Valletta Harbours Cruise
Sail through centuries of history on one of the Mediterranean's most storied waterfronts.
The Valletta Harbours Cruise offers a 90-minute voyage through two of Malta's most historically significant bodies of water, the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour, revealing fortifications, churches, and palaces that can only be appreciated from the sea.
The Grand Harbour has witnessed two of the most consequential military sieges in Mediterranean history, and the waterline still bears the architectural marks of those events. Fort Ricasoli stands at the harbour entrance, while the silver-domed Kalkara church and the formidable Fort St Angelo punctuate the skyline along the way.
Across the peninsula, Marsamxett Harbour presents a quieter but equally layered scene. The waterfront palaces of Ta' Xbiex, the Msida church rising above the marina, and the commanding silhouette of Fort St Elmo each carry stories that the on-board commentary helps bring into focus.
Threading through the creeks of both harbours, the cruise also reveals rows of elegant limestone townhouses whose warm beige facades contrast sharply with the deep blue of the water below. This visual pairing is one of Malta's most recognisable and enduring images.
Tour Highlights
Cruise both the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour in a single 90-minute journey.
See Fort Ricasoli, Fort St Angelo, and Fort St Elmo from the water, where their scale becomes fully apparent.
Admire the silver-domed Kalkara church and the palaces of Ta' Xbiex as the boat moves through each harbour.
Observe limestone townhouses lining the creeks, offering a perspective unavailable from the city streets.
Follow absorbing on-board commentary covering Malta's most pivotal historical events and architectural heritage.
Navigate one of the greatest natural harbours in the world, long regarded as a strategic marvel of the Mediterranean.
What to Expect
The cruise departs from Valletta's waterfront, where passengers board and settle in before the commentary begins. The boat eases into the Grand Harbour as the first landmarks come into view.
The route moves through the Grand Harbour, passing Fort Ricasoli at its entrance and continuing past the distinctive Kalkara church with its silver dome. Fort St Angelo, which played a central role in the Great Siege of 1565, is among the defining sights of this section.
The boat navigates the creeks branching off both harbours, revealing tightly packed rows of traditional Maltese townhouses. The interplay of honey-coloured limestone and blue water provides the most photographed views of the cruise.
The cruise transitions to Marsamxett Harbour on the northern side of the Valletta peninsula. The waterfront here is lined with the marina at Msida and the distinguished palaces of Ta' Xbiex.
Fort St Elmo, positioned at the tip of the Valletta peninsula between the two harbours, provides the final major landmark before the boat returns to the departure point. The commentary wraps up with context on Malta's modern role as a Mediterranean crossroads.
What Is Included
Included
- 90-minute harbour cruise aboard a tour boat
- On-board historical and architectural commentary
- Views of Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour
- Sightseeing of forts, churches, palaces, and creeks
Not Included
- Hotel pick-up or drop-off
- Food and beverages
- Gratuities
- Personal travel insurance
Important Information
Reserve Your Place on the Water
Spaces on this popular cruise fill quickly, particularly during the summer months. Secure your spot in advance to avoid missing one of Malta's most rewarding harbour experiences.
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