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Harbour Cruise Malta: Tour Valletta Grand Harbour

Taking a Valletta Grand Harbour cruise is one of the most popular and interesting things to do in Malta .

And for good reason: A harbour cruise in Malta tells the story of the rich history of the two natural harbours (and creeks) at Valletta, Malta’s capital city.

Here I’ll help you find out:

• Why this boat tour should be part of your trip plan
• How and where get your tickets
• What to expect and how to get the most out of your Grand Harbour tour.

Already decided? Buy your tickets here.

Let’s dive right in.

Why Take This Traditional Harbour Cruise Malta?

These tours are operated by  iSeeMalta . They’re a reputable company that offers hop-on-hop-off buses and ferries, as well as combo passes for sightseeing and museums around Malta and Gozo.

Why I recommend this cruise to my readers

• Excellent value:  At just €15 for adults and €10 for children (4-12y), this 90-minute tour is a low-cost tour that’s fun, informative and comfortable

These harbourside towns give you a glimpse of local life along the Grand Harbour and you can find some great restaurants and cafes there too.

You can also combine this tour easily with the hop-on-hop-off bus and ferry operated by iSeeMalta as well. On top of that, other sea cruises and tours depart from Sliema Ferries as well and can take you to other sightseeing attractions like the Blue Lagoon.

• Easy to reach:  The tours start and finish at Sliema Ferries, which is super convenient if you’re staying in Sliema or St. Julian’s (which is next to Sliema). If you’re staying in Buġibba, St. Paul’s Bay, Qawra or even Gozo, you can use the iSeeMalta hop-on-hop-off ferry to get onto this tour easily as well.
• Great family outing:  If you’re looking for things to do with the kids, I’m confident this will be a fun and interesting sightseeing experience for them too
• Unique views:  There are few better ways to explore the fortifications around Valletta than by sea, guided by commentary on board.

Where to buy tickets?

The easiest way to buy tickets is to get them in advance from the iSeeMalta website. Here’s how:

• Go to the Traditional Harbour Cruise page
• Select how many adults and children you need tickets for
• Pay for the tickets online, and either opt for tickets to be posted to your home address or pick them up from any iSeeMalta info point presenting your email receipt. Info points can be found in various destinations in Malta. (See the FAQ section on iSeeMalta.com for more info).

What to expect on your Valletta Harbour Cruise

The cruise boat itself.

On the boat, there’s plenty of space (also for social distancing when required) and with interesting, detailed commentary (in English and German), you’ll get a good understanding of the history of Valletta’s harbours.

Departure times from Sliema (daily)

The service runs all year round, but schedules may change.  Always check the iSeeMalta website for the most up-to-date info on their schedule.

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Valletta’s Harbours

Valletta is flanked by two of the largest natural harbours around the Maltese islands: Marsamxett Harbour (on the west side of Valletta – across from Sliema and Gżira) and Grand Harbour (on the east side of Valletta – across from The Three Cities).

This boat trip takes you deep into both of these harbours.

Marsamxett Harbour

After you depart from Sliema, you’ll head further into Marsamxett Harbour, passing by Manoel island and its recently restored Fort Manoel.

You’ll also be able to admire the famous West-facing skyline of Valletta. Recognisable by the bell tower of St. Paul’s Cathedral and the silver dome of Our Lady of Mount Carmel church.

Grand Harbour

As you exit Marsamxett harbour you’ll sail around Fort St. Elmo and the Breakwater Bridge (also restored in recent years), into Grand Harbour.

On your right, you can see the Siege Bell War Memorial (which commemorates those who fell during the Siege of Malta in World War II) and the Knight’s hospital building (La Sacra Infermeria). You’ll also see Valletta’s popularly visited Lower and Upper Barrakka Gardens.

Passing by the Valletta Waterfront, on the outskirts of the capital city and its nearby cruise port, you’ll be passing into the creeks of The Three Cities. Enjoy a sea view of Senglea (Isla), Birgu (Vittoriosa) and Bormla (Cospicua) and life by the harbour of  Cottonera  (another name for the area). These little towns and their surrounding area are one of the most densely populated areas in Europe.

There is a brief stop at Kalkara for those wanting to get off to explore the area on foot or to visit Esplora Interactive Science Centre.

Afterwards, the boat returns to Sliema, passing by the tip of Valletta once again.

Harbour area history

The harbour area has played an important part in the history of Malta, for example, when it was at the centre of the Great Siege of 1565. This conflict saw the Ottoman Empire try to overthrow the Knights of the Order of St. John and conquer the island.

The Knights of St. John ruled the Maltese islands between 1530 and 1798 and left a mark on Malta’s history that is still visible today.

While cruising the harbours, you’ll be able to admire several of their well-preserved fortifications from the past, guided by the audio commentary on board. They include Fort St. Angelo (at Birgu), Fort Manoel (Gżira) and Fort St. Elmo (at the tip of Valletta).

On the Grand Harbour tour, you’ll also see the docks, where boats and other vessels are serviced and repaired. You’ll also pass through French creek and Kalkara creek.

Looking for tours and excursions in Malta and Gozo?

Get my recommendations on the best day trips, boat trips, excursions and activities and book in advance!

Interested in taking this Malta Harbour Cruise?

Book your tickets online in advance here!

Looking for other popular boat tours?

Have a look at these:

• Blue Lagoon (Comino) tours :  Visit the famous Blue Lagoon.  Pro tip:   Take the late afternoon one (high season)!
• Gozo and Blue Lagoon :  Spend a half day touring Malta’s sister island and stop over at the Blue Lagoon
• Beaches and Bays excursion :  Visit some of Malta’s most beautiful beaches on board a catamaran.

TIP: On the above three tours you can get a discount using coupon code MALTA5!

• Round Malta Day Cruise :  Cruise around the island of Malta for a chill day out at sea!

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valletta harbour cruise

Tour the best natural harbours on the island.

What an amazing experience to see two natural harbours of Marsamxett and the Grand Harbour surrounded by magnificent fortifications cruising in every creek with a detailed running commentary about Malta's history of Valletta and the Three Cities of L'Isla, Birgu and Bormal.

Most of the fortifications were built by the Knights of St. John to withstand the Ottoman Empire and the British forces to withstand the World War ll airial attacks.

An incredible perspective at sea level to see these massive limestone fortifications and their cities within and surrounding including the present harbour activities of our time.

Disclaimer: On our website, you will find affiliate links from which we receive a small commission.

What You Need To Know About The Tour

• Valletta Harbour Cruise Malta Tickets
• What You Will See On Tour
• Why Go On Tour
• What Can You Do During The Tour

Find tickets for the Valletta Harbour Cruise Malta

>Availability and Tickets

• You can find information about the tour, including pricing and availability, here .

Quick Info About The Tour

• The tour around the ports is 1 hour 30 minutes long.
• Departure and return from the same location at Sliema Ferries.

What Is Included

• The Valletta Harbour cruise

When Do Tours take place?

For better clarification check in the booking calendar while booking.

• Cruises happen daily all throughout the year.

Secure payments guaranteed

Enter 'maltainfoguide' in coupon box to get 5% discount. eTicket (mobile ticket) is available.

What You Will See On The Tour

Cruise around the natural ports where you see the towns of Gzira, Ta’ Xbiex, Msida with the marina along the beach. The Marina, around the Valletta bastions and Lower Barakka Gardens.

On the other side of the harbour the historical Three Cities of L'Isla (Citta Invicta) better known as Senglea, Birgu (Citta' Vittoriose) and Bormla (Citta' Cospicual). All names give by the Knights of St. John. Here lies Fort St. Angelo today a massive fort that was enlarged by the Knights of St John even more fortified after the great siege.

On the Marsamxett port side see the island in the middle with a large imposing fortification named for the Grand Master Manoel de Vilhema who financed its building.

The Valletta fortification completely surrounding the capital are imposingly visible from both ports.

Why Go On The Tour

• An unforgettable experience touring unique natural harbours that influenced the history of Malta and of Europe.
• A short tour which can be easily incorporated with your holiday schedule.
• Embarcation from a very central location of the Sliema Ferries which is reachable by public transport very easily.
• The opportunity to learn about the mighty and heroic history of the Maltese and the powers who where here from time to time.
• Malta in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea was always part of much bigger importance to their conquerors. Although small Malta was part of the Mediterranean history that shaded this region.  

A Little History On The Ports

These natural ports have been attractive to many mariners and conqueror due to their natural sheltered creaks.

The Great Siege of 1565

This brought with it the biggest siege of 1565 where the KNights of ST. John were attacked by the mighty Ottoman Empire with the intension of destroying the knights and taking over these islands that are very strategically located to then attack Europe. For three months the knights and Maltese endured the siege but finally won.

The Battles of World War II

At the time the Maltese islands were under British rule. German and Italian air forces heavily bombarded the harbour areas and the surrounding towns. They had the intension of destroying the British military power where they kept the battleships and the dockyard within the harbour creaks. Many damaged vessels used to come from different part of the Mediterranean to be repaired.

In the first stages of the war the British army heavily armed the port area with many antiaircraft concrete bunkers to withstand the assault.    

The Maltese endured all this and where they showed great courage where Malta was awarded the George Cross by King George VI.

More to know

Should I buy the tickets in advance? Yes why not. It is better to have them in hand since this particular cruise is very popular and tickets are sold very quickly especially in high season. It is better to have the tickets in hand than go to the boat and remain disappointed.

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Welcome to Grand Harbour Tours - Malta

Take a trip around the three cities and the valletta grand harbour.

Have you ever been on the traditional Maltese boat before? If not you have come to the right place.

The Barklor Cooperative offers Tours around Malta's Grand Harbour and the Three Cities, where you can enjoy the view of several attractions within the Maltese Boat.

Enjoy the view and the company of the friendly boat men on the traditional Maltese boat

There are many ways you can enjoy our Boats, you can either take the Grand Harbour Tour which will take you to the Three Cities and Valletta's Grand Harbour or you might use our services to cross from one cultural city to another. We also cater for special occasions.

Harbour Tours Malta

What do we offer?

Harbour tours.

We can take you on a trip around Malta's Grand Harbour area, where you can see St.Angelo's Fortress, Lower and Upper Barakka Gardens and many other attractions from on our traditional Maltese boat.

Water Taxis

If you happen to be in either Valletta, Senglea or Cospicua, you can book a traditional boat to take you to any of these beautiful cities.

Special Occasions

We also cater for special occasions such as engagements, weddings and holy communions. The grand harbour views seen when on the Maltese dghajsa, will make your occasion one to remember.

Want to know more?

Booking office phone (+356) 27805278.

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Valletta’s Grand Harbour

Home / All Excursions   /   Valletta’s Grand Harbour

Grand Harbour Cruise

• All around the Grand Harbour
• Cruising into all creeks to admire forts, fortified walls & battlements
• Boat cruise around the Grand Harbour

The Valletta harbour cruise will be a truly memorable experience for you.

The Grand Harbour between Malta’s Capital City Valletta and the Three Cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua is aptly named. It is grand in every way. There are certainly other fortified harbours around the Mediterranean, but none reach the majesty or provoke as much awe as Grand Harbour with Valletta it’s towering glory and the lovely Three Cities. What better way to admire its seemingly endless fortifications and baroque and medieval architecture, than onboard a ferry cruising on its deep waters and many creeks.

Malta’s fortifications are considered to be the best examples of military architecture anywhere in the world.

Here are some expert comments on the fortifications surrounding the Valletta Grand Harbour:

“the most powerful artificial fortress in the world.” Major General Whitworth Porter of the Royal Engineers .

“for sheer concentration and majesty quite unmatched.” British architect Quentin Hughes.

“nowhere in the world are fortifications more extensive, more impressive, more outstanding than they are in Malta.” Judge and historian Giovanni Bonello.

The splendour of Valletta and the Grand Harbour attracts hundreds of cruise liners making the Valletta cruise port schedule full all year round. These sleek cruise liners make for an impressive sight as they sit along- side the towering bastions; old and new side by side. On this cruise you’ll be taken into all the creeks to admire the forts and battlements and along the towering walls that surround Valletta and the three cities as well as cruising Marsamxetto Harbour between Valletta and Sliema. A Grand Harbour cruise will be a truly memorable experience for you and one that you’ll never forget.

If you are a lone traveller, you can choose to book a Hop-on Hop-off bus for both Malta & Gozo with us. Click here to view details and to book your ticket.

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Two Harbours Cruise

• Experience the mesmerizing beauty of Valletta's harbours on our popular 1.5-hour Two Harbours Cruise, promising unique city views and fascinating history
• Relax as our expert guide shares the intriguing past of Valletta and the Three Cities of Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua
• Enjoy a crowd-free exploration of Valletta's myriad creeks, including the Sliema, Lazzaretto, Menga, Marsa Creek, and the Inner Basin
• Hurry to reserve your spot on this unforgettable shore excursion, offering the best quality, prices, and satisfaction guarantees in the industry

This 1.5-hour scenic tour is the perfect introduction to the city of Valletta, the tiny capital of the island of Malta in the beautiful Mediterranean.

Board your boat and relax as you pass by busy dockyards, marinas, historic forts, and much more. While on the tour your expert guide will share with you the fascinating history of Valletta and the Three Cities of Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua.

From the middle ages onward, these cities endured many battle scars, the most recent being from heavy bombing during WWII. Thanks to the myriad number of creeks in and around Valletta including the Sliema, Lazzaretto, Menga, Marsa Creek and the Inner Basin, you will enjoy unique views of the city without the typical touristy hustle, bustle, and crowds.

The walled city of Valletta was established in the 1500s on a peninsula by the Knights of St. John, a Roman Catholic order. Known for museums, palaces, and grand churches, the Baroque landmarks include St. John's Co-Cathedral, whose opulent interior is home to the Caravaggio masterpiece "The Beheading of Saint John."

With this tour you will also gain a new appreciation of the efforts of the Knight Hospitallers to fortify the city and will understand why the island of Malta was such a target during WWII.

Reserve your seat on the tour boat today and prepare to relax and discover Valletta.

• [email protected]
• +356 9974 2008

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