Kayaking in Malta and Comino: routes, prices, who it's for

Why Malta is surprisingly good for kayaking

Malta’s coastline is overwhelmingly rocky — a quality that frustrates beach-seekers but delights kayakers. The rocky shore means sea caves, arches, hidden coves, crystal-clear water in shades of blue that photographs cannot quite capture, and access to spots that are simply unreachable on foot. The water visibility in Malta averages 20-30 metres in summer, better than almost anywhere else in the Mediterranean.

The island is compact. A full circumnavigation of Malta by kayak would take 2-3 days, but the island’s concentrated coastline means that half-day and full-day guided routes can cover genuinely spectacular terrain without requiring long paddle distances.

Wind is the main variable. Malta’s prevailing wind (the Xlokk from the southeast and the Tramontana from the north) can make exposed sections of coastline rough on a bad day. Experienced operators read conditions carefully and adjust routes accordingly. Afternoon sea breezes are more common than morning — another reason morning kayak starts tend to be better.

This guide covers the main kayaking options available through GetYourGuide and what makes each format right for different types of visitor.

Option 1: The ultimate Malta kayak adventure (full coastal experience)

The most comprehensive guided kayaking experience on the island covers sections of Malta’s south and southeast coastline — the most varied and scenically rewarding stretch — over a full day. This is appropriate for adults with reasonable physical fitness and some outdoor confidence, but no prior kayaking experience is required for most of the route.

Malta Ultimate Kayak Adventure — full day coastal tour

What makes the south coast compelling for kayaking: the stretch between Marsaxlokk and Wied iż-Żurrieq includes St Peter’s Pool (a dramatic natural swimming pool in the cliffs), the Blue Grotto sea caves, limestone arches at sea level, and sections of coastline with no human presence at all. On calm summer days the water is so clear that the seabed is visible at 15 metres depth.

The full adventure typically includes equipment (double or single sea kayak, paddle, buoyancy aid, helmet), a guide leading the group, lunch or snacks, and transport arrangements. Group sizes are small. This is not a tourist-conveyor experience — the format is activity-adventure focused.

Option 2: Beginner kayak near St Paul’s Island

For a shorter, lower-intensity introduction to kayaking in Malta, the St Paul’s Island area near Bugibba and Qawra offers protected water conditions in a scenic setting. St Paul’s Island — a small rocky islet just off the northern coast where the Apostle Paul is traditionally said to have been shipwrecked in 60 AD — makes for a memorable and visually interesting destination.

St Paul’s Island beginner kayak tour

This format is recommended for: first-time kayakers, families with older children (typically 10+ for paddling, check age minimums with the operator), and those who want a lower-energy activity that still delivers a genuine sense of discovery. The waters around St Paul’s Island are calmer than the open south coast and suitable for beginners.

Option 3: Guided kayaking from Gozo to Comino (Blue Lagoon)

This is the kayaking tour that generates the most enthusiasm and the most questions. Departing from Qala on Gozo’s south coast, the route crosses the Comino Channel — a short but open sea crossing with boat traffic — and arrives at Comino’s western shore. The Blue Lagoon is reachable by kayak, and arriving by paddle rather than by tour boat changes the experience entirely.

Gozo: Comino and Blue Lagoon guided kayaking adventure from Qala

The crossing requires the guide’s approval of conditions — if the Comino Channel is rough, the route adjusts. On a calm day (common May-October), the crossing takes around 45-60 minutes at a relaxed pace. The Blue Lagoon from the water at paddle level is a completely different experience from arriving on a motor boat: quieter (if you time it right), more intimate, and with direct access to swim from the kayak.

Important note: the Blue Lagoon in peak summer (July-August, 10:00-16:00) is extremely crowded with motorised tour boats. Arriving by kayak in this window still means a crowded lagoon. The kayak advantage is that you can pull up to sections of the rocky shoreline that motorised boats cannot reach. For the least crowded Blue Lagoon experience by kayak, aim for early morning (before 09:30) or late afternoon (after 17:00). Read more in the Blue Lagoon without the crowds guide.

Option 4: Night kayak — glow in the dark, Marsaskala

The most unusual kayaking experience in Malta is the night kayak at Marsaskala. Participants use kayaks with underwater LED lighting that illuminate the water beneath them in blue-green light, creating a glow-in-the-dark effect that is visually spectacular on calm, dark nights.

Malta: illuminated night kayak tour — glow in the dark, Marsaskala

Marsaskala is a fishing village on Malta’s southeast coast — quieter and more local in character than St Julian’s or Sliema, and rarely visited by tourists who follow the standard Malta itinerary. The bay is sheltered and calm, ideal for the slow-paced night paddle. The experience is romantic, photogenic, and genuinely distinctive — there are very few places in the Mediterranean offering this specific format.

Who is this for: couples, friend groups wanting something memorable and Instagram-worthy, and anyone who has already done daytime water sports and wants a different dimension. Not appropriate for young children (the night environment and slower pace suit adults and older teens best).

Book in advance: night kayak sessions have limited capacity and sell out regularly in summer. Book 3-5 days ahead minimum in July-August.

Self-guided kayak rental in Malta

Beyond the guided tours, several centres offer kayak rental by the hour for self-guided exploration. Golden Bay, Mellieha Bay, and Ramla Bay in Gozo are the main locations with rental services during peak season.

For self-guided paddling, stick to sheltered bays unless you have open-water kayaking experience. The Mediterranean looks calm from the shore but conditions change quickly in the afternoon as sea breezes develop. Always tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return.

What to bring on a kayak tour in Malta

• Sun cream: apply before putting on any wetsuit or spray jacket. Malta’s sun at water level is intense, and the reflection off the water amplifies it.
• Water: at least 1.5 litres for a half-day, 2.5 litres for a full day. Dehydration on the water is faster than you think.
• Waterproof phone case: your phone will get wet. This is not an option, it is a certainty.
• Secure footwear: water shoes or old trainers. Flip flops are ineffective.
• Hat with strap: a standard hat will blow away at speed. A hat with a chin strap or a baseball cap that fits under a helmet.
• A change of clothes for the drive back if you are doing a wet launch.

Kayaking season and conditions

Best months: May, June, September, October. Conditions are warm enough to be comfortable in the water if you capsize, sea breezes are moderate, and the summer peak crowds (which affect the Blue Lagoon destination specifically) are lower.

July-August: reliably calm early morning, but sea breezes can develop by 14:00. Afternoon tours on exposed coastlines can be choppy. Morning tours are always preferable.

Winter (November-March): some guided tours continue in good conditions, but availability is reduced. The Comino kayak crosses an open channel that is genuinely rough in winter wind. The night kayak at Marsaskala is less weather-dependent and can operate in winter with calm conditions.

Comparing kayaking to other Malta water sports

Kayaking vs snorkelling: not mutually exclusive. Most guided kayak tours include swimming stops where snorkelling is natural (bring your own mask or check if the operator provides one). The Malta coastline that is best for kayaking is also excellent for snorkelling.

Kayaking vs boat tour: a boat tour to the Blue Grotto or Comino covers similar geography much faster and with no physical effort. The kayak version is slower, quieter, more physically engaging, and delivers a different relationship with the water. Some visitors do both formats on different days and find them completely different experiences.

Kayaking vs jet skiing: jet skis are the opposite of kayaking in pace, noise, and style. For adrenaline, jet skiing wins. For environmental engagement and the ability to see sea caves and quiet coves, kayaking wins. See jet ski Malta options for comparison.

For other active options in Malta, see hiking Malta trails, cycling Malta and Gozo, and cliff jumping Malta.

Frequently asked questions about kayaking in Malta

Do I need experience to kayak in Malta?

No. All guided tours accept complete beginners. The guides provide a safety briefing and basic technique instruction at the start. The most challenging condition for beginners is a side wind pushing the kayak off course — guides manage this by choosing appropriate conditions and routes.

Are kayak tours suitable for children?

Age limits vary by tour. Most guided tours accept children 10+ who can paddle independently. The night kayak and the open-sea Comino crossing are generally not recommended for young children. The St Paul’s Island beginner tour is the most family-friendly format. Always check the specific tour’s age policy before booking.

What is the price of kayaking in Malta?

Guided half-day tours run €35-55 per person. Full-day tours (including the ultimate adventure) run €65-90. The night kayak runs €40-55. The Comino kayak from Gozo runs €45-60. Prices vary by operator and season.

Can I kayak to the Blue Grotto?

The Blue Grotto is accessible by kayak from the shore at Wied iż-Żurrieq, but the approach is along a boat traffic route. Independent kayaking here is not recommended due to the volume of motorised boats. The Ultimate Kayak Adventure includes the Blue Grotto sea caves as part of a guided route with appropriate protocols.

Is there a weight limit for kayak tours?

Most kayaks handle up to 100-120 kg per seat in a double kayak, 90-100 kg in a single. If you are near the upper end, contact the operator before booking to confirm the specific kayak models used.

What happens if conditions are bad on my kayak tour day?

Reputable operators will cancel or modify the route if conditions are unsafe. Most offer a full refund or rescheduling option for weather cancellations. Always check the cancellation policy when booking. Morning tours are statistically less likely to be affected by afternoon sea breeze development.

Last reviewed: 2026-04-20