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

A jet ski safari in Malta is interesting because you get Malta’s coast at speed, with a pro guiding you along water routes you would never reach on foot. It’s also built around two different ride styles: a North run with island views, or a South run that swings past Valletta’s Grand Harbour.

I like that the experience is run as a true small-group outing, limited to 6 participants, and led by an instructor who stays involved. I also like that the tour includes the basics that usually cost extra, jet ski rental and fuel, so you can focus on riding instead of budgeting mid-trip.

One consideration: you’ll need to be comfortable in the water. The activity requires participants to be able to swim, and it has some medical and mobility limits.

Key points to know before you go

• Two route choices: North to St. Paul’s Islands, or South toward St Thomas Bay and il-Hofriet
• Instructor-led pacing with safety equipment included, plus rules you must read at the office
• Small group size capped at 6 participants, so you get more attention than a big boat day
• Photo moments during the safari, with the instructor taking some pictures for you
• €100 cash security deposit per jet ski and a valid ID needed on the day

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

This ride is designed for people who want a break from cathedrals and bus tours, and who prefer to see coastlines from the water. You choose your route when you book, then follow your instructor from Malta’s St. George’s Bay area toward the north or the south side.

The North safari is the pick if your idea of fun is circling scenery, with stops in Mellieha Bay and St. Paul’s Bay and then going around St. Paul’s Islands. That last bit matters, because you get a real sense of the island presence rather than just passing by a shoreline.

The South safari is for a different kind of coast lover. You cruise past Valletta Grand Harbour on the way toward St Thomas Bay, then head to il-Hofriet, described as the most popular two bays in Malta’s south. The provider also describes this as the only south jet ski safari in Malta, which is a nice hook if you want that part of the coastline without doing everything by car.

How the 1.5-hour ride works from St. George’s Bay

Your time on the water is about 1.5 hours, and the flow stays simple. You start at Sun & Fun Water Sports, get moving with your instructor, and then ride in a guided loop before returning to the base.

A typical experience includes a short photo stop, then you’re into guided riding. The big practical point is that this is not a free-roam rental where you plot your own route. The jet ski has to stay with the instruction all the time, so you benefit from a planned route and safety oversight.

Because you’re limited by time, you’ll feel the action pretty quickly. You speed across the water and get that Malta coast in motion, with chances to stop or adjust for the scenic parts the route is built around.

You’ll also get at least some photos taken by the instructor during the safari. If you like having proof you were there and not just a few blurry splash shots, this helps. The photos are taken during the activity, so you do not need to manage your camera while riding.

North Route: Mellieha Bay, St. Paul’s Bay, and the Islands

If you go North, the safari departs from the St. George’s Bay base and follows your instructor to Mellieha Bay and St. Paul’s Bay. Even if you know Malta, these names help you picture where you’re going: you’re moving along the north coast where the shoreline shapes the route.

Mellieha Bay is a practical stop because it breaks up the ride with a change of scenery. You feel the speed, then you have a moment where the coastline becomes the focus. St. Paul’s Bay adds a different look and feel, and it sets you up for the best moment on this route, going around St. Paul’s Islands.

Going around St. Paul’s Islands is the kind of detail that makes the North route worth picking. Passing by a view is nice. Riding around an island gives you angles from multiple sides, and it helps you understand the scale of the water space you’re traveling through.

You finish by returning to the St. George’s Bay base, keeping the experience tight and predictable rather than long and tiring.

South Route: Valletta Grand Harbour, St Thomas Bay, and il-Hofriet

The South safari also starts from St. George’s Bay, but the story changes as soon as you head toward Valletta. On this route, you pass by Valletta Grand Harbour on the way to St Thomas Bay. That harbor pass-by matters because it adds a built-up viewpoint to the ride, not just shoreline and open water.

Then you head toward St Thomas Bay, which shifts the vibe back toward coastal cruising. After that, you cruise to il-Hofriet, described as the most popular two bays in the south.

Why is il-Hofriet a big deal for you as a rider? Because popular bays tend to have the kinds of water access and scenic angles that make the route feel worth it in a short 1.5-hour window. You’re not just tooling around randomly. The route focuses on a couple of stops that people usually want to see.

As with the North safari, you return to the St. George’s Bay base at the end, so you’re not ending in a different area where it’s harder to grab a meal or get back to your hotel.

Price and value at about $227 for a small group

The listed price is $227 per group up to 1, for a 1.5-hour guided jet ski safari. That phrasing can be confusing, so here’s how I’d think about value using what you actually get: you’re paying for a guided experience with a professional instructor, a jet ski rental, and fuel included.

A lot of water activities charge extra once you arrive. Here, the included basics are what matter most. Safety equipment is included, and fuel is included, so you avoid the unpleasant surprise of add-ons right when you’re ready to ride.

The small-group size also supports the value. Limited to 6 participants means you’re less likely to feel like just one body in a long line of riders.

One more value angle: the instructor taking photos adds convenience. You do not need to stop and fuss with settings while riding, which is the easiest way to come home with nothing but soaked memories.

Also, you get free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve-now option that lets you pay later. That’s useful if your plans in Malta are still shifting.

Safety, rules, and the stuff that keeps the ride enjoyable

This safari is built around instruction and rules, and that’s a good thing if you want a fun ride without chaos.

You get safety equipment and a professional instructor. The instructor speaks multiple languages, including English, French, Italian, Danish, Dutch, German, Hungarian, Polish, Russian, and Spanish. That helps if English is not your strongest language.

You must be able to swim. The activity lists several groups who should skip it, including pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, and people with heart problems, plus non-swimmers. Drivers must be 18 years old or older.

There’s also an important practical rule about readiness at the start. You need a valid ID on the day of the activity before renting the jet ski. You also need to pay a €100 cash security deposit for each jet ski at their office.

And yes, the rules matter. You must read the full rules at the office, and the company can refuse to give you the jet ski if the rules are not read. You also can’t drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

One more rule that affects your experience: the jet ski has to stay with the instruction all the time. That means you might not be doing the kind of lone-wander riding some people dream about, but it also means the safari stays organized and safer for everyone.

Where to meet: the black gate by Corinthia Verdi Hotel

Meeting point details can make or break a tour day, so treat this part like a mini mission.

You meet before entering Corinthia Verdi Hotel. There is a black gate. Walk through the black gate down the ramp, then turn left. Follow the yellow line on the jetty to Sun & Fun Water Sports.

If you like to arrive early, do it here. That jetty approach can be easy to miss if you’re rushing, and you’ll want time to handle the ID check and the €100 cash deposit without stress.

What to pack, wear, and avoid

The packing list is simple, but it’s also where people usually forget the small stuff that makes the ride better.

Bring:

• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Water

Plan to get wet. Even if you’re not splashing through waves constantly, speed plus seawater equals wet clothes fast.

Not allowed:

• Smoking
• Alcohol and drugs

Also, keep in mind that you’ll be riding in a short window. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are your main defense against the sun and wind.

Who this is for, and who should skip it

This safari is a great fit if you want an action-first way to see Malta’s coast. It’s especially good for:

• People who already like water activities and want more than a calm boat tour
• Travelers who want either the North route scenery or the South route views without a full day of driving
• Groups who want a small-group experience with a guide and safety structure

It’s not a match if you:

• Need accessibility support related to mobility or physical conditions
• Have heart problems
• Have back problems
• Are pregnant
• Cannot swim
• Are under 18 for driving

If you’re unsure about comfort levels, pay attention to the swim requirement and the health limitations. Jet skiing is physical, and the rules are there for a reason.

Should you book this jet ski safari in Malta?

If you want a fast, guided, coastal adventure with a clear plan and minimal fuss, I think you should seriously consider booking. The 1.5-hour format is long enough to feel like you did something, but short enough that you can still enjoy the rest of your Malta day. The small group size, the included fuel, and the instructor-led route all add up to good value.

Choose North if you’re excited by Mellieha Bay, St. Paul’s Bay, and the chance to go around St. Paul’s Islands. Choose South if Valletta Grand Harbour pass-by and the il-Hofriet bay area sound more like your kind of coast.

Book if you’re physically comfortable meeting the requirements, especially the ability to swim and the driving age rule. Skip it if you fall into any of the listed medical or mobility categories.

If you do book, go prepared with cash for the €100 deposit, bring your ID, and dress for sun plus water. Do that, and you’ll have the kind of Malta memory that feels different from everything else you’ll do on land.

FAQ

How long is the Malta jet ski safari?

The jet ski safari runs for about 1.5 hours.

Where do we meet for Sun & Fun Water Sports?

You meet before entering Corinthia Verdi Hotel at the black gate. Walk through the black gate down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line on the jetty.

Is swimming required?

Yes. Participants must be able to swim.

What is the minimum age to drive a jet ski?

The minimum age for drivers is 18 years old.

Is there a security deposit?

Yes. You need to pay a €100 cash security deposit for each jet ski at the office.

What’s included in the price?

The price includes a professional instructor, safety equipment, jet ski rental, and fuel.