A jet ski ride in Malta is a fast way to see the coast. You’ll get guided speed, sea views, and a smooth route south, with a safety boat staying nearby and an instructor steering the day. One drawback to plan around: it’s not ideal if you get motion sickness or you’re worried about bumpy water.

This is also built for real freedom. One jet ski per person means you spend your time riding, not waiting, and the group stays small (up to 6), so you get more attention on the water. The down side? You do need to show up ready to ride, including having cash on hand for a deposit.

If you’re the type who likes doing one big active thing, this fits. The route passes by Valletta Grand Harbour, then heads toward Marsascala and the dramatic south-coast seascapes around Delimara and the il-Ħofriet bays, where cliffs and sea carve out natural passages.

Key things I’d bet you’ll notice right away

• Small group size (max 6): easier instruction and less crowded feeling on the water
• Safety boat throughout: you ride with support nearby, not just at the start
• South-coast route: you’re not just circling close to St. Julian’s
• One jet ski per person: more time riding, not trading turns
• Fuel and fully comprehensive insurance included: less surprise cost than many activities
• Cash deposit (€100 per jet ski): bring cash early, or you’ll be stuck

St. Julian’s jetty: where to go and how to avoid last-minute stress

Your departure point is a jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel in St. Julian’s (formerly Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort). When you arrive, you’ll find it near the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking lot, with a black iron gate. Go through the gate, down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line on the ground to the jetty.

This matters because the safari itself is only 1.5 hours. You’re asked to arrive 15 to 20 minutes early, so you can check in and get your gear sorted without rushing. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the jetty area, and don’t show up in sandals or flip flops.

Bring your passport or ID card too. Even if you’re just riding, the driver must be at least 18 and must present valid, legally binding identification. If you don’t, you forfeit the trip with no refund.

The 90 minutes on the water: speed with structure

The core promise here is simple: a guided jet ski safari to the southern part of Malta. You’re not left on your own. An instructor leads the ride, and you have life jackets provided. There’s also a safety boat present throughout the entire activity, which is a big deal for comfort, especially if sea conditions get choppy near the harbor.

The ride time is tight enough to feel thrilling, but not so long that you get worn out. Expect about 10:00 AM departure and return around 11:30 AM. That makes it easy to plan the rest of your day in Malta, especially if you prefer one main activity in the morning.

If you’re a beginner, you can still go. If you’re experienced, you’ll likely enjoy the fact that you’re not stuck doing training laps the whole time. One recent review mentioned they still had a blast even with rougher water around the harbor, so the experience can handle real-world sea conditions. If you’re sensitive to motion, read the next section carefully before booking.

The route highlights: Valletta, Marsascala, and the south-coast pass-by views

The safari route is built around passing Malta’s key seascape points from the water. You’ll start from St. Julian’s, then move toward Valletta Grand Harbour as part of the journey. Even from the water, this is a strong visual moment because Valletta’s harbor area looks different at speed, and you get a wider coastal view than you do from land.

Next comes St. Thomas Bay in Marsascala. This is one of those spots you see best with your eyes close to the waterline, because the coastline changes character quickly from harbor areas to more sheltered inlets and bays. You get scenic payoff without it turning into a slow sightseeing day.

Then you’ll head around Delimara, and continue toward two famous south bays: il-Ħofriet. The route includes passing by these bays and the natural passage connecting them, formed through erosion in the cliffs. That kind of sea-carved connection is hard to appreciate fully from shore, but from a jet ski it reads instantly: cliffs, openings, and the way waves work through the rock.

Il-Ħofriet and Delimara: why these south bays are worth the ride

The south of Malta has a stronger “edge” to it. The coastline is more dramatic, the cliffs make the water look carved rather than flat, and the sense of space feels bigger than what you might expect from a short ride.

The il-Ħofriet portion is the standout scenery element in the description: two of the most beautiful bays in the south, connected by a natural passage eroded out of the cliffs. Even if you’re not a photography person, it’s the kind of feature that turns your route from a simple ride into a “where are we now” moment.

A practical thought: because you’re riding across active coastal water, expect some spray. Bring a towel, and be ready for wet gear. Also, avoid getting overconfident in sea conditions. One review called out rough waters around the harbor, which is a reminder that the first stretch can feel less smooth than the middle of the route.

Safety and insurance: what’s included, what costs extra, and what to prepare

This is one of the more reassuring jet ski setups. Included in the price are:

• One jet ski per person
• Professional instructor
• Safety boat throughout
• Life jackets
• Fuel costs
• Fully comprehensive insurance

You’re also told about the insurance excess fee if something happens. In that case, you’d be liable only for the excess, not the full value of damage. You still want to ride responsibly, but knowing how insurance is handled reduces the anxiety factor.

Now the part that trips people up: the refundable security deposit is €100 for each jet ski, paid in cash at the base. Credit or debit cards aren’t accepted for that deposit. So if you’re traveling with a group, make sure you’re not relying on your last ATM withdrawal at the airport. Bring enough cash.

You’re also not allowed to drive if you can’t show ID, and you must avoid intoxication, alcohol, drugs, and alcoholic drinks in the vehicle. This is clearly enforced because safety depends on predictable decisions.

What to pack: the small checklist that makes the safari feel easy

For a 90-minute ride, you don’t need much, but you do need the right stuff:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting damp
• Comfortable shoes for walking to the jetty
• Passport or ID card
• Cash for the €100 deposit
• Motion sickness prevention if you’re prone to it

You’re also advised to bring motion sickness prevention. One reason is basic physics: jet skis move, the water moves, and even experienced riders can feel it around harbor areas. If you already know you get queasy on boats, don’t treat this as a maybe.

Who should book, and who should skip this jet ski safari

The activity works for both beginners and experts, as long as you meet the basic requirements. It’s for drivers 18+, and non-swimmers aren’t allowed. That doesn’t mean you need to be an Olympic athlete in the sea, but it does mean you should be confident in water.

It’s not suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People with mobility impairments
• People with heart problems
• Wheelchair users
• Children under 18
• People with motion sickness
• People over 65
• People over 287 lbs (130 kg)

If any of those apply, it’s better to choose a different Malta water activity that’s more comfortable for your body. Short, intense rides are great when you feel good in motion, and miserable when you don’t.

Price and value: is $241 worth 90 minutes of jet skiing?

At $241 per person for 1.5 hours, the cost can feel steep if you’re comparing it to a public beach day. But you’re not just paying for a ride. You’re paying for:

• a jet ski for you personally
• an instructor guiding the route
• a safety boat throughout
• life jackets
• fuel
• fully comprehensive insurance

In other words, you’re paying for a controlled, supported activity. That’s why it can still feel like good value versus “cheap” rentals where you’re on your own for safety and navigation. The cash €100 deposit is refundable, but it’s still cash you need to plan for.

So the real question isn’t just the price tag. It’s whether you want a morning experience where you’ll be wet, thrilled, and moving. If you do, you’re likely to feel you got your money’s worth.

My simple decision checklist: should you book?

Book this if you want:

• a guided jet ski route to Malta’s south, not just a short harbor loop
• an early morning activity that doesn’t eat your whole day
• a ride with life jackets and a safety boat nearby
• a small group feel (up to 6), with instructor attention

Skip or rethink if:

• you have motion sickness or you’re likely to feel queasy in rough water
• you can’t do cash for the €100 deposit
• you’re outside the age/health limits listed by the activity
• you don’t have your ID ready for the driver requirement

One last tip: if you’re sensitive to choppy conditions, take motion sickness prevention seriously. A recent ride note mentioned rough water around the harbor, and that’s exactly the kind of moment where preparation matters.

FAQ

How long is the jet ski safari?

The experience runs for about 1.5 hours, departing at 10:00 AM from St. Julian’s and returning around 11:30 AM.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel in St. Julian’s (formerly Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort). Go through the black iron gate, down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line to the jetty.

What’s included in the price?

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

Do I need to pay a deposit?

Yes. There’s a refundable security deposit of €100 cash per jet ski. Cash payments only are accepted at the base.

Who can drive the jet ski?

Drivers must be at least 18 years old and must present valid identification (passport or ID card). If you fail to present the required document, the trip isn’t refunded.

Is this activity suitable for everyone?

No. It’s not suitable for people with motion sickness, non-swimmers, wheelchair users, children under 18, people over 65, and several other health and mobility conditions listed by the activity.