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

Malta looks different from the water. This 1.5-hour jet ski safari gives you a fast, active way to see the coast, with a choice between St. Paul’s Islands in the north and St. Thomas Bay in the south. I like the chance to explore coves and shorelines that are hard to reach from land, and I like that a professional instructor leads the group the whole way. The main drawback is the fixed route and short duration, so this is guided coastal riding rather than a free-roaming rental.

I also like that the small group is limited to six participants. That keeps the activity more personal and makes it easier to follow the instructor. You should know, though, that the €100 cash security deposit is required for each jet ski, and drivers must be at least 18 with valid identification.

Key points before you book

• Two very different routes: Choose the north safari to St. Paul’s Islands, or the south route to St. Thomas Bay and il-Hofriet.
• A guided ride, not an independent rental: Your jet ski must stay with the instructor’s group throughout the activity.
• Only 1.5 hours long: The time includes the coastal ride, stops, and return to St. George’s Bay.
• Small-group format: No more than six participants can join, which helps keep instructions clear.
• Bring cash and your ID: You need a €100 cash deposit for each jet ski and valid identification before riding.
• Swimming ability matters: You must be able to swim, and the activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with certain medical or mobility concerns.

Starting at Sun & Fun Water Sports in St. George’s Bay

The safari begins at Sun & Fun Water Sports, near the Corinthia Verdi Hotel in St. George’s Bay. Finding the exact entrance takes a little care. Before you reach the hotel, look for a black gate. Walk through it, follow the ramp down, turn left, and then follow the yellow line painted on the jetty.

That meeting-point detail is worth saving before you leave your hotel. This is not simply a matter of walking to a large reception desk and asking around. The black gate and yellow line are the useful landmarks, so allow extra time to locate them.

At the office, you will read the full riding rules before receiving the jet ski. The operator can refuse to hand over a jet ski if you do not read them, so do not treat this as a quick formality. You will also need to show valid identification and pay the €100 cash security deposit for each jet ski.

The price is listed at $227 per group up to one person. Since the booking information describes a maximum group size of six but lists the price for a group of one, check the exact booking total for your party before paying. The cost includes the jet ski, fuel, safety equipment, and a professional instructor, but not food, drinks, hotel transport, or personal spending.

That price can make sense if you specifically want a powered water activity and plan to use the full safari time. Fuel being included removes one common extra charge. Still, the security deposit is not part of the advertised activity cost, and you need it in cash on the day.

What the 1.5-hour safari feels like

Once the safety briefing is complete, you follow the instructor out from St. George’s Bay. The ride is built around staying together, not racing ahead or choosing your own course. Your jet ski must remain with the instruction group at all times.

That arrangement is useful if you have limited jet ski experience. You have someone setting the direction and pace, while the group format keeps the route organized. It also means you should not book this expecting a private, open-water rental with unlimited freedom.

The main appeal is the change of viewpoint. From the jet ski, Malta’s coast becomes a series of coves, rocky edges, bays, and small islands rather than a road map of beaches and towns. The clear water and warm sun add to the pleasure, but the ride itself is the main event.

The operator also takes some photos during the safari. That is a nice extra for anyone who wants a record of the activity, though the information does not specify how many photos are taken or how they are delivered. Bring your own waterproof phone protection only if the operator permits it, since the listed rules should take priority.

The north route to St. Paul’s Islands

The northern option leaves St. George’s Bay and heads toward Mellieha Bay, St. Paul’s Bay, and St. Paul’s Islands. It is the better choice if you want a route centered on bays and offshore islands.

Mellieha Bay gives the safari a broad coastal setting early in the route. From the water, you get a different sense of the shoreline than you would from a road or beach. The bay is one of the key stops on the north itinerary, although the exact length of time at each location is not specified.

The route then continues toward St. Paul’s Bay before going around St. Paul’s Islands. This is the most distinctive part of the northern option. You are not simply riding in a straight line beside the coast. The itinerary includes a circuit around the islands, giving you a chance to see Malta from offshore and pause for photos under the instructor’s direction.

A short stop may also offer a chance to swim, as one French rider specifically praised stopping in a cove for a swim. The exact swimming location is not guaranteed, so bring swimwear and a towel rather than assuming there will be a long beach break.

I would choose this route if the idea of offshore scenery appeals more than passing by Malta’s historic harbor area. It also gives you a good mix of open water, bays, and island views within the limited 1.5-hour schedule.

The south route through Valletta Grand Harbour

The southern safari follows a different character. It leaves St. George’s Bay and passes by Valletta Grand Harbour on the way to St. Thomas Bay. The route then continues to il-Hofriet, described as the two most popular bays in the south, before returning to the base.

This option may suit you if you want a coastal ride with a stronger harbor and southern-bay focus. Passing Valletta Grand Harbour by jet ski gives you a water-level view of one of Malta’s most recognizable maritime areas. The supplied details do not promise a stop inside the harbor, so think of this part as a scenic passage rather than a formal harbor tour.

St. Thomas Bay provides the main southern destination. The route also includes il-Hofriet, where you can expect the setting to shift toward bays and rocky shoreline. The itinerary highlights the area for its coastal appeal, but it does not specify a long swimming break or a particular cove stop.

The south route is the one I would pick if Valletta’s harbor views matter to you or if you want to see the southern side of the island from the water. Ask the operator which route is running when you book if your choice is important, since both safaris use the same base and the same overall duration.

A guided adventure with real safety limits

The instructor is central to this activity. You follow the guide for the entire safari, and the jet ski must stay with the group. That is reassuring for safety, especially when riding around unfamiliar coves and shorelines.

Instruction is available in English, French, Italian, Danish, Dutch, German, Hungarian, Polish, Russian, and Spanish. You still need to pay attention during the briefing, regardless of language. The rules are not optional, and the operator can refuse participation if they have not been read.

You must be able to swim. The activity is also not suitable for non-swimmers, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, or people with heart problems. Drivers must be 18 or older. The rules also prohibit alcohol and drugs, and you cannot operate a jet ski under their influence.

These limits are sensible for a fast water activity. The jet ski can feel easy to handle, but the ride involves speed, waves, turns, and stops near the coast. Follow the instructor, keep your attention on the group, and do not treat the safari as a chance to show off.

What to bring for a comfortable ride

You should arrive with sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water. The sun can feel strong on open water, where shade is limited. Sunglasses also help with glare, although you should secure them well.

Swimwear is useful even if you do not plan to swim. The route may include a cove stop, and one particularly positive account praised the chance to get off the jet ski and swim. A towel is equally practical for the ride back.

There is no food or drink included, so have water with you and eat beforehand if needed. The activity is only 1.5 hours, but the combination of sun, wind, and physical effort can leave you thirsty.

Smoking is not allowed, and neither alcohol nor drugs may be brought into the activity. Lost tickets cannot be refunded or redeemed, so keep your booking details safe until the safari is finished.

What the customer feedback tells you

The available rating is a perfect 5 from four verified bookings, though that is a small sample rather than a broad measure of every departure. The strongest praise focuses on the fun of seeing Malta by jet ski, the friendly instructor, the photographs, and the swimming stop.

One rider from the United States, who loves jet skiing, especially appreciated the chance to see Malta this way and praised the instructor for taking memorable photos. That is useful context: experienced riders may find the safari enjoyable not simply because of the machine, but because the route adds sightseeing to the ride.

A French rider described it as a welcome change from a standard jet ski session that only goes in a straight line. The stop in a cove for swimming was the highlight, along with the friendly staff. That tells you what separates this activity from a basic rental: the route has a sightseeing purpose and may include a water break.

The short French comment calling it top adds little detail, but it supports the overall picture of a positive, energetic outing. At the same time, four ratings cannot tell you how the activity feels in every sea condition or how well the route suits every rider. Keep your expectations practical.

Who will get the most from this activity?

I would recommend this safari to adults who already enjoy speed on the water, couples looking for an active outing, and small groups that want something more physical than a standard sightseeing cruise. It also suits people who want coastal views but do not want to spend a full day on a boat.

The guided format makes it approachable for riders who want structure. You do not need to plan a route or navigate around Malta’s coast yourself. The instructor leads the way, and the small group keeps the outing manageable.

This is less suitable if you want a quiet, slow trip or a long beach day. The activity lasts only 1.5 hours, and the route is fixed around the instructor’s plan. It is also not a good choice if you cannot swim, are under 18, or have one of the listed health or mobility conditions.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option can help if your schedule is still shifting. Those policies make it easier to fit the safari into a Malta visit, but remember that the cash deposit is still required at the office.

Should you book the Malta jet ski safari?

Book it if you want speed with sightseeing rather than a simple jet ski rental. The best parts are the coastal route, the choice between two sides of Malta, the small group, and the chance of a cove swim and instructor-taken photos.

Choose the north route for Mellieha Bay, St. Paul’s Bay, and the circuit around St. Paul’s Islands. Choose the south route for Valletta Grand Harbour, St. Thomas Bay, and il-Hofriet. Confirm your preferred route and the final price for your party before booking.

I would skip it if you need a relaxed boat trip, cannot swim, dislike guided activities, or do not want to carry a €100 cash deposit. For an active adult who can follow instructions and wants a memorable view of Malta’s coast, this is a lively use of 90 minutes.

FAQ

How long does the Malta jet ski safari last?

The activity lasts 1.5 hours, including the guided jet ski route and the return to Sun & Fun Water Sports in St. George’s Bay.

Where does the safari start?

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

Which routes can I choose?

You can choose between a north safari to Mellieha Bay, St. Paul’s Bay, and St. Paul’s Islands, or a south safari passing Valletta Grand Harbour and continuing to St. Thomas Bay and il-Hofriet.

Is fuel included?

Yes. Fuel is included along with the jet ski rental, safety equipment, and professional instructor.

Do I need to pay a security deposit?

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

What is the minimum age for drivers?

Drivers must be at least 18 years old and must show valid identification on the day of the activity.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. Participants must be able to swim. Non-swimmers cannot take part.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water. Food and drinks are not included.