Malta looks different from a jet ski. I love the speed across crystal water, and I love that you ride as a small group with a professional instructor who keeps things organized and safe. One thing to know upfront: you’ll need to be a confident swimmer and you’ll pay a €100 cash security deposit per jet ski.

You get to choose your route: a north run around St Paul’s Islands or a south run past Valletta toward St Thomas Bay. Either way, the whole point is getting close to Malta’s coast fast, then taking in the views from the water instead of from a crowded viewpoint. The ride is only about 1.5 hours, so it’s thrilling, but not the kind of day-trip where you slowly “tour” Malta.

Logistics are simple but specific. You start at Sun & Fun Water Sports in St George’s Bay, and you’ll find it by going to a black gate before Corinthia Verdi Hotel, walking down the ramp, turning left, and following the yellow line on the jetty.

Key things to know before you go

• Two safari routes: north to St Paul’s Islands or south to St Thomas Bay
• Small group size (max 6), so you’re not lost in a crowd
• Instructor-led navigation means you stay on a planned path the whole time
• Photo stops while you ride, including photos taken by your instructor
• €100 cash deposit per jet ski is required on the day
• You must be able to swim and meet driver age rules (drivers 18+)

Choosing St Paul’s Islands or St Thomas Bay: pick your coastline vibe

This jet ski safari is all about option A vs option B. If you want a more “islands-and-coves” feeling, you’ll pick the north route to St Paul’s Islands. You’ll head out from St George’s Bay, pass Mellieha Bay and St Paul’s Bay, and then go around St Paul’s Islands before you return.

If you want a more “big-view waterfront” vibe, choose the south route. You’ll cruise past Valletta Grand Harbour on the way to St Thomas Bay, then go to the two popular south bays called il-Hofriet, before returning to St George’s Bay.

What’s nice is that both routes fit the same 1.5-hour format, so you’re not committing to a long day just to get on the water. You’re paying for momentum: jet ski time plus a guided look at the coast that you’d never reach easily by walking.

Which route fits your style?

• Go north if you like the idea of island scenery and cutting around St Paul’s Islands from the water.
• Go south if you want views that include Valletta’s harbour area and the well-known bays like il-Hofriet.

Getting to Sun & Fun Water Sports in St George’s Bay (the exact meeting point)

Your start point is Sun & Fun Water Sports. The directions are clear, and I’d treat them as instructions, not suggestions.

You’ll meet before Corinthia Verdi Hotel at a black gate. Walk through that black gate down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line on the jetty until you reach the operators.

Why this matters: jet ski mornings can run smooth, but only if you’re standing where they expect you. If you show up late or wander around the waterfront, you’ll lose time that you’d rather spend on the water.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to show up early and breathe, aim to arrive with buffer time so you can fill out paperwork, read the full rules at the office, and get geared up without rushing.

The 1.5-hour ride: what it feels like when you stay with the instructor

This isn’t a “free explore” rental. You’ll ride with an instructor and the jet ski has to stay with their instruction all the time. That’s a good thing, especially if you’re new to Malta by jet ski.

You should expect:

• a guided flow (you’re not guessing where to go)
• a pace that keeps you moving enough to feel the thrill
• organized turns, stops, and photo moments

Also, because it’s an instructor-led safari, your time on the water is designed to show you a sequence of coastline points rather than just “go fast in a circle.” That’s why the route choice is the real decision here: it determines the scenery you’ll see during that tight window.

And yes, photos happen. Your instructor will take some during the safari, so you don’t have to fumble with a phone while you’re riding.

North Jet Ski Safari: Mellieha Bay, St Paul’s Bay, and the loop around St Paul’s Islands

The north safari is the one to choose if you’re drawn to that “only water can reach this” feeling. After departing from St George’s Bay, the plan is to follow the instructor past Mellieha Bay and St Paul’s Bay, then go around St Paul’s Islands, and finally return to base.

Mellieha Bay and St Paul’s Bay: why these stops matter

These bays aren’t random names—they’re part of the north coast’s rhythm. In a short 1.5-hour ride, you want a route that gives variety without long dead time. Mellieha and St Paul’s Bay provide that because you get:

• open-water speed stretches
• shoreline passes with changing views
• a sense of Malta’s coast from multiple angles in one run

Going around St Paul’s Islands

The highlight of the north option is the loop around St Paul’s Islands. Even if you don’t know the story behind every rock and fortification, you’ll feel the difference instantly: the coastline view becomes more “sculptural,” and you’re seeing Malta from a different angle than almost anyone on foot.

Practical note: if you’re prone to seasick feelings, jet skis are fast and close to water. You’ll likely feel motion, even though the ride is guided and time-limited. If motion bothers you, it’s worth thinking twice and talking to the operator rules you can follow.

South Jet Ski Safari: Valletta Grand Harbour and il-Hofriet bays

The south safari is the more “harbour-to-bays” route. You leave St George’s Bay, pass by Valletta Grand Harbour on the way to St Thomas Bay, then cruise to the two popular south bays named il-Hofriet, before returning to base.

Valletta Grand Harbour: the quick hit of a major landmark

You don’t spend all day in Valletta, and you’re not doing an on-land walking tour here. Instead, you get a moving view of a major harbour zone as you travel by water. For me, that’s a smart use of time: you get landmark context without turning your jet ski ride into a long transit day.

If you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys seeing how a city “sits” against the sea, this is a big part of the appeal.

St Thomas Bay and il-Hofriet: the south coast’s pleasure zones

Then you head to St Thomas Bay and specifically to il-Hofriet, which are called out as popular bays. That matters because popular usually means they’re visually rewarding from the water and easy to route through in a short time.

In a 1.5-hour safari, “popular bays” isn’t a marketing label—it’s a routing advantage. The operator can plan the sequence to keep the ride exciting and the scenery varied, instead of wasting time finding safe approach points.

Safety rules that affect your day (and keep it fun)

This trip is built around safety equipment, a professional instructor, and clear rules. The company also says they can refuse to provide a jet ski if the rules aren’t read at their office. So treat the briefing like part of the experience.

Here’s what’s explicitly required or controlled:

• Safety equipment is included
• Participants must be able to swim
• Drivers must be 18+
• You need a valid ID on the day to rent the jet ski
• The ride can’t be driven under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• No smoking, alcohol, or drugs during the activity
• Full rules are read at the office
• The jet ski has to stay with the instruction all the time

Also, there’s a €100 cash security deposit for each jet ski paid at the office. That’s one of those practical “know it before you go” points. If you’re traveling with cards only, plan to have cash ready.

Who should think twice

The activity isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, people with heart problems, non-swimmers, and drivers under 18. If any of those apply, don’t try to gamble on “maybe it’ll be fine.” The rules are there because being on open water has real risk.

What to bring (and what to wear) so you don’t end up uncomfortable

This is a water activity with speed, sun, and splash. Pack like you’re going to get wet and wind-blasted.

Bring:

• sunglasses
• a hat
• swimwear
• a towel
• sunscreen
• water

And be ready for the sun. Malta’s warmth is part of the appeal, but wind and spray can fool you into thinking you’re not getting burned.

Small comfort tips that actually help

• Wear swimwear you’re confident won’t shift when you’re seated at speed.
• Sunscreen matters even if the ride is short; you’ll feel exposed time on the water.
• Bring a towel that’s actually absorbent. You’ll want it after the safari.

If you’re tempted to bring valuables, don’t. The activity rules emphasize safety and standard handling of the jet skis with the instructor, and the briefing likely keeps everything simple.

Price and value: is $227 per group worth it?

The listed price is $227 per group (for up to 1). That phrasing can be confusing, but the value calculation is clearer when you look at what’s included.

You’re getting:

• jet ski rental
• fuel
• safety equipment
• an instructor
• guided route time (plus photo moments)

Not included:

• hotel pickup/drop-off
• food and drinks
• personal expenses

So what are you really paying for? Time on the water with guided structure. If you compare this to trying to arrange your own jet ski plan, you’re also paying for the “know-how” of where to go and how to run the route with safety rules.

And small group size (limited to 6 participants) matters here. In a crowded setup, you spend more time waiting and less time riding. A tighter group usually means a smoother flow, more attention from staff, and less stop-start.

The trade-off

You only get about 1.5 hours. It’s not meant to replace a full sightseeing day. Think of it as a high-intensity Malta experience that complements everything else—like walking Valletta one day and then getting a completely different view from the sea the next.

The bottom line: should you book this jet ski safari?

Book it if you want a short, organized burst of Malta that feels hands-on and fast. I like the fact that you’re not left to figure out routes on your own: the instructor-led plan, the included safety gear, and the small group format make it a practical way to see the coastline without a full-day commitment.

Choose the north option if islands and coves are your thing, and pick the south option if you want Valletta Grand Harbour in the mix and popular bays like il-Hofriet.

Skip it if you can’t meet the core requirements (able to swim, driver age rules, and the health limits). And if the idea of paying a €100 cash security deposit is annoying, plan cash in advance so the day stays smooth.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the jet ski safari?

The activity lasts about 1.5 hours.

Where does the tour depart from?

It departs from the base at St George’s Bay at Sun & Fun Water Sports.

How do I find the meeting point?

Go to Corinthia Verdi Hotel, find the black gate before the hotel, walk through the gate down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line on the jetty.

Is the group size small?

Yes. It’s limited to 6 participants.

What is included in the price?

Professional instructor, safety equipment, jet ski rental, and fuel are included.

Is there an extra deposit?

Yes. A €100 cash security deposit is required for each jet ski at the office.

Do I need to be able to swim?

Yes. Participants must be able to swim.

What’s the minimum age to drive?

The minimum age for drivers is 18 years old, and a valid ID is required on the day.

You Might Also Enjoy

St. Julian’s: Jet Ski Rental in St. George’s BayThe Grand Tour of VallettaHalf Day Private Tour around the Island in MaltaSnorkeling in Blue Lagoon Beaches and Bays Trip Comino