Valletta Harbour Cruise: Grand & Marsamxett by Boat

Summary

Boat cruise through Valletta’s harbours and creeks with stories of sieges and old forts

You’ll feel Malta’s history come alive as you cruise around Valletta’s harbours with live English commentary. Glide past forts like St Elmo and St Angelo, watch locals along the waterfronts, and catch glimpses of the 3 Cities from the sea. Includes your boat trip starting and ending in Sliema — just bring some curiosity (and maybe sunscreen).

What’s the experience like?

The boat was already humming when we climbed aboard at Sliema, a mix of chatter and that faint diesel smell you get near ferries. I grabbed a seat on the open deck, not really sure if I’d regret skipping sunscreen (spoiler: I did). Our guide started talking right away — not stiff at all, just this easy flow about how Marsamxett Harbour used to be full of galleys and how the Grand Harbour still feels like it could swallow half of Malta. He pointed out Ta’ Xbiex, which honestly just looked peaceful in the morning light, yachts bobbing quietly.

We drifted past St Paul’s Anglican Pro Cathedral — its spire kind of poking at the sky — then swung around Fort St Elmo. The stone there almost glows yellow in the sun. There was this moment where everything went quiet except for water slapping against the hull, and you could almost picture cannon fire echoing across from Senglea or Vittoriosa during those sieges he kept mentioning. I tried to imagine what it must’ve smelled like back then (probably not as salty-fresh as today). The Valletta Waterfront came up next; cruise liners looked absurdly huge compared to our little boat.

I liked how our guide didn’t sugarcoat anything — he talked about 1942 like it was yesterday, pointing out scars on Fort St Angelo from bombings. At one point he paused so we could hear church bells drifting over from Birgu. Some people took photos, but honestly I just watched an old man fishing off a battered quay; he waved when he noticed me staring. We looped past Fort Ricasoli before heading back toward Sliema. It felt short but also kind of perfect that way — you don’t need hours to get that sense of Valletta’s layers stacked up by the water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Valletta Harbour Cruise sightseeing

• Start cruise at Sliema ferry
• Pass by Ta Xbiex
• Pass by St Paul’s Anglican Pro Cathedral
• Pass by Fort St Elmo
• Pass by Valletta Waterfront
• Pass by Senglea
• Pass by Vittoriosa
• Pass by Fort St Angelo
• Pass by Fort Ricasoli
• Return to Sliema ferry

Top questions

Where does the Valletta harbour cruise start and finish?

The cruise starts and finishes at Sliema ferry, Ferries 4.

Which harbours are included in the Valletta boat tour?

The tour covers both Marsamxett Harbour and Grand Harbour.

Is there live commentary during the Valletta harbour cruise?

Yes, detailed commentary in English is provided throughout the cruise.

What main sights do you see on this Valletta harbour cruise?

You’ll pass by Ta’ Xbiex, St Paul’s Anglican Pro Cathedral, Fort St Elmo, Valletta Waterfront, Senglea, Vittoriosa (Birgu), Fort St Angelo, and Fort Ricasoli.

Is this cruise suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

Can I reach the departure point by public transport?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby Sliema ferry.

What’s included

Your day includes a leisurely boat trip around Marsamxett and Grand Harbours with live English commentary about historic sites like Fort St Elmo and Birgu. The journey starts and ends at Sliema ferry terminal so you can arrive easily by public transport or foot—no extra transfers needed.