
Afternoon Harbours Cruise and Free Time in Sliema incl. Transfers
Traveler rating
Not yet rated
No traveler reviews have been published for this experience yet.
Quick answer
Is Afternoon Harbours Cruise and Free Time in Sliema incl. Transfers worth booking?
Afternoon Harbours Cruise and Free Time in Sliema incl. Transfers is a 3.3-hour experience in Valletta, Malta, from $47 per person. It scores 47 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 47 / 100
- Rating
- Not yet rated
- Duration
- 3.3 hours
- From
- $47 per person
Join us on this boat trip to relive Malta’s valiant history as we cruise along the stunning natural harbours flanking Valletta: the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour, as well as the three fortified cities of Vittorios
What you get
About this experience
Join us on this boat trip to relive Malta’s valiant history as we cruise along the stunning natural harbours flanking Valletta: the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour, as well as the three fortified cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua. Both harbours have played a key role in Malta’s rich past. During the cruise, you’ll take in magnificent forts, battlements, and creeks surrounding Valletta, enjoying unique views of the city and the beautiful Maltese coastline while gliding through the clear Mediterranean waters. It’s the perfect chance to admire Valletta from a new perspective and capture memorable photos of its breath-taking scenery. At the end of the cruise, you will disembark at Sliema Ferries, where you’ll have about 1½ hours of free time to stroll along Sliema’s bustling shopping area and promenade. You can browse the many outlets, relax in one of the cafés or restaurants, or simply enjoy the lively seaside atmosphere.
What's included
Included
- A scenic boat cruise through Valletta’s Grand Harbour and the Three Fortified Cities
- Some free time at Sliema's main shopping area and promenade
- Pick-up and drop-off transfers (choose your preferred location from one of our meeting points)
- Licenced tour guide
- All transportation in air-conditioned vehicles
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities (optional)
What you'll see and do
Sliema Promenade
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.
Pass by without stopping
Manoel Island
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.
Pass by without stopping
Lazzaretto Of Manoel Island
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.
Pass by without stopping
Manoel Island Yacht Marina
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.
Pass by without stopping
Floriana
Passing by the battlements and imposing fortifications surrounding Floriana.
Pass by without stopping
Valletta
Passing by the battlements and imposing fortifications surrounding Valletta.
Pass by without stopping
Grand Harbour
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.
Pass by without stopping
Marsamxett
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.
Pass by without stopping
Fort St Angelo
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.
Pass by without stopping
Cospicua (Bormla)
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.
Pass by without stopping
Senglea
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.
Pass by without stopping
Kalkara
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.
Pass by without stopping
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.
Pass by without stopping
Birgu (Vittoriosa)
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.
Pass by without stopping
Sliema Promenade
At the end of the cruise, you will disembark at Sliema Ferries, where you will have some free time to take a stroll along Sliema’s main shopping area and promenade (approximately 1¼ hours). Here, you will have the opportunity to do some shopping from the numerous outlets located in this area or simply relax in one of the many restaurants and cafés situated along the promenade and its surroundings.
75 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 75 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
With English-Speaking Guide
Meeting Point/Pick-Up Time: Make sure to contact the tour operator to confirm your pickup location (meeting point) and pickup time. Pickup included
With German-Speaking Guide
Meeting Point/Pick-Up Time: Make sure to contact the tour operator to confirm your pickup location (meeting point) and pickup time. Pickup included
With French-Speaking Guide
Meeting Point/Pick-Up Time: Make sure to contact the tour operator to confirm your pickup location (meeting point) and pickup time. Pickup included
With Italian-Speaking Guide
Meeting Point/Pick-Up Time: Make sure to contact the tour operator to confirm your pickup location (meeting point) and pickup time. Pickup included
With Spanish-Speaking Guide
With Spanish-Speaking Guide: The tour is done with a Spanish-speaking guide or with an English-speaking guide together with a Spanish-speaking translator. Meeting Point/Pick-Up Time: Make sure to contact the tour operator to confirm your pickup location (meeting point) and pickup time. Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Wed
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Robert Arrigo & Sons
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The time shown on the website or on your ticket is the approximate start time of the activity and not the time when you will be picked up from your hotel (or closest meeting point). At least a few days before the date of your activity, you need to make sure to contact the tour operator to confirm your pick-up location and pick-up time. Your pick-up time can be any time between 1:30 PM and 2:20 PM, depending on where you are staying.
- A guide speaking the language you have booked will accompany you on the tour; however, please note that occasionally, operational circumstances may require us to assign a multilingual guide (limited to a maximum of two languages).
- The tour in Spanish will be conducted by either a Spanish-speaking guide (subject to availability) or an English-speaking guide together with a Spanish-speaking host serving as a translator.
- Our scheduled stop at Sliema’s main shopping area and promenade will be at leisure (free time). It is important that you adhere to all instructions received from your guide. Please make sure you arrive at the agreed-upon meeting place by the time your guide has indicated to avoid missing your return transport from Sliema to your accommodation.
- No particular dress code is required; we suggest wearing comfortable clothes according to the forecasted weather.
- The tour is not wheelchair-accessible.
- Foldable strollers are allowed during the tour.
- Pets, large luggage, and large suitcases are not allowed during the tour.
- Any personal belongings, including backpacks or rucksacks, must be carried with you at all times and may not be left unattended on the coach, bus or boat.
- The tour is not suitable for travellers with mobility impairments.
- The tour is not suitable for travellers who are prone to sea sickness.
Photos






Good to know
- Duration
- 3.3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Wed
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Robert Arrigo & Sons, who run 42 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 53.2.
See everything Robert Arrigo & Sons runsWhy this scores 47
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Afternoon Harbours Cruise and Free Time in Sliema incl. Transfers: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Valletta.
How much does Afternoon Harbours Cruise and Free Time in Sliema incl. Transfers cost?
+
Prices start at $47 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Valletta usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Afternoon Harbours Cruise and Free Time in Sliema incl. Transfers take?
+
Plan for about 3.3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Valletta is not rushed.
Is Afternoon Harbours Cruise and Free Time in Sliema incl. Transfers worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 47 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (0/5 across 0 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Valletta, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Afternoon Harbours Cruise and Free Time in Sliema incl. Transfers?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Afternoon Harbours Cruise and Free Time in Sliema incl. Transfers suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3.3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Afternoon Harbours Cruise and Free Time in Sliema incl. Transfers?
+
Around 0 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Valletta can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Valletta and add a light layer if any part of the 3.3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Afternoon Harbours Cruise and Free Time in Sliema incl. Transfers start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Valletta within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Valletta?
+
On Outty we rank every Valletta experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Original Valletta Walking Tour, Valletta Walking Tour, In a Small Group, Valletta City Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Valletta?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Valletta?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Afternoon Harbours Cruise and Free Time in Sliema incl. Transfers.
Pick your date




