Cruising Malta by jet ski is a fast way to change your pace. This 90-minute South of Malta Jet Ski Safari mixes guided routing with serious coastline scenery, from Valletta’s harbor area to the cliffs near Delimara and the sea passage at il-Ħofriet.

I like that you’re not just staying near the launch point. Two highlights I’m drawn to are the small-group feel (max 6) and the route that’s built around standout southern-water viewpoints like St Thomas Bay in Marsascala and the il-Ħofriet bays.

One consideration: the ride can be bumpy, especially around busier harbor water, and the activity isn’t a fit for people prone to motion sickness or with certain medical limits.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group (up to 6) keeps the experience focused and easier to manage on the water
• Southern Malta routing includes Valletta Grand Harbour, Marsascala’s St Thomas Bay, Delimara, and il-Ħofriet
• Safety boat present throughout the activity, plus an experienced instructor with a live English guide
• Cash security deposit (€100 per jet ski) is required at the base, and only cash is accepted
• One jet ski per person means you’re not sharing thrills
• Hard rules on suitability: no alcohol, no intoxication, and the tour isn’t for non-swimmers or motion-sickness-prone riders

Jet Ski Safari to Southern Malta: What This Is Really Like

If you want Malta at a speed that feels different, this is the one. The whole point is a guided jet ski safari for about 1.5 hours, starting and ending in St. Julian’s. You’ll ride smoothly when conditions allow, then feel the adrenaline when the sea kicks up a little.

What makes it especially appealing is the mix of access and scenery. Malta’s south coast isn’t just “pretty from shore.” On a jet ski, you read the coastline differently—cliffs, bays, and sea passages come at you fast, and you can track the natural shapes of the shore in a way most land tours never give you.

The format also matters for value. At around $241 per person, you’re paying for an organized water adventure with an instructor, life jackets, insurance, and a safety boat that stays with the group. That’s not the same as renting a jet ski solo and hoping you figure out the best route.

From St. Julian’s Jetty to the South Coast Route

You’ll meet at the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel (formerly Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort). The directions are clear, but they’re the kind of thing that can trip you up if you arrive late. Plan to get there 15 to 20 minutes early and go through the black iron gate near the underground parking area. Walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line painted on the ground to the jetty.

The departure is scheduled for 10:00 AM, and you’ll be back around 11:30 AM. That timing is practical if you want an active morning and a relaxed afternoon in Malta.

On the water, you’ll ride with a guide who leads the route, not just a group following dots on a map. The safari structure is built around passing key coastal landmarks on the way toward the southern bays, including the area of Valletta Grand Harbour before turning toward the south coast.

Valletta Grand Harbour, Marsascala, Delimara, and il-Ħofriet

This route is designed like a highlights reel, but it’s more than photo stops. The areas you pass tell you where Malta’s coastline changes character as you move south.

Valletta Grand Harbour area

You start by passing by the Valletta Grand Harbour. Even if you’ve seen Valletta from land, the viewpoint from the water gives you a sharper sense of the harbor’s scale. Expect this part to feel active; one real-world note is that you may encounter rougher water around the harbor depending on conditions, so keep your posture steady and follow the instructor’s guidance.

St Thomas Bay in Marsascala

Next is St Thomas Bay in Marsascala, a charming stretch that’s easier to enjoy because the water often feels less chaotic than open harbor zones. You’ll feel the contrast in how the sea moves against the jet ski hull, which changes how the ride feels in your hands and core.

Around Delimara

Then comes the section around Delimara. This is where the scenery starts to look more dramatic—cliffs, rocky edges, and water that feels more open. It’s also the part that makes the tour worth choosing over a shorter, near-launch ride.

il-Ħofriet and the sea passage between cliffs

Finally, you reach il-Ħofriet, described as two of the most beautiful bays in Malta’s south, connected by a natural passage eroded out of the cliffs. That detail matters. You’re not just staring at a bay; you’re riding around a natural coastal feature shaped by erosion, which adds a sense of place to the adrenaline.

This is where the “only jet ski safari that takes you to the southern part of the island” promise feels meaningful. The route isn’t random. It’s set up to move you from busy sights toward more coast-driven scenery.

Safety, Insurance, and the Small-Group Advantage

On a jet ski, safety is not a side note. It’s the whole operating system for a fun experience.

You’ll have a professional instructor and a safety boat present throughout the entire activity. That safety boat matters because it’s not only for emergencies; it also supports smoother group movement and helps keep everyone aligned on the route.

You also get life jackets and fully comprehensive insurance. If anything goes wrong—accident, loss, or damage to the jet ski—you’re only liable for the insurance excess fee, not the full cost. That’s a relief because it turns a potentially scary scenario into a defined rule set.

One more practical advantage: the group is limited to 6 participants. With fewer people, you tend to get better spacing, clearer direction, and less “traffic” on the water.

In one guide experience, the instructor named Harry came across as energetic and good for a laugh. Even if you’re not after comedy, it helps when the person leading you is upbeat and confident.

Driving Rules, Deposits, and What You Must Bring

Jet skis have their own rules, and Malta’s version here is very straightforward: if you’re driving, you must be at least 18 and show a valid ID (passport or legally binding identification such as an identity card). If you don’t bring it, your trip can be forfeited with no refunds—so don’t treat the ID requirement like a suggestion.

The refundable deposit you must plan for

There’s a refundable security deposit of €100 per jet ski, paid in cash at the base. Credit or debit cards aren’t accepted for this deposit. This is one of those details that can ruin a day if you forget or assume you can pay another way.

If you’re going with a friend or family member and you’re both riding, make sure your cash plan matches how many jet skis are covered. The activity includes one jet ski per person, so budget accordingly.

What to bring

Have these ready:

• Passport or ID card
• Swimwear, towel, and comfortable clothes
• Comfortable shoes (no sandals or flip-flops)
• Cash for the refundable deposit
• Motion sickness prevention if you’re sensitive

Arrive on time. The meeting point involves a gate and ramp and a short walk to the jetty. You don’t want to be the person sprinting at the last minute while everyone’s waiting on equipment checks.

Clothing and Comfort: How to Avoid a Miserable Ride

Jet skiing is physical in a simple way: you brace, you grip, you react to the water. That means your clothing and footwear matter more than you’d expect.

Avoid sandals or flip-flops. You’ll want shoes that stay on and feel stable because you’ll be moving around the jetty area before and after riding. Bring a towel for afterward—salt water plus wind can make you feel colder than you expect once the sun drops or the ride ends.

Motion sickness and body limits

This tour lists clear non-suitability rules: it’s not suitable for people with heart problems, back problems, mobility impairments, wheelchair users, pregnant women, non-swimmers, people over 65, or riders over 287 lbs (130 kg). It’s also not for people who experience motion sickness.

If any of those apply, skip this for safety and comfort. Jet skis are fast and exposed, and you don’t want to be negotiating nausea on open water.

Price and Value: Is $241 per Person Worth It?

At $241 per person for about 1.5 hours, the price can feel steep until you unpack what’s included.

You’re getting:

• One jet ski per person
• Instructor guidance
• Life jackets
• Fuel costs
• Fully comprehensive insurance
• A safety boat throughout
• English live tour guide

So you’re not only paying for the machine. You’re paying for supervision, equipment readiness, and the kind of route planning that gets you to the south coast highlights like il-Ħofriet rather than staying in a small swimming loop.

If you compare it to a basic rental, this is closer to a guided activity where safety and route value matter. And if your travel style is “do one big activity each trip,” this fits well because the time cost is small but the experience intensity is high.

Sea Conditions: What the Water Might Feel Like

The water can be calm or choppy depending on day and wind. One practical note from an earlier experience was that the rider found the jet skiing super fun despite rough waters around the harbor. That tells me you should plan for some chop even early in the route.

Here’s what you can control:

• Bring motion sickness prevention if you’re even slightly sensitive.
• Follow the instructor’s positioning tips and don’t fight the rhythm of the ride.
• Wear the right shoes and keep towels and bags secure if you bring extras.

And remember: you’re on a guided safari with a safety boat on standby. That doesn’t eliminate bumps, but it helps you relax about the bigger picture.

Who This Jet Ski Safari Suits Best

This is a strong pick if you want:

• A high-energy, outdoor experience
• A route that takes you beyond St. Julian’s and into southern Malta
• A small group so the experience stays focused
• Clear structure: instructor-led riding with safety support

It’s less suitable if you want a gentle, slow cruise or if you need accessibility support. The tour is set up for adults, and the rules reflect that: minimum age 18, plus health and weight limits.

If you’re traveling as a couple of friends where both people can drive and both can handle a physical ride, the value often feels at its best—especially because it’s one jet ski per person, not a shared device that limits your time.

Should You Book This South of Malta Jet Ski Safari?

Book it if your ideal Malta morning includes speed, open-water views, and a guided route built around the south coast’s standout features like Delimara and the il-Ħofriet sea passage. The small-group size, instructor-led format, safety boat presence, and included insurance are the reasons this tour feels like more than a thrill ride.

Skip or reconsider if you’re:

• Motion-sickness-prone
• Under the age requirement or not comfortable driving with the ID/deposit rules
• Managing health issues listed as not suitable
• Hoping for a laid-back experience rather than an adrenaline one

If you decide to go, do two things that make the biggest difference: bring the cash for the €100 deposit per jet ski, and arrive early enough to get to the jetty without stress.

FAQ

Where does the jet ski safari depart from?

It departs from the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel (formerly Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort) in St. Julian’s, near the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking lot.

How long is the experience?

The activity lasts about 1.5 hours. It leaves at 10:00 AM and you return around 11:30 AM.

What’s included in the price?

You get 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 bring anything?

Yes. Bring your passport or ID card, swimwear, a towel, comfortable shoes (no sandals or flip-flops), comfortable clothes, and cash for the refundable deposit. Motion sickness prevention is also recommended.

Is there a security deposit?

Yes. A refundable deposit of €100 per jet ski must be paid in cash at the base. Credit or debit cards aren’t accepted for this deposit.

Is the tour suitable for children or teens?

No. The minimum age to participate is 18, and drivers must be at least 18 with valid identification.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the live tour guide is English.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

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