Traditional Dghajsa Grand Harbour Boat Ride

The traditional dghajsa ride is a boat-only harbour tour of about 35 minutes around Grand Harbour, departing from Valletta in Malta. The dghajsa (pronounced roughly 'dye-sa') is the Maltese water taxi, a colourful, gondola-like wooden boat with a high bow and stern that has carried passengers and sailors across the harbour for generations. The ride takes visitors along the creeks of the Three Cities, Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea and Cospicua, and gives views of the bastions and fortifications of Valletta from the water. Fort St Angelo, the Senglea Gardjola watchtower and the lines of limestone fortifications are among the main sights seen from the boat.

This is a sightseeing activity rather than a physical one, so there are no fitness prerequisites and the difficulty is easy. It suits families and travellers of all ages, although young children should be supervised because the boat is small and open. The listing price is from EUR 16.63 (USD 19.12) per person, boat only, with no entry fees or food included. Visitors should bring a sun hat and sunscreen, as the boats have little shade, and a light layer for breezes on the water. No equipment is required, and life jackets are normally available on board; visitors can ask for them before departure.

Safety is managed by the boatman, who follows harbour rules and keeps clear of ferry and shipping traffic. In bad weather or strong wind, rides can be postponed or cancelled, and the operator decides on the day. In an emergency, visitors can call the Maltese emergency number, 112. The best season runs from April to October, when the weather is warm and the harbour is calm, and late afternoon departures give soft light on the honey-coloured limestone. Summer midday can be hot, so an early or late slot is more comfortable. The ride works well as a short add-on to a day in Valletta, and it can be combined with a walk through the Three Cities afterwards.