St. Julian’s: Jet Ski Rental in St. George’s Bay

St. George’s Bay gives you Malta from a fast, noisy, spray-in-your-face angle. You get a self-drive jet ski, a short safety briefing, and open-water time with views across the Mediterranean. I like the freedom to choose a 15-minute, half-hour, or one-hour ride, and I like that fuel, a life jacket, and fully comprehensive insurance are already included. The catch is that rentals are first come, first served, so a busy afternoon can mean waiting.

I also appreciate the clear age and safety rules. Drivers must be at least 18 and show a passport or identity card, while the staff explain the controls and maritime regulations before you leave the jetty. The €100 cash deposit for each one-hour rental is worth planning for, since cards are not accepted for this payment.

Key points to know before you ride

• Choose your ride length: Sessions range from 15 minutes to one hour, depending on availability.
• Meet at the hotel jetty: Enter through the black gate near the underground parking entrance at Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel and follow the yellow line.
• Come early for the shortest wait: The quietest suggested window is between 9:00 AM and noon.
• Bring official ID: Drivers need a valid passport or identity card, with no exceptions stated.
• Ride solo or with a passenger: The activity allows self-driving and passenger rides, but passengers under five are not allowed.
• Plan for a cash deposit: A one-hour rental requires a refundable €100 security deposit per jet ski.

A fast way to see St. George’s Bay

This is a simple activity with one clear purpose: get on a jet ski and enjoy the sea. You are not following a long sightseeing route or stopping at several attractions. The pleasure comes from the ride itself, the speed, the open water, and the changing view of St. George’s Bay.

The setting helps. St. George’s Bay is in St. Julian’s, one of Malta’s best-known seaside areas, and the ride places you directly on the Mediterranean rather than behind a hotel wall or on a crowded promenade. You get a view of the bay from water level, with the natural surroundings and seascape opening up around you.

I would think of this as a focused burst of adventure, not a full-day Malta excursion. A 15-minute ride gives you a taste of the experience. An hour gives you more time to settle into the controls and enjoy the ride at a less hurried pace, assuming that length is available when you arrive.

Finding the jetty behind the marina hotel

The meeting point can sound more complicated than it is, but you should read the directions before setting out. The departure jetty is behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel, formerly called the Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort, at 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ, St. Julian’s.

Near the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking area, look for a black iron gate. Go through it, walk 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.

Allow a little extra time for this walk. You do not want to arrive at the hotel entrance and assume you are in the right place. The actual meeting point is down by the water.

The base operates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You may arrive at any time during those hours, but the rental system is first come, first served. For a better chance of a short wait, plan for the morning, especially between 9:00 AM and noon.

What happens before you start the engine

Before riding, you receive a briefing from an English-speaking instructor. This covers how to operate the jet ski and the maritime rules you must follow on the water. That matters even if you have ridden before, since local water rules and the handling of a particular jet ski may not match what you know from home.

You must also sign an indemnity form before renting. This is a normal part of the process, but it is useful to know in advance so the paperwork does not come as a surprise.

A life jacket is included. Fuel is included as well, so you do not need to work out an extra fuel charge before or after the ride. Fully comprehensive insurance is also part of the package, although you should still take the safety briefing seriously and follow the instructor’s directions.

The ride is self-driven. You control the jet ski rather than sitting on a guided boat with an operator at the helm. That gives the experience its main appeal, but it also means you need to stay alert and follow the stated rules.

Riding solo or with a passenger

You can ride alone or take a passenger. A solo ride gives you the most direct control and is likely the choice for anyone looking for the strongest sense of speed and movement. Sharing the jet ski gives two people a way to enjoy the experience together.

The age rules are important. Drivers must be at least 18 years old and must present a valid, legally binding identification document, such as a passport or identity card. If you do not bring the required ID, you can lose the booking without a refund.

Passengers under five are not allowed. The activity also lists several groups for whom the ride is not suitable: pregnant people, anyone with back, heart, or mobility problems, wheelchair users, people over 65, and anyone over 130 kilograms. Drivers under 18 cannot participate.

These restrictions are not minor footnotes. A jet ski ride involves acceleration, movement, spray, and the need to hold your position on the craft. If you have a medical condition, limited mobility, or a concern about motion sickness, this is the time to choose a calmer water activity instead.

What you see from the water

The views are the reward for leaving the shore. From the jet ski, you can take in St. George’s Bay, the Mediterranean Sea, and the surrounding seascapes from a moving platform rather than a fixed viewpoint.

The ride offers a different angle on Malta’s coast. You see the water stretching around you, with the bay and shoreline forming the backdrop as you operate the jet ski. The experience is less about identifying individual monuments and more about enjoying the broad view, the sea air, and the sensation of moving through open water.

I like that the activity does not pretend to be a guided history tour. There is no long commentary or forced sightseeing schedule. You receive the practical instruction you need, then spend your time riding. If you want a personal look at Malta’s coastal scenery with an added shot of adrenaline, this format makes sense.

The tradeoff is that a jet ski is not a quiet viewing platform. Engine noise and speed are part of the fun, but they also make it harder to pause and study the shoreline. Bring this experience for movement and excitement, not for a slow photographic tour.

Choosing between 15 minutes and one hour

The available rental length ranges from 15 minutes to one hour, with starting times shown according to availability. The shorter option may suit you if you want a quick activity between other plans, especially in a packed St. Julian’s itinerary.

Fifteen minutes is enough to sample the ride and decide if the speed suits you. It is also the easiest option for fitting around meals, hotel check-in, or another booking. If you are uncertain about motion sickness or have never handled a jet ski, a short session may be the sensible choice.

A longer rental gives you more time to become comfortable with the controls and enjoy the bay without feeling rushed. It also comes with the cash deposit requirement. For a one-hour rental, you must pay a refundable €100 deposit for each jet ski before riding. The base accepts cash only for this deposit, not credit or debit cards.

At $47 per person, the price is reasonable if you want a dedicated water activity with equipment, fuel, instruction, a life jacket, and insurance included. The value depends heavily on the length of the rental. For a quick 15-minute session, you are paying for convenience and a short thrill. For a full hour, the cost makes more sense for anyone who plans to spend real time on the water.

Because rentals are first come, first served, availability may affect your choice. You may arrive hoping for an hour and find that a shorter session is the practical option, or you may need to wait for a jet ski to become free. Keep your schedule loose.

What to bring, and what to leave behind

Wear swimwear and comfortable clothing. You should also bring comfortable shoes and a towel. The sea spray makes the towel especially useful after the ride, even though the exact amount of spray will depend on conditions and how you operate the jet ski.

Bring your passport or identity card, and keep some cash with you. The cash is needed for the one-hour security deposit, and official ID is required for drivers. You may also want motion sickness prevention if you are prone to nausea, although the activity is not suitable for people with motion sickness.

The restrictions on personal items are strict. Cameras and cellphones are not allowed, and alcoholic drinks cannot be taken into the vehicle. Intoxication, alcohol, and drugs are not permitted.

That means you should not plan to film the ride from the jet ski. Secure your phone and camera before the activity, and do not count on capturing your own video. This is a small inconvenience, but it lets you concentrate on handling the craft and following the safety instructions.

The practical limits of the experience

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you must make your own way to St. George’s Bay. That is not a problem if you are already staying in St. Julian’s, but it matters if you are based elsewhere in Malta and have a tightly timed day.

Food and drinks are not included. Plan to eat before or after the ride rather than expecting refreshments at the base.

The small-group limit is 10 participants. That keeps the operation more contained than a large water-sports setup, though your own waiting time still depends on how many people arrive before you and how many jet skis are available.

The base can occasionally have a wait, particularly during busy periods. I would avoid planning this immediately before an airport transfer, dinner reservation, or another timed tour. Arrive earlier in the operating window if you want to improve your chances of getting on the water quickly.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which is useful when your Malta plans are still shifting. Those policies reduce the risk of booking ahead, but they do not remove the need to carry the required ID and cash deposit on the day.

Who will enjoy this jet ski ride

This activity fits adults who want a short, active break from Malta’s streets, museums, and beaches. It is especially suitable if you enjoy operating the equipment yourself rather than sitting back on a guided boat.

It also works well for couples, friends, or family groups with an adult driver and an eligible passenger. Riding together lets you share the experience, while solo driving gives you the clearest sense of control.

I would not choose it for a relaxed sightseeing day, a young child, or anyone with the listed medical restrictions. People who dislike engine noise, strong movement, or open-water speed may prefer a gentler boat trip.

The activity is also a poor match if you need wheelchair access or have difficulty with mobility. The supplied rules specifically exclude wheelchair users and people with mobility problems, so check your own needs carefully before paying.

Should you book the St. George’s Bay jet ski ride?

Book it if you want a straightforward burst of speed with Mediterranean views and the freedom to drive the jet ski yourself. The included instructor briefing, life jacket, fuel, and insurance make the $47 starting price easier to judge, especially if you secure a longer rental.

Choose a morning session when possible, bring official ID and cash, and allow time for a wait. If you want to film your outing, this is not the right choice because cameras and cellphones are prohibited.

For an active adult who meets the age and health requirements, this is a practical way to add a little excitement to a St. Julian’s stay. For anyone seeking quiet scenery, detailed coastal commentary, or a fully scheduled excursion, spend your money elsewhere.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the jet ski rental?

The jetty is behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel at 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ, St. Julian’s. Use the black iron gate near the underground parking entrance, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line to the jetty.

What are the operating hours?

You can arrive at the base between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Rentals are first come, first served, and morning visits between 9:00 AM and noon are suggested for shorter waits.

How old must the driver be?

Drivers must be at least 18 years old. They must also present a valid passport or identity card. Without the required identification, the trip is forfeited and no refund is given.

Is a security deposit required?

Yes. A one-hour rental requires a refundable €100 security deposit for each jet ski. The deposit must be paid in cash, since credit and debit cards are not accepted for it.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the jet ski ride, an instructor briefing, a life jacket, all fuel costs, and fully comprehensive insurance. Hotel transfers, food, and drinks are not included.

Can young children ride as passengers?

Passengers under five are not allowed. Drivers under 18 are also not permitted to operate a jet ski.