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

Malta’s coastline makes a fine playground for a jet ski, and this trip gives you more than a straight run up and down the bay. You follow an instructor to coves, shorelines, and islands, with a choice between St. Paul’s Islands in the north or St. Thomas Bay in the south. I like the route choice and the small group limit of six. I also like that fuel, safety equipment, and photos taken during the safari are included.

The main consideration is the price: $227 per group up to one person, plus a €100 cash security deposit for each jet ski. This is best for an adult who already wants a high-speed water activity, not for someone seeking a quiet sightseeing cruise or a family outing with young children.

Key points at a glance

• Two different coastal routes: Choose St. Paul’s Islands and the northern bays, or St. Thomas Bay and the south coast.
• A true guided ride: You must stay with the instructor throughout the safari, so this is not a free-roaming rental.
• Small groups of up to six: The limited group size should make it easier to follow the guide and receive safety instructions.
• A 1.5-hour outing: The timing gives you a proper coastal ride without taking an entire day from your Malta plans.
• Practical inclusions: Jet ski rental, fuel, safety equipment, and a professional instructor are included.
• Bring cash and photo-ready gear: You need a €100 cash deposit for each jet ski, and the instructor may take photos during the ride.

Choosing between St. Paul’s Islands and St. Thomas Bay

The route is the most important choice you make. The north safari leaves from St. George’s Bay and heads toward Mellieha Bay, St. Paul’s Bay, and St. Paul’s Islands. This option is a good fit if you want a mix of open-water riding, bays, and island views.

The route around St. Paul’s Islands gives the trip a clear sightseeing purpose. You are not simply covering distance on a jet ski. You follow the coastline and circle islands that can be reached most easily from the water. The itinerary also includes a photo stop and time for guided sightseeing, so the ride has several pauses rather than one long burst of speed.

The south route heads toward St. Thomas Bay. You pass by Valletta Grand Harbour on the way, then continue to two popular southern bays known as il-Hofriet. This option should appeal to you if you want the added sight of Valletta’s harbor approach before moving into quieter coastal water.

A key difference is the feel of the scenery. The northern option focuses on Mellieha Bay, St. Paul’s Bay, and the islands. The southern option links the harbor area with St. Thomas Bay and il-Hofriet. Since both routes begin and end at St. George’s Bay, you should choose based on the coast you most want to see, not on transport convenience.

Starting at St. George’s Bay

The meeting point is Sun & Fun Water Sports. Finding the base takes a little care. Before entering the Corinthia Verdi Hotel, look for a black gate. Walk through it, go down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line on the jetty.

This is useful information to keep on your phone. The meeting point is not described as a standard hotel lobby or street-side shop, so give yourself enough time to locate the gate. You do not want to arrive at the last minute in swimwear, sunglasses, and a hurry.

At the base, you will receive safety equipment and read the full rules before riding. The company can refuse to provide the jet ski if you have not read those rules. A valid ID is required on the day, and each jet ski requires a €100 cash security deposit.

That deposit is separate from the tour price. Plan for it before you arrive, and do not assume a card payment will work because the deposit is specifically listed as cash. The fuel cost is included, so you do not need to budget for a fuel charge at the end.

What the 1.5-hour ride feels like

The ride begins with the professional instructor leading the group away from the base. You stay with the instructor for the entire safari. This rule matters because the activity is designed as a guided coastal outing, not an independent rental where you choose your own course.

You can expect a blend of riding and stops. The advertised schedule includes jet skiing, a photo stop, and guided touring. You may cruise along the coast, pause near a cove, and stop for a swim. One French-language comment describes the appeal clearly: this is different from a standard jet ski ride that only goes in a straight line, with a cove stop for swimming and friendly staff.

That detail helps set the right expectation. The trip is active, but it is not only about speed. The route gives you chances to look around and get into the water. Still, the exact length of each stop is not specified, so do not book it expecting a long beach visit or a full snorkeling session.

The instructor takes photos during the safari. That is a useful extra for anyone who wants a record of the ride without trying to handle a phone on the water. The photos are an added part of the outing, but the information does not state how many photos you receive or how they are delivered. Treat them as a pleasant possibility rather than the main reason to book.

The northern route, bays and St. Paul’s Islands

The north route first takes you toward Mellieha Bay. The itinerary does not promise a long stop at every location, so think of Mellieha Bay as part of a moving coastal tour rather than a separate beach visit.

You then continue toward St. Paul’s Bay and around St. Paul’s Islands. This is the stronger choice if your idea of a good jet ski trip includes island views and several distinct sections of coastline. The instructor’s route keeps the group moving while giving you the chance to see Malta from a low position on the water.

The north trip may suit you if you have already spent time near Valletta and want to see more of Malta’s northern shore. It also works well if you like the idea of combining fast riding with a few scenic pauses. You return to St. George’s Bay after visiting the islands, so the full outing remains within the stated 1.5-hour duration.

One limitation is that the activity does not provide a detailed breakdown of distance, riding time, or the exact swimming location on this route. Conditions and the group’s pace may affect how much time you spend at each place. The instructor controls the route, and the jet ski must remain with the group.

The southern route, harbor views and il-Hofriet

The southern safari gives you a different view of Malta. From St. George’s Bay, you pass by Valletta Grand Harbour before reaching St. Thomas Bay. That harbor section adds an urban and historic setting to what is otherwise a coastal ride.

From St. Thomas Bay, the route continues to il-Hofriet, described as two popular bays in the south. This section gives you the chance to cruise along a more secluded stretch of coast and stop near the water. The southern route is a natural pick if Valletta is high on your sightseeing list and you want to see its harbor from the sea.

The route also has a practical advantage for repeat visitors. If you have already explored Malta’s northern bays, the south gives you a different half-day activity without adding a full land excursion. You still get the same base, equipment, instructor, and return point.

The drawback is that the trip cannot cover every part of Malta’s coastline in 90 minutes. You need to choose one route, and the itinerary does not state that you can switch routes once you arrive. Select carefully when booking and confirm the route shown for your chosen departure.

Safety rules are part of the activity

You must be at least 18 years old to drive. A valid ID is required, and you must be able to swim. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers, pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, or people with mobility impairments.

You cannot ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed during the activity. These rules are straightforward, but the speed and open-water setting make them important. You need to be alert, comfortable in the water, and able to follow instructions quickly.

The professional instructor leads the safari and keeps the jet skis together. This makes the outing safer and easier for first-time riders, but it also limits your independence. If you want to race far ahead, take your own route, or stop wherever you like, this will feel controlled.

That control is part of the value. You receive a planned coastal route, an instructor, safety equipment, and fuel rather than simply picking up a machine and finding your own way. Follow the rules closely, especially the instruction that the jet ski must remain with the group.

What to bring to St. George’s Bay

Pack lightly, but bring the right items:

• Sunglasses
• A hat
• Swimwear
• A towel
• Sunscreen
• Water

Sunglasses and sunscreen matter on open water, where there is little shade. A hat can help during stops, although you should make sure it is secure before riding. Swimwear and a towel are useful because the outing can include a cove or bay stop for swimming.

Bring the €100 cash deposit for each jet ski, along with valid identification. Food and drinks are not included, so eat beforehand or plan your own refreshments outside the activity. Personal expenses are also your responsibility.

You should avoid bringing anything you cannot secure. The supplied information does not describe storage facilities, so keep valuables to a minimum and ask the operator about storage when you arrive.

Is $227 good value?

At $227 for a group up to one person, this is not a cheap casual rental. The value depends on how much you want the guided format and the included equipment. You are paying for a 1.5-hour safari, jet ski rental, fuel, safety equipment, a professional instructor, and a route that includes coastal sightseeing rather than only open-water laps.

The small group limit of six helps justify the price. A crowded outing can make it harder to keep sight of the instructor and less enjoyable to stop together. A small group should make the ride feel more organized, although the available information does not guarantee private guiding.

The included fuel is another useful point. Some water activities add fuel charges after the ride, but this one includes fuel in the advertised price. You still need to allow for the refundable or held security deposit, as well as your own food and drinks.

The price makes the most sense for a keen rider who wants a special coastal route. If you are mainly looking for a short thrill ride, you may find the cost harder to justify. If you value the combination of speed, bays, island views, swimming, and guided access, the package offers more than a basic rental.

Who should book this safari?

I would recommend it to adults who enjoy active outings and want to see Malta from the water. It is particularly suited to confident swimmers, people who like speed, and visitors choosing between a northern or southern coastal route.

It also works for someone who has already visited Malta’s main land sights and wants a different view of the island. The northern route gives you Mellieha Bay, St. Paul’s Bay, and St. Paul’s Islands. The southern route adds Valletta Grand Harbour, St. Thomas Bay, and il-Hofriet.

I would not choose it for a relaxed family day with small children, a long swimming session, or a completely independent ride. Drivers must be 18 or older, and the group must stay with the instructor. People with the listed medical or mobility concerns should choose another activity.

The operator offers instruction in English, French, Italian, Danish, Dutch, German, Hungarian, Polish, Russian, and Spanish. That broad language range can make the safety briefing easier to follow, though the individual instructor for your departure is not named in the available information.

Booking details worth checking

The activity lasts 1.5 hours, with departure times depending on availability. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the booking option allows you to reserve now and pay later.

The small group limit is six participants. The listed rate is $227 per group up to one person, so check exactly how the booking platform defines the group and jet ski arrangement before paying. Also confirm whether the northern or southern route is attached to your selected time.

Bring your ID and cash deposit to the office. Read all rules before riding, and do not count on the company making an exception if you skip that step. The ticket cannot be refunded or redeemed if it is lost.

My verdict: book it if you want speed with scenery

Book this safari if you want an active way to see Malta’s coast, especially if the idea of stopping at a cove or circling St. Paul’s Islands appeals to you. The best features are the choice of two routes, the small group, included fuel, and an instructor who keeps the ride organized.

Think twice if you want a cheap, private rental or a long, unhurried day in the water. The €100 cash deposit, adult driver rule, guided formation, and relatively high price all matter. For the right person, though, this is a lively 90-minute outing that turns Malta’s coastline into the main attraction.

FAQ

How long does the jet ski safari last?

The safari lasts 1.5 hours, including jet skiing, guided touring, and a photo stop.

Where does the activity start?

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

How do I find the meeting point?

Before entering the Corinthia Verdi Hotel, look for a black gate. Walk through the gate, go down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line on the jetty.

Which routes can I choose?

You can choose a north safari to Mellieha Bay, St. Paul’s Bay, and St. Paul’s Islands, or a south safari toward Valletta Grand Harbour, St. Thomas Bay, and il-Hofriet.

Is fuel included?

Yes. Fuel is included in the activity price.

Is safety equipment provided?

Yes. Safety equipment and a professional instructor are included.

What is the minimum age to drive?

Drivers must be at least 18 years old.

Do I need to bring identification?

Yes. You must bring valid ID on the day of the activity before renting the jet ski.

Is a security deposit required?

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

Can non-swimmers join?

No. Participants must be able to swim, and the activity is not suitable for non-swimmers.

Can I ride independently?

No. The jet ski must stay with the instructor throughout the safari.

What languages are available?

Instruction is available in English, French, Italian, Danish, Dutch, German, Hungarian, Polish, Russian, and Spanish.