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

Malta looks different from a jet ski. I like the unusual route from St. Julian’s to the southern coast, and I like the small group of no more than six people. You ride with an instructor, pass Valletta Grand Harbour, and reach bays that many visitors see only from land.

The trip also gives you a full 90 minutes on the water, not a quick spin around the marina. The main drawback is the price, $241 per person, plus a refundable €100 cash deposit for each jet ski. Rough water can also make the ride tiring, as one recent participant discovered around the harbor.

The practical rules matter here. You must be at least 18, show a passport or identity card, arrive 15 to 20 minutes early, and bring cash for the deposit. The operator limits the activity to adults who can swim and excludes people with certain medical conditions, mobility issues, or a body weight above 130 kilograms.

Key points to know before you ride

• The route reaches Malta’s south: You pass Valletta Grand Harbour, St. Thomas Bay in Marsascala, Delimara, and the twin bays of il-Ħofriet.
• The ride lasts 90 minutes: The tour leaves at 10:00 AM and returns to St. Julian’s at about 11:30 AM.
• You get one jet ski per person: Fuel, life jacket, insurance, an instructor, and a safety boat are included.
• The group stays small: No more than six participants can join, which helps keep the guide close by.
• The €100 deposit is cash only: This is separate from the tour price and must be paid at the base.
• You need official identification: A passport or identity card is required, and failure to bring one means losing the trip without a refund.

Why this jet ski route is different

Many water activities around Malta focus on the busiest resort areas or on a short ride close to shore. This outing takes a longer view of the island. You leave the St. Julian’s base and point south, using the jet ski as a fast way to see several coastal sections in one morning.

That route is the strongest reason to book. You are not simply circling a marina for a few minutes. You pass major coastal sights, open stretches of Mediterranean water, and rocky bays around Marsascala and Delimara.

The experience combines sightseeing with speed. One moment you are looking toward Valletta’s harbor, and the next you are cutting across open water with the coastline spread beside you. The guide leads the group, so you can concentrate on riding rather than guessing where to go.

The outing is offered in English. It requires at least two participants, so you cannot book it as a completely solo departure. The maximum group size of six keeps it more personal than a large boat excursion.

Starting behind the marina in St. Julian’s

The meeting point is at the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel, formerly called the Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort. The address is 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ, St. Julian’s.

Finding the actual jetty takes a little care. Near the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking area, look for a black iron gate. Go through the gate, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line painted on the ground. That line leads you to the jetty where the boats and jet skis are kept.

I would not leave this arrival until the last minute. You need to be there 15 to 20 minutes before departure, and the route through the hotel area may take a few minutes to understand. The scheduled departure is 10:00 AM, with a return at about 11:30 AM.

There is no hotel pick-up or drop-off. You make your own way to St. Julian’s, so allow extra time if you are coming from another part of Malta. Food and drinks are not included either, though the morning length makes this easier to manage than a full-day activity.

What the 90-minute ride includes

Each participant gets one jet ski. Fuel is included, so you do not need to worry about an extra charge based on how far the group travels.

A professional instructor leads the ride, and a safety boat remains present throughout the activity. That boat is an important part of the setup. You are not simply sent out alone with a map and a machine. There is support on the water for the entire route.

Life jackets are supplied. The jet skis also have fully comprehensive insurance, though that does not remove every possible cost. If there is an accident, loss, or damage, you are liable for the insurance excess fee.

The arrangement suits both beginners and experienced riders, according to the activity details. Still, beginner-friendly does not mean completely effortless. You need to follow the instructor, handle the jet ski responsibly, and be comfortable on moving water.

One participant described the outing as especially enjoyable with guide Harry, praising his energetic manner and good humor. That personal touch matters on a small-group ride. A guide who keeps the mood relaxed can make first-time riders feel more at ease, while experienced riders still get the thrill they came for.

Passing Valletta Grand Harbour

The first major feature on the route is Valletta Grand Harbour. Seen from the water, the harbor gives you a different view of Malta’s capital and its coastal defenses than you get from the streets of Valletta.

You should not expect a long sightseeing stop. This is a moving excursion, not a harbor lecture. The value comes from seeing the city and harbor from a changing angle while the jet ski keeps carrying you south.

The harbor section may also be where water conditions feel less predictable. One participant had a great time despite rough water around the harbor, which is useful advice for setting expectations. Conditions can affect comfort, spray, and how hard you need to hold on.

If you are prone to motion sickness, this activity may not be a good match. The operator specifically advises people with motion sickness not to join. That warning is worth taking seriously because a fast ride over choppy water can be demanding even when the scenery is excellent.

St. Thomas Bay and Marsascala

The route continues toward St. Thomas Bay in Marsascala. This coastal area gives the ride a more open, scenic feel after the urban edge of the harbor.

You can take in the Mediterranean scenery while moving along the coast, with the water and cliffs providing the main visual appeal. The experience is not built around getting off the jet ski at each location. Instead, the bay forms part of a flowing coastal journey.

That distinction matters if you are choosing between this and a swimming cruise. The jet ski safari prioritizes movement, speed, and the fun of steering your own machine. It is less suited to someone who wants long periods of floating, sunbathing, or sitting quietly on a boat.

The route also makes good use of the 90-minute duration. Marsascala is far enough from the base to give the ride a real sense of distance, yet the entire outing still fits into a morning. You return around 11:30 AM with most of the day left for other plans.

Delimara and the bays of il-Ħofriet

Near Delimara, the ride reaches one of its most striking coastal sections. The route passes il-Ħofriet, described as two of the south’s most beautiful bays, linked by a natural passage worn through the cliffs.

This is the kind of detail that gives the excursion more character than a generic speed ride. You get a look at a specific geological feature, not just a broad promise of sea views. The natural passage between the bays adds interest to the route and gives you a memorable point to watch for.

You will likely appreciate the scenery most when the jet ski slows enough for you to take it in. The tour is designed around a guided ride, so the pace can vary along the route. I would not expect a formal stop or a detailed walking visit at Delimara. The attraction is seeing this coast from the water and experiencing the approach by jet ski.

The southern coast also gives the trip its sense of discovery. Starting in the resort area and reaching Delimara in the same ride shows you a wider slice of Malta than a short local circuit would.

Is $241 a fair price?

At $241 per person, this is a costly morning. You are paying for a high-energy activity rather than a basic transport ride. The price includes the jet ski, fuel, instructor, safety boat, life jacket, and fully comprehensive insurance.

The small group helps justify some of the cost. With no more than six participants, the guide can keep the ride controlled and stay aware of the group. You also get your own jet ski, rather than sharing one with another adult.

The route adds value too. You are not confined to one bay. The activity takes you from St. Julian’s toward Valletta, Marsascala, Delimara, and il-Ħofriet, all within 90 minutes.

Still, the price will not suit every budget. Food, drinks, transport to the meeting point, and the refundable deposit are outside the advertised cost. The deposit is €100 per jet ski and must be paid in cash. You should plan for that amount as money temporarily tied up during the activity.

For someone who loves motorized water sports, the price may feel worthwhile because the ride itself is the main event. If you mainly want coastal views, a less expensive boat trip may offer better value.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it most strongly to adults who want speed and active sightseeing. You should be comfortable with the idea of riding on open water and prepared to follow a guide for the full route.

It suits:

• Adults aged 18 to 65
• Confident swimmers
• Beginners who want instruction and supervision
• Experienced jet ski riders
• Couples, siblings, and small groups of friends
• People who want a morning activity with the afternoon free

The tour is not suitable for children under 18, pregnant women, non-swimmers, wheelchair users, people with mobility limitations, or people with back or heart problems. It also excludes drivers under 18, people over 65, and anyone above 130 kilograms.

You must not be intoxicated, and alcohol and drugs are not allowed. Sandals and flip-flops are also prohibited, so wear secure, comfortable shoes. Bring swimwear, a towel, comfortable clothes, cash, and any motion sickness prevention you normally use.

Safety, weather, and comfort

The instructor and safety boat provide useful support, but they cannot make rough water disappear. Your comfort will depend partly on sea conditions. The experience can be exciting in moving water, yet the same conditions may make the ride more tiring.

A life jacket is included, and the jet skis are fully comprehensively insured. Read the insurance terms at the base, especially the part concerning the excess fee, so you understand your responsibility if damage occurs.

You also need valid identification. Bring a passport or identity card that is legally binding and accepted for the activity. If you arrive without the required document, you can forfeit the trip with no refund.

The cash deposit is another detail that can easily cause trouble. Credit and debit cards are not accepted for the €100 security deposit, so carry enough cash for each jet ski. The deposit is refundable, but you still need to have it available before departure.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled activity, and a reserve-now, pay-later option can keep your plans flexible. Those policies help if your Malta schedule is still changing, but they do not replace the identification, age, health, and deposit requirements.

My verdict on the southern Malta safari

This is a strong choice if you want Malta from the water and prefer an active ride to a quiet cruise. I like the southern route, the small group, the full 90 minutes, and the safety boat that stays with you. The coastal run from Valletta Grand Harbour to il-Ħofriet gives the outing a real purpose beyond pure speed.

I would pause if $241 feels high, if you dislike rough water, or if you want swimming and relaxed sightseeing. The extra €100 cash deposit, no transport, and strict participation rules also require planning.

Book it if the ride itself is the reason you are going. Skip it if you mainly want a cheap way to see Malta’s coast. For an adult who enjoys jet skis and wants a guided route to the south, this is one of the more distinctive water activities based in St. Julian’s.

FAQ

How long does the jet ski safari last?

The activity lasts 1.5 hours, or 90 minutes. It departs at approximately 10:00 AM and returns to the St. Julian’s base around 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, 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 locations does the route visit?

The route heads south from St. Julian’s, passing Valletta Grand Harbour, St. Thomas Bay in Marsascala, Delimara, and the two bays of il-Ħofriet.

Is a safety boat included?

Yes. A safety boat remains present throughout the entire activity. The tour also includes a professional instructor and life jackets.

How old must I be to drive a jet ski?

Drivers must be at least 18 years old. You must also show a valid passport or identity card. Children under 18 cannot participate.

Is a security deposit required?

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

What should I bring to the activity?

Bring a passport or identity card, comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, comfortable clothes, cash for the deposit, and motion sickness prevention if needed. Sandals and flip-flops are not allowed.