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

Malta’s coastline is best understood from the water, and this 1.5-hour jet ski safari gives you a fast, active way to see it. You can choose the north route around St. Paul’s Islands or the south route toward St. Thomas Bay, with an instructor leading the group throughout.

I like the chance to stop in a cove for a swim rather than spend the whole trip racing in a straight line. I also like that fuel, safety gear, and the jet ski are included, while the instructor takes photos during the ride. The main drawback is the price: at $227 per group up to one, this is a costly short outing, especially once you add the required €100 cash security deposit per jet ski.

Key points at a glance

• Two very different routes: Choose the north safari to St. Paul’s Islands or the south safari to St. Thomas Bay.
• A guided ride, not a free-for-all: You must stay with the instructor and follow the group’s route.
• A useful swimming break: The ride includes a stop at a cove where you can swim, conditions permitting.
• Small-group format: The group is limited to six participants, keeping the outing more controlled.
• Bring cash and identification: You need a valid ID and a €100 cash security deposit for each jet ski.
• Good for confident swimmers: Drivers must be at least 18 and able to swim.

Starting at St. George’s Bay

The safari begins at Sun & Fun Water Sports, near Corinthia Verdi Hotel in St. George’s Bay. Finding the exact entrance matters because the meeting point is not simply described as a hotel lobby or a broad beach entrance.

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. This route leads you to the water-sports base.

You should arrive with enough time to handle the paperwork, read the full rules, present your ID, and pay the €100 cash security deposit required for each jet ski. The company can refuse the rental if the rules have not been read, so do not treat the briefing as a quick formality.

The experience uses a small-group format with no more than six participants. That is useful on a moving-water activity. You are still following a set route, but a smaller group should make it easier to stay behind the instructor and hear the directions.

The instructor speaks English, French, Italian, Danish, Dutch, German, Hungarian, Polish, Russian, and Spanish. The exact instructor’s name is not provided, but the guide leads the entire safari and remains with the group. The jet ski must stay with the instruction group at all times, so this is not an independent rental.

Choosing the north route to St. Paul’s Islands

The north safari leaves St. George’s Bay and heads toward Mellieha Bay, St. Paul’s Bay, and St. Paul’s Islands. It is the better choice if your main interest is open coastal scenery, bays, and islands reached only from the sea.

Mellieha Bay gives the route a broad coastal setting before the ride moves toward St. Paul’s Bay. From the water, you get a different view of Malta’s shoreline than you would from a road or beach. The ride also gives you access to stretches of coast that are difficult to appreciate from land.

The route then circles St. Paul’s Islands. These small islands are one of the clearest reasons to choose the north option. You can see the shoreline from close range while keeping pace with the instructor, rather than simply looking at the islands from a distant viewpoint.

This route is also a good fit if you want a day on the water without committing to a full boat excursion. The 1.5-hour duration keeps the outing compact, though it also means the time passes quickly once you allow for instructions, departures, stops, and the return ride.

Choosing the south route to St. Thomas Bay

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

The approach toward Valletta Grand Harbour adds a striking urban and historic view to the ride. You are not only looking at open water and rock. You also get a sea-level perspective toward one of Malta’s best-known harbours before the route turns toward the southern coast.

St. Thomas Bay and il-Hofriet suit you if you want a mix of bays and coastal rock formations. The route is not just a straight sprint from one point to another. It includes shoreline cruising and time around bays, which makes the ride more varied.

The south route is described as Malta’s only south jet ski safari by the operator. If you have already seen the northern coast or want a route with Valletta Grand Harbour in the mix, this option may offer more variety in a short time.

You cannot freely switch between the two routes during the activity. Choose your preferred side when booking, and ask the operator if you need to confirm the route for your chosen date and departure time.

What the ride itself feels like

The appeal is simple: you sit low over the water, accelerate into Malta’s clear sea, and follow the instructor along the coast. The ride combines speed with stops at coves and viewpoints, so you are not spending the full session at one pace.

The guide sets the route and keeps the jet skis together. That makes this a better choice for people who want structure and supervision rather than a self-directed rental. It also means you need to accept the group’s pace and rules.

You may get wet, so swimwear is the sensible choice. Bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, a towel, and water. A phone or camera is less important because the instructor takes photos during the safari, although the experience does not state how or when those photos are delivered.

One especially useful detail comes from the experience itself: the ride includes a stop in a cove for swimming. That changes the outing from a pure speed session into a short coastal adventure. You can cool off, take in the surroundings, and then return to the jet skis.

You must be able to swim. That requirement is important even if you plan to remain on the jet ski, since this is a water-based activity with a swimming stop. The safari is not suitable for non-swimmers, pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, or people with mobility impairments.

A short tour with plenty packed in

The stated duration is 1.5 hours, including the guided ride and return to Sun & Fun Water Sports. Since the session also includes preparation and safety instructions, the actual high-speed riding time will be less than the full 90 minutes.

That is not necessarily a flaw. A short session can fit neatly into a day based in St. George’s Bay, especially if you want to leave room for swimming, sightseeing, or a meal afterward. It is also easier to manage than a half-day water excursion.

Still, you should set your expectations correctly. This is a concentrated taste of Malta’s coast, not a leisurely full-day exploration. The routes cover several named bays and islands, but you will not have long periods at every stop.

The best value comes if you care about the activity itself, not just the sightseeing. You are paying for the jet ski, instructor, fuel, safety equipment, and a guided route. If you only want coastal views, a cheaper boat trip or public beach may serve you better.

Is $227 good value?

The listed price is $227 per group up to one. Because the pricing wording is unusual for a jet ski activity, check exactly what your reservation includes before paying, especially if two people plan to share or if more than one jet ski is needed.

The price includes the rental, fuel, safety equipment, and professional instructor. You do not need to budget separately for fuel, which is helpful because fuel charges can make water-sports rentals harder to compare.

You do need to bring cash for the €100 security deposit required for each jet ski. This is a deposit, not a stated tour fee, but you should have the money ready at the office. You will also pay for your own food, drinks, transport, and personal expenses.

For one person who already enjoys jet skiing, the price may feel reasonable for a guided coastal ride with a swimming stop and photographs. For a couple or family comparing activities, the cost deserves more thought. The six-person maximum keeps the outing small, but the price structure means you should confirm how additional riders are charged.

There is free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Malta schedule is still changing, but a lost ticket cannot be refunded or redeemed.

Safety rules you should take seriously

The instructor will explain the full rules at the office. You must read them before operating the jet ski, and the company may refuse to provide the vehicle if you do not complete that step.

Drivers must be at least 18 years old and must present a valid ID on the day. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and you cannot operate the jet ski under their influence. Smoking is also not allowed during the activity.

The jet skis must remain with the instructor. You are not booking permission to roam around Malta’s coast alone. This arrangement adds control and safety, but it also limits personal freedom, so independent riders may find the format restrictive.

The activity is not suitable for people with back problems, heart problems, mobility impairments, or pregnancy. These restrictions make sense for a fast ride over moving water, where the vehicle can jolt and the rider must climb on and off safely.

What to bring to the jetty

Pack light, but bring the basics:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunglasses and a hat
• Sunscreen
• Drinking water
• Valid identification
• €100 cash for the security deposit per jet ski

Do not bring alcohol or plan to smoke during the ride. Food and drinks are not included, so eat beforehand or arrange your own refreshments outside the activity.

A secure approach to personal belongings is wise because the activity takes place from a jetty and on the water. The supplied information does not specify storage arrangements, so ask the staff where to leave anything you do not want to carry.

The photo service and the swimming stop

The instructor takes photos during the safari. That is a practical touch because handling a phone while driving a jet ski is a poor idea, and the best moments often happen while you are moving.

The details do not specify how the photos are delivered, so ask the staff before setting off. You should also remember that the photos are an extra record of the trip, not a replacement for your own safety briefing or the guide’s instructions.

The swimming stop is another strong part of the experience. One short French-language review specifically praised the fact that the route was not limited to straight-line riding and included a cove where you could swim. That is exactly the kind of break that makes a compact water activity feel less repetitive.

The stop will not turn this into a beach day. You still have a fixed route and a 90-minute session. But it gives you a chance to pause, cool off, and see the coast without the engine running beneath you.

Who should book this safari?

I would recommend it to an adult who already likes speed, can swim confidently, and wants to see Malta from the water without spending half a day on a boat. It also suits couples or small groups who prefer an active outing to a quiet sightseeing cruise.

It is less suitable if you dislike strict supervision or want to explore at your own pace. The jet ski must stay with the instructor, and the group follows the planned route.

Families should pay close attention to the minimum driver age. Drivers must be 18 or older, so younger participants cannot operate the jet ski. The supplied details do not state the rules for passengers, so confirm those arrangements before booking if a younger person is expected to ride.

The multilingual instruction is helpful for an international group. English, French, Italian, Danish, Dutch, German, Hungarian, Polish, Russian, and Spanish are available, so you can request the language that suits you best.

Final call: book it for the ride, not just the view

Book this safari if you want a guided burst of speed, a cove swim, coastal scenery, and a small-group setting. The north route gives you Mellieha Bay, St. Paul’s Bay, and St. Paul’s Islands, while the south route adds Valletta Grand Harbour, St. Thomas Bay, and il-Hofriet.

Skip it if $227 feels high for 1.5 hours, if you want a relaxed boat trip, or if you prefer to ride without an instructor. Before booking, confirm the price structure for your party, prepare the €100 cash deposit, and choose the route that best matches your sightseeing plans.

FAQ

How long does the jet ski safari last?

The activity lasts 1.5 hours, including the guided route and the return to Sun & Fun Water Sports.

Where does the safari begin?

It begins at Sun & Fun Water Sports near Corinthia Verdi Hotel in St. George’s Bay. Enter through the black gate before the hotel, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line along the jetty.

Can I choose between different routes?

Yes. You can choose the north safari to Mellieha Bay, St. Paul’s Bay, and St. Paul’s Islands, or the south safari 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.

Do I need to bring identification or a deposit?

Yes. Drivers must show a valid ID and pay a €100 cash security deposit for each jet ski at the office.

What is the minimum age to drive?

Drivers must be at least 18 years old and able to swim. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers.