Malta’s Harbours and Creeks Sightseeing Cruise from Sliema

From the water, Valletta’s great stone walls make immediate sense: they were built to guard the harbour, and you see their scale best from a boat. This 90-minute cruise from Sliema carries you through the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour, with views of forts, dockyards and the Three Cities.

I like two things in particular: the chance to see Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea from the water, and the English commentary that adds context without requiring you to join a walking tour. The trip is also a relatively easy way to get your bearings before exploring Valletta on foot.

The main caution is the sea. One account from a February 2025 trip describes rough water outside the harbour, enough to frighten passengers and prompt some families with young children to leave partway through. If you are prone to seasickness, or conditions look unsettled, this may not be the right outing.

At a glance

• Two harbours in one trip: The route takes in both Valletta’s Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour.
• Views of the Three Cities: See Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea from the water, along with fortifications and dockyards.
• About 90 minutes aboard: A useful introduction to the coastline without taking up most of your day.
• English PA commentary: You hear historical context on board, though this is not a guided tour with a personal guide.
• Departures from Sliema Ferries: Look for the Helena G, Antonia or Sansone near the Ferries 4 bus stop.
• Check the sea before you go: The route may encounter rough water beyond the harbour, and the cruise is not recommended for people prone to seasickness.

👉 See our pick of the 2 Best Sailing Experiences In Sliema

Two harbours, one useful view of Valletta

1 / 7

2 / 7

3 / 7

4 / 7

5 / 7

6 / 7

7 / 7

1 / 7

The cruise starts at Sliema Ferries and heads toward Valletta, where two harbours frame the capital. Grand Harbour is the better-known approach, while Marsamxett Harbour gives you another angle on the city and its shoreline. Together, they make this more than a simple ride along one waterfront.

The best reason to choose a boat is perspective. From land, you can walk along the ramparts or look across the water from a viewpoint, but a cruise brings you close to the harbour’s edges and the fortifications that rise above them. You get a sense of how closely Malta’s history and daily life have been tied to these sheltered waters.

The route also offers a helpful first look at the area if you are new to Malta. You can spot the relationship between Sliema, Valletta and the Three Cities, then decide which places deserve a closer visit on foot. Treat the trip as an overview, not a replacement for time ashore.

The Grand Harbour and its stone defences

Grand Harbour is the main event for many people on board. Its scale, historic walls and working waterfront give the cruise much of its visual interest. The listed sights include fortifications and dockyards, though the exact landmarks and order can depend on the route and conditions.

The harbour is also a reminder that Valletta is not just a collection of handsome buildings. Its position above the water is part of the story: the city’s defences were designed around the harbour and its approaches. The English commentary can help you connect what you see with that history, rather than simply watching stone walls pass by.

Do not expect a stop at a fort or a walk through a dockyard. This is a sightseeing cruise, so the experience is from the boat. If you want to go inside specific sites, plan separate visits on land.

Marsamxett Harbour and quieter creeks

Marsamxett Harbour adds variety to the outing. The cruise description also promises views of Valletta’s creeks, where the shoreline can feel more sheltered and removed from the busiest streets. From the water, you see the city from a less familiar angle, with the harbour itself between you and the crowds.

That quieter stretch is a good counterpoint to the grander views of the main harbour. It also gives the ride a slower, more relaxed feel than a tour focused only on major landmarks. Still, the boat stays on the water; the word creek does not mean you will get off to explore a small inlet.

The route’s appeal lies in seeing these places in sequence. You move from broad harbour views to narrower waters, and the changing shorelines help make the city’s geography easier to grasp. For a first day in Malta, that perspective can be useful before you set off on your own.

Seeing the Three Cities from the water

Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea, collectively known as the Three Cities, are among the cruise’s key sights. They sit across the water from Valletta and form an essential part of the harbour view. Seeing them from a boat lets you take in their waterfront position and the fortifications around them in one sweep.

The cruise does not include a visit ashore, so you will not have time to walk their lanes or explore individual sites. If the Three Cities are high on your list, think of this as a preview. You can use the view to choose whether to return for a separate visit.

For some people, that is precisely the right amount of effort: a broad look at several historic areas without changing transport or committing to a full-day excursion. For others, especially anyone keen on museums, churches or local streets, the boat ride will feel like an introduction rather than a complete experience.

What the 90-minute outing is like

The schedule is simple: board at Sliema, cruise through the harbours, then return to Sliema. The advertised duration is about 90 minutes, making it a manageable choice between longer excursions or a day spent exploring on foot. There are no scheduled sightseeing stops listed.

Departures are offered at 10:30, 12:30, 14:30 and 16:00. Return times are listed as 12:00, 14:00, 16:00 and 17:30, but the available pairing depends on the departure you select and the itinerary duration. Check your booking details so you do not assume every return time matches every departure.

The cruise runs on one of three boats: Helena G, Antonia or Sansone. The specific vessel is not guaranteed in the details provided. English commentary is played over a public-address system, and the crew and staff are on hand to assist. There is no separate tour guide included, so expect recorded or PA-style narration rather than an intimate, question-led walking tour.

A cash bar on board sells some snacks and drinks, with cash and card accepted. Meals are not included, and you should not plan on a full food service. Bring water or a snack if you need more than the limited bar offering.

Weather, comfort and the rough-water caveat

The biggest practical uncertainty is the sea. The cruise is not recommended for people prone to seasickness, and a February 2025 passenger account describes very rough water after the boat reached open sea beyond the harbour. That account says some passengers with small children got off partway through.

That is a reason to take the warning seriously, not proof that every trip will be rough. The itinerary may change with traffic and weather, and the operator can cancel in extreme weather. If you are sensitive to motion, have young children, or are unsure about conditions, check with the operator before departure and be prepared to choose another activity if the sea is unsettled.

Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. The cruise is outdoors enough that sun protection is a sensible part of the plan. Foldable strollers are allowed, but large luggage and suitcases are not. Pets are prohibited, and the boat is not wheelchair-accessible.

Is the price fair for the time aboard?

The supplied starting prices differ: one price is $25.79, while the Join-In Tour option is shown from US$22.40. Treat these as starting figures, not a guaranteed fare for your chosen date. Check the live booking price and inclusions before paying.

At either price, the value comes from covering several harbour viewpoints in roughly 90 minutes. You get the boat ride, English PA commentary and crew assistance, but no hotel transfers, meal, drinks or personal guide. If you would otherwise pay for transport to multiple viewpoints, this may be a convenient way to see the shoreline from the water. If you prefer to explore at your own pace or want time inside historic sites, a cruise alone may not satisfy you.

Children aged 0 to 3 ride free, but infants and children still need to be included in the passenger headcount. Children aged 12 and older pay the adult rate. That can make the outing an easy family option on a calm day, though the rough-water warning matters when deciding whether to bring small children.

Getting to the Sliema departure point

The meeting point is Sliema Ferries, on Triq Ix-Xatt. Look for the Helena G, Antonia or Sansone near the Ferries 4 bus stop, and arrive 15 minutes before the departure you booked. Your voucher is mobile, and the time you select matters: you cannot simply turn up for a different sailing without checking availability.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so allow time to reach the ferry area yourself. Large bags are not allowed on board, which makes this a poor fit if you are travelling directly from the airport or changing hotels with all your luggage. Keep your belongings compact and bring only what you need for the cruise.

Who should book this cruise?

I would consider this cruise if you want an easy overview of Valletta’s harbours, enjoy seeing cities from the water, and have a free 90-minute window in Sliema. It suits first-time visitors who want to understand the setting before exploring on foot, as well as anyone who prefers a seated sightseeing option to a long walking tour.

I would skip it if you are prone to seasickness, need wheelchair access, want a guided visit ashore, or are hoping for a meal and a full-day experience. Families should weigh the simple route and free fares for children under four against the possibility of rough conditions.

Book it if the forecast looks settled and the harbour views are the point of your outing. If the sea is rough, or you want a more hands-on visit, save your money for time on land and return to the waterfront when conditions suit you.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The sightseeing cruise lasts about 90 minutes. Its schedule can change with traffic and weather conditions.

Where does the boat leave from?

It departs from Sliema Ferries on Triq Ix-Xatt in Sliema. Look for the Helena G, Antonia or Sansone near the Ferries 4 bus stop.

What time can I depart?

Departure options are listed at 10:30, 12:30, 14:30 and 16:00. Available return times depend on the departure and itinerary you choose.

What will I see during the cruise?

The route passes through Valletta’s Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour, with views of fortifications, dockyards, the Three Cities and Valletta’s creeks.

Is a tour guide included?

No personal tour guide is included. English commentary is provided over the boat’s PA system, and crew and staff are available to assist.

Are food and drinks included?

No. A cash bar sells some snacks and beverages, and accepts cash and credit cards. Meals and drinks are not included in the cruise price.

Can I bring a stroller or large luggage?

Foldable strollers are allowed. Large luggage and large suitcases are not allowed on the boat.

Is the cruise suitable for people prone to seasickness?

It is not recommended for people prone to seasickness. Rough water outside the harbour has been reported, so check conditions before you go.