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

Hold tight, Malta’s coast gets lively fast. This St. George’s Bay jet ski rental gives you a simple way to trade the beach for open water, with rides lasting from 15 minutes to one hour. I like the self-drive format, which lets you control the pace, and I like that fuel, a life jacket, and comprehensive insurance are included.

The main drawback is the first-come, first-served setup. You may need to wait, especially later in the day, and the one-hour rental requires a €100 cash deposit for each jet ski. You also need to be at least 18 to drive, carry valid identification, and accept several health and weight restrictions.

Key points at a glance

• Ride from St. George’s Bay: The jetty sits behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel, formerly the Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort.
• Choose your riding time: Sessions range from 15 minutes to one hour, depending on availability.
• You drive the jet ski yourself: Staff first explain the controls, safety rules, and maritime regulations.
• The price includes the essentials: Fuel, life jacket, jet ski use, instructor briefing, and comprehensive insurance are covered.
• Plan around the deposit: A one-hour rental requires a refundable €100 cash deposit per jet ski.
• Arrive early for the best chance of a quick start: The base operates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with shorter waits often possible between 9:00 AM and noon.

Why St. George’s Bay is a good place to ride

St. George’s Bay puts you close to the busy heart of St. Julian’s, yet the ride itself shifts your view toward the Mediterranean. From the water, you see the bay, the surrounding shore, and the open seascape from a much more active position than you get from a beach chair.

I like the setting because the experience does not require a full-day commitment. A 15-minute ride can fit between sightseeing, lunch, and an evening in St. Julian’s. If you want more time to enjoy the ride, the one-hour option gives you a proper stretch on the water, though it also comes with the cash deposit and a greater chance of waiting for an available machine.

This is not a sightseeing cruise with a fixed narration. You are there for the motion, the spray, and the freedom of steering your own jet ski. The scenic value comes from being out on the water and looking back at Malta’s shore, rather than from a formal tour of landmarks.

Finding the jetty behind the hotel

The meeting point is at the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel at 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ, St. Julian’s. The hotel was formerly known as the Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort, so older directions or local references may use that name.

The entrance can be easy to miss if you simply follow the road and expect a large watersports sign. Look near the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking area 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, where the boats and jet skis are kept.

I would allow extra time for this walk, especially if you are carrying a towel, swimwear, or other gear. The base is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and you can arrive at any point during those hours. Your actual start depends on the equipment available when you arrive.

What happens before you ride

Before you take control, an English-speaking instructor gives you a safety briefing. You learn how to operate the jet ski properly, along with the maritime rules and regulations that apply to the ride.

That briefing matters even if you have driven a jet ski before. It gives beginners a basic introduction and helps experienced riders adjust to the local setup. You also need to sign an indemnity form before renting, so expect a little paperwork before you reach the water.

A life jacket is supplied. Fuel is included, so you do not need to think about refueling or paying an extra charge based on how much you ride. Comprehensive insurance is also included, which adds value to the listed price, though you should still listen carefully to the safety instructions and follow the operator’s rules.

You can ride solo or with a passenger, but the information provided does not state whether the price changes for a second person. Ask the staff about the passenger arrangement when you check in. Passengers under five are not allowed.

The ride itself: 15 minutes to one hour

Once the briefing is finished and a jet ski is available, you head out for a self-driving ride around St. George’s Bay. The attraction is direct and uncomplicated: you control the machine, feel the acceleration, and take in the sea views from the water.

A 15-minute session is best for a quick taste. It gives you the thrill of riding without taking much time from the rest of your day. I would choose this shorter option if you are unsure how comfortable you will feel on a jet ski, or if you simply want a small burst of activity between other plans.

The longer rental gives you more time to settle into the controls and enjoy the setting. You can appreciate the surrounding seascapes at a less rushed pace, although the ride remains centered on the excitement of driving rather than on a guided route with named stops.

The activity description does not promise a specific sightseeing circuit, distance, or list of coastal landmarks. That is worth keeping in mind when you book. You are paying for time on a jet ski in St. George’s Bay, not for a narrated tour or a guaranteed route along a particular section of Malta’s coast.

What the price of $47 really covers

At $47 per person, the cost is reasonable for a short, equipment-based watersports experience, particularly because several practical items are included. You receive the jet ski ride, an English safety briefing, a life jacket, fuel, and comprehensive insurance.

The value depends heavily on your chosen duration. For a 15-minute ride, the price is higher per minute, but you are also paying for setup, instruction, equipment, and staff support. If you want a longer period on the water, compare the available options before committing, since the duration can range from 15 minutes to one hour.

The one-hour rental needs a refundable €100 cash deposit for each jet ski. This is separate from the advertised price, and only cash is accepted. Credit and debit cards cannot be used for the deposit, so plan ahead and carry enough euros.

Food, drinks, and hotel pickup are not included. That is not a serious weakness in St. Julian’s, where you can arrange your own refreshments nearby, but it does mean you should not arrive expecting a full-service beach excursion.

The option to reserve now and pay later can help if your Malta schedule is still shifting. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, giving you some useful flexibility.

Timing your arrival to reduce the wait

The rental works on a first-come, first-served basis. You can arrive any time from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but your booking does not appear to guarantee an immediate departure at a chosen minute.

The practical answer is simple: arrive between 9:00 AM and noon if you want the best chance of a shorter wait. Later in the day, demand may leave you standing by until a jet ski becomes available. The group size is limited to 10 participants, which keeps the operation relatively small, but it does not remove the need to wait for equipment.

I would avoid squeezing this activity between two fixed appointments. Give yourself a buffer before lunch, a transfer, or another paid attraction. A little spare time makes the first-come arrangement much less frustrating.

What to bring, and what to leave behind

Bring your passport or identity card. Drivers must be at least 18 and must show a valid, legally binding identification document, such as a passport or identity card. If you cannot show the required document, you can lose the booking without a refund.

Wear swimwear and comfortable clothes, along with comfortable shoes. A towel is useful after the ride, and you should carry cash for the security deposit if you choose the one-hour rental. The operator also suggests bringing motion sickness prevention if you are prone to feeling ill on the water.

You cannot use cameras or cellphones during the ride, and alcoholic drinks are not allowed in the vehicle. Intoxication, alcohol, and drugs are prohibited. These rules may feel strict to someone hoping to record the experience, but they keep attention on the controls and the water.

I would leave expensive electronics at your accommodation unless the staff clearly explains how personal items are handled. The supplied information does not promise storage, lockers, or permission to carry a phone, so do not count on having your device with you.

Who should book this Malta activity

I would recommend this ride to adults who want a compact, active experience in St. Julian’s. It works particularly well for couples, friends, and small groups who would rather operate a machine than sit on a boat and watch the coast pass by.

It can also suit a first-time rider because an instructor explains the controls and rules before you start. You do not need to arrive as an expert. Still, a beginner should take the briefing seriously and choose a duration that matches their comfort level.

The activity is not suitable for children under five, pregnant women, people with back, heart, or mobility problems, wheelchair users, people over 65, or anyone over 287 pounds, or 130 kilograms. Drivers under 18 cannot take part. People prone to motion sickness should also think carefully before booking.

The age limit over 65 is stated as an activity restriction, even though age alone does not tell you how fit someone is. If you fall close to one of the listed limits, ask the provider before paying rather than assuming an exception will be made.

The main drawbacks to consider

The first issue is the uncertain start time. You can book the activity, but the rental remains first come, first served, so you could wait before receiving a jet ski. Arriving early is the clearest way to improve your chances, but it cannot guarantee an instant departure.

The second issue is the cash-only deposit for the one-hour option. €100 per machine is a meaningful amount to set aside, even though it is refundable. If you usually travel without cash, this requirement can catch you off guard.

The third issue is the lack of a formal sightseeing promise. You get beautiful sea views and the chance to explore St. George’s Bay by jet ski, but you should not book this expecting a guided coastal history lesson, a specific route, or a series of planned stops.

Finally, the no-phone and no-camera rule means you may not be able to capture the ride yourself. I see the safety logic, but anyone choosing the activity mainly for photos should adjust expectations.

My advice for getting the most from the ride

I would reserve the experience for a day when you have flexible plans around it. Arrive early, bring the required identification, and keep cash available if you want the one-hour rental.

Wear clothing you do not mind getting wet. Take the safety briefing seriously, even if the controls look familiar, and ask about passenger arrangements before you arrive if you hope to share the jet ski.

Do not treat the ride as a substitute for a full coastal cruise. Think of it as an active way to enjoy St. George’s Bay, with the sea views serving as the backdrop to the main event: driving the jet ski yourself.

If you are unsure about motion sickness, consider the shorter session first. The ride can be exciting, but the movement of a personal watercraft may not suit everyone. The operator specifically lists motion sickness among the reasons not to take part.

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

Book it if you want a fast, hands-on burst of Mediterranean fun and you are comfortable with a first-come, first-served rental. The included fuel, life jacket, instructor briefing, and insurance make the $47 price easier to justify, especially if you choose enough riding time to enjoy the equipment.

Skip it if you need a precise departure time, cannot carry the required identification, dislike keeping cash available, or want a calm sightseeing cruise. For the best chance of a smooth visit, arrive between 9:00 AM and noon, allow extra time, and choose the duration that fits both your budget and your comfort on the water.

FAQ

Where does the jet ski rental 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. The hotel was formerly called the Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort.

How do I find the jetty?

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

How long is the jet ski rental?

The available duration ranges from 15 minutes to one hour. Starting times and duration options depend on availability.

What time can I arrive?

The base is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Rentals are first come, first served, and the suggested period for shorter waits is between 9:00 AM and noon.

How old must the driver be?

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

Can children ride as passengers?

Passengers under five years old are not allowed. The supplied information does not specify any other passenger age rules.

Is a security deposit required?

For a one-hour rental, you must pay a refundable €100 cash deposit for each jet ski. Credit and debit cards are not accepted for this deposit.

What does the price include?

The price includes the jet ski ride, an instructor briefing, a life jacket, fuel, and comprehensive insurance.

Are hotel transfers or refreshments included?

No. Hotel pickup, hotel drop-off, food, and drinks are not included.

Can I bring my phone or camera?

No. Cameras and cellphones are not allowed during the activity. Alcoholic drinks are also prohibited in the vehicle.