Afternoon Harbours Cruise with Guide and Roundtrip Transfers

If you’re planning a trip to Malta and love the idea of seeing the island from the water, a Harbours Cruise like this one might catch your eye. It promises a relaxed afternoon exploring Valletta’s natural harbors—Marsamxett and Grand Harbor—while learning about their historic significance. For just $44, you get a three-hour boat trip with a guide, plus roundtrip hotel transfers, making it a pretty convenient way to see the sights without much hassle.

What we really appreciate about this tour is the chance to experience Valletta from a different perspective—cruising into every creek and viewing the forts and battlements up close. Plus, having a fully stocked bar on board and toilet facilities means you can enjoy the surroundings comfortably. On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that the boat has a large capacity, which might make the experience feel less intimate and more crowded, especially if you’re someone who values quieter, smaller groups.

This cruise is a solid option if you’re after a guided overview of Malta’s coastlines and harbors combined with some free time in Sliema for shopping or a relaxed walk. It’s particularly suited for visitors who enjoy scenic boat rides with informative commentary and don’t mind large ships. If you’re seeking a more intimate or family-specific experience, you might want to explore other options, but this one ticks the boxes for a relaxed, informative outing.

This experience made our article of Our 15 Favorite Valletta Boat Tours & Cruises.

Key Points

• Comfortable roundtrip hotel transfers simplify logistics.
• Guided commentary provides valuable insights into Valletta’s history and sights.
• Cruising into creeks and past forts offers unique photo opportunities.
• Sliema stopover gives ample free time for shopping and strolling.
• The large boat size might impact the feeling of intimacy.
• Weather considerations could lead to cancellations, so flexibility is helpful.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Harbour Cruise Experience

When considering a boat tour like this, it helps to understand what makes the experience special—and what it might lack. We’ve looked at the details, reviews, and what you can realistically expect, so here’s a thorough rundown to help you decide if this cruise fits your Malta itinerary.

The Itinerary and What You’ll See

The tour kicks off with hotel pickup, which is a real convenience—no dragging luggage or figuring out public transport. Once aboard the air-conditioned bus, you’ll head toward Valletta, where the real adventure begins with a cruise around Valletta’s two natural harbors. The ship is described as a large vessel, and while that means you get plenty of space, it also means the atmosphere might be a little less cozy—a common theme in reviews of bigger ships.

As you set sail, you’ll enjoy close-up views of the forts and battlements, which are critical in understanding Malta’s defensive history. The narration by guides is typically engaging and informative, with travelers noting the knowledgeable guides who help bring the scenery to life. The cruise also takes you past the Lower Barakka Gardens, giving you a panoramic view of the city from the water, perfect for photos.

One of the real highlights is the ability to sail into every creek, which isn’t always possible on land, and get the closest views of Valletta’s impressive coastlines. For many, this perspective makes the history and architecture more tangible, especially when you’re viewing centuries-old structures from the water.

Free Time in Sliema

After the cruise, you’ll disembark at Sliema Ferries, where a generous 1.5-hour free period awaits. This stop is generally appreciated for giving travelers a chance to stretch their legs, do some shopping, or relax at a café along the promenade. Many reviews mention enjoying the lively shopping outlets and the chance to soak in the local atmosphere.

However, some travelers have pointed out that an hour of shopping might feel a little long if your main interest was the cruise itself. One reviewer noted, “1 hour of shopping in Sliema is a little too long because the priority was the cruise…” so if you’re more into sightseeing, you might want to plan your shopping or strolling accordingly. The guide will remind you to adhere to the schedule, ensuring you catch your return transport comfortably.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The price of $44 covers hotel pick-up and drop-off, the boat cruise, and guided narration—which adds educational value to the experience. The fully stocked bar means you can enjoy a glass of wine or soft drink while soaking up the views, although food and additional drinks are not included, so you’ll want to bring some cash or purchase drinks on board.

More Great Tours Nearby

Practical Considerations

The tour is designed to be accessible for most travelers, but note that it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. The weather can impact the cruise—if sailing isn’t safe due to poor conditions, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled, with full refunds offered if rescheduling isn’t possible.

A common theme from reviews is the large ship size, which could mean a noisier, more crowded environment. If you prefer smaller groups or a more intimate setting, this might not be the best fit. Still, many find the guides’ narration and the scenery enough to compensate for the size.

The Value of This Tour

At $44, this experience offers a decent balance of sightseeing, education, and leisure. The inclusion of roundtrip hotel transfers is particularly helpful in Malta, where travel logistics can sometimes be tricky. The guided commentary adds depth to the views, making it more than just a boat ride; it’s an educational look at Malta’s strategic harbors and centuries of history.

Considering the reviews, most travelers felt the cruise was worth it, especially appreciating the professional guides and the spectacular views. Some found the shopping time in Sliema a bit lengthy, but that’s really a matter of personal preference.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for history buffs who want to understand Malta’s past without too much effort and enjoy scenic boat rides. It’s well-suited for travelers comfortable with larger groups and those who appreciate guided narration. If you’re traveling with a group that enjoys socializing and relaxing on a boat, you’ll find this a good value.

It’s not particularly geared towards families with young children or travelers with mobility issues, given the size and nature of the boat and the walking involved during the free time.

Final Thoughts

This Afternoon Harbours Cruise with Guide and Roundtrip Transfers offers a straightforward, comfortable way to see Valletta’s stunning coastlines and learn about its history from the water. The guided commentary enriches the experience, making the scenery more meaningful, and the free time in Sliema adds a relaxed ending to your afternoon.

While the large vessel might not provide an intimate atmosphere, the overall value, especially with hotel transfers included, makes it a solid choice for those looking to combine sightseeing with a leisurely cruise. If you’re eager to see Malta from the water, appreciate informative guides, and don’t mind the crowds, this cruise will likely meet your expectations.

For travelers who prioritize smaller ships, quieter experiences, or more specialized sightseeing, exploring other options might be worthwhile. But for a relaxed, scenic, and educational cruise, this experience ticks many boxes.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, this tour includes pick-up and drop-off at selected hotels, making it convenient and straightforward.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 3 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and take photos.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included, but there is a fully stocked bar on board where you can purchase beverages.

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

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
The tour isn’t specifically geared toward families, and the boat size might not be ideal for very young children or those with mobility issues.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and cash are recommended for the free time in Sliema and possibly for drinks on board.

What if the weather is poor?
The cruise depends on good weather. If canceled due to unfavorable conditions, you’ll be offered a reschedule or a full refund.

How many languages does the guide speak?
Guides will deliver commentary in English, Italian, French, Spanish, or German. Occasionally, the narration might be multilingual.

Hopefully, this gives you a clear picture of what to expect and helps you decide if this harbor cruise aligns with your Malta plans. It’s a relaxed way to see the coast, learn a bit, and enjoy some downtime—just keep in mind the larger vessel and plan your free time accordingly. Safe sailing!

You can check availability for your dates here: