Panoramic Cruise of Malta's Harbours from Sliema

Overview

This 90-minute cruise offers a panoramic introduction to Valletta, the capital of Malta, and its immediate surroundings. Departing from Sliema Ferries, you will sail through the island's two natural harbours: Valletta's Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour. The route allows you to observe historical fortifications, bastions, marinas, and bustling shipyards from the sea. The journey passes by the famous Three Cities—Vittoriosa, Cospicua, and Senglea. An audio commentary system in English provides details on the history of the city and its surroundings, while offering an unobstructed view of iconic monuments, away from the crowds.

Itinerary

1. 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.

   · Non-stop passage

2. 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.

   · Non-stop passage

3. 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.

   · Non-stop passage

4. Manoel Island Yacht Marina

   Passing by the beautiful Manoel Island Yacht Marina.

   · Non-stop passage

5. Ta' Xbiex

   Passing through Ta' Xbiex Creek.

   · Non-stop passage

6. 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.

   · Non-stop passage

7. Pieta

   Passing through Pieta Creek.

   · Non-stop passage

8. La Valette

   Passing by the battlements and imposing fortifications surrounding Valletta.

   · Non-stop passage

9. Floriana

   Passing by the battlements and imposing fortifications surrounding Floriana.

   · Non-stop passage

10. 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.

    · Non-stop passage

11. 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.

    · Non-stop passage

12. Marsa

    Passing through the Menqa and Marsa Creeks and the inner basin of the Malta Ship Building Yard.

    · Non-stop passage

13. Passing through the French and the Dockyard Creeks.

    · Non-stop passage

14. 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.

    · Non-stop passage

15. 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.

    · Non-stop passage

16. 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.

    · Non-stop passage

17. 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.

    · Non-stop passage

18. 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.

    · Non-stop passage

19. Return to Sliema Ferries.

    · Non-stop passage

How to use your ticket

• The boat departs from this location: Luzzu Cruises, Sliema Ferries, Ferries 4 (near Ferries 4 bus stop), Triq Ix-Xatt, Sliema. • When you arrive at this location, you need to look for one of these boats: "Helena G" or "Antonia", the trip will be done on one of these vessels. Both boats also have "Luzzu Cruises" written on one of their sides. • When you arrive at the departure location, you need to look for the boat that has "Luzzu Cruises" written on it. • It is suggested that you arrive at the departure location at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time. • The boat cannot wait for late arrivals.

Meeting point

What to know before you go

• Prams and pushchairs are permitted.
• Assistance animals are welcome.
• Public transport is available nearby.
• Special needs child seats are available.
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels.
• Not recommended for travellers prone to seasickness.
• Maximum capacity is 80 travellers.
• Confirmation is immediate upon booking.

Travelers

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation for a full refund at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure date.

• No refund is possible less than 24 hours before departure.
• The activity may be cancelled in case of bad weather.

Who is it for?

• Travellers wanting an overview of Valletta without walking.
• Families with young children (pushchairs accepted).
• People with reduced mobility or all physical fitness levels.

What makes it different

• Visit to both natural harbours (Grand Harbour and Marsamxett).
• Maritime view of the Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Cospicua, and Senglea).

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

Product code: 6089P44

Activity offered by Robert Arrigo & Sons via Viator.