Bugibba: Scenic Sunset Cruise with Blue Lagoon Swim Stop

Malta’s famous Blue Lagoon takes on a different mood at sunset. This 3.5-hour cruise from Bugibba combines a swim stop at Comino with reggae music, open-sea views, and a slow ride back beneath the moon.

I like the easygoing pace, and I like that Captain Matthew keeps you informed during the trip. The chance to swim at the lagoon with fewer daytime crowds and then watch the sunset from the boat gives this outing a nice rhythm.

The main drawback is the fixed departure. Boarding closes at 5:25 pm, and the boat leaves at 5:30 pm sharp, so arriving late means missing the cruise. The activity is also not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Key Points

• Sunset swim at Blue Lagoon: Enjoy a refreshing stop at Comino as the evening light softens the famous waters.
• Reggae soundtrack: Old and new reggae hits create a casual, social mood rather than a formal sightseeing trip.
• Captain Matthew at the helm: The captain and crew greet you at Bugibba Jetty and keep you informed along the route.
• Moonlit return to Bugibba: The cruise back passes Mellieha while the sea and sky take on a darker, quieter look.
• Good value at $28: The price covers the boat trip, restroom, WiFi, and safety equipment, while drinks and snorkel gear cost extra.
• Bring cash and swim gear: Pack swimwear, a towel, beachwear, sunglasses, and cash for onboard purchases or a snorkel rental deposit.

Why This Sunset Cruise Works So Well

The appeal is simple. You leave Bugibba in the late afternoon, head north along Malta’s coast, stop at Comino’s Blue Lagoon, and return after dark. The route gives you several views of Malta in one evening, with music and time on the water tying it together.

This is not a fast sightseeing boat designed to tick off landmarks. It is a relaxed evening outing. You can swim, sit back with a beer or wine, listen to reggae, and watch the sky change color. That makes it a useful choice when you want something scenic without filling your evening with a packed schedule.

I also like the mix of activity levels. You can get into the water at the Blue Lagoon, or remain on board and enjoy the view. Families, couples, and groups of friends can all use the evening differently without splitting up.

At $28 per person, the cruise offers fair value for a 3.5-hour boat trip to Comino. The price is especially reasonable if you plan to swim and stay for the sunset. Food and drinks are not included, though they are available to buy on board, and masks and snorkels require a rental fee plus a cash deposit.

Boarding at Bugibba Jetty

The practical part matters here. Boarding begins at 5:15 pm and closes at 5:25 pm. The boat departs at 5:30 pm sharp, so you should allow enough time to find Bugibba Jetty and locate the Mermaid Cruises sellers.

Look for the sellers who can direct you to the boat. You can also look for the red, blue, and white vessel named The Mermaid. Captain Matthew and the crew greet you before departure.

Do not treat the boarding window as a suggestion. A boat cannot wait for late arrivals without disrupting the route, and this cruise has a firm return schedule. Have your booking details ready, and keep your swimwear, towel, and cash easy to reach rather than buried in a large bag.

The meeting point is also the end point. That is handy if you are staying in Bugibba or planning dinner nearby after the cruise. No separate return transfer is needed.

Sailing North With Reggae on Board

Once The Mermaid leaves the jetty, the mood changes quickly. The boat cruises north along the Maltese coast while reggae music plays in the background. The soundtrack is a major part of the experience. It keeps the trip light and informal, with old and new songs setting the pace.

This is a good time to settle into the evening rather than expect constant commentary. The central pleasure is the combination of sea air, changing light, and a wide view of the coast. You can listen to the music, talk with your group, or simply watch Malta slip past.

The crew keeps you informed during the journey. That is useful on a cruise where the exact timing of the swim stop and sunset matters. You are not left guessing about what comes next.

WiFi and a restroom are available on board. Safety equipment is provided for emergency use, though you should still follow the crew’s instructions and take care around the water. Food and drinks are available for purchase, but they are not part of the ticket price, so bring cash if you want something during the ride.

The Blue Lagoon Swim Stop at Dusk

The main stop is Comino’s Blue Lagoon, one of Malta’s best-known swimming spots. The water is clear, and the setting becomes especially attractive as the sun drops lower. You can take a refreshing swim, float for a while, or stay on the boat and enjoy the view from the deck.

The timing gives this stop a useful advantage. The Blue Lagoon is famous for its daytime crowds, while an evening visit offers a quieter feel than a standard midday boat trip. It may not be empty, but the later hour can make the stop feel less hectic.

You should bring a towel and proper swimwear. Beachwear is also listed among the suggested items, which is useful if you want to change before or after swimming. Sunglasses remain worthwhile during the outward journey, when the low sun can still be bright across the water.

Masks and snorkels are available to rent, but they are not included. A cash deposit is required. If you want to look below the surface, plan for that extra step and keep enough cash with you.

The stop is not just a photo pause. You get time to enjoy the water, with the sunset above you. Still, the exact amount of swimming time can depend on the evening’s schedule and conditions, so you should not expect an unlimited stay at the lagoon.

Watching the Sunset From the Sea

The sunset is the heart of the outing. The boat gives you a broad view, with no streets, buildings, or inland obstructions blocking the horizon from the deck. That makes the sunset feel like part of the entire cruise rather than a short stop for photographs.

You might choose to watch from the boat after swimming, especially if you want to dry off and enjoy a drink. The sea and sky change gradually, so this is a good moment to slow down. The reggae music continues, but the overall mood becomes calmer as the light fades.

For couples, the timing suits a special evening without the formality of a restaurant reservation. Friends can use it as a relaxed meeting point, and families can enjoy the changing scenery without committing to a long full-day excursion.

The boat is family-friendly and open to all ages. Keep in mind that this remains a sea outing, not a sheltered indoor attraction. If someone in your group dislikes boats, swimming, or a late return, the cruise may not be the best fit.

The Moonlit Ride Back Past Mellieha

After the Blue Lagoon and sunset, The Mermaid turns back toward Bugibba. The return route passes Mellieha, giving you another coastal view in a different light. By now, the sky is darker, and the moonlight begins to reflect across the sea.

This final stretch is one of the most distinctive parts of the evening. The outward journey is about anticipation and daylight views. The return feels quieter and more atmospheric, with the sea and sky replacing the bright colors of late afternoon.

You arrive back at Bugibba Jetty at about 9:00 pm. That timing gives you a full evening experience without running deep into the night. It also makes the cruise easy to pair with a meal or a walk afterward, provided you remain near the meeting point.

The schedule is clear and useful: board at 5:15 pm, depart at 5:30 pm, and return around 9:00 pm. Check the available date and starting time when booking, since sunset changes through the year.

What the $28 Price Covers

The $28 fare is a straightforward way to reach Comino by boat and spend an evening on the water. You are paying for the cruise itself, the Blue Lagoon stop, the live English-speaking guide service, and the relaxed entertainment provided by the crew and music.

A restroom, WiFi, and safety equipment are included. Food and drinks are extra, though you can buy them on board. Snorkel masks and equipment are also extra, with a cash deposit required for rental.

The price works best for someone who values the full evening rather than only the swim. A basic trip to the lagoon might be cheaper elsewhere, but this outing adds the sunset timing, reggae atmosphere, and moonlit return. If you mainly want a long swim in bright daylight, a daytime cruise may suit you better.

Reserve now and pay later is available, which helps if your schedule is still taking shape. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Those terms are useful, but you still need to arrive on time once the day comes.

Who Should Book This Cruise

I would recommend this cruise to couples who want a casual sunset outing, friends looking for music and time at sea, and families who prefer a gentle evening activity over a demanding excursion.

It also suits people who want both a swim and a scenic boat ride. You are not forced to choose between the Blue Lagoon and the sunset. The schedule gives you a chance to enjoy the water first, then watch the evening light from the boat.

The cruise may not suit people with mobility impairments, as the activity is specifically listed as unsuitable for them. It may also disappoint anyone expecting a private boat, a formal guided tour, or a meal included in the ticket.

You should bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, beachwear, and cash. Cash matters for onboard purchases and the snorkel rental deposit. Pack light enough to move around the boat easily, and keep wet items separate after the swim.

Should You Book the Mermaid Sunset Cruise?

Book it if you want a relaxed Maltese evening built around three things: a boat ride to Comino, a swim at the Blue Lagoon, and sunset views with reggae playing in the background.

The strongest part is the pacing. You get a long ride out, a proper stop for swimming, a chance to watch the sunset from the sea, and a moonlit return past Mellieha. Captain Matthew and the crew add a useful human touch by greeting you at the jetty and keeping you informed along the way.

Skip it if you need a fully accessible activity, want food included, or prefer a short trip with lots of formal sightseeing commentary. For most people who enjoy the water and do not mind buying drinks separately, $28 is a sensible price for a memorable half-day evening on Malta’s coast.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

The cruise starts at Bugibba Jetty in Malta. Look for the Mermaid Cruises sellers or the red, blue, and white boat named The Mermaid.

What time should I arrive?

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

What time does the cruise return?

The cruise returns to Bugibba Jetty at about 9:00 pm.

How long is the activity?

The cruise lasts approximately 3.5 hours. Check availability for the starting time on your chosen date.

Who operates the cruise?

The experience is operated by Mermaid Cruises. Captain Matthew and the crew greet you at the boat.

Is the Blue Lagoon included?

Yes. The cruise sails to Comino’s Blue Lagoon, where you can enjoy a swim or stay on board.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the ticket price, but they are available to purchase on board.

Can I rent a mask and snorkel?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are available to rent. A cash deposit is required.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, beachwear, and cash.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

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