Malta: Jet Ski Safari to St. Paul’s Islands or St Thomas Bay

Malta’s coastline looks good from land, but it makes more sense from a jet ski. In 90 minutes, you can follow an instructor past coves, bays, and offshore islands that are difficult to reach on foot. The northern route circles St. Paul’s Islands, while the southern option heads toward St. Thomas Bay.

I like the choice of two routes, and I like that this is not just a straight-line speed run. You can weave along shorelines and stop at a cove for a swim. The small group, with no more than six participants, also keeps the outing manageable.

The main consideration is the price: $227 per group up to one person is a serious spend for 90 minutes, especially since transport, food, and drinks are not included. You also need to be 18 or older to drive, swim confidently, show valid ID, and bring a €100 cash security deposit for each jet ski.

Key points at a glance

• Two very different routes: Choose St. Paul’s Islands and the northern bays, or St. Thomas Bay and the southern coast.
• A guided ride, not a free-for-all: You must stay with the instructor throughout the safari.
• Small group size: The outing is limited to six participants, which helps the guide keep the group together.
• Cove time can break up the riding: The experience includes a photo stop and may include time to swim at a cove.
• Fuel and safety gear are included: You pay for the jet ski, fuel, equipment, and professional instruction in the listed price.
• Plan for the practical rules: Drivers must be at least 18, able to swim, free from alcohol or drugs, and ready to leave a cash deposit.

Riding Malta’s coast from St. George’s Bay

The safari starts at Sun & Fun Water Sports, reached through the black gate before Corinthia Verdi Hotel. Walk through the gate, follow the ramp down, turn left, and continue along the jetty by following the yellow line.

That meeting point matters. This is not a hotel pickup service, so you need to make your own way to St. George’s Bay. Give yourself enough time to find the gate and reach the waterfront without rushing. The instructions are specific, but the entrance is easy to miss if you are focused on the hotel rather than the black gate.

At the base, you receive safety equipment and instructions before setting out. You must read the full rules at the office, and the company can refuse to hand over a jet ski if you do not do so. That may feel formal, but it is sensible for a fast machine operating near rocky shorelines and other boats.

You stay with the instructor for the full safari. This means you are not free to choose your own route or race ahead, but it also gives the trip a clear structure. The guide controls the pace and leads the group through the route, making this a guided coastal outing rather than an independent rental.

The instructor also takes photos during the safari. That is useful because your hands are occupied while riding, and the photos give you a record of the outing without asking you to carry a phone on the jet ski.

The northern run to St. Paul’s Islands

The northern option begins from St. George’s Bay and heads toward Mellieha Bay and St. Paul’s Bay before going around St. Paul’s Islands. This route gives you a broad sample of Malta’s northern coast in a short time.

Mellieha Bay is one of the route’s useful visual markers. The shore opens up here, offering a change from the tighter waters around the starting point. St. Paul’s Bay brings another section of coastline into view before the ride heads offshore toward the islands.

Going around St. Paul’s Islands is the main reason to choose this route. From a jet ski, you can see the coast from water level and get a closer look at the separation between Malta’s shore and the small islands. The route offers the kind of access you cannot get from a normal road tour.

I would choose the northern safari if the islands are your priority, or if you want a route that combines large bays with an offshore section. You also get a good balance of riding and sightseeing, rather than spending the full 90 minutes simply traveling in one direction.

The ride is not described as a technical course, and you remain behind the instructor. That makes it approachable for someone who wants the thrill of a jet ski without having to plan a route through unfamiliar coastal waters. At the same time, confident riders should understand that the pace and movement of the group set the limits.

The southern run past Valletta Grand Harbour

The southern safari offers a different view. From St. George’s Bay, the group passes by Valletta Grand Harbour on the way to St. Thomas Bay, then continues toward two popular southern bays known as il-Hofriet.

This route is the better choice if you want to see Malta’s southern coast and take in the approach toward Valletta from the water. Passing the Grand Harbour gives the ride a strong urban and maritime setting before the coast becomes more open around St. Thomas Bay.

St. Thomas Bay is the main destination on this side of the island. The route then continues to il-Hofriet, giving you more than one bay to see before turning back. The southern safari therefore works well for someone who wants changing scenery during a short trip.

I would pick this route if your Malta plans already include time around the northern bays, or if the sight of Valletta from the sea appeals to you. The two options are not simply the same ride in different directions. The north focuses on Mellieha, St. Paul’s Bay, and St. Paul’s Islands, while the south brings in the Grand Harbour, St. Thomas Bay, and il-Hofriet.

The downside is that 90 minutes passes quickly. You get a taste of several coastal areas, not a long, leisurely stop at each one. If your main goal is extended swimming time, ask for a clear explanation of the day’s exact stop before setting off.

Why the cove stop changes the pace

One of the best features of this safari is that it is not only about holding the throttle open. A cove stop can give you a chance to swim and cool down, which makes the outing more varied than a simple jet ski rental.

That break matters in Malta’s warm sun. Riding is exciting, but the spray, wind, and glare can tire you out faster than expected. A short pause lets you enjoy the water rather than treating the coastline as scenery that flashes past.

Still, keep your expectations practical. The listed duration is 1.5 hours, and the itinerary includes riding, a guided tour, and a photo stop. The cove visit is an important part of the experience, but you should not assume it means a long beach break or a full afternoon on the water.

Bring swimwear and a towel so you are ready if swimming is included on your route. Sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and water are also useful. You should expect to get wet, and anything you bring should be secure and suitable for a water activity.

The guide-led format and small group size

The instructor is central to the experience. You follow the guide from the starting point to the bays and islands, and the jet ski must remain with the instruction group at all times.

That rule protects the group and keeps the route under control. It also means you should not book this expecting complete independence. The instructor chooses the line, manages the group, and sets the overall rhythm.

The group is limited to six participants. For a motorized water activity, that is a helpful limit. A large pack of jet skis can feel crowded, while a smaller group makes it easier to see the instructor and stay together.

Instruction is available in English, French, Italian, Danish, Dutch, German, Hungarian, Polish, Russian, and Spanish. You should still pay close attention to the safety briefing, no matter which language you use. Clear instructions matter more here than polished commentary.

The guide takes photos during the safari, a practical touch that earned particular praise from a recent rider who enjoyed both the friendly approach and the pictures. I would not book the tour solely for the photography, since the number and style of photos are not specified, but it is a useful extra.

What the $227 price really covers

The listed price is $227 per group up to one person. Since the charge is shown by group rather than as a standard per-person fare, read the booking terms carefully for your exact party and jet ski arrangement before paying.

The price includes the jet ski rental, fuel, safety equipment, and professional instruction. Fuel being included is worth noting because you do not need to calculate an extra charge based on how far the group rides.

You still need to budget for your own food and drinks, personal expenses, and transport to the meeting point. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Most importantly, each jet ski requires a €100 cash security deposit at the office. That is not the same as the tour price, so arrive with the correct cash.

For a solo rider who values speed, scenery, and a guided route, the cost can make sense as a special Malta activity. For two people comparing this with a shared boat trip, the value depends on how much you care about driving the machine yourself. You are paying for a short, active outing, not a full-day cruise.

The five-star feedback supports the strongest parts of the offer: fun riding, a friendly instructor, good photos, and a route with more variety than simply going straight ahead. The price remains the biggest hurdle, so I would reserve it for a day when the jet ski itself is the main event.

Who should book this safari

This outing suits adults who want an active way to see Malta’s coast. You need to be at least 18 to drive, and you must be able to swim. The operator lists pregnancy, back problems, mobility impairments, and heart problems among the conditions that make the activity unsuitable.

I would also choose it if you like a little structure. You follow an instructor, stay with the group, and travel along a set route. That is reassuring if you have limited jet ski experience, but less appealing if you want to roam alone.

It is especially good for a short itinerary because the full activity lasts 90 minutes. You can add it to a day in Malta without giving up half a day. Just remember to allow time for the briefing, equipment, deposit, and return process around the listed riding period.

It is not a good fit if you dislike getting wet, cannot swim, have a condition affected by fast water movement, or want a quiet sightseeing cruise. Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed, and you cannot operate the jet ski under their influence.

Practical preparation for the waterfront

Wear swimwear and bring a towel, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and water. The sun and wind can be strong on open water, so these are not decorative packing suggestions.

Bring valid identification for the rental and €100 cash for the security deposit on each jet ski. The rules require ID on the day, and the cash deposit is paid at the office before you ride.

Do not bring alcohol or plan to drink before the activity. The operator can refuse use of the jet ski if you are under the influence, and the safety rules must be read before the rental is approved.

The booking allows cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. That flexibility helps if your Malta schedule is still changing, though you should still check the available starting times for your date.

Should you book the Malta jet ski safari?

Book it if you want to drive along Malta’s coast, enjoy a guided route, and see bays and islands from the water in a compact 90-minute outing. The northern route is the stronger pick for St. Paul’s Islands and Mellieha Bay. The southern route is better for Valletta Grand Harbour, St. Thomas Bay, and il-Hofriet.

Skip it if $227 feels too high for a short activity, if you want an independent rental, or if you prefer a long, calm swim stop. For the right person, the combination of speed, coastal views, a cove break, and guide-taken photos makes this more than a basic jet ski hire. Just arrive prepared for the deposit, the strict safety rules, and the fact that the instructor sets the route.

FAQ

Where does the jet ski safari start?

It starts at Sun & Fun Water Sports in St. George’s Bay. Before entering Corinthia Verdi Hotel, look for the black gate, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line on the jetty.

How long does the activity last?

The jet ski safari lasts 1.5 hours.

Which routes can I choose?

You can choose a northern safari to Mellieha Bay, St. Paul’s Bay, and around St. Paul’s Islands, or a southern safari past Valletta Grand Harbour to St. Thomas Bay and il-Hofriet.

Is fuel included?

Yes. Fuel, jet ski rental, safety equipment, and a professional instructor are included.

How old must I be to drive?

Drivers must be at least 18 years old. A valid ID is required on the day of the activity.

Do I need to pay a deposit?

Yes. A €100 cash security deposit is required for each jet ski at the office.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.