From Sliema: Valletta and the Three Cities Scenic Cruise

Malta’s two great harbours are best understood from the water. This 90-minute cruise gives you broad views of Valletta, the Grand Harbour, and the Three Cities, including forts, battlements, creeks, and waterfront buildings that are hard to appreciate from land. I like the easy pace and the chance to see so much without committing half a day.

I also like the comfortable, air-conditioned catamaran and the useful historical commentary, which covers the sieges of 1565 and 1942. The main drawback is sound quality: several passengers found the PA system muffled or too quiet, so you may miss some of the fascinating details.

Key points to know before you go

• The boat covers two natural harbours: You’ll cruise around Marsamxett Harbour and the Grand Harbour on either side of Valletta.
• The best photo seats go early: Outside seats along the edges fill first, while centre seats can be less useful for photography.
• The ride lasts 90 minutes: It is long enough to see the main harbour sights without taking over your day.
• The boat is comfortable but can feel busy: The catamaran has air conditioning, large windows, outside seating, Wi-Fi, and a cash bar.
• Commentary quality can vary: The information is worthwhile, but wind, engine noise, accents, and crowd noise can make it hard to hear.
• Bad weather can change the plan: Strong winds or rough seas may lead to a rescheduled sailing or a refund.

Why this harbour cruise is worth your time

I see this as a sightseeing cruise first, not a boat trip designed for swimming, stops, or long visits ashore. You stay aboard and look back at Malta’s capital and harbour towns from a viewpoint that changes every few minutes.

That change of angle matters. From Valletta’s streets, you see walls and buildings rising above you. From the water, you can take in the full scale of the fortifications, the shape of the harbour, and the way the Three Cities sit across the water. It gives you the larger picture before or after you explore those places on foot.

At about $24 per person, the cruise offers solid value for a short activity. You get 90 minutes on the water, a sightseeing route around two harbours, commentary, Wi-Fi, and access to an air-conditioned catamaran. It is not the cheapest way to move around Malta, but it is a reasonably priced introduction to the harbour area.

I would especially consider it if you have limited time in Sliema or Valletta. It is also a good first-day activity, since you can use the cruise to work out which waterfront sights deserve a closer look later.

Finding the red boat at Sliema Ferries

The departure point is at Sliema Ferries on Triq Ix-Xatt, along the waterfront. The boat leaves from the area between the Ferries 1 bus stop and the Bouverie bus stop.

The practical trick is simple: look for the red boat. If you are unsure, ask at one of the red ticket kiosks along the promenade. The departure area is central, but the waterfront can have several boats and ticket stands, so arriving early saves needless searching.

I would arrive with enough time to find the boat and choose a seat. This matters most if you want an outside position on the edge, where you will have a clearer view for photographs. Centre seats still provide views, but people standing or moving along the aisle can get in the way.

Boarding may involve a step or a gap between the dock and boat. One passenger found getting on and off awkward because of the height and distance from the platform. The cruise is described as wheelchair accessible, but non-folding and electric wheelchairs are not accepted, and large bags are not allowed.

A comfortable 20-metre catamaran

The boat is a modern, eco-friendly catamaran measuring 20 metres. It is fully air-conditioned, which makes a real difference on hot Maltese afternoons. If the sun or wind becomes tiring, you can retreat indoors and continue watching through the large windows.

Outside seating gives you the best feel for the harbour. You get open views and better opportunities for photographs, but you also face wind, spray, and strong sun. Bring sunscreen and wear comfortable shoes. On cooler days, particularly outside the summer season, the open deck can feel chilly.

Inside, the large windows keep the view going. You will not have the same unobstructed angle as someone at the rail, but you can stay comfortable and protected from the weather. This arrangement also works well if people in your group have different preferences.

There is free Wi-Fi on board and a cash bar with snacks and drinks. Food and drinks are not included in the ticket price, so bring cash if you want to buy something. Pets, oversize luggage, and large bags are not permitted.

Crossing Marsamxett Harbour beside Valletta

Marsamxett Harbour lies on the side of Valletta facing Sliema and Gzira. The cruise lets you see the capital from across the water, with the city’s walls and buildings forming a strong backdrop from the deck.

This section is useful because it shows how close Sliema and Valletta are while still giving you a completely different view of both. From the promenade, the harbour can feel like a route between places. From the boat, it becomes a broad setting for the city and its waterfront.

Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the entire time looking through a screen. The views work best when you first take in the whole sweep of the harbour. The catamaran gives you time to watch the shore on both sides, so there is no need to panic if you miss one photograph.

The guide’s commentary is intended to explain what you are seeing rather than simply name buildings. It is offered in English and German, with information sent through the PA system. On one sailing, guide Matthew was praised for mixing historical facts with local anecdotes and keeping the tour interesting.

Valletta from the Grand Harbour

The Grand Harbour is the main visual event of the trip. Valletta’s defensive walls, forts, and battlements make more sense when seen from the water, where you can judge their position and scale.

The commentary covers Malta’s military past, including the Great Siege of 1565 and events connected with 1942. These stories give purpose to the stonework. Instead of seeing only a series of impressive walls, you begin to understand why the harbour was so important and why its entrances were heavily defended.

I like this part of the route because it connects Malta’s past with the physical setting. The harbour is not just a pretty backdrop. Its sheltered waters, narrow inlets, and fortified edges explain much of Valletta’s identity.

The amount of commentary may not satisfy everyone. Some sailings have offered plenty of information, while others have felt lighter than expected. The sound system is the weak link. Engine noise, wind, side conversations, and the speaker’s accent can make certain passages difficult to follow.

For that reason, I would treat the spoken information as a bonus rather than the only reason to book. If you want a detailed history lesson, you may need to read more before or after the cruise. If you mainly want context while enjoying the views, the commentary should add useful background.

Seeing Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua by water

The Three Cities are Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua. Together, they form one of the most interesting parts of the harbour, with old waterfronts, defensive walls, and narrow creeks that are difficult to see properly from the streets.

The boat allows you to view these towns as a group. From the water, you can see how their buildings and fortifications relate to the harbour rather than encountering them as separate neighbourhoods. This is one of the cruise’s strongest reasons for existing.

You will not get a walking tour of each city, and you should not expect to step ashore and explore. Instead, the cruise gives you an overview. I would pair it with a later visit on foot if you want to enter the streets, churches, museums, or fortifications.

Some sailings have included a possible stop near the Esplora Interactive Science Center, but opening hours and seasonal closures can affect this. Do not book the cruise assuming you will have a guaranteed visit there. Check the arrangements and opening hours if that stop matters to your plans.

The Three Cities section is also where your seat can make a real difference. If photography is important to you, arrive early and aim for an edge seat. One side of the boat may offer better angles for particular sights, but the best side can change as the vessel turns. Centre seats are less useful for clear photographs because people may block the view.

What the 90-minute length gets right

Ninety minutes is a sensible duration. The cruise gives you enough time to circle the main harbour areas and absorb the setting without becoming an all-day commitment.

I like this length for a first look at Malta. You can fit it between sightseeing plans, and it works well for solo visitors, couples, and families who want a calm activity rather than another demanding walking route. Several passengers found that the time passed quickly.

The route is scenic throughout, but it is not a fast thrill ride. If you dislike sitting and looking for an extended period, you may find the pace slow. If you want a relaxing break with plenty of photo opportunities, the timing is about right.

Sea conditions are the main variable. The boat may be smooth, but rough water and strong wind can make the ride less pleasant. One sailing was described as windy enough to cause some spray, while another was rearranged because of wind. People prone to seasickness or motion sickness should think carefully before booking.

If poor weather or strong winds make the cruise impossible, the operator offers another date. If you cannot reschedule, a full refund is available. The ability to cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund also gives you some useful flexibility.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want:

• A simple overview of Valletta and the Three Cities
• A break from walking in the Maltese sun
• Harbour photographs from a wide, open viewpoint
• A short activity that fits into a busy itinerary
• Some historical context without committing to a full guided tour
• An easy way to see parts of the Grand Harbour that are hard to reach on foot

It is less suitable if you want a small, quiet boat, a highly detailed personal guide, or stops for exploring ashore. The catamaran can become crowded, especially when many people gather for photographs, and the public-address system may not always carry clearly.

The experience also depends on your expectations. Think of it as a scenic harbour circuit with commentary, not a private tour. The crew is generally described as friendly and helpful, though one passenger had a poor interaction with a ticket staff member. That appears to be an isolated service issue, but it is worth keeping your expectations realistic on a busy departure.

Simple ways to get more from the ride

Arrive early if you want an outside edge seat. This is the most useful tip for photographers and anyone who wants an unobstructed view.

Bring sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and cash. The first two are useful on the open deck, while cash covers the boat’s snacks and drinks. Large luggage is not accepted, so leave bulky bags elsewhere.

If you care about the commentary, sit near a speaker and listen closely during the busiest parts of the route. The information can be hard to hear from some positions. You may also want to read a short introduction to Valletta and the Three Cities before sailing, so the names and fortifications are easier to place.

Finally, check the weather before you go. A bright, calm afternoon will give you clearer views, while wind and cloud can make the harbour feel less inviting. The cruise can still be worthwhile in mixed weather, but the sea may be rough and the outside deck less comfortable.

Should you book the Sliema harbour cruise?

I would book it if you want a good-value 90-minute overview of Valletta, Marsamxett Harbour, the Grand Harbour, and the Three Cities. The scenery is the main attraction, and the boat gives you a view that walking cannot match.

At $24, it is a fair price for the time and coverage, especially if this is your first visit to Malta. Just choose your seat early, bring sun protection, and do not rely on every word of the commentary being perfectly audible.

Skip it if you are highly prone to seasickness, need a very quiet boat, or want extensive time ashore. For most visitors who want an easy introduction to Malta’s harbour setting, though, this is a practical and enjoyable addition to a Sliema or Valletta itinerary.

FAQ

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts 90 minutes, or one and a half hours.

Where does the boat depart from?

It departs from Sliema Ferries on Triq Ix-Xatt, between the Ferries 1 and Bouverie bus stops. Look for the red boat or ask at one of the red ticket kiosks along the promenade.

Which places can I see from the boat?

The route includes Valletta, Marsamxett Harbour, the Grand Harbour, and the Three Cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua.

Is commentary included?

Yes. Historical commentary is provided through the PA system in English and German. The cruise covers the two great sieges of 1565 and 1942, along with other sights around the harbours.

Is the boat air-conditioned?

Yes. The 20-metre catamaran is fully air-conditioned and also has outside seating.

Is food or drink included?

No. Meals and drinks are not included, but a cash bar offering snacks and drinks is available on board.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

The activity is described as wheelchair accessible, but non-folding and electric wheelchairs are not allowed. Boarding may also involve a height or distance difference between the dock and the boat.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If poor weather, rough seas, or strong winds cancel the cruise, you can reschedule or receive a full refund if rescheduling is not possible.

Should I arrive early?

Yes, especially if you want an outside seat along the edge of the boat for clearer views and photographs. Centre seats still have views, including through the large indoor windows, but they may be less suitable for photography.