90-minute Scenic Harbour Cruise: Explore Valletta

Embark on a 90-minute scenic cruise around Malta’s harbours and creeks from Sliema. Discover the beauty of Valletta and its surroundings while enjoying stunning views and fascinating historical commentary.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Sliema - We depart from Sliema Ferries and cruise through Sliema Creek.

Sliema Creek is a very busy waterway, with harbour cruise boats operating from it that are constantly plying in and out with tourists. The advantage of mooring on this jetty is that it’s located at the centre of Sliema, a very busy area with all kinds of shops, restaurants, bars, etc., which is a short walk from the jetty; therefore, before or after the trip, one can enjoy a walk along the beautiful promenade, have a meal or a coffee in the many eateries in the area, or browse through the many shops located at the centre of Sliema.

  • Manoel Island - Passing by Manoel Island.

Manoel Island, formerly known as Bishop’s Island or the Isolotto, is a small island that forms part of the municipality of Gżira in Marsamxett Harbour, Malta. It is named after the Portuguese Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena, who built a fort on the island in the 1720s.

Manoel Island is a low, rather flat hill, shaped roughly like a leaf. It is located in the middle of Marsamxett Harbour, with Lazzaretto Creek to its south and Sliema Creek to its north. The island is connected to mainland Malta by a bridge. The whole island can be viewed from the bastions of the capital, Valletta.

  • Lazzaretto Of Manoel Island - Passing through Lazzaretto Creek.

The Lazzaretto is a former quarantine facility and hospital on Manoel Island. It is a complex of various buildings dating back to the 17th and 19th centuries. Most of the structures still exist, although they are in a bad state due to damage sustained during World War II and over 30 years of abandonment. It is planned that the Lazzaretto be restored.

  • Manoel Island Yacht Marina - Passing by the beautiful Manoel Island Yacht Marina.

  • Ta’ Xbiex - Passing through Ta’ Xbiex Creek.

  • Msida - Passing through Msida Creek. On entering Marsamxett Harbour, straight from the entrance is Msida Creek. Msida Creek is easy to distinguish by the breakwater on the starboard side of its entrance.

  • Pieta - Passing through Pieta Creek.

  • Valletta - Passing by the battlements and imposing fortifications surrounding Valletta.

  • Floriana - Passing by the battlements and imposing fortifications surrounding Floriana.

  • Grand Harbour - Passing by the imposing Valletta Grand Harbour.

Malta’s majestic Grand Harbour is one of the most spectacular ports in the world. A wide stretch of water separating the capital city of Valletta from the historic towns of Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua, the harbour has been a hive of activity for over two thousand years. With its imposing fortifications and vast panorama, the Grand Harbour is Malta’s principal maritime gateway and a popular port-of-call for ships that are cruising the Med.

  • Marsamxett - Passing by the Marsamxett Harbor.

Marsamxett Harbour, historically also referred to as Marsamuscetto, is a natural harbour located to the north of the larger Grand Harbour. The harbour is generally more dedicated to leisure use than the Grand Harbour.

  • Marsa - Passing through the Menqa and Marsa Creeks and the inner basin of the Malta Ship Building Yard.
  • Palumbo Malta shipyard - Passing through the French and the Dockyard Creeks.
  • Cospicua (Bormla) - Passing by Cospicua, one of the fortified cities that make up the popular historical area known as “The Three Cities”.

The Three Cities is a collective description of the three fortified cities of Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and Senglea. These cities can rightly claim to be the cradle of Maltese history, as Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua have provided a home and fortress to almost every person who settled on the islands.

Their harbour inlets have been in use since Phoenician times, with the docks always providing a living for local people but also leaving them vulnerable when Malta’s rulers were at war. As the first home to the Knights of St. John, the Three Cities’ palaces, churches, forts, and bastions are far older than Valletta’s.

  • Senglea - Passing by Senglea, one of the fortified cities that make up the popular historical area known as “The Three Cities”.

The Three Cities is a collective description of the three fortified cities of Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and Senglea. These cities can rightly claim to be the cradle of Maltese history, as Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua have provided a home and fortress to almost every person who settled on the islands.

Their harbour inlets have been in use since Phoenician times, with the docks always providing a living for local people but also leaving them vulnerable when Malta’s rulers were at war. As the first home to the Knights of St. John, the Three Cities’ palaces, churches, forts, and bastions are far older than Valletta’s.

  • Birgu (Vittoriosa) - Passing by Vittoriosa, one of the fortified cities that make up the popular historical area known as “The Three Cities”.

The Three Cities is a collective description of the three fortified cities of Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and Senglea. These cities can rightly claim to be the cradle of Maltese history, as Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua have provided a home and fortress to almost every person who settled on the islands.

Their harbor inlets have been in use since Phoenician times, with the docks always providing a living for local people but also leaving them vulnerable when Malta’s rulers were at war. As the first home to the Knights of St. John, the Three Cities’ palaces, churches, forts, and bastions are far older than Valletta’s.

  • Kalkara - Passing through Kalkara Creek. This is the second creek to the port side on entering the Grand Harbour. There is a very picturesque village overlooking the bay.
  • Fort Rinella - Passing through Rinella Creek. This is the first creek to port side on entering Grand Harbour. There is a small, sandy beach at the extreme end.
  • Sliema Promenade - Return to Sliema Ferries.
What's Included
  • Sightseeing cruise
  • Audio commentary over a PA system
What's Not Included
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Guide
  • Food and drinks
Additional Information

This 90-minute scenic cruise is the perfect introduction to the city of Valletta, the capital city of Malta, and its surroundings.

Enjoy a scenic cruise around the two natural harbours of Malta, the majestic Valletta Grand Harbour and the Marsamxett Harbour.

Set sail from Sliema Ferries and take in the views of some of Malta’s most iconic landmarks from the sea. Relax as you cruise by impressive harbours, historic fortifications, various creeks, the renowned ‘Three Fortified Cities’ of Vittoriosa, Cospicua, and Senglea, busy dockyards, marinas, bastions, and much more. Listen to the audio commentary to uncover the history of Valletta and its surrounding locations.

Thanks to the numerous creeks around Valletta, you can enjoy unique views of the city without the heavy crowds.

The duration of this cruise is approximately 90 minutes.

  • Not recommended for travellers who are prone to sea sickness.
Location
Ferries 4
The boat departs from Sliema Ferries, Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema. The departure point is near the Ferries 4 bus stop.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
3.8
(5 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
James_f
Jun 13, 2024
Interesting and relaxing harbour tour - We were on the sun deck of a well maintained medium sized boat. The tour was excellent, taking in all the creeks of both the harbours and there was much to see. The commentary in English was very informative without being too much. There were long periods of silence in which to relax and enjoy the view. Highly recommended and good value.
Review provided by Viator
Dillonh275
May 18, 2024
Nice, quick and informative tour around Valletta and creeks without taking up all of your day! - Well organised and prompt. We were quick to get on and there was no fuss. The weather was a blessing and the views around Valletta was fantastic. This is only a short 90 minute tour around the harbour and creeks. The host was informative without constantly talking so you can enjoy the view and talk with friends and family when you’re not awestruck by the scenery. What’s great is that this short cruise gives you plenty of time for the rest of the day to potter around Sliema and beyond.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tynnetta_k
Jan 18, 2024
Never Again, Viator!!! - This cruise was just okay. I am writing because I forgot to submit a picture of the refund request for the Valletta & Three Cities Harbour Cruise, which was cancelled due to bad weather and I ended going on this cruise. Viator was supposed to refund my money (see pic). They've been quiet as a church mouse ever since. Going forward, I'll only use Viator to get ideas, then I'll buy tours when I arrive at my destination...it's cheaper to buy tours in country than from Viator or Get Your Guide. Plus, who needs this type of unscrupulous business practice in 2024?
Review provided by Viator
Frank_g
Apr 29, 2024
No cruise. - The cruise was cancelled due to strong winds and they asked me if I wanted to go on the 30th, I said yes but still not had a reply.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
October 2024
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