Grand Harbour Cruise

Malta’s Grand Harbour Cruise: An Authentic Waterway Adventure

Imagine gliding across Malta’s iconic waters on a sleek, eco-friendly catamaran, soaking in the sights of Valletta’s skyline, forts, and battlements. This Grand Harbour Cruise offers a 90-minute journey that combines scenic beauty with storytelling, all starting in the bustling Sliema area. For around $23.13 per person, you’ll get a taste of Malta’s maritime history, picturesque views, and the chance to hop off and explore at your leisure — especially if you decide to visit the nearby Esplora Science Centre in Kalkara.

What we love most about this tour is its flexibility — you can choose from a variety of departure times, and the option to stay on board or hop off at Esplora and the Three Cities. Plus, the Wi-Fi onboard makes it easy to share your photos and stay connected. The only consideration? The live commentary can sometimes be hard to hear on the lower deck, and clarity might improve with a pre-recorded guide. Still, this cruise is ideal for those who want a comfortable, scenic introduction to Malta’s historic harbors without breaking the bank.

If you’re someone who enjoys a scenic boat ride with a good dose of local history, this tour is well-suited. Families, solo travelers, or small groups looking for an affordable way to see Valletta from the water will find it rewarding — especially since it offers both outdoor and indoor seating, making it adaptable to Malta’s variable weather.

Key Points

• Affordable and Flexible: The tour costs around $23.13 and offers multiple departure times.
• Scenic Views: Witness Valletta’s skyline, forts, and the Three Cities from the water.
• Historical Insights: Enjoy live commentary about Malta’s sieges, forts, and maritime past.
• Hop-off Option: Visit Esplora Science Centre or the Three Cities and hop back onto a later departure.
• Comfort & Convenience: Indoor/outdoor seating, free Wi-Fi, restrooms onboard.
• Group Size & Booking: Usually booked 15 days in advance, with a maximum of 197 travelers.

A Deep Dive into the Malta Harbour Experience

Starting Point: Sliema to the Waters

Your adventure begins at Captain Morgan Malta Harbour, located in Sliema. The boat itself is a modern, 20-meter, eco-friendly catamaran that feels both stylish and environmentally conscious. Boarding is on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early ensures you get your preferred spot. The vessel’s design and amenities make the ride comfortable, whether you opt for air-conditioned indoor seating or outdoor decks with panoramic views.

The crew offers a live commentary in both English and German, sharing stories of Malta’s great sieges in 1565 and 1942, the importance of Fort Saint Angelo, and the strategic significance of the Grand Harbour. While most travelers find the narration informative and engaging, some reviews note that hearing the guide downstairs can be a challenge, especially if the volume isn’t increased. A pre-recorded guide could improve clarity, but the energy of the crew and the scenic setting still shine through.

Exploring Marsamxett Harbour and Valletta’s Skyline

The cruise starts with a view of Marsamxett Harbour, a natural harbor north of the Grand Harbour area. Here, you’ll see the Manoel Island and the coastlines of Gira, Ta’ Xbiex, Pietà, and Msida. This area is less crowded, offering a peaceful introduction to Malta’s coastal scenery while the guide relays historical tidbits.

Next, you’ll approach Valletta’s Sciberras Peninsula, the heart of Malta’s fortified capital city. As the boat glides past, you’ll admire the bastions, fortifications, and the impressive skyline of Valletta. The city dates back to prehistoric times — around 3700 BC — and has long been Malta’s seat of government and culture. The boat ride offers an excellent vantage point that’s hard to match from land, especially for photos. As one reviewer put it, “What a great way to see Valletta from the water,” capturing views impossible to get on foot.

Forts, Battlements, and Malta’s Historic Past

One of the standout features of this cruise is the opportunity to see the forts and battlements up close, without the hassle of tourist crowds. The cruise passes by Fort Saint Angelo in Vittoriosa, which served as the base for the Order of Saint John for 268 years. This fort played a pivotal role during the Great Siege of 1565, a defining moment in Maltese history.

The guide’s narration emphasizes these historic landmarks, bringing Malta’s military and naval importance into perspective. Several travelers have commented on how the commentary makes history accessible and interesting, especially for those unfamiliar with Maltese lore. Others note that sometimes the narration was difficult to catch, which could be improved with clearer audio or headphones.

Hop-Off at Esplora and the Three Cities

One of the tour’s unique features is the option to hop off at Esplora Interactive Science Centre in Kalkara. For about an hour or more, you can explore this hands-on science museum with over 200 exhibits, a planetarium, and outdoor activity zones. It’s a perfect stop for families or science buffs. The cruise allows you to revisit Sliema later by hopping back onto a later boat, offering flexibility in planning your day.

If you prefer to stay on board, you’ll continue to enjoy the views of the Three Cities — Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and Senglea — historic neighborhoods filled with narrow streets, historic churches, and lively harbors. Several reviews mention that the views of these areas from the water are simply spectacular — a vantage point you won’t find elsewhere.

Final Moments & Return to Sliema

As the cruise winds down, you’ll return to your starting point in Sliema. The ride, at approximately 90 minutes, is enough time to get a good overview of Malta’s harbors without feeling rushed. The free Wi-Fi is a bonus, allowing you to share your photos or check your maps right away. The onboard restrooms add convenience, especially for those traveling with families or older travelers.

What Travelers Say: The Honest Truth

The reviews paint a balanced picture. Many praise the views and value—with phrases like “excellent overall view of Malta from the water” and “very good value for money,” highlighting how affordable ways to see Malta’s key sights can be rewarding. Several reviewers appreciated the friendly, professional crew, noting that the guides were knowledgeable and polite.

However, some travelers expressed disappointment with the audio narration, mentioning difficulty hearing or understanding the commentary, especially downstairs. A few found the views somewhat obstructed or the commentary inconsistent, but overall, the consensus leans toward a positive experience.

Notably, many agree that the scenic vistas, especially of Valletta and the Three Cities, are unparalleled from the water. The opportunity to capture stunning photos of Malta’s historic walls, harbors, and skyline is a major plus.

Value and Practicalities

For just over $23, this tour offers a cost-effective way to see some of Malta’s most iconic sights. The flexibility to hop off at Esplora or the Three Cities adds a layer of customization, making it suitable for different interests. The inclusion of Wi-Fi, restroom, and indoor seating enhances comfort, especially on warmer or cooler days.

While food and drinks are not included—available for purchase on board—this is typical for short sightseeing cruises. The booking window of about 15 days suggests that the tour is popular but accessible enough to secure with some planning.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is perfect for travelers wanting a relaxed, scenic overview of Malta’s harbors and historic sites without needing to walk miles. It’s well-suited for families, first-time visitors, or those with limited mobility who prefer a comfortable boat ride with commentary. If you’re interested in Malta’s military history, architecture, or simply stunning water views, this tour delivers value and authentic scenery. However, if you’re a history buff craving in-depth narration or keen on exploring the sites on foot, you may want to combine it with other activities.

The Sum Up

The Grand Harbour Cruise in Malta offers a welcoming, scenic, and educational experience that gives a new perspective on Malta’s storied coastlines. It combines breathtaking views, engaging commentary, and flexibility, making it a great way to spend an afternoon. The opportunity to hop off at Esplora or explore the Three Cities makes it adaptable to different interests and schedules.

While the live narration could be clearer at times, the overall package is good value and enjoyable. It’s ideal for those who want an easy, comfortable way to see Malta from the water, especially if you’re interested in history, photography, or simply soaking up the scenery. To get the most out of it, arrive early, bring your camera, and consider upgrading your audio experience with headphones.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 90 minutes, giving you enough time to enjoy the scenery and hear key stories without feeling rushed.

Can I hop off the boat during the tour?
Yes, you can choose to hop off at Esplora Science Centre in Kalkara or the Three Cities and catch a later boat back to Sliema, adding flexibility.

Is Wi-Fi available onboard?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is provided, so you can share your photos or check online during the cruise.

Are there indoor and outdoor seating options?
Absolutely, you can choose to sit outdoors for the views or stay inside in air-conditioned comfort.

What should I expect from the commentary?
Most passengers find the live commentary informative, but some report difficulty hearing it downstairs. A pre-recorded version could be an improvement.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, it’s family-friendly, especially with the hop-off option, the science centre visit, and the scenic nature of the cruise.

Embark on this Malta harbour adventure for an authentic, scenic, and informative glimpse of the island’s historic waters. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just in search of gorgeous views, this cruise offers a memorable introduction to Malta’s maritime charm.