Guided Kayak Tour in St Paul’s Island

If you’re looking for a relaxed yet engaging way to see Malta’s stunning seascapes, a guided kayak tour to St Paul’s Island might be just what you need. We haven’t personally paddled these waters, but based on reviews and detailed itineraries, it looks like a fantastic experience for those who enjoy gentle outdoor adventures combined with beautiful scenery.

What really stands out about this tour is its beginner-friendly approach and the careful pacing of the group, making it accessible even if you’re new to kayaking. Plus, exploring a hidden cave and stopping at a secluded island with historical landmarks sounds like a memorable way to connect with Malta’s coast. On the downside, some travelers mention that water can get onto the seats, so packing appropriately is a good idea.

This tour appears best suited for active travelers who love nature, calm waters, and a bit of exploration. If you’re comfortable with swimming and enjoy outdoor adventures that aren’t overly strenuous, you’ll probably find this tour rewarding. Families with older children might also enjoy it, especially those who appreciate gentle water activities combined with scenic walks and photo ops.

Key Points

• Beginner-friendly: No kayaking experience needed; thorough lessons are provided.
• Scenic stops: Visit caves, a nature reserve, and historic landmarks.
• Flexible pace: The group travels at a leisurely speed, with frequent breaks.
• Great value: For around $50, you get nearly three hours of guided adventure.
• Water safety: Life vests are provided, and swimming is optional but must be possible.
• Weather dependence: Fluctuations in weather can influence the route, especially for safety reasons.

What to Expect from the Guided Kayak Tour in Malta

This tour invites you to glide along Malta’s rugged coastlines, exploring some of the less-traveled spots that reveal its natural beauty and history. With a focus on beginners, the experience starts with a straightforward kayak lesson in Mistra Bay. Whether you’ve paddled before or this is your first time, the guides emphasize safety and group comfort, calibrating the pace to match everyone’s abilities.

Starting Point: Mistra Bay

Your adventure kicks off at Mistra Bay, a quiet, picturesque spot with natural significance. The bay is surrounded by hills and is protected by an 18th-century military battery—adding a touch of history to your scenic backdrop. Here, the guides will give a basic lesson, so even the most novice kayakers will feel confident to get on the water. You can expect a relaxed 30-minute start that sets a comfortable tone for the journey ahead.

Exploring Rdum il-Biez and its Cave

From Mistra Bay, you’ll paddle along the coast to Rdum il-Biez, a secluded bay also known as ‘Tal-Mignuna’. This stretch is especially appealing because of its crystal-clear waters and the vertical cave that you can enter and explore. According to reviews, this part of the trip is a genuine highlight. One reviewer mentioned, “Getting up close to the cave’s purple coral was incredible—something you can only spot in pristine waters.” Expect to stop here for about another 30 minutes, giving you ample time to enjoy the scenery and spot marine life, like the soft orange coral thriving just beneath the surface.

Rest and Land Exploration on St Paul’s Island

The highlight for many is the stop at St Paul’s Island. The island is a nature reserve, home to protected bird species, and rich with historical markers. Standing in front of the statue of St Paul and the large cross from 1845, you’ll get a chance to snap some memorable photos. The island offers a short walk to the top, providing sweeping views of the surrounding sea and saltpans. Alternatively, if you prefer a quick dip, the water here is clear and inviting—though note that swimming is unsupervised, so you should be comfortable with that.

This stop lasts about 25 minutes, making it a peaceful pause in the midst of your adventure. As one review noted, it’s a “nice little island with peaceful views,” perfect for a relaxing break and photos.

Optional: Imieba Bay or Coastal Paddling

Depending on weather conditions and group energy, the tour may veer towards Imieba Bay instead of sticking to St Paul’s Island. This alternative route includes paddling past quiet bays along the Mgiebah coast and watching the sunset from your kayak. The flexibility here is important; the guides prioritize safety, especially if weather turns unfavorable or visibility drops. This extra paddle offers an intimate way to see Malta’s coast at golden hour and enjoy the calmness of the water.

The Practicalities

The tour lasts about 2.5 hours and covers roughly 4-5 kms of paddling, which is manageable for most active individuals. The group size is limited to 23 travelers, fostering a more personal experience, and the tour is booked an average of 6 days in advance, so planning ahead helps ensure you secure your spot.

What to Bring and Wear

Expect to be on the water for a couple of hours, so bring about 2 liters of water per person, sun protection (sunscreen, hat), and shoes you don’t mind getting wet—since water might splash onto the kayak seats. The reviews suggest that paddling in swimwear or quick-drying clothes is practical, especially if you plan to swim. Remember, water isn’t available for purchase at the bay, so come prepared.

Fitness and Safety

Participants should have a moderate physical fitness level and be comfortable swimming. Safety is a priority; flotation vests are provided, and guides will adjust the paddling pace accordingly. The tour is suitable for those who can sustain a light to moderate activity for about two and a half hours, with plenty of breaks to rest and enjoy the scenery.

Accessibility and Family Considerations

While the tour isn’t explicitly marketed as family-friendly, older children or teens with swimming ability and comfortable in water activities should have a good time. The tour’s nature makes it more suitable for active travelers rather than those seeking a passive sightseeing experience.

Real Traveler Perspectives

One reviewer called it an “off the beaten track experience,” appreciating the well-organized nature of the trip and the chance to do some light exercise. They did mention that water on the seats was a minor inconvenience, so packing in swimwear or quick-dry clothes is smart. Another traveler shared that “the pace was well adjusted to the group,” and the weather helped make their experience more enjoyable.

These insights highlight that, despite some small logistical considerations, the overall experience is quite positive, especially for those who enjoy being active outdoors and discovering Malta from a different angle.

Cost and Value

At around $50.90 per person, this tour offers good value considering the nearly three-hour guided activity, multiple stops, and the opportunity to explore lesser-known coastal spots. Since the price includes a guide, safety equipment, and the experience of exploring caves and islands, it’s a hands-on way to see Malta’s coastline without the hassle of organizing transport or equipment on your own.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This kayak trip is ideal for active travelers who enjoy scenic outdoor activities, want a relaxed pace, and are comfortable in water. It’s great for those interested in nature, wildlife, and historical sights like the WW2 remnants and the St Paul’s statue. If you’re traveling with older children or teens who can swim, they’d likely enjoy the adventure too.

However, if you prefer a more leisurely land-based tour or aren’t comfortable swimming or paddling, this might not be the best fit. Also, travelers who don’t mind potential weather changes will appreciate the flexible nature of the route.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour is designed to be beginner-friendly with a basic kayak lesson provided at the start, making it accessible even if you’ve never paddled before.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes, including paddling, stops, and breaks.

What should I bring?
Bring at least 2 liters of water, sun protection, and shoes you don’t mind getting wet. Wearing swimwear or quick-drying clothes is recommended, especially if you plan to swim.

Can I swim during the tour?
Swimming is optional and unsupervised at St Paul’s Island, so you should be comfortable swimming if you choose to do so.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 23 travelers, which helps keep the experience personal and manageable.

Is this suitable for families?
Older children who can swim and enjoy outdoor activities will find this a fun outing, but it’s primarily geared towards active individuals.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour depends on good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Do I need to provide my ID or passport?
Yes, you’ll need to give your ID or passport number and sign terms and conditions on-site before participating.

Final Thoughts

A guided kayak tour around Malta’s coast to St Paul’s Island offers a wonderful balance of adventure, scenic beauty, and history. It’s perfect for travelers who like to stay active, explore off the beaten path, and enjoy the water at a relaxed pace. With knowledgeable guides, multiple interesting stops, and the opportunity to paddle through caves and remote bays, this experience can truly add a memorable touch to your Malta trip.

While it’s not for everyone—especially those who prefer land-based sightseeing—the combination of gentle paddling, scenic stops, and historical sights makes this a solid choice for curious, active travelers. Pack smart, bring your sense of adventure, and you’re set for a beautiful day on Malta’s waters.