Malta | 🏛 Malta Boat Tour

Valletta Harbour Cruise from Sliema: 90 minutes, no crowds

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.65 (155 reviews) 76% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/18

Duration1h 15m–1h 30m

GroupUp to 80

Audio guideEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

See Valletta's fortifications and creeks from the water, without fighting the crowds on shore

You’ll board in Sliema and sail past Valletta’s legendary fortifications, slip quietly into hidden creeks, and get close-up views of the Three Cities—all with local stories drifting through your headphones. Expect salty air, sun-warmed stone, and a glimpse into everyday Maltese life from the water.

1h 15m–1h 30m

Step-by-step itinerary

Depart from Sliema Ferries
Cruise through Sliema Creek
Pass by Manoel Island
Pass through Lazzaretto Creek
Pass Manoel Island Yacht Marina
Pass through Ta' Xbiex Creek
Pass through Msida Creek
Pass through Pieta Creek
Pass Valletta fortifications
Pass Floriana fortifications
Pass Valletta Grand Harbour
Pass Marsamxett Harbour
Pass Menqa and Marsa Creeks
Pass French and Dockyard Creeks
Pass Cospicua city
Pass Senglea city
Pass Vittoriosa city
Pass Kalkara Creek
Pass Rinella Creek
Return to Sliema Ferries

The Experience

I didn’t expect the harbour breeze to hit me like that when we left Sliema Ferries. The city noise faded fast—just a few gulls squabbling overhead and that salty smell you only get near old docks. Our boat slipped out past other ferries, everyone craning for photos of Valletta’s golden walls catching the sun. I sat next to a local woman who pointed out Manoel Island and told me about her uncle who worked in the shipyards—her accent was soft, but she laughed when I tried to say “Gżira” right (definitely failed).

The commentary kicked in as we drifted through Marsamxett Harbour, but honestly, I kept getting distracted by tiny fishing boats bobbing along Lazzaretto Creek. There’s this odd hush in some corners—like Pieta Creek—where you hear nothing but water slapping against stone. Passing under those bastions around Floriana and Valletta made me feel small in a good way. You see all these layers of history stacked up: battered forts, cranes from the dockyards, laundry flapping over Senglea’s balconies. It’s not all postcard-perfect—some buildings are crumbling or graffitied—but it feels real.

I caught myself daydreaming as we circled the Grand Harbour. The Three Cities—Cospicua, Vittoriosa, Senglea—looked close enough to touch, their walls almost glowing at this hour. Someone on deck said their grandfather used to swim across here as a kid (I can’t even imagine). We passed Kalkara and Rinella Creeks too—quiet spots where life moves slower; you could smell someone cooking fish somewhere nearby. By the time we turned back toward Sliema Ferries, I felt like I’d seen a side of Malta most people just walk past. Still think about that view between Senglea and Valletta sometimes—you know?

What’s included

Your day includes a 90-minute sightseeing cruise departing from Sliema Ferries with live audio commentary as you pass Valletta’s Grand Harbour, Marsamxett Harbour, Manoel Island, and the Three Cities before returning to your starting point. Public transport options are nearby if you want to explore more after docking.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Robert Arrigo & Sons