Water Sports in Malta: Your Complete Guide to Surfing, Kitesurfing, Paddleboarding & Sailing

Malta's crystal-clear Mediterranean waters and 300+ days of sunshine make it a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced water athlete, Malta offers something for everyone. Here's your complete guide to making the most of Malta's aquatic playground.

Surfing in Malta

While Malta isn't Bali or Hawaii, the island does get surfable waves, especially during the winter months when northwest swells hit the coast. The surfing scene is small but passionate, and you'll often find the same friendly faces at the breaks.

🏄 Best Surf Spots

Għajn Tuffieħa Bay (Riviera Beach)

Malta's most consistent surf spot, located on the northwest coast. This beautiful sandy beach picks up northwest swells well and offers waves suitable for beginners to intermediate surfers.

• Wave type: Beach break
• Best conditions: NW swell, offshore with SE wind
• Wave height: 0.5m - 2m
• Crowd factor: Low to moderate
• Facilities: Parking, beach bar (seasonal)

Golden Bay

Adjacent to Għajn Tuffieħa, Golden Bay is more accessible but also more crowded. Good for beginners when small waves are running.

• Wave type: Beach break
• Best for: Beginners
• Facilities: Hotels, restaurants, parking

Armier Bay

Located at Malta's northern tip, Armier can work with north swells. Less consistent but uncrowded.

• Wave type: Beach break
• Best conditions: N swell
• Crowd factor: Very low

🏄 Surf Schools & Board Rental

Malta Surf School - The primary surf school in Malta, operating at Għajn Tuffieħa.

• Beginner lesson: €45 (2 hours, equipment included)
• Board rental: €20/day
• Wetsuit rental: €10/day
• Offers SUP lessons as well
• Forecast-dependent scheduling

Kitesurfing & Windsurfing

Malta's reliable winds make it an excellent destination for kitesurfing and windsurfing. The flat, shallow lagoons are perfect for beginners, while experienced kiters can find challenging conditions at various spots.

🪁 Best Kitesurfing Spots

Mellieha Bay

Malta's largest sandy beach and the go-to spot for kitesurfing. The bay offers shallow water extending far out, making it ideal for learning.

• Wind direction: Best with NW (Maestral)
• Water: Flat, shallow lagoon
• Level: Beginners to intermediate
• Season: March to November
• Facilities: Schools, beach bars, parking

Golden Bay

Works well with northwest winds. More waves than Mellieha, appealing to intermediate and advanced kiters.

• Wind direction: NW
• Water: Small waves possible
• Level: Intermediate to advanced

Exiles Beach (Sliema)

An urban spot that works with northeast winds. Popular with locals for quick after-work sessions.

🪁 Kitesurfing Schools

💨 Wind Patterns in Malta

Understanding Malta's wind patterns is crucial for water sports:

• Majjistral (NW): Summer thermal wind, blows from late morning. Most reliable.
• Grigal (NE): Can be strong, especially in winter. Creates choppier conditions.
• Xlokk (SE/Sirocco): Hot wind from Africa, brings humidity and sometimes red sand.
• Tramuntana (N): Cold winter wind, can be gusty.

Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)

SUP has exploded in popularity in Malta, and for good reason. The calm, clear waters are perfect for paddling, and you can explore hidden coves, caves, and dramatic coastlines.

🏄‍♀️ Best SUP Locations

Comino (Blue Lagoon area)

The crystal-clear waters around Comino are SUP heaven. Paddle through caves and along dramatic cliffs.

• Best accessed by joining an organized tour
• Early morning for calm waters
• Combine with snorkeling

St. Thomas Bay (Marsascala)

A protected bay perfect for beginners. Usually calm with clear water.

• Easy parking nearby
• Rental available on site
• Good for morning paddling

Sliema/St. Julian's Coast

Paddle along the eastern coast, exploring the rocky shoreline and small bays. Morning sessions before the wind picks up are best.

Gozo Coastline

The dramatic cliffs and caves of Gozo's west coast offer spectacular paddling. Try the area around Dwejra (former Azure Window location).

🏄‍♀️ SUP Rental & Tours

Sailing & Yachting

Malta has a rich maritime heritage, and sailing is deeply embedded in the culture. The Grand Harbour has been home to seafarers for millennia, and today Malta offers excellent sailing conditions and a thriving yacht community.

⛵ Sailing Options

Learn to Sail

Royal Malta Yacht Club - Malta's premier sailing institution, offering courses for all levels.

• RYA Competent Crew: €650 (5 days)
• RYA Day Skipper: €850 (5 days)
• Dinghy courses: From €250
• Membership available for regular sailors

Sail Malta - More casual sailing experiences and courses.

• Introduction to sailing: €150 (full day)
• Weekend course: €350
• Small group sizes

Yacht Charter

Charter a yacht for a day trip or longer:

• Day charter (bareboat, small yacht): From €250/day
• Day charter (with skipper): From €400/day
• Catamaran charter: From €600/day
• Weekly charter: From €1,500-5,000

Popular Sailing Routes

• Malta to Comino: Day trip to the Blue Lagoon
• Malta to Gozo: Overnight or multi-day exploring
• Southeast Coast: Marsaxlokk, Marsascala, and St. Thomas Bay
• Sicily excursion: Overnight trip to Pozzallo or Syracuse

⛵ Sailing Clubs & Community

Join the sailing community:

• Royal Malta Yacht Club (Ta' Xbiex): Established 1835, prestigious club with full facilities
• Malta Sailing Federation: Coordinates racing and events
• Rolex Middle Sea Race: Famous offshore race held every October

Other Water Activities

🚤 Jet Skiing

Available at most tourist beaches during summer:

• Rental: €50-80/30 minutes
• Safari tours: From €120/person
• Popular at Mellieha Bay and Golden Bay

🪂 Parasailing

Experience Malta from above:

• Price: €50-70/flight
• Available at major tourist beaches in summer
• Height: up to 100m

🛥️ Kayaking

Sea kayaking is an excellent way to explore Malta's coastline:

• Single kayak rental: €15-20/hour
• Double kayak: €25-30/hour
• Guided tours: From €45/person
• Best spots: Comino, Gozo, south Malta

Seasonal Guide

Equipment & Gear

Where to Buy

• Water Sports Malta (Sliema): SUP boards, kayaks, snorkeling gear
• Decathlon Malta (Paola): Budget-friendly water sports equipment
• Local kite shops: Kitesurfing gear at Mellieha

Where to Repair

• Board repairs: Most surf/SUP shops offer ding repairs
• Wetsuit repairs: The Gym's surf shop in Sliema
• Sail repairs: Various marine services in Msida Marina

Safety Tips

• Always check weather forecasts before heading out
• Respect swimming zones marked by buoys
• Strong currents can develop around headlands
• Jellyfish are occasionally present in summer
• Wear reef shoes on rocky entries
• Sun protection is crucial – Mediterranean sun is intense

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Malta good for surfing?

Malta offers decent surfing conditions, especially from October to March. While it's not a world-class surf destination, the small but friendly community and uncrowded waves make it enjoyable. Expect waves in the 1-4 foot range on good days.

Do I need a license to rent a jet ski?

No license is required for supervised jet ski rentals. However, if you want to operate independently, you may need a boat license depending on the craft's power.

Can I SUP in the Blue Lagoon?

Yes! The Blue Lagoon in Comino is a fantastic SUP spot. Either bring your own board or join an organized tour. Go early in the morning (before 10 AM) to avoid crowds and boat traffic.

Is it safe to swim in Malta?

Malta's waters are very safe for swimming. There are no sharks or dangerous marine life to worry about. Occasional jellyfish appear in summer but are usually harmless. The biggest risks are strong currents and rough seas on windy days.

What's the water temperature?

Mediterranean water temperatures range from 15°C in February to 27°C in August. Most people find a thin wetsuit (3mm) comfortable from November to May, while summer swimming is warm and pleasant without any neoprene.