Malta · BOAT TOURS IN VALLETTA
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 12 boat tours in Valletta worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Join a 90-minute cruise from Sliema aboard a 20-metre, air-conditioned catamaran. You’ll see Valletta, the Grand Harbour, Vittoriosa, Senglea, Cospicua, and Marsamxett Harbour from the water, with live commentary in English and German, free Wi-Fi, and a cash bar.
“Nice catamaran, crew friendly, great tour to see parts of the Grand Harbour that you cannot see on foot”
Set out from Sliema Ferries at 20:30 for a 90-minute English-language cruise through Malta’s Grand and Marsamxett Harbours. You’ll pass ten creeks, Manoel Island, the Yacht Marina, Valletta’s fortifications, the Three Cities, and the old dockyard area. A bar, toilets, and live commentary are available on board.
“Fabulous experience seeing the harbours all lit up at night!”
Cruise Marsamxett and Grand Harbour for about 90 minutes aboard an air-conditioned catamaran with live commentary. You’ll pass Fort Manoel, Fort Saint Elmo, Valletta, Fort St. Angelo, and the Three Cities. Depending on sea conditions, you may stop at Esplora Science Centre or continue on the next cruise or hop-on hop-off bus.
“I showed up and was told that the boat wasn’t operating that day. I wasn’t offered any resolution other than to purchase a separate ticket for the bus.”
From Sliema, you’ll cruise Malta’s two historic harbours for about 75 minutes, passing Fort St Elmo, Valletta Waterfront, Senglea, Vittoriosa, Fort St Angelo, and Fort Ricasoli. Commentary covers the Great Sieges of 1565 and 1942. The boat returns to Sliema and carries up to 70 people.
“Straight forward, scenic boat ride and good value for money. Very choppy waters though and the plank to get on bored was narrow and buoyant, so not for the feint hearted.”
Spend about four hours exploring Malta’s Three Cities with a guide, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a traditional dghajsa boat ride. Walk Birgu and Cospicua, photograph Fort St. Angelo from Senglea’s Gardjola Gardens, and learn about the Knights of St. John from guides such as Donna, Josephine, Elizabeth, and John. Pickup is available from selected hotels.
“On time, well organised, great commentary and variety. Walking, bus and boat. fabulous tour. We learnt a lot in a short time. A must do, in Valletta.”
Board Sea Bird by SeaTrips in Bugibba or Sliema for a five-hour evening cruise to Valletta’s Grand Harbour. You’ll pass the lit-up coast, enter the historic harbor, and watch Malta’s International Fireworks Festival from the water, with live vocals and orchestral music from a floating stage. Food and drinks are not included.
Spend about 35 minutes on a private traditional-style boat around Malta’s Grand Harbour. Keith guides your group past Valletta, Fort St Elmo, Fort Ricasoli, Fort St Angelo, Senglea, and the Three Cities, explaining the harbour’s military past and architecture. Depart from 59 Liesse in Valletta and return to the same meeting point.
“The boat tour guides provides information about the various structures that can be seen in the grand harbor between Valletta and the Three Cities. You get to decide whether you want a one way trip or road trip, which worked well for us to integrate into our overall itinerary.”
Spend 8 hours aboard an Excess12 catamaran from Valletta with a professional skipper, swimming stops, snorkeling gear, paddle boards, noodles, WiFi, and a BBQ grill. The route can include the Blue Lagoon, St. Paul Island, and other bays around Malta and Gozo. Bring food and drinks, or arrange refreshments on board.
“Boat was nice and a good size for all of us. Family of 10. Plenty of swimming time and nice equipment provided. Food option and taste was good...”
Cruise Marsamxett and Grand Harbours aboard Captain Morgan’s 20-metre eco-friendly catamaran from Sliema. You’ll see Valletta’s forts, battlements, creeks, and skyline while listening to live commentary in English and German. Sit indoors or outside, use the onboard Wi-Fi, and, weather permitting, hop off at Esplora in Kalkara for the Three Cities.
“Firstly you are told the wrong place to meet the activity to complete the tour. We were told to meet opposite the M&S store when in fact, it was opposite The Londoner Pub. The email received advertised the tour as the following: Find attached your confirmation voucher for Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour catamaran boat cruise from the 'Captain Morgan Harbour Cruise' at The Strand, Sliema (Google map Plus Code: WG53+GW Sliema) opposite M&S Marks & Spencer Sliema departing at 10:30 or 12:30 or 14:45. The whole cruise was boring and what makes it worse is the fact that Malta is a lot richer in history. Would not waste £40…”
Sail from Marina di Valletta aboard Mowgli, a modern 45-foot yacht for private groups of up to 12 guests. English-speaking skipper Grace can shape the route around Malta, Gozo, and Comino, with time for swimming, snorkeling, and quiet bays. Fuel, water, soft drinks, coffee, and tea are included, while food is up to you.
“We spent an amazing day sailing around Valletta with our skipper Grace, and it couldn’t have been better! Grace was super friendly, funny, and clearly very experienced with the boat. She took us to some beautiful bays where we could swim and relax. Everything was perfectly organized, and we felt safe and well taken care of the whole time. A great day on the water – highly recommended!”
Spend four private hours aboard the 14-metre sailing yacht Mowgli with skipper Evgheni. Cruise past Valletta, Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua, swim at anchor, then enjoy dinner and wine near Manoel Island or Rinella Bay. Bring a towel and an extra pair of soft shoes if you prefer not to go barefoot on board.
“We really enjoyed the atmosphere of sailing at sunset, the brightly lit of great port after dark, and the night swimming. Very nice and helpful owner.”
Set out from Sliema on a private 26-foot day cruiser for a 2 or 3-hour tour of Marsamxett and Grand Harbors. Captain Ricardo guides your group past Manoel Island, Fort St. Elmo, Fort St. Angelo, and the Barrakka Gardens. Choose the 3-hour option for a one-hour swim at Rinella Bay or Balluta Bay.
“The boat is a 26ft day cruiserin very good condition with a bimini top. Our captain Ricardo was a great guy to be around, very nice guy with some great stories. Due to the extreme heat we actually went straight to swin at the south of the island in a really nice bay that appeared popular with locals and far from the usual tourist areas, all in all we had a wonderful day on the sea! (you can get this tour at a way better price if you book directly, just look up the tour companies on google maps, I realized that I paid 50% more)”
Pick a harbour, a temple or a lagoon.
