Jet skiing Malta’s south feels like pure velocity. From St. Julian’s you roar past Valletta’s Grand Harbour and through Marsascala and Delimara for a 90-minute guided ride.

I like the setup. The instructor keeps things organized, so you spend more time enjoying the sea and less time wondering what to do next. I also like that there’s a safety boat on hand the whole time and everyone wears life jackets, which helps you relax if the water turns a bit rough.

The main drawback is planning around your body and your wallet. You need a €100 cash refundable security deposit, and this ride isn’t a good match if motion sickness hits you easily.

Key highlights worth knowing

• St. Julian’s departure at 10:00 AM with about 1.5 hours on the water and return around 11:30 AM
• Small group (max 6) means you get real instruction, not just a hand-waving briefing
• A route packed with viewpoints: Valletta Grand Harbour, St Thomas Bay (Marsascala), Delimara, and il-Ħofriet
• Safety boat present throughout and fully comprehensive insurance built into the experience
• Cash-only refundable deposit (€100 per jet ski) is required before you ride
• Age/fitness limits are strict (18+, plus checks for back/heart/pregnancy and motion sickness)

The 10:00 AM St. Julian’s start that keeps it exciting

This safari runs on a clear timeline: you head out from the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel in St. Julian’s at 10:00 AM, led by an English-speaking instructor. Plan to arrive 15 to 20 minutes early, because you’ll need a smooth check-in and gear check before the jet skis get moving.

The meeting point is specific, and it matters. Go in through the black iron gate near the hotel underground parking entrance, down the ramp, then follow the yellow line painted on the ground to the jetty. If you’re even a little unsure, arrive early and ask on-site. It’s the difference between starting relaxed and starting stressed.

Also note what you’re not getting: hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included. So treat this as a “show up ready” adventure. If you’re staying elsewhere in Malta, give yourself enough time to get to St. Julian’s before the jetty check-in.

The southern loop: Valletta’s harbour to Marsascala’s bay

Part of the fun here is that the route isn’t random. You get guided passage along Malta’s most scenic southern coastline, starting with the big-view stuff around Valletta.

Valletta Grand Harbour: big boats, big feelings

You’ll pass by Valletta Grand Harbour early on. Even if you’ve seen photos, it’s different at speed—busy water, the sense of scale, and that “I’m really moving” feeling. One caution: the harbour area can be a bit choppy, so if you’re sensitive to bumps, take the motion-sickness prevention you’re allowed to bring. The ride is smoother when everyone’s prepared, and your instructor’s guidance helps you keep your posture and control steady.

St. Thomas Bay (Marsascala): the coast opens up

Next you head toward St Thomas Bay in Marsascala. This stretch is where you start getting more open sea views rather than just busy harbour energy. You’ll see the coast from the waterline—steep cliff edges, changing shades of light on the sea, and the general “southern Malta” look that’s hard to replicate from shore.

If you like photos, this is where you’ll want to remember to look up and outward—not just at the handlebar. The angle from a jet ski turns the shoreline into a moving panorama.

Delimara and the il-Ħofriet bays: the “wow” section

As you head around Delimara, the route becomes more about scenery than speed thrills. The coastline here has dramatic cliff shapes, and the ride gives you a moving perspective that flat land can’t.

Then you reach il-Ħofriet, described as two of the most beautiful bays in the south, connected by a natural passage eroded out of the cliffs. That detail matters. You’re not just passing viewpoints—you’re traveling through a part of the coast shaped by time and tide. Expect this segment to feel like the tour’s scenic centerpiece.

What you might miss from shore

If you’ve only toured Malta by bus or walking, you’ll be surprised how different the shoreline feels at jet-ski speed. You get close to the coast without the friction of walking, and you see where rock meets sea in a way that’s usually hidden behind viewpoints and fences.

Riding the jet skis: what you control and what you don’t

This is a guided jet ski safari, not a free-for-all. You ride one jet ski per person, and an instructor is with you, giving direction for pacing and safe operation. A safety boat stays present throughout the entire activity, which is one of those practical details that makes the whole thing feel more manageable.

Here’s what you can expect in plain terms:

• You’ll start with enough instruction to know how to handle the ski safely.
• You’ll spend most of your time riding, not waiting around.
• You’ll have time to enjoy the views, but you still need to focus on riding.

Also, the group size is capped at 6 participants. That usually means you’re less likely to feel like one of many. In a high-motion activity like this, that smaller grouping helps you get quick fixes if something feels off.

Timing and pacing: 1.5 hours can feel like more

The full experience is about 90 minutes on the water (with start at 10:00 AM and return around 11:30 AM). It’s long enough to enjoy real coastal variety, but short enough that you won’t feel wiped out by the end.

That pacing works well for most people because jet skiing has two kinds of intensity:

1. Physical intensity from holding a steady stance and reacting to water texture.
2. Mental intensity from staying aware of your surroundings.

In 90 minutes, you get both, then you’re done while you still feel energized. If you’re planning the rest of your day in Malta, you’ll likely be able to transition to lunch or a relaxed stroll afterward.

Cost and value: what your $241 really covers

Price is listed at $241 per person for the 1.5-hour safari. For jet skiing, that’s not a casual splurge, so the key question is what you actually get.

Here’s the value math that matters:

• One jet ski per person (not shared)
• Professional, experienced instructor
• Safety boat present throughout
• Life jackets
• All fuel costs
• Fully comprehensive insurance

That coverage is a big deal. You’re not just renting equipment; you’re paying for a controlled, guided experience built around safety and readiness.

The one cost you must plan for

You still need to bring cash for the refundable security deposit: €100 per jet ski paid in cash at the base. Credit or debit cards aren’t accepted for the deposit. And yes, it’s refundable, but you must be ready with cash.

Also remember: in the event of an accident, loss, or damage, you’d only be liable for the insurance excess fee. That’s not the same as saying “nothing can cost you,” but it frames the risk clearly.

What to bring (and what to skip) so you’re comfortable

Jet skiing is a “small comfort checklist” kind of activity. Bring the essentials and you’ll enjoy it more.

Bring

• Passport or ID card
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Comfortable clothes
• Comfortable shoes (important for getting around the jetty safely)
• Cash for the deposit
• Motion sickness prevention (recommended if you’re prone to nausea)

Don’t bring

• Sandals or flip flops (not allowed)
• Alcohol and drugs (not allowed)
• Intoxication (not allowed)
• Alcoholic drinks in the vehicle (not allowed)

No one needs to turn this into a logistics battle. If you show up in swimwear and comfortable footwear, check-in tends to go faster, and you spend more of the session on the water.

Safety and who this safari fits (and who it doesn’t)

This ride has clear limits, and you should take them seriously. The minimum age is 18, and drivers must also be at least 18 with a valid identification document. Anyone who can’t present the required ID forfeits the trip with no refund.

It’s also not suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People with mobility impairments or wheelchair users
• People with heart problems
• Children under 18
• Non-swimmers
• People over 65
• People over 287 lbs / 130 kg
• People with motion sickness

If you’re not sure where you land, treat these rules as a safety checklist, not a suggestion.

And here’s a practical take: even if you don’t have a listed medical issue, the physical nature of jet skiing means you’ll want to feel steady on your feet and comfortable with short bursts of acceleration and water impact.

The instructor factor: when the tour feels fun, not just functional

A big part of why this safari feels like a “real experience” is the instructor energy. One guide named Harry has been described as fun and energetic, with a sense of humor that keeps things light while you’re still learning the ride.

Even if your guide isn’t Harry, the main idea transfers: you’re riding with an instructor who’s there to keep you safe, but also there to make sure you don’t just survive the session. That’s the difference between a stressful ride and a genuinely enjoyable one.

Should you book this jet ski safari to the south of Malta?

You should strongly consider booking if:

• You want a high-adrenaline activity with a clear, guided route.
• You’d rather see Malta from the water than just from roads.
• You’re comfortable riding in open water and can handle a chance of choppy conditions near the harbour.
• You like the idea of a small group (up to 6) and instruction while you ride.

Skip it (or look for a different kind of cruise) if:

• You’re worried about motion sickness.
• You’re not able to meet the physical requirements or listed limits.
• You don’t want to deal with the cash-only deposit at the base.
• You need hotel pickup or want a very low-impact activity.

If you’re trying to plan a “one big thing” day in Malta, this is a solid candidate. It’s short enough to fit cleanly into your schedule, and the route gives you that southern-coast feeling you can’t easily recreate by foot.

FAQ

How long is the Jet Ski Safari to the South of Malta?

It lasts about 1.5 hours, and you’ll return to the St. Julian’s base at about 11:30 AM.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel in St. Julian’s. Look for the black iron gate, go through it, down the ramp, then follow the yellow line to the jetty.

Is hotel pick-up included?

No. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included.

What’s included in the price?

The activity includes one jet ski per person, a professional instructor, a safety boat throughout, life jackets, fuel costs, and fully comprehensive insurance.

Do I need to pay a deposit?

Yes. There’s a refundable security deposit of €100 for each jet ski, paid in cash at the base.

Are there age or driver requirements?

The minimum age is 18 years. Drivers must also be at least 18 and present a valid ID (passport or ID card).

What should I bring and wear?

Bring your passport/ID, swimwear, a towel, comfortable shoes, comfortable clothes, cash for the deposit, and motion sickness prevention if needed. Sandals or flip flops aren’t allowed.