St. Julian’s: Jet Ski Rental in St. George’s Bay

St. George’s Bay gives you a fast, wet way to see Malta from the water. After a short safety briefing, you take control of a jet ski and ride across the Mediterranean, with the bay’s rocky shores and open views around you. You can ride alone or carry a passenger.

I like the self-driving format, since you are not simply sitting behind a guide. I also like that the price includes fuel, a life jacket, and comprehensive insurance, which keeps the cost easier to judge. The main catch is that rentals are first come, first served, so a sunny afternoon may bring a wait.

• Ride from St. George’s Bay: Set off from the jetty behind Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel in St. Julian’s.
• Choose 15 minutes to one hour: A short ride suits first timers, while the full hour gives you more time on the water.
• Drive your own jet ski: Staff explain the controls and local maritime rules before you ride.
• Bring cash for the deposit: One-hour rentals require a refundable €100 deposit per jet ski.
• Plan for a possible wait: The base operates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with shorter waits usually expected earlier in the day.
• Adults only as drivers: Drivers must be at least 18 and show a passport or identity card.

Taking Off From St. George’s Bay

The experience begins at the water, not in a coach or a hotel lobby. You make your way to the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel, formerly called the Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort, and meet the English-speaking staff at the operating base.

The entrance can take a little finding. Near the hotel’s underground parking entrance, look for a black iron gate. Go through it, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line painted on the ground. That line leads you to the jetty, where the boats and jet skis are kept.

I appreciate this clear route because the meeting point is tucked behind the hotel rather than directly on a main street. Still, allow a few extra minutes to find it, especially if you are carrying a towel, swimwear, or other beach gear.

The base accepts riders between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. This is not a fixed sightseeing departure with everyone leaving at one exact minute. Instead, rentals are handled on a first-come, first-served basis. You may begin soon after arriving, or you may need to wait for a jet ski to return.

For the best chance of a quick start, plan for the morning, ideally between 9:00 AM and noon. I would not build a tight afternoon schedule around this ride, since the waiting time can change.

The Safety Briefing Before You Ride

Before touching the throttle, you receive a briefing from a professional instructor. The staff explain how to operate the jet ski and go over the maritime rules and regulations that apply on the water.

That short lesson matters. A jet ski feels simple to operate, but steering, speed, spacing, and passenger balance all affect how smoothly the ride goes. Listen closely, even if you have ridden before. The briefing is designed to help beginners get comfortable and to remind experienced riders of the local rules.

You must also sign an indemnity form before renting. Drivers need to show a valid passport or identity card. This is not a minor formality: if you arrive without the required identification, you lose the booking and no refund is offered.

A life jacket is provided. Fuel is included, as is fully comprehensive insurance, so you do not need to arrange either before setting off. Cameras and cellphones are not allowed during the ride, which means you should plan to enjoy the views without trying to film them.

Riding Across the Mediterranean

Once the briefing is complete, you take the controls and head out from the jetty into St. George’s Bay. The main pleasure here is direct and physical: you feel the movement of the water, control the direction yourself, and get a clear view of the bay from a low position close to the sea.

You can ride solo or take a passenger. A shared ride can suit two people who want to enjoy the experience together, while a solo rider has more direct control over the pace and handling. The information provided does not specify passenger charges or seating limits, so check the exact arrangement when you book.

The bay gives you a mix of natural surroundings and seascape views. From the water, you see Malta from a different angle than you do from the streets of St. Julian’s. The ride is less about reaching a particular monument and more about enjoying open space, speed, and the bright Mediterranean setting.

The 15-minute option is the quick taste. It can work well if you are curious about jet skiing but do not want a long session, or if you are fitting the activity between other plans. It also limits the amount of time you spend exposed to sun, spray, and motion.

The one-hour option gives you more time to settle into the controls and enjoy the bay. It costs more time and requires the €100 cash security deposit per jet ski, but it makes more sense if the ride itself is a main part of your day. The available duration depends on the option you select, so confirm the length before paying.

What the $47 Price Really Covers

The advertised price is $47 per person. Its value depends heavily on the duration you choose. A short session offers a brisk introduction, while a longer rental gives you more time for the same basic setup and instruction.

Fuel is included, which removes one common extra cost from water-sport rentals. A life jacket and fully comprehensive insurance are also included. Food, drinks, and hotel pickup are not included, so you need to reach St. George’s Bay on your own and bring anything you want for before or after the ride.

The cash deposit deserves special attention. For a one-hour rental, you must pay €100 for each jet ski before riding. The deposit is refundable, but only cash is accepted. Credit and debit cards are not accepted for this payment.

I see the price as reasonable for a focused water activity, particularly if you want to drive rather than simply watch the coast from a boat. It is less attractive if you only have time for the shortest ride and are mainly hoping for a broad sightseeing trip. This is an adrenaline activity first, with scenery as its setting.

How Long Should You Book?

Your choice comes down to how much time you want on the machine.

A 15-minute ride is enough to understand the basic appeal. You receive the safety information, take control, and get a compact burst of speed around the bay. It suits a cautious first attempt or a packed St. Julian’s schedule.

A longer rental gives you a better chance to relax after the initial learning period. The first few minutes may be spent getting used to the steering and throttle, so an hour feels less rushed. The tradeoff is the larger time commitment and the required cash deposit.

The listed activity length ranges from 15 minutes to one hour. Check the available start times and duration when selecting your session. Since the base allows arrivals throughout the day rather than promising one fixed departure, leave space in your plans for possible waiting.

Who Will Enjoy This Ride Most?

I would recommend this for adults who want an active break from Malta’s streets, museums, and restaurants. It suits confident swimmers and adventure-minded visitors who like being in control of the activity rather than following a long guided route.

It can also work for beginners. You do not need to arrive as an expert, and the staff provide operating instructions before you ride. Still, you should be comfortable with motion, spray, and the physical demands of handling a jet ski.

The activity is not suitable for children under five, drivers under 18, pregnant women, people with back, heart, or mobility problems, wheelchair users, or people over 65. The stated maximum weight is 287 pounds, or 130 kilograms. People prone to motion sickness should also skip it.

Passengers under five are not allowed. The information does not list a separate minimum age for older passengers, so ask the operator if a young passenger will be riding with an adult.

What to Bring to the Jetty

Wear swimwear and comfortable clothing that can get wet. Comfortable shoes and a towel are also listed as essentials. Cash is important for the deposit and any other personal needs, since the one-hour security payment cannot be made by card.

Bring your passport or identity card, and keep it available at the meeting point. Drivers must present a valid legal identification document, and failing to do so means forfeiting the ride without a refund.

Do not bring a camera or cellphone onto the jet ski. Alcoholic drinks, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed, and you cannot ride while intoxicated. If you suffer from motion sickness, bring suitable prevention or reconsider the activity, since the operator lists motion sickness as a reason not to participate.

There is no food or drink service included. Have water and a snack before or after the ride, but do not bring alcoholic drinks onto the vehicle.

The Practical Drawbacks

The biggest inconvenience is the flexible queue system. First-come, first-served rental can be useful if your plans are loose, but it does not give you the certainty of a tightly scheduled excursion. Arriving between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM does not guarantee an immediate departure.

The meeting point also requires a short walk through the hotel access area. The black gate, ramp, left turn, and yellow line are easy enough once you know them, but they are worth noting so you do not waste time searching near the hotel entrance.

The no-camera rule may disappoint anyone hoping to record the ride. It is practical from a safety point of view, but you will need to remember the views rather than capture them.

Finally, the bay is the focus. You are not paying for a broad coastal cruise around all of Malta. You are paying for control, speed, sea air, and time on the water near St. George’s Bay. That is a good match for an active outing, but not for someone seeking a calm, narrated boat trip.

Booking Flexibility and Group Size

The activity is offered in a small group of no more than 10 participants. That keeps the operation more limited than a large boat excursion, although your exact time on the jet ski is still handled through the rental queue.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available, which helps if your Malta schedule may change. These policies do not remove the identification rule, so bring the required document even if you have reserved ahead.

The staff speak English. If you need instructions repeated, ask before leaving the jetty. Understanding the controls and maritime rules is more important than getting onto the water quickly.

Should You Book the St. George’s Bay Jet Ski Ride?

Book it if you want a short, energetic Mediterranean activity and like the idea of driving your own jet ski. The inclusion of fuel, safety equipment, instruction, and insurance makes the $47 starting price easier to assess, while the range of durations lets you choose between a quick taste and a fuller ride.

I would choose an early session, bring cash, and allow extra time in case the queue moves slowly. Pick the one-hour rental only if you are happy to pay the €100 refundable deposit in cash and want the ride to be a main event rather than a quick add-on.

Skip it if you need a precise departure time, dislike motion, want a quiet boat trip, or fall into one of the listed health or age restrictions. For the right person, this is a simple way to add speed, spray, and open-water views to a stay in St. Julian’s.

FAQ

Where does the jet ski ride depart from?

It departs from the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel at 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ, St. Julian’s. Use the black iron gate near the underground parking entrance, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line to the jetty.

What are the operating hours?

You can come to the base between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Rentals are first come, first served, so a waiting period is possible.

How long is the jet ski rental?

The available rental duration ranges from 15 minutes to one hour. Check the available options and starting times when booking.

How much does the activity cost?

The listed price is $47 per person. The final value depends on the rental duration you choose.

Is a security deposit required?

A refundable €100 cash deposit is required for each jet ski rented for one hour. Credit and debit cards are not accepted for this deposit.

Do I need identification?

Yes. Every driver must be at least 18 years old and show a valid passport or identity card. Without the required document, the trip is forfeited and no refund is given.

Is a safety briefing included?

Yes. A professional instructor explains how to use the jet ski and reviews maritime rules and regulations before you ride.

Can I ride with a passenger?

Yes, the activity allows you to ride solo or with a passenger. Passengers under five are not allowed.

What is included in the price?

The ride, an instructor briefing, a life jacket, fuel, and fully comprehensive insurance are included. Hotel transportation, food, and drinks are not included.

Can I bring my phone or camera?

No. Cameras and cellphones are not allowed during the ride. Alcohol, drugs, intoxication, and alcoholic drinks in the vehicle are also prohibited.