selling point. You get the slow-build from late-day brightness to evening tones, without the stress of needing to find parking, walking paths, or a perfect viewing spot.

You’ll also spend time cruising back later, including passing Mellieha at night on the return. That gives the trip a full arc, not just a quick out-and-back.

One practical tip: if you care about photos, position yourself early. People tend to move around once sunset gets close, so grabbing a comfortable spot while everyone is still settling helps.

Blue Lagoon swim stop at Comino: the main event, and how to enjoy it

The highlight is the Blue Lagoon stop on Comino, with about 1.5 hours of time there. Expect a mix of:

• a photo stop
• free time
• walking
• and the chance to swim and snorkel

The water quality is the big reason this place is famous. When you step into the Blue Lagoon area, the colors and clarity are part of the experience, not just a backdrop. Even if you only swim briefly, it’s a rare “wow” moment because it happens face-to-face with your own eyes.

This is also where you’ll notice how the shared format affects your comfort. The swim and snorkeling time can feel busy because lots of people want the same clear-water window. If you want a more relaxed feel, give yourself permission to go in when it’s calm, not only when the crowd is gathered.

Snorkels are not included, but you can rent them onboard, which is handy if you packed light. If you do rent, bring simple water-friendly habits like keeping your phone and bag secure and wearing footwear you trust for any short walks on uneven ground.

Exploring Comino after dark: walking, photos, and starry-sky views

After the sunset part of the cruise, you still get time on Comino after dark. That’s what turns this from a quick swim stop into an evening you actually remember.

The tour includes leaflets to track the map, which is a nice touch when you’re on an island and want a simple way to understand where to go without staring at your phone the whole time. You also get free time to walk and take in the island atmosphere.

One of the most appealing details is the promise of panoramic views of the starry sky by night. From the water, at least some of that night-sky effect is easy to appreciate, especially once the boat is cruising and people settle into the evening rhythm.

Here’s the practical mindset I’d use: enjoy the island in small chunks. Do a short walk for photos, take your time near viewpoints if you have them, then return to the boat without waiting too long. The timing works, but evening logistics are real, and you’ll be happier if you pace yourself.

Onboard comfort: toilets, English guide, and buying drinks and extras

This cruise keeps the onboard experience simple and functional. You have toilet facilities onboard, which you’ll really appreciate during a multi-hour trip that includes a swim stop.

There’s also a live tour guide in English. Even if the day is mostly scenic rather than lecture-style, it helps to have someone who can answer questions and keep things moving so you don’t lose time.

For extras:

• Drinks are available to purchase onboard
• Snorkels can be rented onboard

My advice is to treat onboard drinks as optional, not essential. Bring what you like for a calm evening, but don’t expect everything to be included. If you plan to snorkel, consider whether renting is worth it compared to bringing your own.

Also, expect the “public boat” feel. If you’re sensitive to space, bring a light layer, keep your belongings organized, and plan to be flexible during busy moments.

Price and value check for $28 per person

At $28 per person, this is priced like a “do it for the experience” activity rather than a premium private outing. The value comes from the combination:

1) a 3.5-hour evening cruise format

2) a dedicated swim stop at the Blue Lagoon

3) time on Comino after sunset

4) included basics like toilets and map leaflets

If you were to add up typical costs for getting out to Comino plus paying for the kind of sunset-time experience you get here, the price feels reasonable for an evening adventure. It’s not a bargain-bucket tour, but it also isn’t priced like a special event charter.

Where it may not feel like perfect value is if you’re not into swimming, or if you’d rather spend your time exploring Comino independently without a group schedule. But if you want a “Malta in one evening” plan built around sunset, it’s one of the more efficient options.

Who should book this Blue Lagoon sunset cruise

I’d book this if you want:

• a sunset-focused Malta activity without complicated planning
• a chance to swim in clear water at Comino without figuring out boat logistics
• a fun, family-friendly outing where different ages can enjoy the experience
• a night-sky and evening-cruise vibe, not just a daytime beach day

It’s also a solid choice for couples who want something scenic that still has downtime. And for friends, it’s easy because it has one simple theme: water, sunset, and Comino time.

One important limit: it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments, so if accessibility matters for your group, you’ll want to look for alternative options.

Comino entry ticket: the one thing you must handle first

There’s a key administrative step tied to Comino access. You must sign up with the Maltese Government Website to get an entry ticket to access the island of Comino. The information also points to a free purchase option here: https://blcomino.com/product/blue-lagoon/

Don’t treat this as a last-minute detail. If you forget, your timing and plans can get messy. I recommend handling it well ahead of your cruise day, then keeping whatever confirmation you receive easily accessible.

Should you book it?

I think you should book this Blue Lagoon Sunset Cruise if you want a calm, scenic evening that includes real water time at Comino. The sunset timing, the chance to swim at the Blue Lagoon, and the extra time for Comino after dark make the tour feel complete for a short outing.

Skip it or reconsider if you know you hate crowds, or if you are not interested in the swim stop. Also, if you dislike strict departure times, plan to arrive early, because boarding closes at 5:25pm and the boat leaves at 5:30pm.

If you want a single evening plan that feels special without requiring deep planning, this one earns its place.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the Blue Lagoon sunset cruise?

You meet at the Bugibba Jetty and look for the boat The Mermaid, which is blue, red, and white.

What time does boarding start, and when does the boat depart?

Boarding starts at 5:15pm and closes at 5:25pm. The boat departs at 5:30pm sharp.

How long is the cruise?

The total duration is 3.5 hours.

What is included in the price?

Included are the sunset boat cruise, a swim stop at Blue Lagoon, Comino, leaflets to track the map, and toilet facilities onboard.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are available to purchase onboard.

Are snorkels included?

No. Snorkels can be rented onboard.

Do I need an entry ticket to access Comino?

Yes. You must sign up with the Maltese Government Website to get an entry ticket to access the Island of Comino.

Is the cruise family friendly?

Yes, it is described as family friendly and fun for all ages.

What if weather conditions are unsafe?

The tour is subject to change or cancellation for bad weather or unsafe seas, or if capacity is not reached to fulfill a tour.