Activity Malta

Valletta and The Three Cities Scenic Harbours Cruise from Sliema

3.8 (12 reviews) 1 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

12 reviews

3.8

Valletta and The Three Cities Scenic Harbours Cruise from Sliema — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Valletta and The Three Cities Scenic Harbours Cruise from Sliema, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Cruise aboard our eco‑friendly, fully air‑conditioned, state‑of‑the‑art 20‑metre catamaran.

Join us on a Traditional Harbour Cruise and immerse yourself in Malta’s rich and gallant history as we sail through the island’s two iconic natural harbours: Marsamxett Harbour and the majestic Grand Harbour, flanking the historic capital city of Valletta.

As we glide past imposing forts, ancient battlements, and charming creeks surrounding Valletta and the Three Cities, you’ll enjoy a unique perspective that can only be experienced from the sea.

Our live commentary in English and German brings history to life—unfolding the dramatic stories behind the Great Sieges of 1565 and 1942, along with other fascinating landmarks and events that shaped Malta’s past.

Discover Malta from a new angle—where history, scenery, and comfort come together seamlessly.

Day Cruises Private and Luxury Audio Guides Historical Tours Catamaran Cruises Water Tours Sightseeing Cruises Low Supplier Cancellation Rate

At a glance

Duration: 1 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 100 people
People per booking: 1–30
Audio guide: German, English
Operated by: Robert Arrigo & Sons

Ages: Infants (0–4 years) · Children (5–12 years) · Adults (13–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Sightseeing scenic cruise
Included: Assistance by our crew and staff
Included: Free Wi-Fi on the boat
Included: English and German commentary over a P.A. system

Not included

Not included: Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Not included: Food and drinks
Not included: Tour guide

Itinerary

Sliema

Passing by

We depart from Sliema Ferries and cruise through Sliema Creek.

Sliema Creek is a very busy waterway, with harbour cruise boats operating from it that are constantly plying in and out with tourists. The advantage of mooring on this jetty is that it's located at the centre of Sliema, a very busy area with all kinds of shops, restaurants, bars, etc., which is a short walk from the jetty; therefore, before or after the trip, one can enjoy a walk along the beautiful promenade, have a meal or a coffee in the many eateries in the area, or browse through the many shops located at the centre of Sliema.
Manoel Island

Passing by

Passing by Manoel Island.

Manoel Island, formerly known as Bishop's Island or the Isolotto, is a small island that forms part of the municipality of Gżira in Marsamxett Harbour, Malta. It is named after the Portuguese Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena, who built a fort on the island in the 1720s.

Manoel Island is a low, rather flat hill, shaped roughly like a leaf. It is located in the middle of Marsamxett Harbour, with Lazzaretto Creek to its south and Sliema Creek to its north. The island is connected to mainland Malta by a bridge. The whole island can be viewed from the bastions of the capital, Valletta.
Lazzaretto Of Manoel Island

Passing by

Passing through Lazzaretto Creek.

The Lazzaretto is a former quarantine facility and hospital on Manoel Island. It is a complex of various buildings dating back to the 17th and 19th centuries. Most of the structures still exist, although they are in a bad state due to damage sustained during World War II and over 30 years of abandonment. It is planned that the Lazzaretto be restored.
Manoel Island Yacht Marina

Passing by

Passing by the beautiful Manoel Island Yacht Marina.

This marina is centrally located in Gzira, on the south coast of Manoel Island, and is part of Manoel Island Yard. The marina It provides very well-protected pontoons, so skippers can anchor safely regardless of the NE winds.

With the capital city, Valletta, in the background, this marina is an amazingly beautiful mooring and is the perfect location to go anywhere on the island. You can enjoy a really fascinating view of Valletta’s huge fortress and a variety of beautiful buildings with spectacular architecture.
Floriana

Passing by

Passing by the battlements and imposing fortifications surrounding Floriana.
Valletta

Passing by

Passing by the battlements and imposing fortifications surrounding Valletta.
Grand Harbour

Passing by

Passing by the imposing Valletta Grand Harbour.

Malta’s majestic Grand Harbour is one of the most spectacular ports in the world. A wide stretch of water separating the capital city of Valletta from the historic towns of Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua, the harbour has been a hive of activity for over two thousand years. With its imposing fortifications and vast panorama, the Grand Harbour is Malta’s principal maritime gateway and a popular port-of-call for ships that are cruising the Med.
Marsamxett

Passing by

Passing by the Marsamxett Harbour.

Marsamxett Harbour, historically also referred to as Marsamuscetto, is a natural harbour located to the north of the larger Grand Harbour. The harbour is generally more dedicated to leisure use than the Grand Harbour.
Fort St Angelo

Passing by

Passing by Fort St. Angelo.

A bastioned fort in Birgu, Fort St. Angelo, is located at the centre of the Grand Harbour. It was originally built in the mediaeval period as a castle called Castrum Maris. It was rebuilt by the Order of Saint John as a bastioned fort called Fort Saint Angelo between the 1530s and the 1560s, and it is best known for its role as the Order's headquarters during the Great Siege of Malta of 1565.
Cospicua (Bormla)

Passing by

Passing by Cospicua, one of the fortified cities that make up the popular historical area known as the Three Cities.

The Three Cities is a collective description of the three fortified cities of Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and Senglea. These cities can rightly claim to be the cradle of Maltese history, as Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua have provided a home and fortress to almost every person who settled on the islands.

Their harbour inlets have been in use since Phoenician times, with the docks always providing a living for local people but also leaving them vulnerable when Malta’s rulers were at war. As the first home to the Knights of St. John, the Three Cities’ palaces, churches, forts, and bastions are far older than Valletta’s.
Senglea

Passing by

Passing by Senglea, one of the fortified cities that make up the popular historical area known as the Three Cities.

The Three Cities is a collective description of the three fortified cities of Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and Senglea. These cities can rightly claim to be the cradle of Maltese history, as Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua have provided a home and fortress to almost every person who settled on the islands.

Their harbour inlets have been in use since Phoenician times, with the docks always providing a living for local people but also leaving them vulnerable when Malta’s rulers were at war. As the first home to the Knights of St. John, the Three Cities’ palaces, churches, forts, and bastions are far older than Valletta’s.
Kalkara

Passing by

Passing by Kalkara Creek.

Kalkara Creek was sometimes also called 'English Creek’. It is a well-known sheltered inlet for various fishermen’s and oarsman’s boats, but it is exposed to the northeast wind. The shore, sheltered and with remarkable views, was enlarged several times, including the present development done in the 1950s.
Stop 13

Passing by

Passing through the French and the Dockyard Creeks.

This is the fourth creek to port side on entering Grand Harbour. Large ships are normally anchored in this creek, waiting to enter drydocks. Malta Shipyards is one of the largest commercial yards in the Mediterranean. Within Malta Shipyards is a Super Yacht section, where a covered drydock is very popular for Super Yacht refits and repairs. A constant number of Super Yachts are refitted here every year. At the extreme inner end of Grand Harbour, there are two other yards; one has a floating dock for yachts up to 500 tonnes, and the other has both a slipway and a floating dock.
Birgu (Vittoriosa)

Passing by

Passing by Vittoriosa, one of the fortified cities that make up the popular historical area known as the Three Cities.

The Three Cities is a collective description of the three fortified cities of Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and Senglea. These cities can rightly claim to be the cradle of Maltese history, as Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua have provided a home and fortress to almost every person who settled on the islands.

Their harbour inlets have been in use since Phoenician times, with the docks always providing a living for local people but also leaving them vulnerable when Malta’s rulers were at war. As the first home to the Knights of St. John, the Three Cities’ palaces, churches, forts, and bastions are far older than Valletta’s.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

The boat departs from Sliema Ferries, from the area opposite the Pebbles Boutique Hotel on the promenade/ferries side of Triq ix‑Xatt, Sliema. When you arrive at this location, please look for the red boat.

End point

The boat departs from Sliema Ferries, from the area opposite the Pebbles Boutique Hotel on the promenade/ferries side of Triq ix‑Xatt, Sliema. When you arrive at this location, please look for the red boat.

Using your ticket

The boat departs from Sliema Ferries, from the area opposite the Pebbles Boutiqoue Hotel on the promenade/ferries side of Triq ix‑Xatt, Sliema. When you arrive at this location, please look for the red iSeeMalta boat. If you need assistance locating the boat, please approach any of the red‑coloured ticketing kiosks or booths along the promenade. Please do not request assistance from other boat operators, as they might mislead you.

For boarding, it is recommended to arrive at the departure location 15 to 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

The boat cannot wait for late arrivals.

This experience is not recommended for travellers who are prone to seasickness.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Specialized infant seats are available
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For boarding, it is recommended to arrive at the departure location 15 to 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
The boat departs from Sliema Ferries, from the area opposite the Pebbles Boutiqoue Hotel on the promenade/ferries side of Triq ix‑Xatt, Sliema. When you arrive at this location, please look for the red iSeeMalta boat. If you need assistance locating the boat, please approach any of the red‑coloured ticketing kiosks or booths along the promenade. Please do not request assistance from other boat operators, as they might mislead you.
Pets, large luggage, and large suitcases are not permitted on the boat.
If the trip is cancelled due to poor weather, sea conditions, or strong winds, you will be offered the option to reschedule. If you cannot reschedule, you will receive a full refund.
This experience is not recommended for travellers who are prone to seasickness.