Malta: Blue Lagoon Evening Swim & Snorkel Boat Cruise

REVIEW · ST PAUL S BAY

Malta: Blue Lagoon Evening Swim & Snorkel Boat Cruise

  • 4.924 reviews
  • 4 hours
  • From $35
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Operated by Seahorse Cruises Malta · Bookable on GetYourGuide

Golden-hour water at Comino beats the daytime crowd. On Seahorse Cruises, you get sunset views and a 2-hour window to swim and snorkel, anchored off the beach so you can cool off without the heat. The one thing to watch is the QR code rule: you need it to step onto Blue Lagoon during the 18:00–22:00 slot, though staying on the boat avoids the requirement.

You leave Bugibba Jetty in the early evening and cruise out for about 4 hours total, with a short stop for scenic photos plus time to relax on a boat that has both shade and sun.

Key Highlights You’ll Feel on the Day

Malta: Blue Lagoon Evening Swim & Snorkel Boat Cruise - Key Highlights You’ll Feel on the Day

  • 2 hours at Blue Lagoon with time to swim, snorkel, or just chill
  • Evening timing that helps you dodge the worst heat and daytime crowds
  • Snorkeling gear + easy water access (side ladder and a platform for getting in)
  • Caves and rock formations along Comino’s coast, framed by orange sunset light
  • A quick photo stop at Crystal Lagoon so you still get those classic postcard colors
  • Small-boat feel with attentive crew and a relaxed pace (captain and crew keep things friendly)

Evening Blue Lagoon, Done the Smart Way

Malta: Blue Lagoon Evening Swim & Snorkel Boat Cruise - Evening Blue Lagoon, Done the Smart Way
The Blue Lagoon is famous for a reason, but daytime can feel like a nonstop parade: hot sun, loud crowds, and everyone trying to cram in the same photo. This evening cruise is built to flip that script. You’re out when the light turns soft and the water still looks dramatic, while the schedule gives you enough time to actually enjoy the lagoon instead of rushing through it.

You get two big “quality of time” wins. First, you have a real swim window of 2 hours at Blue Lagoon, not just a quick drop-and-go. Second, the cruise includes a proper sightseeing portion before and after the lagoon, so the boat ride itself feels like part of the experience, not dead time.

The other smart move is where the boat sits once you’re there. It anchors away from the most crowded areas, which means you can swim in turquoise water without feeling like you’re sharing your space with the entire island’s vacation photos.

You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in St Paul S Bay

Getting There: Bugibba Jetty to Comino Without the Stress

Malta: Blue Lagoon Evening Swim & Snorkel Boat Cruise - Getting There: Bugibba Jetty to Comino Without the Stress
The day starts at Bugibba Jetty. Head there early enough to find the right boat, then look for the sailboat called Seahorse Cruises. The whole experience is designed around an easy check-in and a straightforward departure. English and Italian are used by the crew/host, so you won’t feel lost if you have a question.

Once you’re underway, you’ll enjoy about 1 hour of sightseeing cruising. You’ll pass by St. Paul’s Island on the way out, and the vibe is relaxed: you’re on the water, you’re moving, and you’re not stuck in a line somewhere waiting for a beach slot.

This matters more than you might think. On the water, you get angles you don’t get from land—wide views of Comino’s coast and those cave-like rock features that become part of the background once the sun starts lowering. If you’re the type of traveler who likes the “journey” as much as the destination, this first cruise stretch is where you start feeling the trip working.

The Crystal Lagoon Photo Stop: Short, Scenic, Worth It

Malta: Blue Lagoon Evening Swim & Snorkel Boat Cruise - The Crystal Lagoon Photo Stop: Short, Scenic, Worth It
Between the main cruise and Blue Lagoon time, there’s a 10-minute stop at Crystal Lagoon. It’s a quick photo and look-around moment—enough to snap pictures and see the water color in motion, but not so long that you lose your rhythm before the main swim time.

Here’s how I’d use those 10 minutes if you want the best results:

  • Bring your camera and be ready to shoot quickly.
  • Take a couple wider shots first, then get close-ups of the water texture.
  • Don’t burn time searching for the perfect spot. The point is the color and the light, which you’ll get quickly.

This stop is basically your “preview” of the water quality you’re going to feel at Blue Lagoon. If you’re excited to snorkel, it also helps you get mentally ready for clear, shallow-looking areas.

Blue Lagoon Swim and Snorkel: The 2-Hour Sweet Spot

The main event is the 2-hour stop at Blue Lagoon. This is where the cruise becomes more than a view—it turns into active time in the water.

You have a few options during those two hours:

  • Swim in the clear turquoise water
  • Snorkel using the equipment provided
  • Sit on the sand if you step off the boat (and yes, that’s where the QR code rule comes in)
  • Or simply relax on-board while the light shifts toward sunset

A few practical details make this smoother. The boat includes toilets and showers, plus a shaded deck and a sun deck, so you can bounce between comfort and adventure. And when it’s time to get in and out, you’ve got a side ladder and a platform that makes water access easier than you’d expect for a small cruise.

The QR code thing (important)

Starting 1 May 2025, you need a free QR code to step onto Comino’s Blue Lagoon for the 18:00–22:00 time window. If you stay on the boat during the Blue Lagoon portion, you do not need a QR code.

So here’s the decision you’ll want to make before you get on the boat:

  • If you want sand time and beach access, plan to get the QR code for the correct time slot.
  • If you’re happy with a swim from the boat and snorkeling around, you can keep things simpler.

Either way, you still get the iconic water and sunset views.

You can also read our reviews of more evening experiences in St Paul S Bay

How crowded will it feel?

You’ll be anchored away from the worst crowds, so the water time feels calmer than the day-beach scene. You’ll still see other boats in the general area, but the cruise pacing and anchoring approach are clearly aimed at avoiding that “everyone jostling for the same spot” feeling.

Sunset Caves and Rock Formations: What You’ll Remember

Even if you’re not a hardcore photographer, Comino’s coast comes alive in evening light. As the sun lowers, the rock formations and cave-like features get that bright orange glow, and the whole shoreline starts looking more dramatic and less flat.

This is also where the boat cruising component earns its place. You’re not only at the lagoon—you’re moving around Comino’s edges before and after your swim time. That means you get changing angles:

  • wide views as you cruise
  • closer shoreline views while you’re still near Comino
  • the lagoon experience itself, with reflections on the water

When the sun starts painting the caves orange, the experience shifts from “pretty beach” to “this feels cinematic.” And because you’re not dealing with midday heat, you can actually enjoy that moment instead of spending it swatting sweat.

Onboard Comfort: The Small Stuff That Makes a Big Difference

A lot of boat tours sell you on the views and the swim. What keeps you comfortable is the stuff you only notice when it’s actually hot, windy, or you need a quick reset.

On this cruise, the included comforts are real:

  • Toilets onboard
  • Showers onboard
  • Shaded deck for breaks
  • Sun deck when you want the warmth
  • Snorkeling equipment included
  • Side ladder and a platform for getting in and out easily

Food and drinks aren’t included, but you can purchase them. I like that approach because it keeps the ticket price focused on the core experience. Just plan to bring cash for purchases, since cash is specifically listed as something to bring.

If you’re planning to snorkel, wear beachwear you can manage easily and bring your towel. Then after your swim, you’ll appreciate having showers onboard instead of needing to improvise rinsing in saltwater conditions.

What You Pay for: $35 and Why It’s Fair

Malta: Blue Lagoon Evening Swim & Snorkel Boat Cruise - What You Pay for: $35 and Why It’s Fair
At $35 per person for about 4 hours, you’re buying more than a ride. You’re getting:

  • round-trip boat cruise
  • a 2-hour Blue Lagoon stop
  • snorkeling equipment
  • time on the water that includes sightseeing portions on both sides of the main lagoon visit
  • onboard toilets and showers
  • shade and sun options

This is the kind of pricing that tends to work best when you look at “cost per usable time.” Two hours in the Blue Lagoon is the core value. The cruise portion is the bonus that keeps the day from feeling like a quick dash.

You’ll also notice what isn’t included: food and drinks. That’s normal, and it means the tour stays lower-cost while still giving you options once you’re on board. If you’re trying to keep the trip budget-friendly, you can eat before you go and treat purchases as optional.

Who This Cruise Fits Best (And Who Might Want Another Option)

This is a great match if you:

  • want a sunset experience instead of a midday rush
  • like swimming and want snorkeling gear without arranging rentals
  • prefer a calmer water time with anchoring away from the busiest areas
  • enjoy views from the water, not just from a shoreline

It’s not a good match if you have mobility impairments, since it’s listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Also, keep luggage expectations realistic: no luggage or large bags are allowed.

If you’re a light packer with a towel, beachwear, camera, and comfortable shoes, you’ll be fine. If you’re traveling with more gear than that, plan to leave extra bags behind so you don’t lose time dealing with it.

Final Call: Should You Book This Blue Lagoon Evening Swim?

I’d book it if your goal is simple: clear-water swimming with Comino sunset views, in a schedule that feels relaxed and not sweaty-stressful. The combination of a true 2-hour lagoon window, snorkeling equipment included, and onboard basics like showers and toilets makes it feel practical, not just pretty.

You should think twice if you specifically want to step onto the beach at Blue Lagoon but don’t want to deal with planning for the 18:00–22:00 QR code. In that case, you can still enjoy the water from the boat, but you’ll want to be honest with yourself about what you’re hoping to do once you arrive.

If you want the classic Blue Lagoon look without the worst of the daytime crowd pressure, this evening cruise is one of the better ways to do it from Bugibba.

FAQ

How long is the Malta Blue Lagoon Evening Swim & Snorkel cruise?

It lasts about 4 hours total.

Where do you depart from, and how do you find the boat?

You depart from Bugibba Jetty. Look for the sailboat called Seahorse Cruises.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with toilets and showers onboard, plus a side ladder and a platform for getting in and out.

Do I need a QR code to step onto Blue Lagoon?

Yes, a free QR code is required to step foot onto Comino’s Blue Lagoon for the 18:00–22:00 time slot. No QR code is needed if you stay on the boat during the Blue Lagoon stop.

What should I bring, and is luggage allowed?

Bring comfortable shoes, a towel, beachwear, a camera, and cash. Luggage or large bags are not allowed.

What if the weather is bad?

The cruise can be canceled or altered due to weather conditions.

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