An afternoon sunset cruise to the Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon time is short, so do it smart. This 4-hour Malta sunset cruise gives you two lagoon stops in Comino, plus a ride back framed by sea caves and cliff views.

I like that the timing is built for comfort. You get 2 hours at Blue Lagoon when the water has warmed in the afternoon, and you’re not stuck there all day.

One thing to watch is crowding at peak lagoon hours. In summer, Blue Lagoon can get busy, and the water can be shared with lots of swimmers and boats.

Key Highlights You Should Know

• Bugibba Jetty start, sunset return, so the whole mood shifts as you cruise back toward Malta
• 2 hours at Blue Lagoon plus easy swimming and snorkeling time in shallow, clear water
• Waterslides and padded loungers on board, so you have fun even between stops
• Crystal Lagoon for a slower beat, with a quick swim break and time to grab food or a drink
• Sea caves and Maltese coastline views on the way back, with a chance for the green flash

Getting Oriented: Where This Malta Sunset Cruise Begins

The tour starts at Bugibba Jetty (Dawret Il-Gzejjer, San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta), and it ends back at the same meeting point. That matters because you are not juggling transfers, then backtracking, then trying to find your way through unfamiliar harbors at night.

Boarding opens 30 minutes before departure and closes 5 minutes before departure. I’d treat that like a real schedule, not a loose suggestion, especially in busy seasons when you want your chosen spot on deck.

This is a catamaran style cruise with onboard facilities. You can expect a straightforward flow: board, cruise to Comino, swim, then settle in for the return as the sun drops.

The Boat Ride Mood: Catamaran Comfort + Built-In Fun

The best part of a short sunset cruise is what you get in between water time. Here, the in-between is actually enjoyable, not wasted.

You’ll have padded sun loungers and access to the boat’s catamaran facilities. There are also waterslides, which is exactly the kind of low-effort fun that keeps everyone happy, even if you are not the main swimmer in the group.

On board, you can buy food and drinks (so it’s not a full meal plan). If you prefer your own snacks or water, plan to bring some along, because you’ll likely want fuel before you hit swim time.

Also note the practical detail: lockers are available for hire for €2.00. If you bring a small day bag, you may want to decide up front whether it’s worth paying for a secure spot while you’re in the water.

Stop 1, Bugibba Jetty: A Smooth Start Before the Comino Rush

From Bugibba Jetty, you are basically stepping into your afternoon-to-evening plan. Since sunset timing is the whole point, arriving early helps your first 30 minutes feel calm instead of rushed.

I like this start because it is easy to reach without a complicated route. The tour notes that the meeting point is near public transportation, so you can keep your logistics simple, even if you are staying in Valletta or along the main tourist strip.

Once you’re on board, there’s a simple rhythm: settle on deck, take in the coastline views, and get ready for the big swim stop.

Stop 2, Blue Lagoon: Warm Water, Clear Views, Real Swim Time

Blue Lagoon in Comino is the headline stop. You get about 2 hours, and that is long enough to do a proper swim plus a snorkel try, without turning the day into a full-on production.

The cruise operator describes the water as especially tempting at this time of day. The reason is practical: the Mediterranean sun has been warming it, so the water temperature feels close to the air. That saves you from the usual problem of stepping into cold water right when you’re excited.

This is a great choice if you want swim, splash, and snorkel in shallow, clear water. You’ll see why people come back year after year when the light hits the water and you can actually spot what’s under the surface.

How to make Blue Lagoon better (even if it’s busy)

Here’s the truth: Blue Lagoon can feel crowded in summer. One review also flagged that the lagoon can get packed with boats and people, which can affect how comfortable you feel while swimming.

Your best move is timing within your 2-hour window. If you go right in once the boat docks, you’ll have more flexibility before the surrounding chaos ramps up.

Also bring the basics that matter:

• Snorkel and goggles, if you have them
• Swim shoes, especially since one review mentioned a jellyfish sting at the Blue Lagoon
• A jacket for after you leave Comino. The reviews point out it can get chilly once the sun is down, and you will be out on open water on the way back

Even if your group just wants to float, those padded loungers on board make it easy to dry off and reset between swimming runs.

The value of “2 hours” here

Two hours sounds short, but it is the right length for most people. You’re not stuck there until everyone else is done. You still get enough time to enjoy the water and move around, then you’re back on deck for the sunset part.

Stop 3, Crystal Lagoon: Relax Mode, Sea Caves, and the Green Flash (Maybe)

After Blue Lagoon, you head to Crystal Lagoon for about 30 minutes. Think of this as a breather stop.

Crystal Lagoon is positioned for relaxing in the late afternoon. The tour even frames it as a place for a quiet drink or a bite, with an onboard kitchen and the option to buy food and drinks.

The “what am I doing here?” question, answered

With only 30 minutes, you’re not trying to do a full second Comino day. You’re using this stop to reset and enjoy the scenery.

Then comes one of the most interesting parts of the whole itinerary: on the return cruise, you’ll see sea caves and the Mediterranean coastline with sunlight glinting off Maltese cliffs. That’s the kind of scenery you can’t replicate from a beach because you’re watching it from the waterline.

And yes, there’s a myth-adjacent detail worth knowing: you might catch the legendary flash of green as the sun plunges into the sea. You’re not guaranteed it, but if you love sunsets, it’s a fun thing to watch for.

Even on a cloudy evening, the scenery still works because the boat ride gives you changing angles. One review noted that a cloudy sky reduced the sunset, but the overall experience was still enjoyable.

Sunset Return: When the Cruise Becomes the Main Event

The sunset is not an add-on here. It’s a built-in feature of the schedule, and it changes the whole vibe on the water.

One review mentioned leaving Blue Lagoon around 8:30 pm with a sunset that was among the best they’d seen. You can use that as a general indicator of how the timing feels, but always expect it to shift with the season and conditions.

This is when your comfort choices pay off. If you’re not a cold-water person, you’ll probably love that the water earlier in the afternoon was warm. Then you just need a warm layer for the deck ride back.

I also recommend your towel strategy. A couple of reviews specifically suggested bringing two towels, one for laying on and one for drying. That’s practical, and it keeps you from turning your whole day into a damp towel pile.

Onboard Facilities and On-Water Reality: What You Actually Get

This cruise includes several things that raise the value beyond a standard boat ride. You get:

• Use of all catamaran facilities
• Padded sun loungers
• Waterslides
• 2 hours at the Blue Lagoon

From a reader’s perspective, that means you are buying time and comfort, not just transport to a viewpoint. Even if the lagoon gets busy, you still have a fun boat on the ride portions.

There’s also a bar for purchased drinks, and some reviews noted that it can feel less crowded than you might expect. One person counted about 100 people on board and said it didn’t feel cramped.

At the same time, the tour states a maximum of 250 travelers. So you should assume it can get busier in peak travel times, even if your specific sailing feels manageable.

Price and Value: Why This Feels Fair at Around $36

At $36.04 per person, you’re paying for a very specific package: short cruise time, two Comino lagoon experiences, and onboard fun. For Malta, that price point is strong because you’re getting more than one water location in a single afternoon.

The big reason it feels like good value is the combination:

• Two separate lagoon experiences
• Included swimming time at Blue Lagoon
• Included boat comforts and waterslides
• Sunset return scenery, not just a transport link

If you were doing this on your own, you’d still be paying for boats, time, and likely additional transfers. Here, the structure does that work for you.

What you should plan financially for is the small stuff: food and drinks are not included. So if you want meals, you will pay extra. Also plan for €2.00 locker hire if you need it.

Who This Trip Fits Best (And Who Should Rethink It)

This cruise is a great match for:

• Families, thanks to the waterslides and catamaran facilities
• People who want a Comino highlight without committing to a full day
• Swimmers and snorkelers who like shallow clear water and short, focused water time
• Anyone whose main goal is a sunset-focused Malta experience

You might rethink it if:

• You hate crowded swimming areas. Blue Lagoon can be busy, and you will be sharing space with other boats.
• You want a longer, slower Comino stay. The itinerary is efficient by design, so it won’t feel like a full day on the islands.

Practical Tips That Make a Difference

I keep coming back to a few small steps that genuinely improve the experience.

First, bring what makes lagoon time easier: snorkel and goggles if you have them, plus swim shoes if you want extra protection. One review mentioned jellyfish, and even if that’s not guaranteed, the warning is worth respecting.

Second, pack smart for the deck. Bring a light jacket for the return ride once the sun goes down. Even if it’s warm at departure, the boat ride can feel cooler.

Third, think about your towel routine. Two towels, one for lounging and one for drying, keeps things cleaner.

Finally, treat the boarding window as real. Boarding opens 30 minutes before, closes 5 minutes before. If you show up late, you risk missing the sailing, and the tour notes that missed departures won’t be refunded.

Should You Book This Malta Blue Lagoon Sunset Cruise?

I’d book it if you want a high-value Comino afternoon that mixes real swim time with a sunset return you can actually enjoy. The included 2 hours at Blue Lagoon, the waterslides, and the comfort of the catamaran facilities make it more fun than a simple sightseeing transfer.

I wouldn’t book it if your number one priority is total quiet in the water. Blue Lagoon can be crowded, and while the boat ride helps with comfort, you can’t escape the popularity of the place.

If you fit the sweet spot, you’ll likely love it. Get there early, pack for sun and chill, and spend your Blue Lagoon time smart. Then let the return cruise do what it’s meant to do, make your Malta trip end with a view.

FAQ

How long is the afternoon sunset cruise?

It runs for about 4 hours (approx.).

How much does it cost?

The price is $36.04 per person.

Where does the cruise depart from in Malta?

It starts at Bugibba Jetty (Dawret Il-Gzejjer, San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta).

Where does the cruise end?

It ends back at the same meeting point.

What lagoons does the cruise include?

You stop at Blue Lagoon (2 hours) and Crystal Lagoon (30 minutes), plus you depart from and return via Bugibba Jetty.

Are waterslides included?

Yes. The tour includes waterslides and use of all catamaran facilities.

Is food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but you can purchase them on board.

Are lockers available?

Yes, personal item lockers for hire cost €2.00.

What language is the tour offered in?

It is offered in English.

Is this tour dependent on weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled for poor weather you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.