Five minutes of throttle changes everything. In St. Julian’s, a self-driving jet ski ride turns St. George’s Bay into your personal playground, with big Mediterranean views and a true adrenaline hit. I also love the safety briefing led by the instructor first, so you start the ride knowing what matters.

One thing to plan for: you can’t bring cellphones or cameras, so you’ll have to enjoy the moment without filming it.

Key highlights you’ll feel right away

• Small group size (up to 10): less waiting, fewer people crowding around the boats
• Instructor-led safety briefing: clear rules before you go solo or with a passenger
• Life jacket + fuel + full-coverage insurance included: fewer surprises, more peace of mind
• Self-driving time on open water: you actually get to handle the jet ski, not just watch
• 1-hour option needs cash deposit (€100 per jet ski): bring cash if you’re going longer

Jet skiing in St. George’s Bay: what you’re really buying

This is a classic St. Julian’s add-on with a strong “do it now” vibe. For about $47 per person, you get a guided prep, a life jacket, fuel covered, and a time slot ranging from 15 minutes up to 1 hour on the water. Then you steer the jet ski yourself and explore the bay at your own pace, either solo or with a passenger.

What makes it worth your attention is the mix of structure and freedom. You start with a briefing and maritime rules, but once you’re out there, you get the full sensation of speed and water spray—without needing any kind of training background beyond paying attention to the instructor.

Getting to the jetty: Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina and the yellow line

The meeting point is practical, but you’ll want to find it quickly. You depart from the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel (formerly known as Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort), at 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ, St. Julian’s.

Here’s the route once you arrive:

• Look for the black iron gate near the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking lot.
• Go through the gate.
• Walk down the ramp, turn left.
• Follow the yellow line painted on the ground until you reach the jetty where the jet skis are parked.

Also note: there’s no hotel pickup and drop-off. You’re responsible for getting yourself there during the base hours (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM).

Tip I’d follow: if you want the smoothest flow with the least waiting, aim for a session between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Because it’s first-come, first-served, later in the day can mean more standing around.

Safety briefing and how self-driving works (so you don’t start panicking)

Before anyone turns a handle, you’ll get safety information from the staff/instructor. This is not a vague lecture. You’re told how to use the jet ski properly, plus the maritime rules and regulations you’re expected to follow out on the water.

Then you move to the fun part: self-driving. The setup is designed so that whether you’re a beginner or someone with experience, you still go through a controlled start with guidance. You’ll have time to feel the machine under your hands while staying within the rules of the bay.

Two things I think you should take seriously:

• Pay attention during the briefing like it’s part of the ride. The better you understand the do’s and don’ts, the more confident you feel once you’re moving.
• Treat the jet ski like a vehicle, not a toy. You’re in a shared maritime space, so rule-following is part of the experience.

English instruction is available, and the group is kept small (limited to 10 participants). That matters because it makes it easier for staff to correct issues early and keep the session moving.

On the water: what changes between 15 minutes and 1 hour

You get a time range of 15 minutes to 1 hour, depending on what you choose when you check availability. Either way, the core experience is the same: ride in and around St. George’s Bay, enjoy the Mediterranean Sea views, and soak in the natural surroundings as you head out under your own control.

Here’s what changes in real terms:

The 15-minute ride

This is the “quick adrenaline fix.” You’ll get the thrill of throttle and the sensation of speed, but you won’t have much time to settle into a long rhythm. If you’re trying to fit jet skiing into a packed St. Julian’s day, 15 minutes can be a practical choice.

The 1-hour ride

This gives you more time to enjoy the bay’s shape and open-water feeling. It’s also the longer session where you’re more likely to feel like you really had your hands on the experience. If you’re only going to do one water thrill during your Malta trip, the hour option tends to feel more satisfying.

One logistical point: the 1-hour rental has a refundable security deposit requirement—paid in cash beforehand. So if you’re considering the hour, plan your cash, not just your swimsuit.

Price and value: why $47 can feel fair here

$47 per person for jet skiing might sound like a splurge. But in this case, the value isn’t just the ride—it’s what comes with it.

Included items you don’t have to price separately:

• Jet ski ride
• Briefing by a professional and experienced instructor
• Life jacket
• All fuel costs
• Life-coverage insurance (listed as fully comprehensive coverage)

Not included:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Food and drinks

So the cost is mostly about your time on the water plus the staff-led safety structure. And because fuel, safety gear, and insurance are already covered, you’re less likely to run into extra fees at the last minute.

Where you can get an extra cost:

• If you choose the 1-hour option, bring the cash deposit (more on that below).
• You’ll still need your own plan for getting to the marina and back, since pickup isn’t included.
• Food and drinks are on you.

What to bring (and what you should leave at home)

This activity has a clear “pack smart” list. You’ll want to bring:

• Passport or ID card
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Comfortable clothes and comfortable shoes
• Cash
• Deposit (if doing the 1-hour session)
• Motion sickness prevention

Now the big restrictions that affect how you prepare:

• Not allowed: cameras
• Not allowed: cellphones
• Not allowed: alcohol and drugs (and intoxication)
• Not allowed: alcoholic drinks in the vehicle

That means you should plan to enjoy this without relying on your phone for photos or video. If you’re coming with friends and everyone’s hoping to capture the moment, set expectations now. The best souvenir might be the memory and the windburn.

Also bring your comfortable shoes even if you’re just walking from the hotel area to the jetty. You’ll be moving around the base area before and after the ride.

Group size, timing, and the reality of waiting

The group is capped at 10 participants, which is a nice size for something fast-paced. It usually means less congestion than you’d expect from a big commercial operation.

But there’s another truth: rentals run on a first-come, first-served basis. You can arrive any time between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM to start your experience. Occasionally you might have to wait before you receive the jet ski, depending on demand and timing.

If you hate uncertainty, go early. The operators specifically suggest planning between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM for shorter waits. That’s good advice if you’re also fitting in other Malta plans later.

Who should book this jet ski rental in St. Julian’s

This is best for people who want active fun, not a sightseeing cruise.

You’ll likely enjoy it if:

• You’re okay riding a self-driving water vehicle (you’ll be steering it)
• You want adrenaline with a structured start (briefing first, rules explained)
• You like clear time boundaries (15 minutes to 1 hour)
• You’re comfortable in swimwear and managing a few basic gear rules

It’s also a solid option if you want to keep your Malta schedule flexible. The booking setup includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund and reserve now & pay later options.

Language is English, and the instructor-led guidance is part of the package. So if you’re not fluent in Maltese or Italian, you won’t be left guessing out on the dock.

The caution list: who this isn’t suitable for

Jet skiing is physical and it’s fast. The operator lists several conditions where the ride isn’t suitable, and you should take those limits seriously.

Not suitable for:

• Children under 5
• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People with mobility impairments
• Wheelchair users
• People with heart problems
• People over 65
• People over 287 lbs (130 kg)
• People with motion sickness
• Drivers under 18

On top of that, drivers must be at least 18 years old and present a valid identification document (passport or legally binding ID). If you show up without the right document, the policy states your trip can be forfeited and no refunds will be given for failing to present required documents.

Also, you’ll need to sign an indemnity form before renting. That’s standard for activities like this, but it’s still worth mentally preparing for paperwork before you hit the water.

Deposit and rules you should not ignore (especially with cash)

For a 1-hour rental, there’s a refundable security deposit of €100 for each jet ski. Cash is required, and credit or debit cards won’t be accepted for this deposit.

That can trip people up, so plan now:

• Bring the cash needed for the deposit if you’re booking the longer session.
• Don’t assume you can pay with a card on arrival.

For both ride lengths, there’s also a general rules-and-responsibility vibe: no intoxication, no drugs, and alcohol isn’t allowed in the vehicle.

And because this is self-driving, the maritime rules and regulations you receive in the briefing aren’t optional reading. They’re your roadmap for a safe ride.

Should you book St. Julian’s jet ski rental?

Book it if you want a real hands-on thrill in one of Malta’s better-known bays, with safety prep included and no need to shop around for life jackets, fuel, or insurance. The small group size and instructor-led start make it feel more controlled than you might expect for something so adrenaline-heavy.

Skip or rethink if:

• You get motion sickness easily (this activity lists it as not suitable)
• You’re traveling without the correct ID
• You hate the idea of being unable to bring a phone or camera
• Your plan depends on zero waiting time (first-come, first-served can mean delays)

If your Malta trip includes enough time to arrive early and you can follow the rules, this jet ski rental is one of the most straightforward ways to feel St. Julian’s from the water—fast, loud, and memorable, the right kind of chaotic.

FAQ

Where is the departure point for the jet ski rental?

The departure is from the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel (formerly Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort), at 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ, St. Julian’s. You go through a black iron gate, down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line to the jetty.

What’s included in the price?

The package includes the jet ski ride, a briefing by an experienced instructor, a life jacket, all fuel costs, and full-coverage insurance.

Do I need an ID to ride?

Yes. Drivers must be at least 18 and must present a valid, legally binding identification document such as a passport or identity card. Failure to present required documents can result in forfeiting the trip with no refund.

Is there a deposit for the 1-hour rental?

Yes. For a 1-hour rental, you must pay a refundable security deposit of €100 in cash for each jet ski beforehand. Credit or debit cards are not accepted for the deposit.

Are cameras or cellphones allowed during the ride?

No. Cameras and cellphones are not allowed.

Is this suitable for children or pregnant travelers?

No for both. Passengers under 5 are not allowed, and pregnant women are listed as not suitable for the activity.