Comino looks postcard-perfect, but it feels better by kayak. This 3-hour guided paddle from Gozo to Comino trades crowded boats for caves you can reach by sea and turquoise water time you actually control.

I love how the guides (Frank, Chris, Andrew, Laura, Viv) mix clear instruction with a relaxed, funny vibe, so first-timers aren’t left floundering. And I like that you get real paddle time—2.5 hours on the water—plus a break for swimming and exploring on land.

One consideration: it’s weather dependent, so routes and access can shift, and you’ll need a basic fitness level and swimming ability for the water time.

Quick Take: What Makes This Kayak Tour a Go-To in Gozo

• 2.5 hours of kayaking plus a 30-minute break means you’re not just “transported” to the sights
• A guide who sets the pace and keeps groups together (I’ve seen guides like Frank and Chris run calm, structured safety briefings)
• Goggles and photos sent the next day take the hassle out of snorkeling-style exploring and remembering the trip
• You’ll cover classic Comino stops like Blue Lagoon and Santa Maria Bay, plus caves and bays between
• The best part isn’t only Blue Lagoon. It’s the quieter rock formations and coves that big boats can’t reach

From Hondoq Bay to Comino: The Start That Sets You Up for Success

The tour runs half-day from Gozo to Comino, with two options: 10:00am–1:00pm or 2:30pm–5:30pm. Either way, you meet at Hondoq Bay, in the parking lot at the left end of the winding road. The easiest visual cue is a bunch of yellow and red kayaks near the water’s edge.

This matters more than you might think. Kayaking tours succeed or fail in the first 15 minutes. Here, the setup is gear-first: you’ll get your kayak, dry bag, and goggles, and the guide will handle positioning and safety so you aren’t guessing. The guides also ask about your kayaking experience when you book, and they group you better because of it—so the pace feels right for mixed levels.

If you don’t have a car, it’s commonly easiest to use the Bolt or eCAB taxi apps to get to the meeting point. The goal is simple: arrive early enough to look at the water and feel comfortable before you start paddling.

What You Actually Do on the Water (2.5 Hours of Real Kayaking)

Once you’re launched, the tour’s tone becomes active. You’ll kayak across the sea from Gozo toward Comino, and along the way you get that real sense of splash-and-sun right on your face.

For beginners, the key is that you’re not thrown in. The guide can teach the basics needed to feel stable and paddle with confidence. For more experienced paddlers, you’ll still appreciate having a guide pick routes that make sense—especially when you’re working around caves, rock formations, and shoreline angles that you wouldn’t pick on your own.

You’ll get photos the next day, which is a nice bonus when the water is bright and you’d rather focus on paddling than juggling your phone. And because you’re wearing the provided goggles, you’ll naturally get more out of your swim break (you can watch what’s under the surface without doing extra gear shopping).

Why this pacing works

Two and a half hours sounds short, but it’s a good sweet spot. You get enough time to feel the rhythm of kayaking and explore, without it turning into an endurance test. And because there’s a break built in, you’re not stuck “working” the whole time.

The Comino Caves and Secluded Coves Stop: Where Kayaks Beat Boats

Comino’s coast is full of rock cuts, pockets, and cave-like openings that don’t look dramatic from shore—until you’re close enough to see the shape change under the water.

This tour is designed for that. You’ll explore rocky caves, secluded bays, and spectacular rock formations with your guide. That guided element is huge: it’s not only about where to go, it’s about how to get there safely and efficiently in small groups.

I also like that this isn’t presented as a one-note trip. Even when Blue Lagoon is the headline, the real value comes from the in-between parts: the quieter coves, the passage-like sections, and the feel of being surrounded by the Mediterranean on both sides.

Blue Lagoon Swim Time (Plus How to Make It Comfortable)

Yes, you’ll reach the famous Blue Lagoon, and there’s time to jump into the turquoise water for a refreshing swim. But here’s the practical reality: Blue Lagoon gets busy because it’s the famous stop. Kayaking gives you a different perspective—more personal and more flexible.

The swim is part of a 30-minute break. During that break, you can swim, relax, and explore on land. That’s the right structure for most people: you get a chance to reset your body, take photos, and gear up for the next stretch without rushing the whole tour.

What to do so you enjoy the water stop more

Bring water shoes or flip-flops you don’t mind getting salty. If you’ve ever tried to walk on slick limestone in bare feet, you know why. Also pack a towel and a change of clothes so you can warm up after the swim instead of spending the rest of the day feeling cold and wet.

Santa Maria Bay and the Best “In-Between” Views

The tour also includes stops around Santa Maria Bay. That’s one reason this kayaking trip feels more like exploration than sightseeing-by-clipboard.

Santa Maria Bay tends to be visually rewarding from the water, and it helps break up the trip so it doesn’t feel like a straight line to Blue Lagoon. This also means you spend your time on the coast rather than only looking at open water.

The guide’s job here is to keep the route interesting and safe. Based on what you’ll see in the way guides like Andrew and Laura operate—clear instructions, steady pacing, and keeping the group together—you’ll feel like the tour has a plan, not just a destination.

Photos Sent the Next Day: A Small Detail That Changes How You Remember It

You don’t want to run a photo mission during an active water tour. You want to be present. That’s why I like that photos are included and sent the following day.

It’s especially useful because your hands are busy and your eyes are drawn to caves and water colors. Let the guide capture the group moments and the key scenery, and you can just focus on the experience while you paddle.

What’s Included (and Why It’s Better Value Than It Looks)

At $71 per person for a 3-hour half-day, the price can feel like a “maybe” until you look at what’s covered. This tour includes:

• Tour guide
• Kayak
• Dry bag
• Sunglasses/glasses strap
• Goggles
• Photos sent the next day
• Storage of personal items in a trailer

Those additions matter. Goggles and a dry bag are the kind of items you’d otherwise buy or borrow, and trailer storage means you’re not carrying your bag around in circles. The guide plus photos also lowers the mental load: you get help navigating the route and you still leave with images.

What isn’t included

You’ll want to plan for food and drinks on your own. Transfers aren’t included either, so factor in how you’ll reach Hondoq Bay. The upside is that you can pick the simplest route for your day—especially if you’re already on Gozo or planning your schedule tightly around the tour time slots.

What to Bring: The Simple List That Keeps You Happy

You’ll have the best experience if you pack like it’s a water day, not a sightseeing day. Bring:

• Change of clothes
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Water
• Flip-flops (or better: water shoes)
• Water shoes

Also, think about what you truly want to get wet. The tour notes to not bring items you don’t want soaked—so leave extra valuables behind.

One more practical tip: expect you’ll be wearing gear, holding a paddle, and climbing in and out. Shoes with grip are worth it.

Safety and Skill Level: Beginners Are Welcome, Water Is Still Part of It

This is for beginners and experienced kayakers. The guide can teach you basics if you need it, and the group format helps match similar experience levels.

But there’s no hiding the reality: it’s an active adventure with a basic fitness level and swimming ability required. There’s a swim break, and you’ll be on open water. If you get nervous in the sea, tell the guide right away. The guides in this operation are known for being attentive and supportive, and they tend to talk through what you’re doing so you can feel in control.

Weather Dependence: How It Can Change Your Route

All kayak tours here are weather dependent, and not all areas/routes may be accessible. That’s not a gimmick—wind and sea conditions can make some cave approaches or shoreline segments unsafe.

Here’s the silver lining: you’re going to Comino either way. The guide will adapt the route so you still get the best feasible combination of caves, coves, and water time.

How the Tour Feels Day-to-Day (Based on Guide Styles)

You’ll likely paddle with one main guide, and you’ll see differences in personalities across the team. From the style of guides like Frank, Chris, Andrew, Laura, and Viv, what stands out is consistency:

• they give clear safety instructions
• they keep the group comfortable and engaged
• they balance fun with responsibility

That balance is what makes kayaking tours feel easy—even when the paddling is physically demanding. A few groups even described moments like spotting sea life during swim time, and one memorable account involved a turtle rescue from something floating in the sea. Those stories aren’t the point of the tour, but they show the guides are paying attention to what’s around you.

Who Should Book This Comino Kayak Adventure

This is a strong fit if you want:

• a small dose of adrenaline without it turning into a workout you regret
• Comino without the feeling of being shoved around by crowds
• caves, coves, and water access that boats can’t give you
• a guided experience with equipment handled for you

It’s especially good as an active afternoon on Gozo. It also works well for couples and solo travelers, since the group setup helps you meet people while still keeping the kayaking organized.

If your group includes someone who’s new to kayaking, this tour is set up for that. The guide can teach basics and support you through the first paddle stages.

Quick Practical Notes Before You Go

• Tour times are half-day slots (morning or late afternoon). Pick based on your energy level and sun preferences.
• You can store personal items in the provided trailer. Use it.
• Alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed.
• Children under 10 aren’t suitable for this activity.

Should You Book This Kayak Gozo Tour?

If you’re choosing between a boat ride and an on-the-water experience, I’d book this. For the price, you’re getting a guided route to the main Comino highlights plus the calmer, less-visited cave and bay sections that really make kayaking worth it. The included goggles, dry bag, and next-day photos are practical perks—not just marketing.

I’d skip it only if you’re not comfortable around open water or you expect the swim break to feel optional. This is active and water-based. If you can handle that, this is one of the best ways to see Comino without spending your day watching crowds from a deck.

FAQ

What is the duration of the kayaking adventure?

The tour lasts about 3 hours, with a total structure that includes 2.5 hours of kayaking and a 30-minute break.

What time does the tour run?

There are two departure windows: 10:00am–1:00pm or 2:30pm–5:30pm, depending on availability.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet the guide at Hondoq Bay, at the parking lot on the left at the end of the winding road. Look for yellow and red kayaks near the water’s edge.

Is this tour for beginners?

Yes. It’s designed for both beginners and experienced kayakers, and the guide can teach the basics if needed.

Do I need to be able to swim?

A basic swimming ability is required, and there is a swim break during the tour.

What is included in the price?

Included: tour guide, kayak, dry bag, sunglasses/glasses strap, goggles, photos sent the following day, and storage of personal items in a trailer.

What should I bring?

Bring a change of clothes, towel, sunscreen, water, flip-flops, and water shoes.

Are transfers and food included?

No. Transfers and food and drinks are not included.

Is the tour canceled if weather is bad?

The tour is weather dependent. Some routes or areas may not be accessible if conditions aren’t suitable.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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