From Sliema: Traditional Harbour Cruise (CMO)

Taking to the water is one of the best ways to see Malta, especially if you want to truly appreciate its historic significance and stunning coastlines. This Traditional Harbour Cruise from Sliema offers a compact, engaging way to explore Valletta’s two main harbours, with plenty of interesting commentary and scenic views. While it lasts only two hours, it packs enough sights and stories to make it well worth the price, especially if you love historical insights and a relaxing boat ride.

What really makes this experience stand out are the knowledgeable guides, who bring Malta’s story to life with engaging, bilingual commentary. You’ll love the stunning perspectives of the forts and battlements from the water, and the chance to see areas that are often hidden from land-based tours. That said, if you’re after a long, in-depth voyage, this cruise might feel a little brief. Still, for those looking for a well-organized introduction to Malta’s maritime history, this cruise hits the right notes.

This tour is ideal for travelers interested in history, scenic views, and a relaxed, guided experience. It’s quite suitable for families, couples, or anyone who appreciates a good story and a beautiful boat ride. The only consideration might be the limited duration—if you’re craving a full-day adventure, you might want to combine this with other activities.

Key Points

• Short but packed: A 2-hour cruise provides a quick yet rundown of Malta’s main harbours.
• Expert guides: Bilingual commentary in English and German helps make the history accessible.
• Scenic views: Expect breathtaking sights of forts, battlements, and historic sites from the water.
• Accessible experience: Wheelchair-friendly and easy to join, with flexible departure times.
• Value for money: A balanced price considering the scenic route, live guides, and local insights.
• Limited duration: Perfect for a quick overview, but might leave some wanting more if you’re a history buff.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Schedule

The cruise departs from Sliema Ferries, a central and convenient location for many travelers staying in Malta. The departure times are fixed at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, and 2:45 pm, offering flexibility for different plans. The activity is straightforward to book with free cancellation up to 24 hours, and the “reserve now, pay later” policy provides flexibility if your schedule is uncertain.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The cruise begins at the Sliema Ferries, where you’ll hop aboard a traditional Maltese boat, designed to evoke the island’s maritime past. The first stop is the Marsamxett Harbour in Gzira, famous for its calm waters and historic proximity to the city. Here, your guide will introduce you to the layout of the harbours and explain their strategic importance.

Next, you’ll glide into the Grand Harbour at Valletta, Malta’s historic capital. This is the highlight for most, offering panoramic views of fortifications, battlements, and impressive bastions. Reviewers mention that guides like Anthony, who was praised for his detailed storytelling, make the experience memorable. Expect tales of the Great Sieges of 1565 and 1942, which are explained in both English and German, adding educational layers to the scenic backdrop.

From there, the boat moves to the Three Cities (Senglea, Cospicua, and Kalkara)—areas packed with history, war stories, and vibrant harbour life. These sites are often missed by land tours, so seeing them from the water allows for a different appreciation of Malta’s resilience and maritime strategy.

The Scenic Highlights

The views from the water are what make this cruise special. Forts like Fort Manoel and Fort St. Angelo jut into the harbours, telling silent stories of past conflicts. Reviewers have pointed out that the stunning coastline and the fortress walls are even more impressive when viewed from the deck.

Many guests appreciated the live commentary that explained the significance of each site, making the scenery meaningful rather than just pretty. The bilingual guides ensure that non-English speakers also get the full story, which enriches the experience.

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Practicalities and Comfort

The cruise is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for all travelers. The vessel itself is traditional but comfortable enough, with enough space to sit back, relax, and soak in the views. The short duration makes it easy to fit into a busy sightseeing schedule, especially combined with other activities around Sliema or Valletta.

What Travelers Say

While the overall rating is 3.6 out of 5 based on 9 reviews, many mention the guides’ knowledgeable narration as a real highlight. One reviewer noted, “Anthony’s stories made the history come alive, and the views were breathtaking.” Others appreciated the smooth ride and the chance to see the harbours from a different angle.

Some feedback suggests that the cruise can feel a bit rushed, especially if you’re keen on a deep dive into Malta’s history. But most agree that for a short, scenic, and educational trip, this tour is a good value, particularly for first-time visitors wanting a general overview.

The Practical Aspects

Price and Value

Considering the inclusion of live commentary, scenic views, and a convenient start point, the price is reasonable for a two-hour guided boat ride. It offers a balanced experience—more engaging and educational than a simple sightseeing cruise, but not as long or costly as private boat tours.

Group Size and Atmosphere

While specific group sizes aren’t detailed, the shared nature of the tour tends to foster a friendly atmosphere. You’ll be with other travelers, which can make the experience more lively, especially if you’re traveling solo or in a small group.

Accessibility and Flexibility

With wheelchair access and flexible departure times, this cruise is accessible to many. The easy meeting point opposite Marks and Spencer makes logistics simple, even for visitors unfamiliar with Malta’s layout.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This cruise suits anyone looking for a short, scenic introduction to Malta’s harbours. It’s perfect for history enthusiasts eager to hear about the Great Sieges and Maltese resilience, as well as travelers who prefer guided experiences with local insights. Families, couples, and solo travelers will find it a relaxing, informative outing. If you’re visiting Malta for just a day or want a quick taste of the islands’ maritime charm, this cruise fits right in.

Those seeking a longer, more detailed maritime adventure might find the two-hour length a bit limiting. But for a snapshot of Malta’s coastal beauty and history, it’s a well-organized choice.

Final Thoughts

This Traditional Harbour Cruise from Sliema offers a compact yet engaging way to see Malta’s main harbours from the water, with the added bonus of informative and friendly guides. The scenic views of forts, battlements, and historic sites, combined with live commentary, make it a worthwhile addition to any Malta itinerary.

The experience’s main strength lies in how accessible and educational it is—perfect for first-timers wanting a gentle introduction or those with limited time. While it’s not a deep historical dive, it balances scenic beauty with storytelling, making for a memorable, picture-worthy trip.

If you’re after a reasonably priced, guided boat ride that highlights Malta’s maritime history, this tour comes highly recommended. Just be prepared for a quick, two-hour journey—enough to whet your appetite for more Maltese adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users? Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for travelers with mobility needs.

What languages is the commentary available in? The live commentary is provided in both English and German, ensuring a broader understanding for international visitors.

What are the departure times? The cruise departs daily at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, and 2:45 pm, allowing for flexible planning.

How long does the tour last? The entire cruise takes approximately 2 hours, perfect for fitting into a busy sightseeing schedule.

Where does the tour start and end? It begins at Sliema Ferries, opposite Marks and Spencer, and ends back there, making logistics straightforward.

Is the tour good for families? Yes, the relaxed pace and accessible facilities make it suitable for families with children.

How is the experience rated overall? With a 3.6 out of 5 rating based on 9 reviews, most guests find it worthwhile, especially for the views and guides’ storytelling.

In essence, this cruise is a practical, scenic, and educational way to see Malta’s historic harbours. It’s best suited for travelers who want a brief but enriching maritime experience—perfect for those who love stories, scenery, and a relaxed boat ride.

You can check availability for your dates here: