From Marsaxlokk: St Peter’s Pool Boat Tour

From Marsaxlokk: St Peter’s Pool Boat Tour — A Detailed Review

Imagine cruising along Malta’s spectacular coastline, passing historic forts, a lighthouse, and saltpans, all from the comfort of a traditional Maltese boat. That’s exactly what the St Peter’s Pool Boat Tour from Marsaxlokk offers — a fascinating blend of scenery, history, and the chance to swim in one of Malta’s most famous natural pools. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, all the rave reviews and detailed descriptions help us understand what makes this experience so appealing.

Three things stand out: the stunning coastal views, the knowledgeable guides, and the flexibility of the swim stop at St Peter’s Pool. Plus, the intimate group setting and the chance to see Malta’s forts from the water add to its charm. One thing to keep in mind is that during the winter months, the swimming stop isn’t available, so if swimming is a must, plan for the warmer seasons. This tour suits travelers who want a relaxed, scenic, and authentic way to explore Malta’s coast, especially if they love a quick dip or a photo opportunity with breathtaking backdrops.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

• Scenic coastal cruise with views of historic forts and saltpans.
• Flexible timing for swimming at St Peter’s Pool, weather permitting.
• Knowledgeable guides add context and humor, making the trip more enjoyable.
• Small group experience enhances intimacy and personalized attention.
• Approximate duration is 1 hour, with customizable start times.
• Price offers good value considering the scenic experience and optional swim stop.

Exploring Malta’s Coastline on a Traditional Maltese Boat

The St Peter’s Pool Boat Tour is a compact yet immersive way to see Malta’s rugged coast. Starting from Rima Cruises in Marsaxlokk, the tour takes you past some truly iconic sights, all from a traditional Maltese frejgatina, a small, classic boat that adds charm and authenticity.

You’ll first enjoy the views of Marsaxlokk, a lively fishing village famous for its colorful boats and fresh seafood. As the boat glides out, you’ll pass Fort San Lucjan and Fort Delimara, both standing as silent sentinels along the coast, hinting at Malta’s long-standing maritime defenses. The lighthouse is another standout — a beacon that’s been guiding ships for generations, providing a picturesque backdrop for photos.

The saltpans are a particularly interesting feature, offering a glimpse into Malta’s traditional salt harvesting methods. These shallow pools, laid out like a mosaic, have been used for salt production for centuries and create a uniquely beautiful landscape that’s worth stopping for photos.

The Swim Stop at St Peter’s Pool

The star of the tour is undoubtedly St Peter’s Pool, a natural rock formation that forms a stunning swimming hole. The reviews highlight that the swimming stop is a major highlight — “We got to swim in St Peter’s Pool and had a wonderful time,” said a delighted traveler.

This stop is generally around 2 minutes for photos, but if weather conditions are favorable, the crew encourages you to take the plunge. During summer, the water is usually clear and inviting, perfect for a quick dip or just relaxing on the rocks. However, during winter, the tour still takes place but without the swimming option, so plan accordingly if swimming is a priority.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The itinerary is straightforward but well-paced. It begins at Rima Cruises, then moves to Delimara, where you’ll spend about 30 minutes soaking in the scenery and listening to insightful commentary from your guide, often named Gianella or Jake — both praised for their friendliness and knowledge.

Next, there’s a quick photo stop at St Peter’s Pool, giving visitors a chance to snap those famous pictures of the natural basin. Returning to Delimara for another 30-minute sightseeing segment, the boat provides ample time to appreciate the coast from the water, with the guides sharing tidbits about the area’s history and significance.

The trip wraps up back at Rima Cruises, making it a hassle-free experience with no long transfers or complicated logistics.

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The Experience and Guides

Based on reviews, the guides truly make this trip shine. Gianella and Jake are highlighted for their friendly attitude, humor, and ability to share engaging stories about Malta’s coast and forts. Travelers especially appreciate how Jake makes the history accessible and entertaining, turning a simple boat ride into a memorable storytelling session.

The skipper ensures safety and smooth sailing, while the small group size — often just a handful of people — fosters a relaxed, personal atmosphere. Guests have mentioned feeling well looked after, with some even receiving pre-departure touches like wristbands and receipts to ensure smooth return and avoid confusion amid competing boat companies.

What You Get and What’s Not Included

For the fee, you receive round-trip boat tickets and a skipper who will navigate you along the coast. If you choose the beach stop option, you’ll have extra time to enjoy the water at St Peter’s Pool.

However, the tour does not include hotel pickup or food and drinks, so plan to arrive at the meeting point ready for a short, scenic cruise. Timing is flexible — you can select your preferred start time, which is a helpful feature for fitting this into your Malta itinerary.

Practical Tips for the Tour

• Weather matters: During winter, swimming at St Peter’s Pool isn’t available. If swimming is your main goal, plan for the summer months.
• Arrive early: Meeting at Rima Cruises ensures a smooth start.
• Bring essentials: Pack sunscreen, water, and perhaps a towel if you plan to swim.
• Group size: Small groups mean more personalized attention, so consider booking in advance.
• Flexibility: The ability to choose your departure time and the optional swim stop adds value and convenience.
• Language: The tour is conducted in English, making it accessible for most travelers.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This boat trip is perfect for those who want a quick, scenic overview of Malta’s coast with the chance to swim in a natural pool. It appeals especially to travelers who appreciate authentic, small-group experiences with knowledgeable guides.

If you’re looking for a relaxing outing that combines beautiful scenery, historical sights, and a splash of adventure, this tour ticks all those boxes. It’s also a good option if you want to avoid long boat rides — the one-hour duration keeps it manageable for most schedules and attention spans.

Travelers with a keen interest in Malta’s forts, saltpans, and lighthouse will find this tour offers a layered glimpse into the island’s maritime history, all from a comfortable boat.

The Sum Up

The From Marsaxlokk: St Peter’s Pool Boat Tour offers a well-rounded taste of Malta’s coast, blending scenic views, historical landmarks, and the fun of a natural swimming hole. With friendly guides, flexible timing, and a small group setting, it provides a more intimate alternative to larger tours.

While it’s most appealing during warmer months when swimming is possible, even the winter version with just sightseeing still delivers superb scenery and interesting commentary. The value lies in the combination of a short, scenic cruise with authentic Maltese flavor and the chance to see landmarks from the water in a relaxed, personal setting.

This experience is ideal for travelers who love natural beauty, appreciate good storytelling, and seek a memorable, easy-to-include activity in their Malta journey. It’s especially suited for those wanting a taste of Malta’s coast without long hours or complicated logistics — a perfect quick escape to enjoy the island’s maritime charm.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is generally suitable for all ages, especially since it’s a short, scenic boat ride. Just keep in mind that swimming stops depend on weather and season.

What should I bring for the trip?
Bring sunscreen, water, and a towel if you plan to swim at St Peter’s Pool. Wearing comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for a boat ride is also recommended.

Can I choose my departure time?
Yes, the tour offers flexible starting times — just check availability and select the most convenient slot for you.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Reviewers mention guides like Gianella and Jake as friendly and full of interesting stories, making the experience more engaging.

Is there a limit to group size?
The tour offers small group options, ensuring a more personal and relaxed atmosphere.

What if the weather is bad?
If weather conditions are unsuitable, the tour might be canceled or modified. The tour provider offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, so you can reschedule or get a refund.

Is transportation included?
No, hotel pickup or drop-off isn’t included. You need to meet at Rima Cruises in Marsaxlokk.

How long is the entire experience?
The boat trip itself lasts about 1 hour, with some stops for sightseeing and photos.

If you’re eager to combine Malta’s history, stunning coastlines, and a splash of adventure, this boat tour from Marsaxlokk to St Peter’s Pool is a wonderful choice. It’s a compact, authentic, and engaging way to see the island’s coastal treasures and perhaps take home some memorable photos.

You can check if your dates are available here: