In my whole life, living here on the south part of the island of Malta, I always had the Blue Grotto Boat ride on my bucket list. On one of the recent public holidays, we decided to go for it and take our kids on the boat ride. The older kid loves boats so much, that we were going on the boat ride mainly for the sake of entertaining her. However, it turned out to be an amazing outing for all of us. It was the best 8€ a head that I’ve spent recently!
Boat Ride
The Blue Grotto boat ride is simply a must-do for any tourist visiting Malta. As simple as that! There are of course other boat rides in different parts of the island, but none compare to the Blue Grotto boat ride.
The ride is unique in its authenticity. You go for an approximately 20-minute ride, on a small boat which allows for easy navigation inside the caves. The caves offer an amazing setting, giving chance to a number of photograph opportunities. The combination of sunlight, the caves, the rocks, and of course the sea bed create an amazing atmosphere in which the cobalt blue color is predominant. The boatsmen are a group of locals, which have a strong passion for what they do.
When compared to other tourist hotspots in the Maltese Islands, the Blue Grotto is relatively less popular, and hence its authenticity. Within a short distance, one can also find the traditional villages of Zurrieq and Qrendi, the Neolithic temples of Mnajdra and Hagar Qim, and finally the small uninhabited island of Filfla. The place is a scuba diving’s heaven since it offers a lot of diving opportunities divers.
Once the boat departs the quay at Wied iz-Zurrieq it turns left and after a short while, it starts visiting a sequence of caves. One of the highlights of the trip is the arch (Hnejja in Maltese).
Getting there
The boat ride leaves from the small fishing village of Wied iz-Zurrieq. Apart from driving your rental car, or using a taxi, one can easily use the public transport bus number 74. The bus starts from Valletta and has final stops in Panorama, and in Wied iz-Zurrieq.
While on the way to Wied iz-Zurrieq, it might be a good idea to stop at Panorama, which is basically a sightseeing spot. From there you can see the main arch of the Blue Grotto from above, and the island of Filfla is visible too.
Once you’re ready from your photo session at this panoramic point, Wied iz-Zurrieq is only a 10-minute walk downhill. You can take the bus back to Valletta from the Wied iz-Zurrieq car park.
Where to eat
Apart from the sea and the boat ride, at Wied iz-Zurrieq one finds very good restaurants. They mainly serve Mediterranean cuisine, but fast food is available too. Our top spots for a good meal are the following:
Have a great day!
Seems like you had a great time. I feel like sailing again. Thanks for an inspiration! I have been into boating for almost 15 years but due to the pandemic I had to sell all my boats. I own a web directory about boating and would be happy to share your article. Would you mind if I do that? Thanks!
Sure! Hopefully, my article will inspire more people to appreciate our coast. Hope that you don’t give up on sailing!