From St. Julian’s: Jet Ski Safari to the South of Malta

Malta’s unusual jet ski trip is not just a quick spin around St. Julian’s Bay. You ride south with a guide, pass the Valletta Grand Harbour, and continue toward Marsascala and Delimara. The route gives you open-water speed, cliff scenery, and a look at some of Malta’s best-known southern bays from sea level.

I like two things here: one jet ski per person, so you are not squeezed behind a stranger, and a safety boat that remains with the group. The small limit of six people should also keep the trip personal. The main drawback is the price, $241 per person for 90 minutes, plus a €100 cash deposit for each jet ski. Rough harbor water can also make the ride bumpy.

Key points to know before you book

• A rare southbound route: Ride from St. Julian’s past Valletta Grand Harbour, St. Thomas Bay, Delimara, and il-Ħofriet.
• Your own jet ski: Each participant receives one jet ski rather than sharing a machine.
• Safety boat support: A support boat stays with the group for the full activity.
• Small group size: The tour accepts no more than six participants.
• Strict age and health rules: Drivers must be 18 to 65, weigh no more than 130 kilograms, and be able to swim.
• Cash deposit required: Bring €100 per jet ski, paid in cash at the base.

Why this route is different from a standard jet ski ride

Many short jet ski outings stay close to the departure beach. This one uses the jet ski as a way to see Malta’s southern coast. You leave St. Julian’s at about 10:00 AM and travel along the coast toward Valletta, Marsascala, and Delimara before returning at roughly 11:30 AM.

That route matters because the view changes as you go. St. Julian’s is built up and busy, while the southern coast offers larger sea views, exposed cliffs, and bays shaped by the rock. You are not stopping for a long walking tour, but you get a fast, water-level look at several parts of Malta that would otherwise require separate land trips.

The focus is the ride itself. You should expect speed, turns, spray, and changing sea conditions rather than a slow sightseeing cruise. The guide leads the group and sets the route, so you can enjoy the scenery without having to work out where to go.

Leaving St. Julian’s and getting on the water

The meeting point is the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel, formerly called the Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort, at 8 Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ. The entrance is easy to miss if you simply walk toward the hotel, so allow extra time.

Near the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking area, look for a black iron gate. Walk through it, go down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line painted on the ground. That line leads to the jetty, where the boats and jet skis are kept.

Arrive 15 to 20 minutes before departure. You will need time for the safety briefing, equipment, and document checks. Bring a passport or identity card. If you arrive without the required identification, you can lose the booking without a refund.

You receive a life jacket, and fuel is included. Comfortable clothes and swimwear make sense because spray is part of the experience. Bring a towel, and wear proper comfortable shoes. Sandals and flip-flops are not allowed, which is worth knowing before you leave your hotel.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. St. Julian’s is the practical base for this outing, but you must arrange your own way to the marina and back.

Riding past Valletta Grand Harbour

The first major sight on the southbound route is Valletta Grand Harbour. From a jet ski, you see the harbor from a different angle than you do from the streets above. Valletta’s fortified setting and the broad sweep of the water become part of the ride rather than a separate city visit.

This section also shows why the guide and safety boat matter. Harbor waters can be active, and the surface may not be flat. One participant described having a great time despite rough conditions around the harbor. That is useful advice: do not assume a calm, glassy ride simply because the weather looks pleasant from shore.

The ride past the harbor is not a narrated city tour. You will get the main views while moving with the group. If you want detailed explanations of Valletta’s fortifications or port history, book a dedicated harbor cruise or walking tour on another day.

St. Thomas Bay and Marsascala

The route continues toward St. Thomas Bay in Marsascala. This part of the trip shifts the mood from Malta’s main harbor to a more open coastal setting. From the water, the bay and the surrounding rock formations give you a clearer sense of how the coast is shaped.

The jet ski allows you to cover more distance than a beach-based activity. You can see the coast recede behind you and approach the next bay at speed. That movement is the point. You are not simply sitting on a boat while someone else handles the view.

Still, remember that a 90-minute tour must balance distance, safety, and return time. The exact pace can change with sea conditions and the group’s ability. You should not expect long swimming stops or a full visit ashore at every location. The supplied details promise a guided ride around these places, not a beach day.

Delimara and the two bays of il-Ħofriet

The southern highlight is Delimara, including il-Ħofriet, two bays connected by a natural passage cut through the cliffs. This is one of the more distinctive parts of the route. You see the coast from below, where the gap between the bays and the rock walls are easier to appreciate.

The name refers to two separate bays linked by a natural opening formed through erosion. On a jet ski, you can approach this coastal feature from the water and take in the shape of the cliffs without committing to a long hike.

This is where the trip offers its best contrast with St. Julian’s. You start among hotels, marinas, and developed waterfront areas, then reach a more exposed southern coast. The sea, rock, and open views take over. The ride remains active, though, so the scenery arrives in quick pieces rather than as a long, quiet lookout.

If you are hoping to stop and swim, ask the guide what the day’s route allows. The details confirm the southern route and the coastal sights, but they do not promise a dedicated swim stop. Plan on a sightseeing ride with adventure as the main purpose.

What the jet ski experience feels like

You get one jet ski per person, which gives you control over your own ride. Beginners are accepted, and an experienced instructor leads the activity. You do not need to be an expert, but you do need to follow the guide’s directions and handle the machine responsibly.

The most enjoyable part is the change in pace. You can move steadily along the coast, then enjoy the rush of speed when conditions and the guide allow. The ride is described as smooth when underway, but smooth does not mean gentle. Water spray, wind, and wake can make the experience physically demanding.

One useful detail from the strongest personal account is the guide’s name: Harry. He was praised for being fun and energetic and for keeping the mood light. Guide quality matters on an activity like this. A clear instructor helps a first-time rider feel more at ease, while an experienced rider can enjoy the route without the group becoming disorganized.

The group limit is six participants. That is small enough for the guide to keep an eye on the riders and for the safety boat to remain close. It also means the minimum booking rule matters: at least two participants are needed for the trip to run.

Safety, insurance, and the €100 deposit

A safety boat stays with the group throughout the activity. This is a meaningful benefit, not just a line on the equipment list. You are riding away from the base, so having a support boat nearby adds reassurance if someone has trouble or the conditions change.

Life jackets, fuel, and fully comprehensive insurance are included. However, insurance does not mean you can ignore the financial conditions. You must pay a refundable €100 security deposit for each jet ski at the base, and it must be paid in cash. Credit and debit cards are not accepted for this deposit.

The insurance wording also includes an excess fee. If a jet ski is damaged, lost, or involved in an accident, you are liable for the insurance excess rather than automatically paying the full value of the machine. Before riding, I would ask the staff to explain the excess and the conditions for returning the deposit. That is a sensible step whenever you operate expensive equipment on open water.

Do not drink alcohol before the activity. Alcohol, drugs, and alcoholic drinks in the vehicle are not allowed. Bring cash for the deposit, and keep your identity document with you.

Who should and should not book this ride

This trip suits an adult who wants an active coastal experience and is comfortable with speed and sea spray. It is especially appealing if you have already seen Valletta from land and want a different view of the harbor and the southern coast.

You should be at least 18 years old. Drivers must present a valid passport or identity card, and the activity is not suitable for children under 18. There is also a maximum age of 65 and a maximum weight of 130 kilograms.

The activity is not suitable for:

• Non-swimmers
• Pregnant women
• People with back or heart problems
• People with mobility impairments
• Wheelchair users
• People prone to motion sickness
• Anyone under 18 or over 65
• Anyone weighing more than 130 kilograms

These limits are important because the ride involves physical movement and open water. If you regularly suffer from motion sickness, take prevention seriously or choose a calmer boat excursion. The supplied information specifically advises bringing motion sickness prevention.

Is $241 good value for 90 minutes?

At $241 per person, this is an expensive short activity. You are paying for a guided route, your own jet ski, fuel, safety equipment, a support boat, and insurance. The price makes more sense if you specifically want to drive a jet ski and see the southern coast in a small group.

The value is weaker if you mainly want to admire Malta from the water. A boat trip may offer more time, more comfort, and a lower cost per hour. This activity asks you to pay for the driving experience, not just the views.

The 90-minute length has one advantage: it fits neatly into a morning. You can ride from 10:00 to about 11:30 without giving up a full day of sightseeing. It also limits the physical strain compared with a much longer water activity.

For two people who want a memorable shared adventure, the cost may feel justified. For a larger family group, the age limits and price can make it less practical. Remember that the €100 deposit is separate from the tour price, though it is refundable under the stated conditions.

Practical preparation for the morning

Wear swimwear under comfortable clothes and bring a towel. Proper shoes are required, so leave the flip-flops at the hotel. Keep cash available for the deposit and bring your passport or identity card.

I would avoid carrying anything loose or valuable unless the operator gives you a secure place for it. The provided information does not promise storage facilities, so pack lightly and ask at the base about belongings.

Arrive early enough to find the black gate and walk down to the jetty without rushing. The route from the parking entrance is simple once you see the yellow line, but the meeting point is not a standard hotel lobby check-in.

The activity is conducted in English. If you need another language, do not assume it is available. The booking information identifies English as the tour language.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your Malta schedule depends on weather or other plans. Sea conditions still matter on the day, so keep some flexibility in your morning.

Should you book the St. Julian’s jet ski safari?

Book it if you want active sightseeing, your budget allows a high price for 90 minutes, and you meet the age, health, swimming, and weight requirements. The southbound route is the strongest reason to choose this experience over a short ride near the marina. Valletta Grand Harbour, St. Thomas Bay, Delimara, and il-Ħofriet give the outing real geographic range.

I would be more cautious if you dislike rough water, get motion sick, or want a relaxed cruise with plenty of time for photographs. You should also be comfortable bringing €100 cash per machine and accepting responsibility for the insurance excess.

For a confident adult who wants speed, sea views, and a small group led by an energetic guide such as Harry, this is a focused and memorable way to see Malta from the water. Just treat it as a serious motorized-water activity, not a gentle sightseeing boat ride.

FAQ

How long does the jet ski safari last?

The activity lasts 1.5 hours, or 90 minutes. Departure is scheduled for about 10:00 AM, with return to the St. Julian’s base at approximately 11:30 AM.

Where does the jet ski safari depart from?

It departs from the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel at 8 Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ in St. Julian’s. Enter through the black iron gate near the underground parking entrance, follow the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line to the jetty.

What places will I see from the jet ski?

The route includes Valletta Grand Harbour, St. Thomas Bay in Marsascala, Delimara, and il-Ħofriet, two bays connected by a natural passage through the cliffs.

Is a safety boat included?

Yes. A safety boat remains with the group throughout the activity. Life jackets, fuel, and fully comprehensive insurance are also included.

How old do I need to be?

You must be at least 18 years old to participate and drive. The activity is not suitable for anyone under 18 or over 65, and drivers must show a valid passport or identity card.

How much is the security deposit?

You must pay a refundable €100 cash deposit for each jet ski at the base. Credit and debit cards are not accepted for the deposit.