Why does it matter what time of day we visit the Blue Grotto?

The Blue Grotto is best seen in the morning, when the angle of the sun lights up the water from below and intensifies the blue and turquoise colors the cave is named for. An afternoon visit is still worthwhile, but morning is when the grotto looks its best.

Do we actually go inside the grotto, or just see it from above?

Both. Your guide first takes you to an overlook to photograph the Blue Grotto from above, then you board a small private fishing boat that ferries you along the coastline and into the cave itself, since it's only accessible by sea.

What's Marsaxlokk actually like, beyond the photos?

It's a working fishing village, not a tourist reconstruction: brightly painted traditional luzzu boats, fishermen mending nets, and if timing lines up, an open-air market. You get free time here to wander at your own pace.

Is the boat ride safe for people who aren't strong swimmers or get seasick easily?

The boat trip into the Blue Grotto is short and in relatively sheltered water, not open sea, but if anyone in your group has motion sensitivity or mobility concerns, let us know in advance so your guide can plan accordingly.

Is this a private tour for just our group?

Yes, your private licensed guide meets you at the pier and stays with you throughout, including the boat ride, with round-trip transportation in a private vehicle.

Home > Mediterranean > Malta > Valletta >

Marsaxlokk Fishing Village and the Blue Grotto

This 4 Hour Private Shore Excursion Includes:

Pick up from your Hotel or the Port in Valletta
Private English Speaking Licensed Guide
Round Trip Transportation in Private Vehicle
Included - Private Boat to Blue Grotto

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Tour Number: MVALL-03

Group Size (Prices in USD)*:

2 People - $476 Per Person
3 People - $316 Per Person
4 People - $266 Per Person
5 People - $212 Per Person
6 People - $176 Per Person
7 People - $152 Per Person
8 People - $133 Per Person

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TOUR DESCRIPTION

Valletta Shore Excursion

This Valletta cruise tour enjoys a boat ride to one of Malta's natural beauties, the Blue Grotto. Also included is free time in the charming fishing village of Marsaxlokk, where time stands still.

After meeting your private licensed guide at the pier you drive to Wied Iz-Zurrieq. Along the way you'll stop at an overlook to photograph the Blue Grotto from above. Then you board a small private fishing boat which will ferry you along the rugged coastline and into the Blue Grotto, which is only accessible by sea. One of Malta's most beautiful spots, it is best to visit in the morning when the sun's angle amplifies its beauty. The limestone cave is about 120 feet in circumference and the water reaches a depth of 75 feet.

After the beautiful grotto boat ride you'll stop in Marsaxlokk, a charming fishing village. Here you'll have the opportunity to soak up the sleepy village atmosphere with brightly colored boats and fishermen mending their nets. You have free time in this quaint village full of life and color, and if you are lucky there will be an outdoor market along the harbor selling local handcrafts.

Mobility: NO wheelchair

If you cannot find what you are looking for, our Valletta shore excursions can also be customized to fit your needs. If you have a larger group, we can offer you a private Valletta shore trip using a mid-size bus or full size coach. Please contact us with any questions or to receive a customized quote.

Shore Trip Timing is approximate based on your interests & traffic

Drive to Zurrieq - 35 Minutes Private boat ride into Blue Grotto - 50 Minutes
Drive to Marsaxlokk - 20 Minutes
Visit Marsaxlokk Village - 1 Hour and 30 Minutes
Drive to Valletta Pier- 35 Minutes

Average Rating: Average Rating: 5 of 5

5 of 5 Total Reviews: 21 Write a review »

0 of 0 people found this review helpful:

Review Location- Valletta	May 15, 2026
Reviewer: Mei Ying L from Tampa, FL

We were 2 and a half hours late in arriving at the airport where we were to be picked up for a 4 hour excursion which was scheduled to end by 2pm but the tour operator allowed for an extension of the tour till 3pm without extra charge. We had good guides clean and fairly new vehicles. Itineraries were interesting and flexible.

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0 of 0 people found this review helpful:

Review Location- Valletta	March 12, 2026
Reviewer: Nancy K from San Antonio TX

We enjoyed our excursions with your company very much. The drivers and guides were professional, punctual, friendly and well-informed. The vehicles were comfortable, clean and generally of a superior quality. You and your staff were very helpful and responsive to our inquiries and requests and your reservation information was complete, professional, and helpful. We will be sure to work with you in our future trips to Europe and abroad.

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2 of 2 people found this review helpful:

Review Location- Valletta	November 19, 2025
Reviewer: Travel Agent - Kathy P from Denham Springs LA

Everything went perfectly throughout the entire trip. I could not have asked for anything better with regard to price, quality, guides and buses. Ill make sure and add a good recommend to your facebook blog when I return. Please feel free to use me for references. As someone who has traveled for years, been a travel agent for over 18, and have used many tour companies, I can be quite critical and jaded. I have absolutely nothing negative to say about my experience with PST or with the companies you booked. Thanks again for everything.

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0 of 0 people found this review helpful:

Review Location- Valletta	August 4, 2025
Reviewer: Travel Agent - Janeene F from Jetset, North Melbourne

Mr Robinson had a wonderful holiday and services you booked were much appreciated and enhanced his overall experience.. We shall certainly use you for future bookings. Many thanks.

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0 of 0 people found this review helpful:

Review Location- Valletta	July 11, 2025
Reviewer: Susan R from Birdwood, South Australia - Australia

Everything went very well on our Malta tour. Our guide was very helpful. We certainly found private tours more enjoyable than bus tours. I would certainly recommend your tours to people I know. We have arrived back. Our Ashdod tour was also brilliant. Every thing went well and I certainly would recommend it to other travelers.

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