St. Julian’s: Parasailing Flight with Photos and Videos

The best part of this St. Julian’s parasailing trip is the change in scale. From the boat, Malta feels busy and close. From at least 550 feet above the sea, St. Julian’s, Sliema, Valletta, and Fort St. Elmo spread out below you. The flight is surprisingly quiet once you are in the air, more peaceful than wild.

I like two things in particular: the friendly safety briefing makes first-timers feel ready, and the included photos and video mean you do not have to fuss with a camera during takeoff. The clean, modern boat and professional crew also add real value.

The main consideration is time. Your actual flight lasts about 10 to 12 minutes, while the full boat session can take 30 to 60 minutes depending on the number of people booked. A short video may also be very short, so do not expect a full film of the flight.

Key points at a glance

• At least 550 feet high: Enjoy wide views over St. Julian’s, Sliema, Valletta, and Fort St. Elmo.
• 10 to 12 minutes in the air: The boat trip takes longer, especially when several people are flying.
• Flights for up to four: Pairs, groups of three, or four can fly together if the captain approves the weight and weather conditions.
• Small group setting: The session is limited to nine participants, which helps keep instructions and boarding manageable.
• Photos and video included: The crew uses a professional camera, with the files normally sent later the same day.
• Captain has the final say: Weather and safety come first, with a rescheduled trip or full refund if conditions stop the activity.

Taking off from St. George’s Bay

Your meeting point is the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel, formerly the Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort. The address is 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ, St. Julian’s.

Finding the jetty takes a little attention. Near the entrance to the hotel’s underground parking area, look for a black iron gate. Go through it, walk down the ramp, turn left, and follow the yellow line on the ground to the boats and jet skis.

I would arrive early. The boat cannot wait indefinitely for a late arrival, and the meeting point is not simply a hotel lobby or a sign on the main road. Comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes are all you need. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan your own way to St. Julian’s.

Once aboard, you receive the safety instructions and equipment. The English-speaking instructors explain what will happen before the boat reaches the launch area. This matters if you feel nervous around heights, water, or unfamiliar equipment. Several people who were anxious beforehand found the flight calm once the crew had explained each step.

The boat ride before the flight

The boat ride is part of the experience, not just transport to the parasailing point. The crew takes the boat out to a suitable area, then checks the conditions before deciding how the flights will run.

The boat has been described as clean, modern, and comfortable, with music and a good atmosphere. That can make a difference when you are waiting for your turn. You can watch the other flights, settle your nerves, and see how gently the parasail rises from the boat.

The group is limited to nine people, but the exact time on the water depends on how many are booked for that session. The stated duration is 40 minutes, while the total activity can last from 30 to 60 minutes. If several people are aboard, each person or group takes a turn, so the schedule can stretch.

Solo flyers should know that they will almost always fly with other customers. You are not guaranteed a private flight. If you are booking as a couple or with friends, you may be able to fly together, which makes it a fun shared activity and gives the people on the boat a good view of your flight.

Rising 550 feet above Malta

The takeoff is performed from the boat, with the crew managing the harness and parasail. You do not need to run from the beach or leap into the air. The boat brings you up gradually, and the crew gives clear directions throughout.

The advertised height is at least 550 feet. From there, you get a broad view over the coast. St. Julian’s and Sliema sit below and around the bay, while Valletta appears farther across the water. Fort St. Elmo is another notable sight from above.

This is the kind of view you cannot get from a pavement, ferry deck, or standard sightseeing boat. From the air, you notice the shape of the coastline and the relationship between Malta’s waterfront districts. I like that the experience gives you a genuine sense of place, not just a burst of speed.

The sensation is often calmer than expected. Once you are high above the boat, there is little noise and no need to steer. You sit securely in the harness and look around. For someone who expects a rough thrill ride, the quiet can be the biggest surprise.

The crew may add a gentle dip into the water before bringing you back up. This is part of the fun, but it is worth telling the instructors if you have concerns. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back, heart, or mobility problems.

Flying with two, three, or four people

Parasailing can be done solo, but group flights are possible for two, three, or four people. The captain decides on the day after considering combined weight, weather, and other safety factors.

That rule is important. Booking a group does not guarantee that everyone will fly together. The crew may split people up, keep a flight smaller, or decide that solo flights are safer. This is a sensible limit, not a minor technicality.

Children can take part when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Children under 15 cannot fly alone. They must fly with one or both parents, and the final arrangement is decided on the day.

If you are nervous, flying with a friend or family member can make the first attempt easier. If you are alone, you will generally be paired with other customers. The small group format keeps the boat from feeling overcrowded, although you should allow extra time if everyone has a turn.

What the crew gets right

The strongest part of this experience is the human side. The instructors are repeatedly praised for being friendly, patient, and clear. Names associated with the crew include Claudio and Camilo, and the operation is run by Robert Arrigo & Sons Limited.

You can expect practical instructions rather than a long technical lecture. The crew explains the equipment, what to do during takeoff, and how the landing works. That direct approach is useful because parasailing looks more complicated from the dock than it feels once you are prepared.

The safety culture also seems sensible. The captain decides if conditions are suitable, and bad weather can cancel the trip. If that happens, you are offered another date or a full refund. I would rather lose an hour of holiday plans than take a boat into unsafe conditions.

One small language point: instruction is in English. Information may be sent in other languages in some cases, but you should be comfortable understanding the crew’s safety directions in English.

Photos, video, and the phone question

Photos and video are included in the price. The crew takes pictures with a professional camera rather than relying only on a phone, and the files are generally sent on the same day.

This is a useful extra. You can leave your phone safely on the boat and focus on the flight. You also get pictures of your companions, which is hard to arrange if everyone is holding a camera or worrying about a waterproof case.

You may be tempted to bring your own phone for an aerial view. That can be appealing, but the provided equipment and the crew’s camera already cover the main memory-making part of the activity. Keep personal devices secure and follow the crew’s directions about what can come aboard the flight.

Set your expectations about the video. The photos can give you several different views, but one report noted a video of only nine seconds. That does not cancel out the value of the flight, but it does mean the included video is best treated as a brief souvenir, not a detailed record of all 10 to 12 minutes.

Is $65 good value?

At $65 per person, this is not a cheap add-on, but it compares well with other paid adventure activities because the price includes the boat ride, instructors, safety equipment, parasailing flight, photos, and video.

The key value is the height and the view. You are not paying only for a short ride behind a boat. You get a high viewpoint over several of Malta’s most recognizable coastal areas, plus a professionally run activity and digital keepsakes.

The flight itself is short. Ten to 12 minutes in the air can pass quickly, especially if you are having fun. If you want a full morning on the water, this is not that kind of excursion. It is a compact activity that fits neatly into a day based in St. Julian’s.

I think the price works best for couples, friends, and families who want one memorable activity rather than a long boat cruise. The value is weaker if you dislike waiting for other people or want a private, extended flight.

Who should book this parasailing trip?

I would recommend it to first-time parasailers who want a strong safety briefing and a manageable introduction. You do not need previous experience, and several people who felt nervous found the flight smooth and peaceful.

It also suits families, with the important age and supervision rules kept in mind. Children under 15 must fly with a parent, and the captain decides the final group arrangement. Parents should also consider the child’s comfort with heights and open water.

Couples and friends get the best social value from the shared flight option. You can fly together if conditions and weight limits allow, then watch each other from the boat. Solo visitors can book too, but should expect to share a flight with other customers.

I would skip it if you are pregnant, have a back or heart condition, or have mobility problems. I would also think twice if your schedule is tight, since the activity can run from 30 to 60 minutes and weather can affect the plan.

Practical details before you book

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Malta plans are still changing.

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. The captain can cancel for bad weather or another safety concern, with a rescheduled date or full refund offered. Do not treat a weather cancellation as a failed trip. Parasailing depends on wind and sea conditions, and safety has to come first.

Plan to be at the jetty before your stated departure time. The correct entrance is the black gate near the hotel parking entrance, followed by the ramp, left turn, and yellow line. That small bit of preparation can prevent a rushed start.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want a short, well-organized adventure with unusually broad views of Malta. The crew’s clear instructions, modern boat, small group limit, and included photos make the $65 price reasonable.

Book it with realistic expectations. Your flight is about 10 to 12 minutes, the whole session may take up to an hour, and the video may be brief. If you accept those limits, this is a fine way to see St. Julian’s, Sliema, Valletta, and Fort St. Elmo from a very different angle.

FAQ

How high does the parasail go?

The flight reaches a height of at least 550 feet, giving you views over St. Julian’s, Sliema, Valletta, and Fort St. Elmo.

How long is the flight?

The parasailing flight lasts about 10 to 12 minutes. The complete activity usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on how many people are booked.

Can two or more people fly together?

Yes. Two, three, or four people may fly together, but the captain makes the final decision based on combined weight, weather, and safety conditions.

Can children take part?

Yes, children can participate when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Children under 15 cannot fly alone and must fly with one or both parents.

Are photos and video included?

Yes. Photos and video of the flight are included. The crew uses a professional camera, and the files are generally sent later the same day.

Where does the boat leave from?

The boat departs from the jetty behind the Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina Hotel at 8, Ix-Xatt Ta’ San Ġorġ, St. Julian’s. Enter through the black gate near the underground parking entrance, then follow the yellow line to the jetty.

What happens if the weather is unsafe?

The captain makes the final safety decision. If the activity is cancelled because of bad weather or another safety concern, you can receive a rescheduled trip or a full refund.