Malta is a fantastic place for canoe & kayak experiences. Its clear, calm waters, rugged coastlines, and sea caves make paddling an ideal way to explore the islands’ natural beauty up close. We particularly like the Malta: Ultimate Kayak Adventure for its easy access, affordability, and the chance to explore impressive sea caves. For those wanting a peaceful sunset paddle, the Kayak Tour Golden Hour at St Paul’s Island offers a memorable experience. And if you’re interested in combining a gentle guided tour with some birdwatching, the Guided Kayak Tour in St Paul’s Island hits the spot.
Whether you’re after a quick paddle, a sunset experience, or an exploration of secluded islands, Malta offers a variety of options. Each tour has its own charm, from beginner-friendly trips to more scenic and relaxed outings, making paddling here an accessible and rewarding activity.
Quick Overview
In this list, you’ll find kayak adventures ranging from 1-hour introductory trips to 3-hour sunset paddles. Some tours focus on sea cave exploration (Malta: Ultimate Kayak Adventure), while others combine paddling with birdwatching and island visits (Guided Kayak Tour in St Paul’s Island). For sunset lovers, the Golden Hour tour offers a relaxed paddle at the end of the day (Kayak Tour Golden Hour at St Paul’s Island).
Now, let’s look at each of these top options in detail.
1. Malta: Ultimate Kayak Adventure
This $10 per person tour is perfect for anyone eager to explore Malta’s rugged southern coastline without breaking the bank. It lasts from 1 hour, making it a quick yet memorable outing. Starting from Sensi Watersports, you’ll paddle along the coast, discovering hidden coves, sea caves, and swimming in crystal-clear waters. No previous kayaking experience needed—it’s designed to be safe and fun for all skill levels.
What makes this tour stand out is its accessibility and the emphasis on self-guided exploration. The reviews highlight the excellent condition of the equipment and the value for money, with many mentioning how their guides provided helpful tips on where to swim and explore. The area is straightforward to navigate, and the opportunity to explore sea caves adds a dash of adventure. Bring water shoes because some spots have sea urchins, but overall, this offers a relaxing way to see the Malta coast from the water.
Bottom Line: An affordable, low-pressure paddle designed for all ages and skill levels, ideal for a quick introduction to Malta’s stunning shoreline.
2. SUP Sunset Paddling to Ta Marija Caves
For a more scenic and serene experience, the SUP Sunset Paddling to Ta Marija Caves offers a 3-hour trip along Malta’s west coast. Priced at $72.22 per person, this tour begins at Gnejna Bay, where an ASI-certified guide will introduce you to the basics of stand-up paddleboarding. You’ll glide past cliffs and caves, culminating in a stop at the famous Ta Marija cave.
This trip’s appeal lies in its timing—paddling at sunset adds a magical glow to the coastline, with calm waters perfect for beginners or those with some experience. Reviewers mention the friendly guides and the pleasure of paddling at a relaxed pace. The stop for snorkeling or swimming in a secluded bay is a highlight, giving you time to enjoy the stunning surroundings. The trip is suitable for most fitness levels, especially if you’re comfortable standing on a paddleboard.
Bottom Line: This tour offers an unforgettable sunset view with gentle paddling, perfect for those who want a peaceful, scenic outing that’s both relaxing and a bit adventurous.
3. Guided Kayak Tour in St Paul’s Island
At around $50.90 per person for roughly 2.5 hours, this guided trip is excellent for beginners interested in discovering St Paul’s Island and its surroundings. Starting at Mistra Bay, the tour includes a basic kayak lesson—perfect if you’ve never kayaked before. Over the course of 4-5 km, you’ll paddle along the coast, exploring Tal-Mignuna Bay and visiting a vertical cave filled with friendly pigeons.
What sets this tour apart is the focused exploration of secluded beaches, and the chance to see the rare purple and orange soft corals growing in the clear waters. The tour also includes a land stop at St Paul’s Island, home to hundreds of protected birds and a statue of St Paul. The leisurely pace and frequent stops make it suitable for nearly all fitness levels, especially those wanting a guided experience with educational and wildlife elements.
One reviewer notes it’s a well-organized trip that offers good value, especially for those interested in combining paddling with nature walks and birdwatching.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for beginners who want a guided, educational, and relaxed paddle in beautiful surroundings.
4. Kayak Tour Golden Hour at St Paul’s Island
For around $50.71, this 2.5-hour guided tour captures the magic of Malta’s coastline at sunset. Starting from Mistra Bay, the route closely follows the same scenic path as the daytime tours but emphasizes the golden light during the late afternoon. The trip includes stopping at Rdum il-Biez Bay and exploring the Tal-Mignuna cave, with plenty of time for swimming and relaxing.
Reviewers love the laid-back atmosphere and the peaceful paddle that allows for some great photos and quiet moments. The friendly guides help calibrate the pace to suit the group, making it accessible even for novice paddlers. Watching the sunset over the sea, with the imposing St Paul’s Island in view, makes this trip particularly memorable.
This tour is ideal if you want a shorter, scenic experience that combines paddling with the tranquility of Malta’s evening light. It’s perfect for romantic couples, photographers, or anyone wanting a peaceful end to a day.
Bottom Line: A relaxing sunset paddle that’s ideal for beginners and couples seeking a calm, scenic experience.
How to Choose
When deciding between these Malta canoe and kayak experiences, consider your budget, fitness level, and desired scenery. For a quick, affordable intro, the Malta: Ultimate Kayak Adventure is hard to beat. If you prefer a scenic sunset and a more relaxed atmosphere, the Golden Hour tour offers an unforgettable end-of-day experience. For those interested in a guided nature-focused trip with birdwatching and island exploration, the St Paul’s Island tour is a great choice.
If you’re new to paddling but want a guided, educational trip, the St Paul’s Island tour provides helpful instructions and manageable distances. For more adventurous paddlers keen to explore caves and swim in clear waters, the Ultimate Kayak Adventure delivers a fun, self-guided experience with plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery.
Book early, especially for the sunset tours or popular experiences, as they tend to fill quickly. Consider the time of day and your interest in wildlife or scenic views to pick the best option for your Malta trip.
Final Thoughts
Malta offers a diverse range of canoe & kayak experiences suited to all budgets and interests. Whether you want a quick splash along the coast, a guided exploration of secluded islands, or a magical sunset paddle, these options won’t disappoint. For a budget-friendly adventure, the Malta: Ultimate Kayak Adventure is hard to beat. If you’re looking for something more scenic and relaxed, the Golden Hour tour provides spectacular evening views.
Remember, paddling in Malta’s calm, clear waters is an excellent way to see the island’s natural beauty from a different perspective. So, pick your adventure, bring your sense of curiosity, and enjoy the experience. Booking early is wise—Malta’s waters are popular, especially in the warmer months. Happy paddling!