17 Exciting Water Sports to Experience in Malta and Gozo

Malta is a well-loved holiday destination for people of all ages and travel interests. We could list many reasons Malta should be on every travel bucket list. But the main reasons will always be the sea, water sports options and the language in Malta. Due to the climate and clean, clear waters, you can try any water sport imaginable throughout most of the year.

Here’s a list of water sports in Malta you must try. 

1. Stand-up Paddling

This reminds me of many wonderful adventures with friends or family when a group of us would take out to sea, a paddle at a time. We would take turns steering and paddling, which is akin to cycling, exploring the entire bay and stopping in various places to take a dip. Paddleboats are available to rent at many beaches by the hour and make for a memorable group experience.

2. Kayaking

Kayaking is an adventure sport, but it takes only a little practice to master the hand paddles. Once you are on the go, it’s just awesome. The kayak is small enough to gain entry to smaller spaces and explore cliffs, caves and bays along stretches of coast. A single kayak gives you full independence and offers space to store some goodies so you can make a day of it. Double kayaks create a team experience for the two people sharing a kayak.

3. Windsurfing

Windsurfing is certainly not as easy as it looks, but once the wind is in the sail, the experience of riding the wind on the waves is incomparable to anything else. You may need a few lessons to get the hang of it, but if you are inspired, persist – it’s worth the effort.

4. Kitesurfing

This water sport is probably best suited for the wildly adventurous and those with experience standing on a board on the water. Having flown a kite before probably helps, too. The wind catches the kite and drags you along the surface of the water, and if you are really an expert, you can show off a few acrobatic skills, too.

5. Bodyboarding

Okay, let’s tone it down a little. Bodyboarding is accessible to anyone, including children. You can purchase a polystyrene foam bodyboard for very little and simply take it with you to the beach and wait for the waves. Lean on the board and catch a wave at the right moment, and it will take you all the way to the shore at full speed!

6. Flyboarding

Of all the water sports in Malta, this is one of the most exhilarating solo activities. Beat the laws of gravity with flyboarding, a nifty little jetpack that allows you to move through air and water. Get ready for a bit of excitement!

7. Parasailing

For a more gentle experience of wind and water, glide through the air wearing an open parachute while being towed by a motor boat. You’ll finally discover what it feels like to float in the air.

8. Water-skiing

Back to the days when it was not boards but skis you wore to ride the waves. It’s not as difficult as it looks: apply the skis at a suitable angle against the water as you are being towed by a motor boat, and before you know it, you are skiing on water!

9. Jetskiing

If you prefer to hold the power, opt for a jetski ride. Akin to riding a motorbike on water, riding a jet ski is a high-adrenaline adventure sport and not for the faint-hearted. One word of warning: this is so much fun that you may just get addicted to indulging in such water sports in Malta!

10. Renting a Speedboat

Extend the power to a boat to share with a group of friends and spend the day riding from beach to beach as you fly above the waves at great speed. There is little as exhilarating as riding the open sea in a high-powered speed boat. A licence may be required to rent one, or you could just rent a ride!

11. Chartering a Yacht

Treat yourself to some luxury with a yacht charter, complete with a skipper, and gain a taste of the rich man’s life. Yachts of many sizes may be chartered for days or weeks and may turn out quite affordable between a group of friends.

12. Sailing

Nothing beats the silence of sailing through the waves with just the wind whistling through the sails, the constant clank of rope against the mast and the whoosh of the waves beneath the hull. Sailing is a unique experience, and if you can’t sail, just go on a sailing trip with your very own skipper.

13. Surfing

Malta is a hidden gem for surfers looking for unique spots to catch some waves. Ghallis Point, Golden Bay, and Mellieha Bay are three of the most popular surf spots in Malta, perfect for beginners and intermediates. The best time to surf in Malta is from November to February, so plan your trip accordingly. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or just starting out, Malta’s beautiful beaches and clear waters will make for an unforgettable surfing experience.

14. Fishing

Learn English in Malta and take the opportunity to also learn about deep sea fishing during a fishing trip in a local fishing boat. You may head so far out at sea that you may lose sight of land. Then it is just the sea, the sky, you, and the fish. There is nothing quite like an offshore fishing experience.

15. Deep Water Soloing

This one is for those who adore a physical challenge. Deep water soloing is a form of solo rock climbing on sea cliffs, which relies on the presence of water at the base of a climb to cushion against falls. A certain confidence about how to fall in the water and climb without a harness is essential.

16. Scuba Diving

Diving in Malta is a big deal! Malta and Gozo are well-established on the global diving map, and with good reason! There are over seventy dive sites around the island, including wrecks, artificial reefs, underwater caves, tunnels, arches, natural reefs and pools, all teeming with marine life. Several competent and professional diving centres serve first-time divers and seasoned divers alike.

17. Snorkelling

There is plenty to discover for those a little less adventurous but keen to take a look beneath the waves. A simple mask and air pipe allow you to peek at fantastic rock formations and marine life from a new perspective and gain entrance into a whole new world.

Are you seeking a unique opportunity to improve your English language skills and meet new people while on vacation?

Look no further than Malta! Our beautiful Mediterranean island is a popular destination for those who want to combine a sunny holiday with English language courses.

Malta, a former British colony, has a fantastic expat community providing a rich English-speaking environment. Not only that, but it also boasts a thriving community of international students too! And the best part? At BELS English schools in Malta and Gozo, we offer an incredible experience that blends excellent tuition with a vibrant community and plenty of fun activities on the island. We’ll plan and book all the water sports activities for you directly at school.

So, what are you waiting for? Join us for a memorable experience! To learn more about joining our schools, please email us at [email protected].