Jet skiing Malta’s south feels like flight. In just 1.5 hours, you get a guided ride with a real sense of route and momentum, starting from St. Julian’s and running past major seafront highlights like Valletta Grand Harbour before pushing farther south.

I especially like the small-group format (limited to 6), because it keeps things organized and lets the instructor give cleaner coaching. I also like that you are not doing this with zero support, a safety boat stays present throughout, and you get life jackets plus fuel and full coverage insurance built in.

The one drawback to consider: this isn’t a gentle activity. If you struggle with motion sickness, have back or heart issues, or you are not a strong swimmer, this ride is not a fit.

Key Things That Make This Jet Ski Safari Worth It

• A true south-of-Malta route with passing stops including Valletta Grand Harbour and the Delimara area
• One jet ski per person so you are not stuck waiting for turns
• Safety boat throughout the activity, plus life jackets and guided instruction
• Il-Ħofriet bays by natural passage for some of the best scenery in the southern stretch
• Small group cap of 6 so the pace and instructions stay manageable
• Chop can happen near the harbor and the ride still stays fun when you follow the coach’s lead

What You’re Really Booking in 90 Minutes

This is a focused, action-heavy safari. You meet on the jetty behind Verdi St George’s Bay Marina Hotel in St. Julian’s, then you head out with a guide who controls the rhythm. You are on the water for about 90 minutes, which is long enough to feel like a proper outing, but short enough that you are not wiped out the rest of the day.

The structure also matters. You are not just blasting in one direction. You pass recognizable stretches of coastline, so the time feels purposeful. And with a safety boat staying nearby the whole time, the experience is built for speed and fun without the chaos you might worry about on your own.

One detail I appreciate for first-timers: they say it works for both beginners and experts, and the instructor is there to keep you comfortable with how to handle the jet ski. That coaching is the difference between holding on for dear life and actually enjoying the ride.

The Route: Valletta Grand Harbour, Marsascala, Delimara, and Il-Ħofriet

The best part of this safari is the way it strings together scenery and motion. Your departure is from St. Julian’s at 10:00 AM, and the route includes big coastal passes, then swings farther south for those famous bay views.

Valletta Grand Harbour Pass

Right early on, you go by Valletta Grand Harbour. Even if you do not plan your trip around architecture, this kind of harbor pass gives you visual anchors, like a shift from city water to open, wider sea. It also tends to set the tone. One review called out rougher conditions around the harbor, and that matches what you should be ready for at times in Malta, especially when water conditions feel active.

Practical tip: when you leave the harbor zone, adjust your body. Bend your knees slightly, keep your upper body steady, and follow the instructor’s pace rather than trying to match someone else in front of you.

St. Thomas Bay in Marsascala

Next comes St. Thomas Bay in Marsascala. Bays like this are where you get that classic Mediterranean “pause and look” feeling, because the coastline shapes the water. If you are the type who wants both adrenaline and views, this is where the eyes get a break without losing the thrill.

Around Delimara

After that, you ride around Delimara. This is where you stop thinking about Malta as one flat coastline and start feeling how the south changes. The sea opens up and the scenery becomes more dramatic because the coastline is doing more interesting work with cliffs and coves.

If you are prone to motion sickness, this stretch is still doable, but prepare for it. The ride is guided and you are not meant to go rogue, so staying focused on instruction helps you manage the sensations.

Il-Ħofriet: The Two Bays Connected by a Natural Passage

One standout stop is passing Il-Ħofriet, described as two of the most beautiful bays in the south, connected by a natural passage eroded out of the cliffs. This is the kind of coastal feature that you can only appreciate properly when you are moving past it at water level.

You will likely feel the difference immediately, because the rocks and passage shape how water flows and how the coastline looks. If you like “wow, look at that” moments, this is where you get them.

The Jet Ski Ride Style: Smooth Handling With Real Speed

The description emphasizes that you will ride smoothly, and that is exactly what you want from a guided jet ski safari. But “smooth” does not mean boring. Malta’s coast can be playful on the surface, and the fun comes from controlling the speed while keeping balanced posture.

Here is what I think you should aim for as a rider:

• Listen first, move second. The instructor’s directions for how to start, turn, and keep spacing matter.
• Keep your gaze up. A lot of first-timers stare at the water directly in front of the machine. It is safer to look where you are going.
• Stay inside your comfort level. The best rides feel confident, not frantic.

Small-group coaching helps. With a cap of 6 participants, you are more likely to get corrections that actually apply to your situation rather than generic talk.

And if you are worried about rough water, good news: one verified experience noted fun despite choppy harbor conditions. The takeaway for you is simple, conditions can vary, but the setup is designed so the ride stays enjoyable when you follow the instructor.

Safety Setup You Should Understand Before You Go

Jet skiing is thrilling, but the smartest way to enjoy it is to know what support is there. This safari includes life jackets, and a safety boat is present throughout the entire activity. That means there is backup and oversight on the water, not just a guide who goes away to do their own thing.

Insurance is also built into the package. The activity includes fully covered insurance, and if there is an accident, loss, or damage, the rider is only liable for the insurance excess fee. You still want to ride carefully, but at least the financial risk is not left completely in your lap.

The Refundable Deposit Rule (Cash Only)

One thing you cannot ignore is the refundable security deposit: €100 per jet ski, paid in cash at the base. Only cash is accepted for this part. Plan ahead so you are not scrambling with an ATM while others are already suited up.

If you are bringing a friend or riding tandem is not offered here, the deposit is still based on your jet ski situation, since you get one jet ski per person.

Meeting Point at St. Julian’s: Get There Early and Easy

You depart from the jetty behind Verdi St George’s Bay Marina Hotel, formerly known as Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort. The address-style meeting spot is:

8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ, St. Julian’s

Here is the on-the-ground route as described:

1. Look for the black iron gate near the hotel’s underground parking lot entrance.
2. Go through the gate and down the ramp.
3. Turn left.
4. Follow the yellow line painted on the ground until you reach the jetty where boats and jet skis are parked.

Also plan time. You should arrive 15 to 20 minutes before the scheduled departure. That buffer helps you handle check-in, bring out your cash for the deposit, and avoid rushing on slippery surfaces.

What to Bring, What to Wear, What Not to Do

This tour is simple to pack for, but there are a few rules that keep it safe and comfortable.

Bring

• Passport or ID card (required)
• Comfortable shoes (for the jetty and ramp)
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Comfortable clothes
• Cash (for the deposit)
• Motion sickness prevention (if you need it)

Do not bring or do

• Sandals or flip flops (for safety and grip)
• Intoxication, alcohol, and drugs
• Alcoholic drinks in the vehicle

That list matters. If you show up in the wrong footwear, you may not be able to handle the jetty area comfortably, and that can throw off your whole morning.

Who This Safari Fits Best, and Who Should Skip It

This is for adults and it is for people who can handle a moving, bouncy activity.

Minimum requirements you should know

• Minimum age is 18
• Drivers must be at least 18 and show valid legal identification (passport or ID card)
• Minimum booking is 2 participants
• Not suitable for non-swimmers
• Not suitable for people with motion sickness, back problems, heart problems, pregnancy, or mobility impairments
• Not suitable for wheelchair users
• Not suitable for children under 18
• People over 65 should not participate
• People over 287 lbs (130 kg) should not participate

If you are within the limits and you want adrenaline plus scenery, this is a solid choice.

If you are on the fence, ask yourself a blunt question: can you handle speed over uneven water while wearing a life jacket and staying focused on directions? If yes, you will likely have a great time. If no, there are other ways to enjoy Malta’s coast without forcing your body into motion stress.

Price and Value: Is $241 Worth It?

At $241 per person for about 1.5 hours, you are paying for more than just a rental jet ski. The value comes from what is included:

• One jet ski per person
• An experienced instructor
• A safety boat throughout
• Life jackets
• Fuel costs
• Fully covered insurance

That bundle is why the price can make sense, especially when you compare it to piecing things together on your own. You are also not stuck in a big crowd. With a group limit of 6, you should feel like the activity is built around you, not around turning a conveyor belt of people through.

One more value factor: the route includes multiple recognizable southern coast features, plus the Il-Ħofriet area. You are getting a real “safari” feeling instead of a short out-and-back.

Booking Tips That Save Stress on Tour Day

Here are the little things I’d do if this were my trip.

Use the deposit cash plan

Bring cash for the €100 per jet ski deposit. Credit and debit cards are not accepted for that deposit, and that can be a surprise if you rely on cards for everything else.

Arrive on time, not late

Plan to be there 15 to 20 minutes early. It gives you time to find the jetty, get sorted, and avoid feeling rushed right before you go fast on the water.

Don’t skip motion sickness prep

Even if you think you are fine, have a plan. The activity is not suitable for people with motion sickness, but they also advise bringing prevention. If you know your body gets weird in boats, take prevention seriously.

Bring a towel you actually don’t mind getting wet

This is a sea activity. You can also wear comfortable clothes afterward, but expect spray.

My Booking Recommendation: Should You Book This?

I think you should book this jet ski safari if you want Malta’s south in a way that feels energetic and scenic at the same time. The route is structured, you get a real instructor-led experience, and you are not doing it in a massive crowd. The small-group cap and the safety boat are the kind of practical touches that turn a thrill activity into a confident one.

You might skip it if you fall into the clear non-suitable categories, especially motion sickness, non-swimmer status, heart or back issues, or mobility limitations. Also skip it if you dislike rules like cash-only deposits and arriving early for check-in.

If you do book, you will get a morning that is equal parts adrenaline and coastline views, including Valletta Grand Harbour, Marsascala bay, Delimara, and that Il-Ħofriet passage area that you can only really appreciate when you’re riding past it.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the jet ski safari?

You’ll depart from the jetty behind Verdi St George’s Bay Marina Hotel (formerly Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort) at 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ, St. Julian’s. Look for a black iron gate near the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking lot, go down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line to the jetty.

How long is the safari and what time does it start?

The duration is about 1.5 hours. It departs at 10:00 AM from St. Julian’s and you’ll be back at the base at approximately 11:30 AM.

What is included in the price?

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

Do I need to pay a deposit?

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

Is hotel pick-up or drop-off included?

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

Is there a minimum age or skill requirement?

The minimum age required is 18. Drivers must be at least 18 and present a valid ID document. The activity is also stated as being suitable for both beginners and experts, and it is not suitable for non-swimmers.