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

Fast water, big views, little waiting. This 90-minute jet ski safari from St. Julian’s reaches Malta’s southern coast, passing Valletta Grand Harbour, St. Thomas Bay, Delimara, and the striking bays of Il-Ħofriet. I like the small group of six and the fact that every rider gets an individual jet ski, not a shared seat behind someone else.

I also like the strong safety setup: an experienced English-speaking guide leads the ride, a safety boat stays with the group, and fuel, life jackets, and full insurance are included. The main drawback is the price, $241 per person, plus a refundable €100 cash deposit for each jet ski. You also need to arrive early, carry photo ID, and meet fairly strict age and health rules.

The route gives you more than a quick spin around St. Julian’s Bay. You get a proper run along Malta’s coast, with time for speed, sea air, and wide views. Rough water can make the harbor section bumpy, so this is best for confident adults who enjoy an active outing rather than a gentle sightseeing cruise.

Key points to know before you book

• A rare southern Malta route: The safari travels from St. Julian’s to Valletta Grand Harbour, Marsascala, Delimara, and Il-Ħofriet.
• One jet ski per person: You ride your own machine rather than sitting behind another participant.
• A safety boat stays nearby: The support boat remains present during the full activity.
• Small groups keep the ride focused: A maximum of six participants makes it easier to follow the guide.
• Bring €100 cash per jet ski: This refundable security deposit is separate from the tour price, and cards are not accepted.
• Adults only: Drivers must be at least 18, show valid photo ID, and meet the activity’s health and weight limits.

What this 90-minute Malta safari is really like

This is not a short jet ski rental where you circle one bay and hand back the keys. The route is designed as a guided coastal outing, with the southern part of Malta as its main prize.

You leave the base in St. Julian’s at 10:00 AM and return at about 11:30 AM. That timing works well if you want to keep most of your day free, though you should add extra time before departure for check-in, instructions, and the required deposit.

The ride is led by a professional instructor who sets the pace and directs the group. You do not simply take a jet ski out alone and choose your own route. That guided format matters here because the trip covers open water, a working harbor area, and several coastal points south of the start.

The experience is aimed at adults who want both motion and scenery. You can expect the thrill of accelerating across the Mediterranean, but you also get changing views as Malta’s built-up northeastern coast gives way to more open cliffs and bays.

Getting to the jetty behind St. George’s Bay

The meeting point is at 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 in St. Julian’s.

The final approach is easy to miss if you are not looking for it. Near the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking lot, find the black iron gate. Go through it, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line painted on the ground to the jetty, where the boats and jet skis are kept.

Plan to arrive 15 to 20 minutes before the scheduled start. That is not a casual suggestion. You need time to present your passport or identity card, pay the cash deposit, and get ready.

Wear comfortable clothes and bring swimwear, a towel, and comfortable shoes. Sandals and flip flops are not allowed, so use secure footwear. Cash is important because the €100 deposit for each jet ski must be paid in cash, with no credit or debit card option.

Leaving St. Julian’s and reaching Valletta Grand Harbour

The first part of the ride takes you away from the St. Julian’s base and toward Valletta Grand Harbour. This gives you a very different view of Malta’s capital area than you get from land.

From the water, the harbor becomes a broad sweep of docks, fortifications, and steep coastal edges. The jet ski adds a sense of scale because you are moving through the same wide seascape rather than looking at it from a fixed viewpoint.

This section may be the most demanding part of the ride if conditions are choppy. One participant specifically found the harbor waters rough but still described the outing as great fun. That is useful warning rather than a reason to cancel. You should be ready for spray, movement, and a less polished ride than you might get on a calm swimming day.

The guide’s role is especially useful here. You are not left to judge the route or boat traffic on your own. The accompanying safety boat provides additional support throughout the activity.

St. Thomas Bay and Marsascala

The safari continues toward St. Thomas Bay near Marsascala, a coastal stop that brings a more open and relaxed feel to the route.

St. Thomas Bay is known here as one of the southern highlights, not as a formal land visit. You should expect to see the bay from the water while staying with the jet ski group, rather than stepping ashore for a long break or meal.

That distinction matters. This is a moving coastal tour, not a beach day. Food and drinks are not included, and the 90-minute schedule leaves no room for a full stop at each location. The reward is coverage: in a relatively short outing, you see several parts of Malta’s south without spending hours in a vehicle.

The water also gives you a clear view of the contrast between the shore and the open Mediterranean. The scenery is a major part of the value, especially if you want more than a pure adrenaline ride.

Delimara and the bays of Il-Ħofriet

The route then continues around Delimara, an exposed southern section of Malta with striking coastal views.

The most distinctive part is Il-Ħofriet, two beautiful bays joined by a natural passage cut through the cliffs by erosion. Seeing this feature from a jet ski gives you a direct water-level perspective. You are close enough to appreciate the shape of the cliffs, yet moving fast enough to keep the outing lively.

This is also where the trip feels most different from a standard St. Julian’s activity. The southern coast offers a sense of open space and rugged shoreline, while the route itself gives you a clear reason to keep moving.

The itinerary does not promise a long swim stop, a landing, or time to explore the cliffs on foot. If you want a slow coastal visit, a boat cruise with swimming time may suit you better. If you want to reach several scenic points under your own control, the jet ski format makes more sense.

Riding your own jet ski in a small group

Each person receives one jet ski, which is one of the strongest features of this activity. You are not simply a passenger, and you do not have to share control with a stranger or companion.

The small group limit of six helps keep the ride manageable. A group this size should make it easier to see the instructor, follow directions, and maintain a sensible formation on the water.

The activity welcomes beginners as well as experienced riders, according to the operator’s information. That does not mean you can ignore the rules or arrive without preparation. You still need to be physically comfortable on a moving watercraft and able to follow the instructor’s directions.

The guide Harry received especially warm praise for being energetic, fun, and encouraging. A good guide can make a major difference on an activity like this, where the mood depends partly on how clearly the group is handled. Harry was also singled out as helping make the ride feel like good value.

You should keep your expectations realistic. The 90 minutes include the guided outing, and the pace may depend on sea conditions and the group. An expert rider hoping to spend the entire time at top speed may find the structure limiting. A first-time rider is more likely to appreciate having a clear route and a guide nearby.

Safety, insurance, and the cash deposit

Safety is built into the arrangement. A professional instructor leads the group, a safety boat remains present for the entire activity, and life jackets are supplied.

Fuel is included, so you do not face a surprise refueling charge at the end. The jet skis are also covered by fully comprehensive insurance. If an accident, loss, or damage occurs, the stated liability is limited to the insurance excess fee.

That coverage does not remove every financial responsibility. You must still pay the refundable €100 security deposit for each jet ski in cash at the base. Because the deposit is per machine, two people using two jet skis should be prepared to provide €200 in total.

Bring your passport or identity card as well. Drivers must show valid, legally binding identification. If you do not have the required document, you can lose the trip without a refund, so this is one detail worth checking before leaving your hotel.

Do not arrive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Alcoholic drinks are not allowed in the vehicle, and the activity is not suitable for anyone who may struggle with motion sickness.

Who should book this, and who should skip it

This safari suits adults who want a compact, active way to see southern Malta from the water. It is a good match for confident beginners, experienced jet ski riders, couples, siblings, and small groups of friends who want each person to ride independently.

It is not suitable for children under 18, drivers under 18, non-swimmers, pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people with mobility, heart, or back problems. The stated maximum weight is 287 pounds, or 130 kilograms, and the activity is not recommended for people over 65.

You should also reconsider it if you are prone to motion sickness. A jet ski can be exciting, but the combination of speed, spray, and uneven sea conditions can be hard on your stomach. The operator also excludes people with relevant medical concerns, so take those rules seriously rather than hoping they are flexible.

The trip requires at least two participants to operate. That makes it unsuitable if you are looking for a guaranteed solo departure. You can reserve now and pay later, but the cash deposit still needs to be handled at the base.

Is $241 a fair price for 90 minutes?

At $241 per person, this is not a budget activity. The price is easier to justify if you value having your own jet ski, a southern Malta route, an instructor, a support boat, fuel, life jackets, and full insurance all bundled together.

The route also covers more ground than a basic rental near St. Julian’s. You are paying for the guided coastal plan, not simply for engine time. Reaching Valletta Grand Harbour, Marsascala, Delimara, and Il-Ħofriet in one outing gives the experience a sightseeing element that a short local ride may not provide.

Still, 90 minutes passes quickly. Food, drinks, hotel transport, and the refundable security deposit are extra. If your main goal is simply to ride fast for as long as possible, the cost may feel high. If you want a small-group route with safety support and several southern viewpoints, the package offers stronger value.

The available ratings are very positive, with praise focused on the fun factor, the guide, and the overall quality of the ride. One participant who had tried jet ski outings in several countries called this one among the best, while another enjoyed it even with rough harbor water. Those details suggest the experience works especially well for people who care about the quality of the guiding, not just the machine.

Practical preparation for a smoother ride

Bring only what you need. You will want swimwear, a towel, comfortable clothing, secure shoes, photo ID, and enough cash for the deposit.

You may also want motion sickness prevention if you are sensitive to boat movement, though the activity is not suitable for people with motion sickness. Protecting valuables is wise, but no storage details are provided, so do not assume the base can look after everything you bring.

Arrive early and do not cut the timing close. The meeting point involves a gate, ramp, turn, and painted line, so locating the jetty may take longer than expected if you are unfamiliar with the hotel area.

You should also check the sea conditions when planning your day. The route still sounds enjoyable in rougher water, but the ride will feel more physical and less smooth. Calm conditions will make it easier to focus on the scenery and enjoy the bays.

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

Book it if you want an active half-morning, your own jet ski, and a guided route that reaches the southern coast. The combination of a six-person limit, a support boat, included fuel, and stops near Valletta Grand Harbour, Marsascala, Delimara, and Il-Ħofriet gives the outing more substance than a standard bay ride.

Skip it if $241 feels hard to justify for 90 minutes, if you want a relaxed cruise, or if you cannot meet the strict age, health, swimming, identification, and weight requirements.

My practical advice is to book with the deposit in mind, arrive 20 minutes early, wear proper shoes, and expect some rough water around the harbor. For an adult who wants speed with scenery and does not mind paying for a well-supported small-group experience, this is one of the more distinctive ways to see Malta’s south from the sea.

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?

Departure is from the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel at 8 Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ in St. Julian’s.

How do I find the jetty?

Near the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking lot, go through the black iron gate, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line on the ground to the jetty.

Is a guide included?

Yes. A professional English-speaking instructor leads the group during the safari.

Is a safety boat provided?

Yes. A safety boat remains present throughout the entire activity.

Does each person get a jet ski?

Yes. One jet ski per person is included.

How many people can join the group?

The group is limited to six participants.

How old do you need to be?

Participants and drivers must be at least 18 years old. Drivers must also present a valid identity card or passport.

How much is the security deposit?

A refundable €100 cash deposit is required for each jet ski. Credit and debit cards are not accepted for this deposit.

What is included in the price?

The price includes one jet ski per person, an experienced instructor, a safety boat, life jackets, fuel, and fully comprehensive insurance. Food, drinks, hotel transport, and the refundable security deposit are not included.