Afternoon Harbours Cruise with Guide and Roundtrip Transfers

Exploring Malta’s Harbours by Boat: An Honest Review of the Afternoon Harbour Cruise

Malta’s magnificent coastlines and storied harbors are best appreciated from the water. This Afternoon Harbours Cruise with Guide and Roundtrip Transfers offers a chance to see Valletta’s iconic harbours from a new perspective—by boat. While not a perfect experience, it has enough charm and value to warrant consideration, especially if you’re into scenic views, historical insights, and convenient logistics.

What we like about this cruise is the way it combines guided storytelling, a relaxing boat ride, and free time in Sliema for shopping or wandering. It’s a good mix for those wanting an overview of Valletta’s forts and battlements without the hassle of self-driving or multiple tours. However, a significant point to consider is the size of the vessel—some travelers found it quite large, which might affect the intimacy of the experience.

This tour suits history enthusiasts, first-time visitors, and those wanting a convenient, guided way to see Valletta’s harbors. But if you’re looking for a more exclusive or shorter cruise, this might not be your best pick. Still, for its price point, it offers a solid introduction to Malta’s maritime scenery and historical landmarks.

Good To Know

• Convenient roundtrip hotel transfers save hassle and time.
• Guided narration enriches the scenic cruise with engaging historical stories.
• Flexible free time in Sliema allows for shopping or relaxing afterwards.
• Vessel size could impact comfort, especially for those preferring smaller boats.
• Cost-effective at $44 per person, offering good value for the experience.
• Weather-dependent — cruise may be canceled or rescheduled in bad conditions.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Thorough Breakdown of What to Expect

Start with pick-up and transportation – The tour begins with hotel collection, making it easy for travelers who don’t want to worry about navigating public transport or arranging taxis. The transport is in an air-conditioned coach, which is a thoughtful touch considering Malta’s summer heat. The pick-up times are flexible, generally between 1:30 PM and 2:20 PM, so you’ll want to confirm your exact window with the provider.

The boat cruise itself lasts roughly 3 hours – a well-paced duration that balances sightseeing with relaxation. The vessel, according to some reviews, is on the larger side, which can be a plus for stability but might lack intimacy for those who prefer smaller, more exclusive boats. Passengers can enjoy fully stocked bars (though not included in the price) and on-board toilets—important details for comfort.

Sailing around Valletta’s two main harbors—Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour—provides plenty of photo opportunities. You’ll get close-up views of famous forts, battlements, and creeks, which are especially striking from the water. The guide’s narration adds context, explaining the strategic importance of these waters during key sieges in 1565 and 1942. This storytelling makes the sightseeing richer, especially if you’re a history lover.

Getting into every creek is a highlight—sailors love seeing the nooks and crannies of Valletta’s coastline, and you’ll definitely appreciate the close-up views of the city’s defenses and the Lower Barakka Gardens from the water. Some travelers, however, felt that the cruise might prioritize the sightseeing over the actual experience of being on a boat, which is worth noting if you’re expecting a leisurely or luxurious cruise.

Disembarking in Sliema offers about an hour and a half of free time. This is where you can explore Malta’s bustling shopping streets or relax at a café along the promenade. Many reviewers appreciate this added leisure, seeing it as a good chance to soak in local life or pick up souvenirs. However, one reviewer felt that an hour was a bit long for shopping, especially if the main focus was the cruise itself.

The Experience and Its Highlights

The guided commentary is a core part of this tour, aiming to bring Malta’s history to life through engaging storytelling. Guides are experienced and knowledgeable, enhancing the cruise with riveting facts about Valletta’s fortifications and the historic significance of Malta’s harbors. Reviewers like “Rainer” mentioned that the commentary was a strong point, although he found the vessel size somewhat less intimate.

Views of Valletta’s forts and the coastline are stunning and offer perfect photo opportunities. The cruise’s proximity to key landmarks means you’ll get close-up shots of Fort St. Elmo, Fort Manoel, and the city’s bastions—all framed by the shimmering Mediterranean waters.

Bars onboard are fully stocked, but drinks are not included, so budget accordingly if you want a cold drink. The onboard toilets are a practical addition, especially for longer cruises and hot weather.

Weather plays a role—the cruise is subject to favorable conditions, and poor weather could mean cancellation or rescheduling. This is typical for boat tours, but it’s worth being aware, especially if you’re visiting during unpredictable seasons.

The Sliema Stopover: Shopping and Leisure

Once ashore in Sliema, you’ll have a chance to explore the main shopping area or take a leisurely stroll along the promenade. This part of the tour offers flexibility, but travelers should be aware that the shopping and sightseeing are at their own pace. Some reviews mentioned that the shopping segment felt a bit lengthy—about 1.5 hours—so if your main interest is the cruise, you might find the time in Sliema a little too long.

Sliema’s promenade is scenic with many cafes and restaurants, making it a perfect spot to relax or grab a bite. Local outlets offer a variety of souvenirs, clothing, and local products, so it’s worth having some cash on hand.

Practical Details: Price, Duration, and What to Bring

At $44 per person, this cruise offers a reasonable price point considering the guided narration, transportation, and scenic value. But, as always, what counts is the quality of the experience. For those looking for a guided, scenic overview of Valletta’s harbors, this tour provides good value.

The tour lasts roughly 3 hours, including transport, cruise, and free time. Be sure to check the specific starting times, as they can vary.

What to bring? Comfortable shoes are a must, especially for walking around Sliema afterward. Sunscreen is essential—Malta’s sun can be fierce, even in the late afternoon. And, if you want to indulge in drinks or snacks onboard, remember that they are additional costs.

Note: Pets, large luggage, and oversize bags are not permitted on this tour, so plan accordingly.

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Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This cruise is a solid choice for travelers seeking an easy, guided way to see Valletta’s harbors, especially if you want the convenience of hotel transfers and a mix of sightseeing and leisure. The guides’ knowledge adds depth, and the scenic views are truly memorable. The free time in Sliema, while a bonus, might feel a little unstructured for some, and the vessel size could be a factor if you prefer intimate or luxury cruises.

For budget-conscious travelers, it offers good value—especially if you’re looking to avoid the hassle of organizing your own boat trip. History buffs will appreciate the stories about Malta’s sieges and maritime defenses, which add a meaningful layer to the scenic exploration.

If you prefer smaller boats, more exclusive experiences, or shorter durations, you might want to explore other options. But for a relaxing, informative, and scenic introduction to Valletta’s waterways, this tour hits many key points.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors eager for a broad overview of Malta’s harbors, history aficionados, or anyone who enjoys guided sightseeing combined with leisure time. It’s particularly suited for those who value convenience and value for money, but less so for travelers seeking luxury, exclusivity, or shorter excursions.

It’s a great way to tick off Malta’s scenic and historical highlights in a single afternoon, without the stress of planning every detail yourself. Just remember to bring your camera, some cash, and a sense of adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are provided, making travel logistics simple and stress-free.

How long does the cruise last?
The boat cruise itself lasts approximately 3 hours, including time to see Valletta’s harbors and creeks.

Are drinks included onboard?
No, drinks are available for purchase from the onboard bar, which is well-stocked, but not included in the price.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and cash are recommended. Remember that pets, large luggage, and oversized bags are not allowed.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, Italian, French, Spanish, and German, depending on your booking choice.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It’s generally not suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, as per the tour description.

What is the weather policy?
The cruise is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor conditions, you can reschedule or get a full refund.

How much free time do I get in Sliema?
Approximately 1.5 hours, which can be used for shopping, relaxing, or sightseeing at your own pace.

To sum it up, this Malta harbor cruise offers a practical and scenic way to explore Valletta’s waterways and historical sites. It balances guided narration, beautiful views, and leisure time at a reasonable price. Perfect for those wanting a hassle-free introduction to Malta’s maritime charm, especially if you value informative guides and picturesque scenery.

You can check if your dates are available here: