Jet ski in Malta: hire without a licence and a safari to the Blue Grotto
You can hire a jet ski in Malta without a licence, from age 18 to drive. In 2026, Malta Explorers offered two Sea-Doos, 130hp and 170hp, for hire from 20 minutes to 2 hours from St Thomas Bay in Marsaskala, plus a two-hour guided safari to the Blue Grotto. Here are the ages, the ID, the 2026 prices and the season, which is over for this year: bookings reopen in 2027.
130hp or 170hp: which jet ski to hire
Both are Sea-Doos, for hire from 20 minutes to 2 hours, solo or two on the same jet ski. Malta Explorers describes the 130hp as suitable for beginners. The more powerful 170hp is the safari machine: it accelerates harder and reaches higher speeds, and some previous jet ski experience is recommended.
Each jet ski has a Bluetooth speaker; the life jacket and safety briefing are included. Fuel is included for hires of up to 40 minutes; beyond that, it's paid separately, at the base. GoPro hire is extra, on site.
No licence, but bring ID
No water sports licence is required. You need to be 18 to drive and 10 to ride as a passenger on the 130hp or on the safari, and you need photo ID at check-in.
Before you set off, a briefing covers the controls, safety and the permitted riding area. Arrive 10 minutes early for a hire, 15 minutes for the safari.
The safari to the Blue Grotto
It's a two-hour guided trip from St Thomas Bay to the Blue Grotto, along the south coast, on 170hp jet skis. The guide leads the way and sets the pace: no experience is needed. Fuel is included; a wetsuit can be hired as an extra at the base.
The Blue Grotto is a group of sea caves near the small fishing harbour of Wied iż-Żurrieq, within the Qrendi area. The water casts blue reflections on the rock walls, facing the islet of Filfla, a bird sanctuary. Don't confuse it with the Blue Lagoon, which is on Comino.
2026 prices
130hp jet ski: from €50 per driver for 20 minutes, €140 for 2 hours. 170hp jet ski: from €60 for 20 minutes, €150 for 2 hours. Beyond 40 minutes, add fuel.
Two on the same jet ski doesn't double the price: in 2026, 20 minutes on the 130hp cost €55 for two. The Blue Grotto safari cost €275 per driver for the two hours, guide and fuel included.
These are the 2026 prices; 2027 prices haven't been published yet.
Where St Thomas Bay is
All jet ski trips leave from St Thomas Bay in Marsaskala, a sheltered bay on Malta's south-east coast. According to Malta Explorers, it's about 20 minutes' drive from Valletta, with free parking on site.
No journey time from St Julian's is published: check the route before you choose your time slot. Bolt, Uber and eCabs all operate in Malta.
Season and booking
The jet skis go out from April to October, during the day. The 2026 season is closed on Malta Explorers: bookings reopen in 2027, on a date not yet announced.
To book, go through our water activities page: each model and the safari has its own link to Malta Explorers.
Jet ski by day, party by night
Trips run between 9am and 7pm, and the parties in Paceville usually start at 11pm: there's room for both on the same day. Ride when you're rested, and save the jet ski for a day that doesn't follow an all-nighter.