Malta: Jet Ski Safari to St. Paul’s Islands or St Thomas Bay

Malta’s coast looks best from the water, and this guided jet ski safari gives you a fast, lively way to see it. You can choose the north route around Mellieha Bay, St. Paul’s Bay, and St. Paul’s Islands, or head south past Valletta Grand Harbour to St. Thomas Bay and the two bays of il-Hofriet.

I like the choice of two routes, since you can match the trip to the part of Malta you most want to see. I also like that a professional instructor leads the small group, with fuel, safety gear, and some photos included. The main drawback is the short 1.5-hour running time, plus the €100 cash security deposit required for each jet ski.

Key points to know before booking

• Two very different coastal routes: Pick St. Paul’s Islands and the northern bays, or St. Thomas Bay and il-Hofriet in the south.
• A small group of up to six: The instructor can keep the group together and provide clear guidance on the water.
• The jet skis remain with the instructor: This is a guided safari, not a free-roaming rental.
• A swim stop may be part of the fun: The south route includes a stop in a cove for swimming, according to the tour details.
• Bring €100 cash per jet ski: This security deposit is separate from the booking price.
• Drivers must be at least 18: You need valid identification and must be able to swim.

What the 1.5-hour safari is really like

This is not a simple jet ski hire where you collect a machine and race off alone. You follow an instructor for the whole outing, keeping the group together as you move along Malta’s coast.

That arrangement matters. It gives first-time riders a clear route and removes the stress of finding your own way through unfamiliar water. It also means you should not expect unlimited freedom or the chance to take off in any direction you choose. The jet ski must stay with the instructor throughout the safari.

The time is divided between riding, coastal views, and stops for photos or swimming, depending on the route and conditions. The activity information describes a photo stop and guided tour, and the instructor takes some photos during the safari. You can enjoy the ride without trying to take pictures while handling the jet ski.

The group limit is six participants. That is small enough to feel more controlled than a large water-sports outing, though the exact amount of riding time can vary with the group. If several people are new to jet skis, the pace may feel measured rather than wild. That is a fair trade for a safer, more orderly trip.

Starting at Sun & Fun Water Sports in St. George’s Bay

The meeting point is Sun & Fun Water Sports. Finding it takes a little care, so do not simply walk toward the hotel entrance and hope the route becomes obvious.

Before entering Corinthia Verdi Hotel, look for a black gate. Walk through it, follow the ramp down, turn left, and then follow the yellow line along the jetty. The provided map link marks the black gate rather than the water-sports desk itself, which makes that landmark especially useful.

You should arrive ready to ride in swimwear, with your towel and sunscreen already packed. The activity does not include hotel pickup, so you need to make your own way to St. George’s Bay.

At the office, you must read the full rules before receiving a jet ski. Staff can refuse the rental if the rules have not been read, so allow enough time for this step. You also need to show a valid ID and pay a €100 cash security deposit for each jet ski.

That deposit is one of the most important practical details. The advertised price is $227 per group up to one person, but the cash deposit is an extra amount held for the jet ski. Confirm the booking arrangement and deposit terms when you reserve, especially if you plan to ride with another person.

Choosing the northern route to St. Paul’s Islands

The northern safari leaves St. George’s Bay and heads toward Mellieha Bay, St. Paul’s Bay, and St. Paul’s Islands. This route suits you if the main attraction is open coastal scenery, larger bays, and the chance to circle a small island group by water.

Mellieha Bay gives the route a broad, open start. From a jet ski, you get a different view of the shoreline than you would from a road or beach. The water becomes the main road, and the coast becomes a changing backdrop as the instructor guides the group north.

The route then passes St. Paul’s Bay. The safari does not promise a long shore visit, so think of this as a moving coastal tour rather than a town excursion. You will see the bay from the water, with the jet ski providing the speed and angle that make the outing feel different from a standard boat trip.

The highlight is going around St. Paul’s Islands. These islands are only accessible by water, making them a natural goal for a jet ski outing. You can expect the instructor to lead the group around the islands before returning toward St. George’s Bay.

This route is a good pick for you if you want the feeling of reaching a distinct offshore point. The tradeoff is that a 1.5-hour trip leaves limited time for long stops at every location. The emphasis is on moving through several places, not sitting at one bay for half the afternoon.

Choosing the southern route to St. Thomas Bay

The southern safari follows a different line. From St. George’s Bay, you pass Valletta Grand Harbour on the way to St. Thomas Bay, then cruise toward il-Hofriet, described as the two most popular bays in the south.

Passing Valletta Grand Harbour from the water gives this route a strong visual change. You begin in the resort area around St. George’s Bay, then move toward Malta’s great harbor setting before reaching the quieter coves farther south. The tour details do not promise a harbor stop, so you should expect to view it while riding rather than leave the jet ski for a land visit.

St. Thomas Bay is the main southern destination. The route then continues to il-Hofriet, where the rocky coast and smaller bays create the sort of setting that works well from the water. The narrow shoreline and coves are part of the appeal, since a jet ski can reach places that are not practical to visit by road.

The southern option includes a stop in a cove for swimming. That makes it the better choice if you want the outing to include time in the water, not just speed and sightseeing. Pack a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and water, since food and drinks are not included.

I would choose this route if a swimming break and coastal coves matter more to you than visiting St. Paul’s Islands. I would choose the northern route if the island circuit is the feature you most want.

Speed, control, and the role of the instructor

The appeal is obvious: you feel the wind, skim across clear water, and move quickly between bays. But this is still a guided activity with rules, not a private race.

The instructor leads the route and keeps the jet skis together. You need to stay with the group at all times. That may disappoint experienced riders who want to set their own course, but it is reassuring if you have never ridden before or if you prefer a planned outing.

The instructor also handles the safety side of the experience. Safety equipment and the jet ski rental are included, as is fuel. You are expected to follow the office rules, avoid alcohol and drugs, and ride only when fit to do so.

The activity is offered with instructors who speak English, French, Italian, Danish, Dutch, German, Hungarian, Polish, Russian, and Spanish. That broad language range can make the safety briefing and on-water directions easier to follow for an international group.

You must be able to swim, even though the main activity takes place on a jet ski. This requirement matters because the trip includes open-water riding and, on the southern route, a swimming stop. Non-swimmers should not book this experience.

How much value do you get for $227?

At $227 per group up to one person, this is not a budget beach activity. The value comes from the combination of a guided route, jet ski use, fuel, safety equipment, and access to coastal areas you cannot reach by land.

Fuel being included is useful. You do not need to worry about an extra charge appearing after the ride based on how far the group goes. Safety equipment is also covered, which keeps the price easier to understand.

The 1.5-hour length is the point to examine closely. You are paying for a short, concentrated experience rather than a full-day coastal outing. If you want a burst of speed and a different view of Malta, the duration should work. If you want a slow swim, a long beach stop, or several hours on the water, this will feel brief.

The small group improves the value. Six participants or fewer means this is more personal than a mass outing, and the instructor can keep the group under closer control. The included photos add a practical benefit, since you can leave your phone safely stored and still have a record of the ride.

Food, drinks, hotel transport, and personal expenses are not included. You should factor in your own transport to St. George’s Bay and bring water with you. The price makes the most sense for a couple or solo rider who sees the jet ski itself as the main event.

What to bring and what to leave behind

Wear swimwear and bring a towel, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and water. Malta’s sun can make a short ride feel intense, especially when reflected off the sea, so sun protection is not an optional extra.

A hat is useful before and after the ride, though you will need to keep personal items secure while moving at speed. Sunglasses can help with glare, but make sure they are well secured.

Smoking is not allowed during the activity. Alcohol and drugs are also prohibited, and you cannot operate the jet ski under their influence. This is both a stated rule and basic water-safety sense.

Bring valid identification for the rental process and €100 cash for the security deposit for each jet ski. The deposit is easy to overlook if you focus only on the online booking price.

Who should book this Malta water adventure?

I would recommend it to an adult who wants an active way to see Malta’s coast and is comfortable following instructions. It suits confident swimmers, couples, friends, and solo riders who prefer a guided outing to an independent rental.

The minimum driving age is 18. Pregnant women and people with back, heart, or mobility problems should not take part. The repeated acceleration and movement of a jet ski can be demanding, so you should take these restrictions seriously.

The experience may also suit you if you have already ridden a jet ski and want more than a straight-line circuit. One useful detail from the feedback is that the outing includes a cove stop for swimming, making it feel less repetitive than simply riding back and forth. That is a real advantage for experienced riders who want scenery and variety.

I would be more cautious about booking it for a person who dislikes speed, has never felt comfortable on open water, or wants a relaxed sightseeing trip. A regular boat cruise would better match that style, but this activity is designed around motion and control.

Practical booking advice for St. George’s Bay

The activity allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time, and you can reserve now and pay later. That gives you some flexibility, but you still need to check the available starting times before planning the rest of your day.

Do not book this immediately before an important meal, flight, or attraction unless you leave enough time for the meeting point, safety rules, equipment, and return. The advertised activity lasts 1.5 hours, but your day also needs room for getting to the black gate and completing the office requirements.

The provider can refuse to issue a jet ski if the rules are not read. Treat the office briefing as part of the experience, not as an annoying delay. It is where you learn the limits that keep the guided safari orderly.

The instructor takes some photos during the outing. That is a welcome extra, but you should not treat it as a full professional photo package. The important benefit is that you can enjoy the ride without handling your own camera.

Should you book this jet ski safari?

Book it if you want speed, sea views, and a guided route in one compact Malta activity. Choose the north for Mellieha Bay, St. Paul’s Bay, and the circuit around St. Paul’s Islands. Choose the south for Valletta Grand Harbour, St. Thomas Bay, il-Hofriet, and the swimming stop.

Skip it if you are not a swimmer, cannot drive because you are under 18, or have a medical condition listed in the restrictions. Also think twice if $227 feels high for 1.5 hours and you would rather spend the day slowly exploring beaches.

For the right person, this is a lively way to see Malta from an angle that roads and walking paths cannot provide. Just arrive prepared with ID, cash for the deposit, sun protection, and realistic expectations about the short, instructor-led format.

FAQ

Where does the jet ski safari start?

It starts at Sun & Fun Water Sports in St. George’s Bay. Before entering Corinthia Verdi Hotel, find the black gate, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line on the jetty.

How long does the jet ski safari last?

The activity lasts 1.5 hours, including the guided jet ski outing and stops along the route.

Can I choose between different routes?

Yes. You can choose the northern route to Mellieha Bay, St. Paul’s Bay, and St. Paul’s Islands, or the southern route past Valletta Grand Harbour to St. Thomas Bay and il-Hofriet.

What is included in the price?

The price includes jet ski rental, fuel, safety equipment, and a professional instructor. Photos taken by the instructor during the safari are also part of the experience.

What age must I be to drive a jet ski?

Drivers must be at least 18 years old. You must also provide valid identification on the day and be able to swim.

Is a security deposit required?

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