Malta: Sunset Cruise to Blue Lagoon and Caves

The best part of this four-hour sunset cruise is the timing. You reach Comino after the harshest heat has eased, spend two hours at Blue Lagoon, and watch the water and sky change color before sailing back. It is a calmer alternative to the packed daytime boat trips.

I like the reasonable $35 price and the relaxed family-run feel led by Captain Owen. I also like that the boat does more than rush straight to the lagoon, passing St. Paul’s Island, Crystal Lagoon, and Santa Maria Caves along the way. The main consideration is that the late light is lovely for swimming and photos, but it is not the best time for detailed snorkeling.

Key points at a glance

• Two hours at Blue Lagoon: Plenty of time for a swim, a little snorkeling, drying off, and sunset watching.
• A quieter evening setting: The late departure helps you avoid much of the daytime heat and the busiest hours at Comino.
• Captain Owen and a friendly crew: The crew gives information along the route and keeps the mood easygoing, with music that is not too loud.
• More than a direct transfer: You pass St. Paul’s Island and Crystal Lagoon, then see Santa Maria Caves on the return.
• Useful boat facilities: Expect shaded and sunny deck space, a toilet, shower by the side ladder, snorkeling gear, and a swimming platform.
• Good value with a few extras: The $35 fare includes the cruise and Blue Lagoon stop, while food and drinks cost extra.

Why the evening timing works so well

Blue Lagoon is famous for its clear turquoise water, but fame brings crowds. In the middle of the day, the heat can be strong and the shoreline can feel much less restful. This trip reaches Comino in the early evening, when the sun is lower and the water has had all day to warm up.

That timing gives you a better balance. You can swim without spending an entire day at sea, then sit back and watch the sunset from the boat or shore. The lagoon is still a popular place, so you should not expect complete solitude, but the evening setting is designed to feel less hectic than a daytime visit.

I would choose this cruise for a first visit to Malta if you want a taste of Comino without giving up a whole day. Four hours is long enough to enjoy the main stop, yet short enough to fit around dinner plans or a final evening in the north of Malta.

Leaving Bugibba and passing St. Paul’s Island

You meet the Seahorse Cruises boat at Bugibba Jetty and should arrive 15 minutes before departure. Look for the sailboat marked Seahorse Cruises. The cruise begins with about an hour of scenic sailing, so this is not simply a boat ride to a swimming stop.

As you leave Bugibba, you have time to settle on the shaded deck or claim a place in the sun. The boat has space to move around, and the atmosphere is meant to be easy rather than loud or party-focused. The crew provides information in English and Italian, and Captain Owen is frequently singled out for his friendly, welcoming manner.

The route passes St. Paul’s Island, giving you a first look at Malta from the water. This part is best treated as a gentle introduction rather than a formal sightseeing tour with long stops. Keep your camera ready, but also expect the boat to keep moving.

The boat’s size is part of the appeal. It is large enough to offer a toilet, deck space, and useful swimming facilities, yet the experience does not sound built around packing as many people as possible onto the boat. Exact capacity is not provided, so conditions can vary by departure, but the evening sailing is generally described as comfortable and not overly crowded.

Crystal Lagoon: a scenic pause before the main stop

The cruise passes Crystal Lagoon, with about ten minutes for photographs, views, and a close look at the coast around Comino. This is a short stop, not a second two-hour swim.

Crystal Lagoon is valuable because it adds variety to the outing. Blue Lagoon is the main event, but this brief pause helps you see the island’s rocky shoreline and clear water from a different angle. If you want a photograph of the boat against the cliffs or a quick coastal view, this is a good moment.

Keep your expectations in check. Ten minutes passes quickly, and the schedule does not promise a long visit ashore. Think of Crystal Lagoon as a scenic punctuation mark on the way to Blue Lagoon, not a separate beach day.

Two hours at Blue Lagoon for swimming and sunset

You get roughly two hours at Blue Lagoon, which is the heart of the trip. You can swim from the boat, use the diving platform, climb down the side ladder, or spend time onshore if you choose to step onto Comino.

The boat anchors away from some of the busiest areas, allowing you to swim in the famous water without being right in the thick of the shore crowds. That does not mean the lagoon is empty, but it gives you a more comfortable base. You can return to the boat, sit in the shade, use the sun deck, or simply dry off while the light changes.

The swimming facilities are practical. A side ladder makes getting in and out easier, and a shower near the ladder helps rinse off salt water. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and gear. Still, the late afternoon and evening light means this outing is better for a refreshing swim than for studying underwater details.

Bring a towel and comfortable clothes. Wear shoes that are easy to manage around the boat and shore. You will also want a camera, though protect it carefully around the water. Cash is useful for purchases onboard or at food trucks on the island.

From May 1, 2025, Malta requires a free QR code if you want to step onto Comino at Blue Lagoon. For this cruise, book the 18:00 to 22:00 slot. No QR code is needed if you remain on the boat at Blue Lagoon. This rule matters, so check your plans before departure rather than assuming the boat fare covers access to the island.

Sunset from the deck, shore, or water

The sunset is the emotional high point of the cruise. You can watch from the boat, sit near the lagoon, or enjoy the changing sky while drying off after a swim. The exact colors and timing depend on the season and weather, but the late departure gives the scenery a softer look than a bright midday crossing.

I especially like the flexibility here. You are not forced into one activity. Swimmers can use the full two-hour stop, while anyone who prefers a quiet evening can stay onboard with a drink, listen to the music, and watch the coast slide past.

The boat has a fully stocked bar, with food and drinks available to buy. These are not included in the $35 price, so budget for them separately. Prices have been described as reasonable, but the exact menu and cost are not specified. One useful detail is that some passengers brought their own refreshments, and the crew did not appear to object, though you should confirm the current policy when booking.

On the return, the crew may offer a simple refreshment such as sliced melon. This is a small touch, but it fits the easygoing character of the trip after swimming in the sea.

Santa Maria Caves on the way back

The route back includes a pass by Santa Maria Caves, with around ten minutes for sightseeing and scenic views. This gives you one more look at Comino before the boat turns toward Bugibba.

The caves are best appreciated from the water. You will not be getting out for a long cave walk, and the stop is brief, so do not treat it as an underground exploration. Instead, it is a chance to see the rock formations from a moving boat, take photographs, and hear more about the area from the crew.

This return route is one of the better reasons to choose this trip over a simple transfer to Blue Lagoon. You get a more rounded look at Comino, with coastal scenery both before and after the swim. After sunset, the ride back can feel especially peaceful, though anyone prone to seasickness should take that possibility seriously. One person still had a good time despite feeling seasick, but the boat is on open water for much of the outing.

The boat, crew, and onboard comfort

Seahorse Cruises Malta presents this as a family-run operation, and the crew’s personal approach is a major part of the experience. Captain Owen is repeatedly praised for being welcoming and informative, while Liam and the wider crew are described as friendly and attentive.

The tone is relaxed rather than formal. You can expect explanations about the route, a friendly atmosphere, and music kept at a reasonable volume. That matters if you want a sunset cruise rather than a loud party boat.

The facilities cover the basics well:

• Shaded deck for escaping the sun
• Sun deck for open-air views
• Toilet
• Shower near the side ladder
• Swimming platform
• Side ladder
• Snorkeling equipment

The boat does not replace a beach resort. There is no included meal, and the cruise schedule leaves limited time for lingering onshore. Oversize luggage is not allowed, so bring only what you need for the evening.

Is $35 good value for four hours?

At $35 per person, I consider this a strong-value outing for Malta. The price includes a four-hour cruise, the two-hour Blue Lagoon stop, the cave route, snorkeling equipment, and use of the boat’s basic facilities. You also get the sunset setting, which is the main reason to choose this departure over a cheaper-feeling daytime transfer.

The value is strongest if you plan to swim. You get enough time to enter the water more than once, dry off, and enjoy the scenery without paying for a full-day boat trip. The price is less compelling if you dislike swimming or want a detailed cave tour, since the sightseeing stops at Crystal Lagoon and Santa Maria Caves are short.

Food and drinks cost extra, so the final amount depends on what you buy. The bar is available, and food trucks may be available at the island stop. Bring cash, especially if you want flexibility.

Who should book this sunset cruise?

I would recommend it to couples, families, and solo visitors who want a scenic evening with a real chance to swim. It also suits anyone staying near Bugibba who wants a straightforward trip to Comino without committing a full day.

Families should appreciate the choice between swimming and staying on deck, along with the toilet and shower. Strong swimmers can use the platform and open water, while less confident swimmers can remain onboard or use the ladder at their own pace.

This is not the best fit if you need a long visit on land, want extensive snorkeling in full daylight, or prefer a tightly structured cultural tour. It is also wise to reconsider if you are highly sensitive to motion on the sea. Weather can change the route or cancel the cruise, so keep some flexibility in your plans.

The cruise has a 4.9 rating from 74 reviews, and 94 percent of guests gave the transport a perfect score. Those figures point to a consistently well-liked experience, but the practical details matter more: the departure time, swimming focus, and short scenic stops should match what you want.

Final verdict: a smart way to see Blue Lagoon

You should book this cruise if you want Blue Lagoon at its most pleasant time of day, with enough swimming time and a friendly crew. Captain Owen, the comfortable boat, the cave route, and the $35 price make it a particularly sensible choice for a relaxed evening.

Skip it if your main goal is detailed snorkeling, a long stay ashore, or a full-day exploration of Malta’s islands. For everyone else, this is a simple, good-value way to see Comino, cool off in clear water, and finish the day with a sunset at sea.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available start time, arrive 15 minutes early at Bugibba Jetty, and secure the required Blue Lagoon QR code if you plan to step onto Comino.

FAQ

How long is the Malta sunset cruise?

The cruise lasts four hours, including the sailing from Bugibba, the Blue Lagoon stop, and the return trip past Santa Maria Caves.

How much time do I get at Blue Lagoon?

You get two hours at Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, relaxing onboard, or spending time on the island.

Does the cruise include food and drinks?

No. Food and drinks are available to purchase onboard, and food trucks may be available at the island stop.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included with the cruise.

Is a QR code required for Blue Lagoon?

From May 1, 2025, you need a free QR code to step onto Comino at Blue Lagoon. For this cruise, book the 18:00 to 22:00 slot. You do not need a QR code if you stay on the boat.

Where does the cruise depart?

The cruise departs from Bugibba Jetty. Look for the Seahorse Cruises sailboat and arrive 15 minutes before departure.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in English and Italian.