Malta: Sunset Cruise to the Blue Lagoon

The best part of this sunset cruise to the Blue Lagoon is its timing. You reach Comino after the hottest part of the day, when the light turns the water bright turquoise and many daytime boats have gone. I like the roomy boat, the lively music, and the choice between swimming from the vessel or walking onto Comino for sunset views. The second big plus is value: the $35 fare includes the cruise, deck chairs, and slide, while food and drinks onboard are priced reasonably.

The main thing to consider is the late light. You can snorkel and swim, but visibility drops as evening comes on, and the ride back can feel cool. The Blue Lagoon may also still be busy in summer, so this is a quieter alternative to a daytime trip, not a promise of having the place entirely to yourself.

Key things to know before you book

• A calmer Blue Lagoon visit: The evening slot usually brings fewer people and softer temperatures than a midday sailing.
• A proper swimming boat: You get a 10 meter slide, jumping platforms, steps into the water, deck chairs, and room to sit indoors or outside.
• A scenic northern Malta route: The boat passes St. Paul’s Island, Ghadira Bay, Coral Cove, Ahrax Point, cliffs, caves, and rocky coves.
• A social but easygoing mood: Music, a full-service bar, cocktails served in pineapples, and friendly crew make this more than a basic transfer.
• About two hours at Comino: You can swim from the boat, visit the island, take photos, or split your time between all three.
• Plan the arrival carefully: Check-in is at 16:40 at Bugibba Jetty, and you should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure because the boat will not wait.

Why sunset is the smart time to visit the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s famous sights for good reason. Its clear, cyan water sits between Comino’s pale rock and low, dry hills, making it especially striking from the upper deck of a boat. The catch is that daytime access can feel crowded, hot, and hurried.

This sailing shifts the experience into the late afternoon and evening. You cruise while the sun is still up, arrive with enough light for swimming, and stay long enough to see the water and cliffs change color. In summer, that timing also helps you avoid the strongest heat.

I like the balance. You are not committed to a formal guided walk or a packed sightseeing schedule. You can sit on a deck chair with a drink, listen to music, use the slide, or go ashore on Comino. The boat gives you a base, so you do not need to carry everything around the island.

The evening is not always empty. In June and August, the lagoon can still have plenty of people, though it is generally less crowded than during the day. If your main goal is complete solitude, this may not deliver it. If your goal is a more comfortable and photogenic visit, the timing makes strong sense.

Setting off from Bugibba Jetty

The meeting point is the newly built Bugibba Jetty on Dawret il-Gzejjer in St. Paul’s Bay. This detail matters because older directions may point you somewhere else. Look for Katherine at check-in at 16:40, and give yourself extra time.

Road traffic and construction can slow you down across Malta. One person arrived only just in time because finding the boat access was harder than expected. I would not cut this close. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure, since check-in closes 10 minutes before sailing and the boat will not delay for late arrivals.

Once onboard, you can choose between several seating styles. The upper deck has deck chairs and the best open views, while the lower area may be quieter. One useful trick is to settle in downstairs if you want a calmer seat, then move outside when the coast or sunset becomes the main event.

The boat has plenty of room to stretch out, although capacity and crowd levels vary by date. Summer departures are naturally more popular. The atmosphere is fun and social, but the layout gives you ways to step away from the music when you need a break.

St. Paul’s Island and Malta’s northern coast

The first part of the cruise is sightseeing rather than a direct run to Comino. You pass St. Paul’s Island and move along the northern coast, with views of beaches, cliffs, rock shelves, and small coves.

The captain provides commentary in English and Italian. Captain Kevin has received especially warm praise for combining useful information with a good sense of humor, and the crew regularly points out places worth photographing. The boat may slow or stop near caves and rock formations, giving you a better look than you would get from a fast ferry.

This section is valuable because it turns the transfer into part of the outing. You see stretches of Malta’s coast that are difficult to appreciate from roads, and you get time to settle into the boat before the swimming stop.

The route includes Ghadira Bay, Coral Cove, and Ahrax Point. Coral Lagoon is particularly photogenic, with steep rock and bright water. You should think of these places as scenic views and photo stops rather than full shore visits. The schedule does not give you a long walk or a full exploration at each one.

Caves, cliffs, and the approach to Comino

The boat’s size lets it get close to some coastal formations, including caves. When conditions allow, the captain may steer into or near these openings. That is one of the more memorable details of the route because it gives you a sense of Malta’s shoreline from water level.

Keep your camera ready, but protect it from spray and keep a firm grip when you are standing. The boat is steady, yet moving around while looking through a phone can still be awkward.

As Comino comes into view, the scenery becomes more open and spare. Ahrax Point and the surrounding rock show the dry, rugged character of the northern islands. The contrast between the pale stone and the bright sea is strongest in late afternoon, before the sun drops too low.

You may hear more commentary during the coastal cruise and more music as the boat settles into its relaxed evening mood. That mix works well. You get enough information to understand what you are seeing, but you are not listening to a nonstop lecture.

Two hours at the Blue Lagoon

The main stop is scheduled for about two hours at the Blue Lagoon. The boat anchors in a swimming area, and you can enter the water by steps, use the 10 meter slide, jump from a platform, or stay onboard.

The slide is free to use and is one of the cruise’s biggest draws. It is high enough to make some people nervous, especially before the first attempt, but the choice is yours. You can take the steps instead, swim from the boat, or simply enjoy the view from the deck.

The water is clearest earlier in the stop. If snorkeling matters to you, get in soon rather than waiting for the last part of the visit. Some people have seen fish, crabs, moray eels, and octopuses, but evening light can make snorkeling less rewarding. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. Equipment may be available with a deposit, but it is not included in the fare.

You may also walk onto Comino. This is a useful option for anyone in your group who does not want to swim, and it gives you higher viewpoints over the lagoon. One practical tip is to walk ashore first if you want sunset photos. Using the slide and swimming immediately can mean missing the last strong sunlight on the island.

You need a free Blue Lagoon access pass for the designated evening time slot. Since May 2025, Maltese authorities require visitors to show a QR code for their assigned period. Visit www.blcomino.com before your outing and choose the evening slot. Keep the pass available on your phone.

The official plan allows about two hours, though the time can pass quickly once you account for getting ready, walking ashore, taking photos, and returning to the boat. If swimming is your priority, get changed and organized before arrival.

Food, drinks, and the Hornblower mood

Hornblower Cruises has a full-service bar and food counter onboard. You pay separately, but the prices are a real part of the value here. Recent onboard examples include burgers around €6.50, fries around €2.50, and cocktails in the €5 to €8 range. Prices can change, so treat those figures as a guide rather than a guarantee.

The pineapple cocktails are a popular choice for a holiday photo, and nonalcoholic drinks are available. Some cocktails may taste strong or use basic spirits, so I would choose based on your expectations. The food selection includes meat-free options, and the onboard kitchen is useful if you do not want to arrange dinner before or after the cruise.

Music is central to the mood. The playlist leans toward upbeat holiday tunes on the way out, then mellower music as darkness arrives. This is not a quiet sailing, though you can usually find a calmer seat downstairs or away from the main upper-deck activity.

The crew gets involved in the fun without forcing it. They help with photos, explain safety points, and provide life jackets for less confident swimmers. You can also rent or borrow certain items with a deposit, depending on availability.

The sunset return to Bugibba

The best views often come after you leave the lagoon. As the light fades, Comino’s rocks take on warmer tones, and the water loses its midday glare. The return trip becomes a slow look back at the coast rather than another round of sightseeing stops.

Bring a light jacket or long-sleeved top. Several people found the ride home chilly, even after a warm day and a swim. Wet swimwear makes that effect stronger, so pack a towel and something dry to put on.

The return time is 20:30. That fixed schedule is helpful if you have dinner plans, but it also means you should not expect a long, open-ended evening on Comino. The cruise lasts 210 minutes, so the outing is long enough to feel substantial without taking the entire day.

The boat returns under the stars, with Malta’s lights along the shore. A sunset can never be guaranteed, especially in changing weather, but the evening setting gives you attractive views even when the sky is not perfect.

What the $35 price really includes

At $35 per person, this is a strong-value outing if you want several experiences in one booking. The fare covers the boat cruise, use of the vessel’s facilities, deck chairs, slides, and about two hours at the Blue Lagoon. You also get the coastal route and commentary rather than paying only for transport.

You still need to budget for food, drinks, and any equipment rental. Lockers cost €2 with a €10 key deposit. The Blue Lagoon access pass is free, but you must arrange it yourself online.

The value is strongest for couples, friends, and families with older children who will use the swimming features. A simple ferry may cost less, but it will not give you the slide, onboard seating, music, coastal sightseeing, or bar. A private boat would offer more space and control, but at a much higher price.

This is not the best pick for someone seeking a quiet nature trip, a serious snorkeling session, or a long island walk. It is a social boat outing with a strong swimming stop and a polished sunset setting.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this experience if you want an easy way to combine Malta’s coast, Comino, swimming, food, and sunset views. It suits people who like a relaxed party atmosphere but still want room to sit quietly for part of the ride.

It works especially well for:

• Couples who want sunset photos and a drink on deck
• Friends who want the slide, jumping platforms, music, and swimming
• Families with confident swimmers who can follow the boat’s safety guidance
• Visitors who find midday heat and crowds unpleasant
• Anyone staying near St. Paul’s Bay or able to reach Bugibba Jetty independently

You should think twice if you have a mobility impairment, since the activity is not suitable for people with mobility limitations. It is also less suitable if you dislike boats, do not want to enter the water, or need a fully quiet environment.

Practical tips for a smoother evening

• Arrive at Bugibba Jetty at least 30 minutes early. Traffic and road works can cause serious delays.
• Confirm the address as Bugibba Jetty, Dawret il-Gzejjer, St. Paul’s Bay.
• Have your free evening Blue Lagoon QR pass ready before departure.
• Bring swimwear, a towel, a camera, cash, and a light jacket.
• Get into the water early if you want the best light for snorkeling.
• Walk onto Comino before using the slide if sunset photos are your priority.
• Keep valuables in a locker if you prefer extra security. The locker requires €2 plus a €10 key deposit.
• Bring your own snorkeling gear if you already have it.
• If you want less noise, try the lower deck. If you want the best open views, head upstairs.
• Do not count on the boat waiting if you arrive late.

Should you book the Hornblower sunset cruise?

Book it if you want a good-value, active evening rather than a formal sightseeing tour. The strongest reasons are the late timing, comfortable boat, two-hour Blue Lagoon stop, friendly crew, reasonable onboard prices, and the chance to switch between swimming, island views, and lounging.

The main compromises are the fixed schedule, possible summer crowds, fading snorkeling light, and cool ride home. Bring the right gear, sort out your access pass, and arrive early. For most visitors who want to see Comino without giving up half a day in the heat, this is one of the more enjoyable ways to do it.

FAQ

Where does the sunset cruise depart from?

It departs from Bugibba Jetty on Dawret il-Gzejjer in St. Paul’s Bay.

What time should I arrive?

You should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Check-in is at 16:40 and closes 10 minutes before departure.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts 210 minutes, with a scheduled return to Bugibba Jetty at 20:30.

How long do you spend at the Blue Lagoon?

The planned stop is about two hours.

Is food included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are available onboard but cost extra.

Is the Blue Lagoon access pass included?

The access pass is free, but you must obtain your QR code through www.blcomino.com and select the evening time slot.

Can I swim from the boat?

Yes. You can use the steps, the 10 meter slide, or the jumping platforms to enter the water.

Can I walk onto Comino?

Yes. During the Blue Lagoon stop, you may remain onboard or disembark and explore the island.

Are lockers available?

Yes. Lockers cost €2 and require a €10 deposit for the key.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, a camera, and cash. A jacket or warm top is also useful for the return trip.