A Malta sunset cruise makes the Blue Lagoon feel calmer, and this one adds the right mix of views, swimming, and onboard fun. You’ll glide past St. Paul’s Island and other northern coast highlights, then spend a long golden-hour stretch at Comino’s Blue Lagoon—before heading back under the stars.

What I like most is the after-hours timing (the lagoon feels quieter than during the day) and the onboard setup: deck chairs, a full-service bar, and even a 10 meter slide once you’re in the fun zone.

The main thing to consider is logistics. You’ll need to arrive early to check in on time, and the Blue Lagoon now requires a QR code time-slot access pass that you must sort ahead of your visit.

Key things to know before you go

• Quiet Blue Lagoon vibe at sunset: you get a real chance to swim and relax without the daytime crush
• Long water time: scheduled Blue Lagoon stop runs 18:15–20:30
• Onboard fun in transit: deck chairs, slides, and a full-service bar (plus food available to buy)
• Photo stops that keep the cruise interesting: St. Paul’s Island and Coral Lagoon along the route
• Easy to miss your slot if you’re late: check-in closes before departure and the boat won’t wait
• Bring cash for extras: lockers cost extra, and drinks/food aren’t included

Why this Malta sunset cruise feels worth your time

If you picture the Blue Lagoon as a daytime postcard, this tour changes the mood. The boat gets you there late enough that the water is still beautiful, but the energy on the island is usually less intense than what you’ll see earlier in the day. That’s the real value: you’re not just going to Comino—you’re going at the moment when the whole area feels more relaxed.

I also like how the cruise isn’t just “ride there, swim, done.” You get a proper sailing experience: passing landmark coastlines, brief photo stops, and plenty of time to enjoy the deck while the sky shifts toward sunset. The result is a mix that works for couples and friends—one part sightseeing, one part “sit back and float,” and one part adrenaline with that 10 meter slide when you’re ready for it.

Price and what you’re actually paying for

The price is listed at $34 per person, and that matters less than what’s included. You’re paying for a 4-hour-style outing that gives you:

• the boat cruise experience
• access to onboard facilities like deck chairs and the slide

What you should plan for: drinks and food aren’t included. You can buy them onboard, and the bar is part of the vibe, but your final cost will depend on how much you drink or snack. This is also why I’d call it good value if you’re the type who likes activities rather than paying for a taxi ride + separate island plan.

If you’re budgeting, pack the essentials (swimwear and a towel) and decide in advance how many drinks you want. The unlimited boat facilities already cover the big-ticket experience elements, so you’re not locked into buying extras just to have a good time.

Getting to the boat: Hornblower Cruises and the check-in window

This tour departs from Hornblower Cruises Malta, Sirens Quay 24, Triq San Geraldu, St Pauls Bay—and you’ll find them right behind the LOA restaurant. Your check-in contact is Katherine, who is there to check you in.

Here’s the practical part that can save your evening:

• Check-in is noted for 16:40
• Check-in closes 10 minutes before departure time
• The boat won’t wait for late arrivals

Plan for traffic and roadworks. The instructions explicitly call that out, so don’t aim for “right on time.” I’d treat this like a ferry: show up early, get situated, then let the sunset happen on schedule.

The boat experience: deck chairs, full bar, and that 10 meter slide

The boat is set up for comfort and easy downtime. You can lounge on deck, use the deck chairs, and enjoy a full-service bar as the coastline rolls by. There’s also onboard food available for dinner if you want something more substantial during the evening.

The standout physical activity is the 10 meter slide. Even if you don’t ride it every time, it’s the kind of feature that turns a cruise into an event. Once you’re at the lagoon stop, the slide becomes one of those “jump in when you’re ready” options that changes the whole energy on board.

One nice touch I picked up from the experience flow: there’s a strong focus on atmosphere—music on the return journey and a “hang out” feel rather than a strict guided lecture. The cruise vibe is part of the reason people leave happy, not just because of what they saw from the water.

The sightseeing portion: St. Paul’s Island and Coral Lagoon photo moments

On the way out, you’ll get a cruise stretch (about an hour of sightseeing time) where the captain points out sights along Malta’s northern coast. You’ll also pass by several named locations, including Ghadira Bay, Coral Cove, and Ahrax Point as part of the coastal route.

You also get brief, useful breaks for photos and views:

• St. Paul’s Island: photo stop and scenic viewpoints while you pass by
• Coral Lagoon: another photo stop with coastal scenery

This portion matters because it keeps your time from feeling like dead transit. From a practical standpoint, you’re already on water—so instead of planning extra stops on land, you get the coast views for free while you move toward Comino.

Blue Lagoon stop: 18:15–20:30, QR code access, and your two choices

The Blue Lagoon stop is scheduled for 18:15 to 20:30. That timing is why this tour feels different. You’re not just arriving at peak daylight; you’re arriving with the sun lowering—when the water looks gorgeous and the crowds typically feel less overwhelming.

The QR code requirement

There’s an important update you must handle before you go. Effective 19 May 2025, the Blue Lagoon requires a QR code showing your designated time slot. To obtain your free access pass, you must visit blcomino.com for the details. Plan this early—don’t leave it until the day of.

What you can do during the lagoon time

During your Blue Lagoon stop, you can choose one of two styles:

Stay on board

• Chill on deck with the sunset changing the water
• Use onboard facilities you already paid for

Disembark and explore Comino

• Swim in the lagoon area
• Walk around and enjoy the island at a calmer evening pace

Some people want movement; others want quiet. The scheduled window is long enough that either choice works.

Bring gear—or at least be ready to swim

You should bring swimwear and a towel. A camera helps because sunsets off Comino are photo-friendly. If you have snorkeling gear, bring it too. The experience includes swimming time in very clear water, so gear can make that part more satisfying.

Comino in late light: views, caves, and an unhurried return

After the Blue Lagoon, the cruise keeps the scenery going with photo moments around Comino and additional passes of the coastal highlights you’ll recognize from the outward route. Even when you’re not on land, you’ll still feel like you’re “seeing the island,” not just “waiting for the swim.”

On the return, the mood changes in a good way. The journey back is described as relaxing, with music onboard and the chance to look at the sky as it gets properly dark. One of the best parts of this timing is that Malta’s evening darkness makes the stars more noticeable while the boat moves softly over the water.

That’s also when you might notice how the sea feels that day. The experience can be smooth, but a few notes mention it can be slightly wavy at times. If you’re sensitive to motion, it’s smart to be ready for a gentle roll even on a comfortable cruise.

Drinks and food: plan your budget and pick your favorite moment

Food and drinks aren’t included in the base price, but the bar is a major part of the fun. The full-service option means you’re not stuck with only what you brought from home. You can buy meals for dinner, and the onboard drink menu is part of the onboard personality.

One standout detail from the experience vibe: cocktails served in a pineapple are a memorable photo and a tasty reward after your swim. People describe the prices for drinks as reasonable, and they also mention that the experience doesn’t feel stingy with the bar setup.

Practical tip: bring cash (explicitly listed), and consider budgeting for at least one drink if you want the full evening atmosphere. If you’re traveling with kids or with multiple drinkers, decide in advance how you want to spend so the cost doesn’t creep up after you’re already relaxed.

Lockers and what to pack so you’re not chasing basics

You’ll likely want a place for personal items, but lockers come with conditions. Lockers are available for a charge of €2 with a €10 deposit for the key. That means you should bring some extra cash just for this potential convenience.

As for what to bring, stick to the essentials that are explicitly suggested:

• swimwear
• towel
• camera
• cash

If you love snorkeling, add your snorkeling gear. If you hate carrying things, bring a small waterproof bag. The lagoon time is the main event, so you’ll want your stuff sorted early.

Also, if you plan to swim right away, keep your towel easy to access so you’re not rummaging around in the last minutes of daylight.

Who this sunset cruise suits best (and who might want something else)

This tour works especially well for:

• couples who want a romantic sunset setting plus time to swim
• groups of friends who want both views and onboard social energy
• people who like simple plans: board the boat, watch the coast, then enjoy Comino later in the day

It may be less ideal for anyone with mobility limitations because the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. If that’s you, you’ll need a different plan that doesn’t rely on onboard movement and water access.

And if you’re expecting a long guided walking tour of Comino, you might feel it’s more of a water-focused evening. Still, the lagoon time is long enough to do a lot—swim, relax, walk if you want—without feeling rushed.

A few small details that make the difference

A lot of the success of this trip is timing and flow.

Arrive early because the schedule is real

The boat won’t delay for late arrivals. With traffic and roadworks noted, you’ll have a better evening if you treat arrival like you’re catching a flight: early beats stressed.

Use the early check-in to avoid chaos

When Katherine checks you in, get it done, then relax. That’s also where you can handle locker arrangements if you decide you need one.

Choose your deck spot early

If you like cooler deck time and want a better angle at sunset, pick a spot early in the cruise rather than waiting until everyone else is searching for views.

Let the captain’s commentary set the pace

You’ll pass multiple named places, and the captain provides commentary (English and the experience is hosted in English and Italian). A good habit: listen for the names, then snap a photo when you see the coastline match the story.

Should you book the Hornblower Malta Sunset Cruise to the Blue Lagoon?

I think you should book if you want a sunset-focused Blue Lagoon experience with real time in the water and a boat setup that doesn’t feel bare-bones. The long lagoon window (18:15–20:30), the onboard comfort, and the chance to use the 10 meter slide make it feel like more than a standard “transport to Comino.”

You might skip (or at least think twice) if you want food and drinks included in the price, or if you don’t want to deal with the QR code time-slot requirement ahead of time. Also, if you dislike motion, be aware the sea can be a bit wavy depending on conditions.

If you’re flexible and arrive early, this is one of the better ways to do Malta’s most famous water at a time when it feels like your own.

FAQ

What time is the Blue Lagoon stop?

Your scheduled stop at the Blue Lagoon is from 18:15 to 20:30.

Where do I meet the tour?

The departure point is Hornblower Cruises Malta, Sirens Quay 24, Triq San Geraldu, St Pauls Bay, right behind LOA restaurant. Katherine checks you in behind LOA.

Do I need a QR code for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Effective 19 May 2025, authorities require a QR code showing your designated time slot. You can obtain your free access pass at blcomino.com.

Are food and drinks included?

No. The boat has a full-service bar, but food and drinks are not included in the price.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, a camera, and cash.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

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

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