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With long summer months and sunshine almost all year round, water sports in Malta and other fun outdoor activities are a great option to enjoy your holiday to the full.
Despite some activities being seasonal, there’s always something on offer twelve months of the year.
So if you’re wondering what to do in Malta: It’s an ideal place to try out something new and the hiring of equipment is commonly available as well.
Here are some of the best water sports in Malta and other outdoor activities you can do while holidaying in Malta.
If there’s one water sport that Malta is really known for worldwide, it’s scuba diving. Malta continuously gets top ratings from divers looking to explore some of the most beautiful underwater locations in the Mediterranean.
Dive sites are numerous and suit several tastes. With Malta playing a pivotal role during WW2, means that the Mediterranean waters surrounding the island offer wrecks in the forms of both ships and aircraft in remarkable condition.
Caverns offer a close-up glimpse of sea life and underwater nature, while rock formations provide caves and tunnels all at varying depths. Discover a new world from just a few metres down and experience a different side to Malta which is out of this world.
More info (including dive sites and dive centre listings) here: Scuba diving in Malta
The best time for snorkelling around the islands of Malta is between May and August when sea temperatures are at their best, outside of these months you will probably find a wetsuit is required.
From a mild 19C in May rising to 27C in August, the waters are not only warm but crystal clear and make for perfect underwater sightseeing. Although beautiful, the sandy beaches across the island can become overcrowded during peak season, so if snorkelling is your main priority, head for the rocky beaches such as Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq, Coral Lagoon, Għar Lapsi and Fomm ir-Riħ to experience an abundance of sea life and natural formations.
Very basic snorkelling equipment can be bought from most souvenir shops but hiring equipment is also possible from dive centres.
More info (including sites and equipment hire) here: Snorkelling in Malta and Gozo
Did you know you can take a jet ski safari to explore the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean not only in Malta but also in the sister islands of Gozo and Comino?
Visiting both historical and geographical places of interest. With sunset safaris, round Malta safaris and the west coast, to name a few, you can visit caves and caverns only accessible by sea. Fully led by a group instructor adventurous explorers won’t be disappointed.
For one of the best kayaking experiences, head to Malta’s sister island of Gozo. Kayak Gozo was set up by a couple who after travelling the world, set up shop in Gozo and put their hearts and souls into launching their ever-popular business.
With everything you need available, their guided tours suit all tastes and levels ranging from novices to the experienced. Tours include ‘Rise and Shine’, ‘Siesta Paddle’, ‘Day Trippin’ and ‘Gozo Special’ and make for some great photo opportunities too, which the experienced team are only too happy to provide.
Contact Kayak Gozo at info@kayakgozo.com complete a queries form on their website, or give them a call at +356 9900 4696.
Għadira Bay has one of the largest and most popular sandy beaches on the island, so water sports are always popular.
Oh Yeah Watersports and Cruises located at the bay offer everything from paragliding to day-long boat trips. For those looking for fun that will have you laughing so much, holding on will be a challenge, try out a banana boat ride. Allowing up to seven people at a time to take part, makes the prices very reasonable if the full seven participate.
For more information about the banana rides and the other watersports provided at Għadira Bay by Oh Yeah either give them a call or pay them a visit while visiting the bay.
Oh Yeah Watersports and Cruises, Tunny Net Complex, Għadira Bay, Malta +356 2152 3258
Not surprisingly, boat trips across Malta are plentiful. Hire a boat for private use or join in on a cruise, the choice is yours.
If you are more for an organised trip with set locations, selected departure points and times, cruises are the best choice, but for more intimacy and no set agenda, hiring different sized self-drive boats to cater for your needs is just as accessible.
Here are a few options to consider:
Get my recommendations on the best day trips, boat trips, excursions and activities and book in advance!
If you don’t know how to already, there are water sports companies in Malta offering to teach complete beginners to be sufficient at windsurfing in as little time as a weekend. Wind surfs are available for rental and if a weekend of learning doesn’t take your fancy, taster sessions can be booked too.
Described as one of the most idyllic water sports locations on the island, Mellieħa Bay, has plenty to offer. One such business offering all your windsurfing needs are Hangloose Paddle ‘n’ Surf. If you’re a little unsure as to what to expect, they welcome you to contact them for a friendly chat and advice. “Chatting is their second favourite hobby”.
Compared to learning how to walk, learning to Flyboard and Hoverboard at sea can be mastered in as little as ten minutes.
Lately becoming a sport in its own right, flyboarding gives the excitement of being propelled through the air at a rate of knots while having control of the heights you reach once you are fully self-learned which can take as little as an hour. Straighten your legs, lock your knees and enjoy the ride.
Prefer power strapped to your back? Go for the jet pack option and enjoy the experience, also with friends (through group bookings)
Check out my two guidebooks full of local knowledge and my best recommendations for your trip, and up-to-date for 2023!
Malta & Gozo guide book
Valletta: An Insider’s Guide to Malta’s Capital
Take the hassle out of planning your trip to Malta and be an informed traveller!
Multimaxx Malta offers several activities including virtual games and arcade experiences. Outdoor Laser Tag sees the enjoyment of competing to complete missions (like paintball, but without the injuries!).
Using high tech equipment complete challenges by joining a team of players or visiting with your own team. Action-packed adventure on their battlefield guarantees not only fun and adventure but is also great for team building and improving your strategic skills. Laser Tag takes place in the form of a whole day event so booking is essential. Available for almost all the year, the games can take up to 20 players at a time.
Recommended provider: Bay Street Complex, Level 4, San Ġiljan, Malta +356 9917 7777
For the ultimate in karting in Malta, Badger Karting is the place to go. Established for nearly 20 years, today the location boasts 17 different tracks with varying difficulty and 30 petrol-powered karts to steer around the twists and bends reaching an adrenaline rushing 80km/h.
With a clubhouse for refreshments and a rooftop viewing gallery, those who prefer not to participate are always welcome to watch. Open from early evening to late Tuesday to Friday and from midday to late at the weekends and holidays, Badger Karting is open all year round but weather dependent.
Recommended provider: Badger Karting, Triq Duramblatt, L/O Mosta, Ta’ Qali, Malta Mosta + 356 2142 1838
For modern-day archery, take up a bow and arrow and commence battle (with a foam-tipped arrow of course). Arrow tag will supply all the equipment and the only safety gear you need in the form of goggles or head masks required as this sport is virtually pain-free. Ideal for groups and played in a dedicated field, the games provide plenty of places to take cover and plan your surprise attacks. Again, available all year round, this fast-paced game is probably more enjoyed in the cooler months rather than in the heat of the Maltese summer.
Recommended provider: Arrow Tag Malta is based in Sliema, all bookings and queries are taken through their website.
An adventurous way to escape Malta’s summer heat is to take part in a spot of spelunking.
Malta offers some spectacular caves to caves to explore ranging from stunning coves to eerie burial chambers and an awful lot in between. Some of the most interesting places to look into across Malta and Gozo are Għar Dalam, Ninu’s Cave, Xerri’s Grotto, The Blue Grotto and Għar Lapsi.
It’s better if you have your own equipment, however, MC Adventure does hire out all the safety equipment you may need for an adventure of hidden Mediterranean beauty.
Recommended provider: MC Adventure, Media Consulta House, 150 Salvu Psaila Street, Birkirkara, Malta +356 2206 0106
With breathtaking locations across Malta and Gozo, abseiling on the island is an extreme sport that can be enjoyed by both novices and the experienced due to the many formations island-wide.
MC Adventure again offers full supervision from their experienced team along with the full quota of safety equipment required. Abseiling tends to take place more in the spring and winter months and MC Adventure offers the locations of Ghar Lapsi, Mosta Valley and Dwejra.
Recommended provider: MC Adventure, Media Consulta House, 150 Salvu Psaila Street, Birkirkara, Malta +356 2206 0106
The cragged remote places ideal for off-road biking in Malta are plentiful. The islands have a range of routes allowing you to see some of the best sights of the island along the way. Malta can’t supply the mountains but can certainly provide challenging terrains and trails to be remembered.
The Mġarr hills provide both countryside and sea views in both east and west directions, the coast road has a dedicated cycle lane and accompanying fresh sea breeze. For a lengthy but more leisurely route of approximately 40km, use St. Paul’s Bay as a starting point and head through Qawra, Pembroke and on to Valletta where you can take a rest and relish in the sights and amenities of the capital city.
Other routes to look out for are Tarxien outskirts, Xemxija to Għajn Tuffieħa, Mellieħa hills, and the Victoria Lines. For bike hire, contact Eco Bikes who not only hire out a range of bicycles but also have their own tours to join in.
Heading to Gozo? Have a look at this article: Mountain Biking in Gozo (including routes)
A trip to Valletta could quite possibly be on your ‘to-do’ list, but how about seeing the history of the capital city from a 300-metre zip line? Under the instruction of qualified staff and safely harnessed in, take a stride from the top of the bastions and enjoy adrenaline-filled views of the Great Siege Bell and Grand Harbour as you head towards the sea edge.
Along with a 150-metre zip line at Migra and the 200-metre at Mosta, these experiences are predominantly available in late summer and autumn and spring months.
Recommended provider: MC Adventure, Media Consulta House, 150 Salvu Psaila Street, Birkirkara +356 2206 0106
Whether you are a novice or well experienced, if climbing takes your fancy, Malta offers some amazing locations. Inland valley crags, sea cliffs and tranquil, off the beaten track sites are spread across the island. With predominantly dry weather during the winter and plenty of shaded opportunities during the summer, climbing opportunities can take place all year round.
Recommended provider: Malta Rock Climbing Club (MRCC), Malta Rock Climbing Club, Media Consulta House, 150 Psaila Street, Birkirkara +356 2122 6100
Embrace your historical surroundings while visiting the Maltese archipelago and try your hand at a spot of traditional archery. Whether you are after a course or a one-off taster in a group or individually, there are a few places which offer this. Point, draw and shoot your way to a fun-filled experience set in a dedicated archery range.
Focusing on traditional ways of shooting a bow and learning about the historical aspects of archery along the way, contact Falcon Archery.
Recommended provider: Falcon Archery at University of Malta, University Ring Road, Msida +356 7773 9771.
From Malta’s capital of Valletta to the red cliffs of Mellieħa and plenty in between, Segways offer an alternative way to explore the island in groups. You can travel at your own pace it’s a great way to take in the sights while being a safe mode of transportation.
Interested? Have a look at this option: Segway Tour in Malta
You can choose between 3 tours of around two hours each:
Open top jeep safaris give the opportunity to discover more of the Maltese islands while enjoying the fresh Mediterranean air. Stopping off at some of the island’s most picturesque places and enabling plenty of photo opportunities along the way.
Be prepared for a bumpy ride at times but this just adds to the adventure.
Here are a few good options for jeep tours. Both options are a little more comfortable as you’ll be riding in Land Rover Defender jeeps which are a little larger, offer air conditioning and also accommodate up to 6 persons.
Perfect for sunbathing, better for swimming and great for water sports, but how about horse riding along one of Malta’s renowned beaches or taking in nature at its best from horseback? With over 30 years of experience behind them, located near the West coast of Malta, Golden Bay Horse Riding offer riding experiences to everyone from first-timers to advanced including a sunset ride with uninterrupted views. Let the wind blow through your hair and the fresh air fill your lungs.
Recommended provider: Golden Bay Horse Riding, Għajn Tuffieħa, Mellieha +356 2157 3360.
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