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

Malta’s southern coast is the real prize here. From your own jet ski, you’ll pass Valletta Grand Harbour, St. Thomas Bay, Delimara, and the paired coves of il-Ħofriet during a guided 90-minute ride. I like the clear route and the fact that a safety boat remains with the group. I also like the small maximum of six people, which keeps the outing personal. The catch is the €100 cash security deposit per jet ski, plus rough water can make the ride tiring.

I especially like that beginners can join, provided they meet the age, health, swimming, and identification rules. Guide Harry has been praised for bringing lively energy to the trip, though your instructor may be someone else. You’ll need to reach the jetty 15 to 20 minutes early, and the meeting point behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel takes a little careful finding.

Key points to know before you book

• South-coast route: Ride past Valletta Grand Harbour, Marsascala, Delimara, and il-Ħofriet.
• One jet ski per person: You ride your own machine rather than sharing one.
• Small group size: The group is limited to six participants, with an instructor leading from the front.
• Safety boat included: A support boat remains present throughout the activity.
• Cash deposit required: Bring €100 in cash for each jet ski, separate from the tour price.
• Adults only: Every participant must be at least 18, and drivers need valid photo identification.

A fast route from St. Julian’s to Malta’s southern coast

This is not a short spin around the bay. The route carries you from the busy St. Julian’s waterfront toward some of Malta’s more rugged southern scenery, all within a tight 90-minute schedule.

You leave at 10:00 AM and return at about 11:30 AM. That timing works well if you want a strong burst of activity without losing an entire day. You can still plan lunch, sightseeing, or a beach visit afterward.

The tour is presented as Malta’s only jet ski safari reaching the southern part of the island. The appeal is simple: you cover a good stretch of coast quickly, with the sea itself providing the transport and the views.

You ride behind an experienced instructor, rather than setting your own route. That matters for two reasons. You do not have to work out where to go, and the guide can manage the pace of a mixed group. A recent booking gave special praise to Harry for his energetic approach, but the guide assigned to your outing may be different.

What the 90-minute itinerary includes

The first part of the ride takes you away from St. Julian’s and toward Valletta Grand Harbour. This is one of Malta’s most striking waterfront views, with fortifications and harbor entrances shaping the shoreline.

Seeing the harbor from a jet ski gives you a moving viewpoint instead of a fixed lookout. You may notice how quickly the urban waterfront gives way to open sea. At the same time, this section can be less calm than the southern bays. One participant specifically described rough water around the harbor, so keep your grip relaxed and expect some spray.

From there, the route continues toward St. Thomas Bay in Marsascala. The bay is a useful change of mood, with a more open coastal setting and a chance to take in Malta’s sea cliffs and rocky shoreline.

The ride then reaches Delimara, a southern point known here for its broad sea views and exposed position. The coastal scenery becomes the main event. You are not stopping for a long walking visit, so think of Delimara as a viewpoint passed from the water, not a separate shore excursion.

The final named section is il-Ħofriet. This refers to two bays joined by a natural passage cut through the cliffs. From the water, that feature gives the route one of its most memorable visual moments. Your exact time near the bays will depend on the group’s pace and sea conditions, but this is the part that best explains why the tour heads south rather than staying close to St. Julian’s.

Riding your own jet ski

Each participant receives one jet ski. That makes the experience feel more active than a shared ride, since you control your own machine while following the instructor.

You do not need to be an expert. The activity is open to beginners as well as experienced riders, and the instructor leads the group. Still, beginner does not mean passive. You should be comfortable following directions, managing the jet ski, and handling movement on the sea.

A jet ski ride is physical. Your arms, back, and legs take repeated jolts, especially if the water becomes choppy. The operator specifically excludes people with back problems, heart problems, mobility impairments, or motion sickness. Pregnant women cannot take part, and people over 65 are also excluded.

Non-swimmers should not book. Even with life jackets and a safety boat, you need to meet the stated swimming requirement. The activity also has a weight limit of 287 pounds, or 130 kilograms.

The ride is for adults only. Every driver must be at least 18 and must show a valid passport or identity card. This is not a loose suggestion. If you arrive without the required document, you can lose the trip without a refund.

A safety setup that adds real value

The package includes a professional instructor, a life jacket, fuel, and a safety boat that remains present during the full activity. Those details matter more here than they might on a simple harbor cruise.

The support boat gives the instructor a backup option and provides an additional presence around the jet skis. You should still treat the outing as a proper water-sports activity, not a casual sightseeing ride.

The jet skis are fully comprehensively insured. If there is an accident, loss, or damage, you are liable only for the insurance excess fee rather than the full value of the machine. The exact amount of that excess is not provided, so ask the operator if you want that figure before riding.

The €100 security deposit is separate from the insurance arrangement. You pay it in cash for each jet ski at the base, and credit or debit cards are not accepted for this deposit. Bring enough euro notes with you. This is the sort of small practical detail that can derail an otherwise well-planned morning.

Do not arrive at 10:00 AM and expect to walk straight onto the water. Plan to be at the departure point 15 to 20 minutes early for the check-in and preparation.

Finding the jetty in St. Julian’s

The departure 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.

The final approach is slightly hidden. Near the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking lot, look for a black iron gate. Go through it, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line painted on the ground until you reach the jetty.

This is not a hotel pick-up service. You arrange your own way to the meeting point, and hotel transport is not included. Allow extra time if you are unfamiliar with St. Julian’s or are carrying a towel and spare clothes.

Wear comfortable shoes for reaching the jetty, but do not bring sandals or flip-flops. The operator specifically prohibits them. You will also need swimwear, a towel, comfortable clothing, cash, and your passport or identity card.

Is $241 good value?

At $241 per person, this is an expensive 90-minute activity. You are paying for more than a quick rental, though. The price includes your own jet ski, an instructor, fuel, life jacket, safety boat, and comprehensive insurance.

The south-coast route also gives the experience more purpose than simply racing around a small bay. You pass several named coastal sights, including Valletta Grand Harbour, St. Thomas Bay, Delimara, and il-Ħofriet. If seeing the coastline from the water is a major part of your Malta trip, that broader route may justify the cost.

The value is weaker if you are mainly seeking a cheap thrill. The ride is short, and food, drinks, hotel transport, and the security deposit are not included. You also need to tie up €100 in cash per jet ski during the activity.

For two people, the base cost becomes substantial. The tour makes more financial sense if you already want a private-feeling water activity and value the convenience of having the route, safety support, and equipment arranged for you.

What rough water can change

Sea conditions matter. One booking described the ride as great fun despite rough water around the harbor. That is useful advice: the activity can still go ahead in choppier conditions, but the ride may feel less smooth than the promotional wording suggests.

On calm water, you can focus more easily on the views and move comfortably between the coastal points. On rougher water, the physical ride becomes a bigger part of the experience. You may get wetter, tire faster, and spend less time looking around.

I would not book this if you dislike motion, have a history of seasickness, or want a gentle scenic cruise. Motion-sickness prevention is listed among the recommended items to bring, but the activity is not suitable for people with motion sickness.

You should also avoid alcohol and drugs before the ride. Alcoholic drinks are not allowed in the vehicle, and intoxication is not permitted.

Who will enjoy this most

This outing suits adults who want a direct, active way to see Malta’s southern coast. It works particularly well for couples, siblings, and friends who are happy to ride their own jet ski while staying with a guide-led group.

It is also a good fit for a first-time rider who wants structure. You do not have to plan a route or arrange safety support yourself, and the instructor remains in charge of the journey.

The small group limit of six is useful. You are less likely to feel lost in a large procession, and the instructor can keep the group together more closely. The guide’s style may affect the mood, too. Harry has been praised for being fun and energetic, which should appeal if you want a lively outing rather than a quiet coastal ride.

This is not suitable for children, non-swimmers, pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with limited mobility, or anyone with the listed medical restrictions. People over 65 and anyone over 130 kilograms are also excluded.

What to bring and what to leave behind

Bring your passport or identity card, because you cannot drive without valid identification. Pack swimwear, a towel, comfortable clothes, and comfortable shoes for getting to the jetty.

Carry enough cash for the €100 refundable deposit per jet ski. The deposit is paid at the base, and cards are not accepted for it. The provided information also lists cash and deposit among the things to bring, so treat this as a firm part of your preparation.

Leave sandals and flip-flops at your accommodation. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and you should not arrive intoxicated. Food and drinks are not provided, so plan around the short morning schedule rather than expecting refreshments on the ride.

The activity is conducted in English. If you need another language, this particular outing may not be the right match.

Booking flexibility and timing

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure for a full refund. You can also reserve your place and pay later, which helps if you are still arranging your Malta plans.

A minimum of two participants is required to make a booking. The maximum group size is six, so this is neither a private one-to-one ride nor a large commercial procession.

The listed departure is 10:00 AM, with a return around 11:30 AM. Check the available starting time when booking, since availability can vary. The short duration makes it easy to fit into a busy day, but it also means the ride keeps moving. You will not have time for long stops at each bay.

Should you book this jet ski safari?

I would book this if you want an energetic morning on the sea and like the idea of reaching Malta’s southern coast under your own power. The route is the strongest part: Valletta Grand Harbour, Marsascala, Delimara, and il-Ħofriet give the ride a clear sense of place.

The own-jet-ski format, small group, instructor, and safety boat add useful value. The main cautions are the high price, the €100 cash deposit, the adult-only rules, and the possibility of rough water.

Book it if you are comfortable on the water, can meet the health and identification requirements, and want a memorable activity rather than a relaxed cruise. Skip it if you want low-cost sightseeing, dislike motion, or prefer to explore Malta’s coast from dry land.

FAQ

How long does the jet ski safari last?

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

How do I find the jetty?

Near the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking lot, look for a black iron gate. Go through the gate, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line to the jetty.

What places will I see from the water?

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

Do I get my own jet ski?

Yes. The activity includes one jet ski per person.

Is a safety boat included?

Yes. A safety boat remains present throughout the activity.

What is the minimum age?

All participants and drivers must be at least 18 years old.

What identification do I need?

You must present a valid, legally binding identification document, such as a passport or identity card. Without it, you can forfeit the trip without a refund.

How much is the security deposit?

You must pay a refundable deposit of €100 for each jet ski. It must be paid in cash, since credit and debit cards are not accepted for the deposit.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve your place and pay later.