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

Wind, speed, and sea views in Malta. This guided jet ski safari lets you follow a professional instructor while you zip between coves and coastal highlights, either toward St. Paul’s Islands or down to St Thomas Bay. It is built for people who want a lively Malta experience without spending the whole day planning routes.

I especially like two things about how this is set up. First, the ride is paced and organized with a small group limit, so you are not stuck in a chaotic crowd. Second, you get a real change of scenery, with photo moments and time to explore shorelines that most visitors only see from land.

One drawback to plan for: you must be comfortable in the water and follow strict rules on the jet ski at all times. If you do not swim well, or you have a medical reason that limits you, this is probably not your best fit.

Key Things I’d Watch For Before You Go

• Small group limit of up to 6, which usually means more attention and less waiting around
• Two distinct safari routes: north toward Mellieha Bay and St Paul’s Islands, or south via Valletta Grand Harbour to St Thomas Bay
• Instructor-led navigation, with the jetski required to stay with instruction the whole time
• Photos included in the experience, since the instructor takes some during the safari
• €100 cash deposit per jet ski, which you pay at the office the day of your ride

St George’s Bay Start: From a Black Gate to Jet Ski Speed

Your tour begins at Sun and Fun Water Sports in St George’s Bay. The directions are very specific, which is good because in Malta, waterfront meeting points can be confusing if you show up late or distracted. Before you enter Corinthia Verdi Hotel, look for a black gate. Walk down the ramp and turn left, then follow the yellow line on the jetty.

This matters because a jet ski safari is short. You are spending about 1.5 hours on the water, so you want the whole setup to run smoothly. Once you are checked in, you are fitted with safety equipment, and you get your jet ski rental ready for the ride. Fuel is included, so you are not thinking about costs or refueling during the experience.

You also get a clean handoff to the instructor. The tour is designed around you staying with the professional guide, which is one reason this feels safer than a do-it-alone ride. And it is one reason it is easier to relax, because you are not constantly scanning for where to go next.

North Jet Ski Safari: Mellieha Bay, St Paul’s Bay, and the Islands Loop

If you choose the north route, you depart from the base in St George’s Bay and head toward Malta’s northern coastline. The plan is classic for people who want variety in a short time: you ride to Mellieha Bay and St Paul’s Bay, then go around St Paul’s Islands, and finally return to St George’s Bay.

What makes this route appealing is the mix of coastline types. Mellieha Bay brings a wide open shoreline feel, then St Paul’s Bay gives you a different rhythm as the coast changes. Going around St Paul’s Islands adds a sense of exploration, since you are effectively making the islands part of your travel route instead of just passing by.

If you are the type who likes photos and quick moments of wow, north route travelers usually get those because you are constantly changing angles. You are riding out over clear water, then returning toward bays where you can spot shoreline detail more easily. Your instructor also takes photos during the safari, so you have something to remember beyond your own phone shots.

South Jet Ski Safari: Passing Valletta Grand Harbour to St Thomas Bay

The south route is the better pick if you like big-city energy from the water. You still depart from St George’s Bay, but before you reach the south side you pass Valletta Grand Harbour on the way to St Thomas Bay.

Along the way, you cruise to the most popular two bays in the south named il-Hofriet. Then you finish by returning to St George’s Bay.

This itinerary is valuable because it connects two very different Malta moods. Valletta from the water gives you a sense of scale and history without sitting in traffic or walking for hours. Then St Thomas Bay and the il-Hofriet area shift you into a more relaxed coastal mode with lots of shoreline visual variety.

Also, this route is a good choice if you want the ride to feel a bit more like coastal sightseeing with movement, not just “water time.” You get both: the speed and the sightseeing connection, and you are still back in time for whatever you have planned after.

What the Instructor Really Does (And Why You Feel Safer)

Jet skiing is fun, but it is also fast. The tour leans into that reality by putting you with a professional instructor throughout the safari. You do not just get a rental and a map. You follow instruction for the whole ride, which helps keep everyone coordinated.

Here is what that means for you in practical terms:

• You are not deciding turns and routes alone, which reduces stress when you are new to the pace of Malta’s coastal waters.
• You get safety equipment as part of the package, so you start with the right basics.
• You learn how to handle the jet ski while staying in a group format designed for one short session.

There are also clear rules about conduct and timing. You cannot drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and smoking and alcohol and drugs are not allowed during the experience. The company can refuse to let you ride if rules are not read at the office. That is not a small detail. For many people, it is the difference between a great ride and an awkward reschedule.

One more thing I like from how the experience is described: the instructor takes some photos during the safari. That turns your ride into something you can share later without having to stop and fumble with your camera while you are already focused on staying safe.

Time on the Water: Speed, Coves, and the Quick Reality Check

The big promise here is speed across crystal-clear water, with wind in your hair and coastline details you can only catch properly from the sea. The tour is built around this, from the first push out from the jetty to the final return to St George’s Bay.

You should also know the tour is more active than it sounds in a brochure. Even if you are not required to swim during the ride itself, the activity states that participants must be able to swim. That is a meaningful clue. The staff are operating under the assumption that in-water situations can happen, so they want you capable and calm.

You can expect the route to include changes in scenery: you weave through pristine shorelines, pass secluded stretches only reachable by water, and ride between bays. The exact pace depends on conditions, but the structure stays the same: north to St Paul’s Islands or south to St Thomas Bay, with the instructor guiding the path the entire time.

Also, small groups help here. With a maximum of 6 participants, you are less likely to feel like you are constantly waiting for someone else, or trying to keep up while others struggle. You get a more controlled feel, even though everyone is moving at fun speed.

How Much It Costs and Whether It Feels Like Value

The listed price is $227 per group, up to 1, for a duration of 1.5 hours. On its face, jet ski time can sound expensive. The value part is what is included.

Included in the price:

• Professional instructor
• Safety equipment
• Jet ski rental
• Fuel

That set of inclusions matters because it removes the usual add-on costs you might see with other water activities. You are paying for guided time, not just equipment access.

There is also the security deposit, which is not included. You must pay a €100 cash security deposit for each jet ski at the office. Plan for cash on hand and the time needed for that payment. It is common for water sports providers, but it can surprise you if you arrive assuming everything is card-only.

When you weigh it out, this tour is often good value if you want:

• an instructor-led experience (instead of DIY)
• a short, high-impact activity that does not eat a full day
• fuel and equipment handled for you

If you are the type who hates rules, or you want long, flexible time on the water with zero structure, this may not feel like your best use of money. The format is controlled on purpose.

What to Bring, What You Cannot Do, and the ID Deposit Reality

Bring:

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

That list is not just suggestions. Jet skis throw wind and salt spray into the mix, so sunscreen and sunglasses are practical, not optional. A towel is useful because you might get wet even if you do not plan on a swim. Having water helps you avoid feeling wiped out afterward.

What is not allowed:

• Smoking
• Alcohol and drugs

And there are also key rules you must be ready for:

• Participants must be able to swim
• Minimum age for drivers is 18
• A valid ID is required on the day of the activity before renting the jet ski
• €100 cash security deposit for each jet ski must be paid at the office
• The jetski has to stay with the instruction all the time
• Full rules must be read at the office, and the company can refuse to give a jet ski if rules are not read

One of the easiest ways to ruin a short adventure is missing an ID or arriving without the deposit cash. If you want this to feel smooth, double-check your ID location the day before, and plan for cash.

The meeting point is near Corinthia Verdi Hotel, so you can usually pair this with an easy pre- or post-activity plan around central spots. Just do not stack it with anything that requires you to be late.

Who This Suits Best, and Who Should Skip It

This jet ski safari is best for:

• People who are comfortable in the water and ready for a safety-first, instructor-led ride
• Adults who meet the minimum driver age, since drivers must be 18 or older
• Travelers who want a fast Malta experience, mixing coastal scenery with speed

It is not suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People with mobility impairments
• People with heart problems
• Non-swimmers
• Drivers under 18

Even if you are curious, those limitations should be treated seriously. A jet ski is not a gentle activity. You are moving, vibrating, and changing speed. If any of those categories apply to you, skip it and look for a calmer water option instead.

On the positive side, the tour supports multiple languages. The instructor can speak English, French, Italian, Danish, Dutch, German, Hungarian, Polish, Russian, and Spanish. That matters because it helps you understand rules fast, which directly affects your comfort.

Also, the format is small group, limited to 6 participants. If you hate feeling like you are part of a big, noisy crowd, this kind of cap is a real plus.

Should You Book This Malta Jet Ski Safari?

Book it if you want a short, high-energy way to see Malta from the water, with an instructor guiding you and fuel handled. Pick the north route for Mellieha Bay and St Paul’s Islands vibes, or choose the south route for a ride past Valletta Grand Harbour to St Thomas Bay and il-Hofriet.

Skip it if you cannot swim, if you need special medical consideration that matches the listed restrictions, or if you dislike following rules closely. This experience runs on coordination, staying with instruction, and being ready for safety procedures.

If you are on the fence, here is the deciding question I use: do I want 1.5 hours of structured speed with strong safety boundaries? If yes, this is a fun, practical way to spend part of a Malta day. If you want long wandering time or total freedom, you might prefer a different water activity style.

FAQ

How long is the Malta jet ski safari?

The experience lasts 1.5 hours.

Can I choose between St Paul’s Islands and St Thomas Bay?

Yes. You can select either the north safari to St Paul’s Islands or the south safari to St Thomas Bay.

What is included in the price?

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

What do I need to bring?

You should bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water.

What are the age and ID requirements?

Drivers must be at least 18 years old, and you need a valid ID on the day of the activity before renting the jet ski.

Is there a security deposit?

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