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11 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 29 MAY 2026 CULTURE Ten water activities to try in Gozo WITH its many bays, beaches, coves, and inlets, Gozo has un- deniable summer appeal, where the crystalline waters not only beckon but also provide a re- freshing escape on hot and hu- mid days. Summer water activ- ities add more fun, excitement and adventure to the beach experience. And while July and August are considered peak months, summer lingers on in Gozo, with warm weather and inviting seas often lasting well into October. So whether you're visiting in September or even later, there's still plenty of time to enjoy the island's waters. Here are 10 activities that you can try out. Boat rides Explore the coastline, hidden sea caves and coves by boat. Boat rides are not only a sum- mer activity, but become ever more exciting during the hot months, when the stops along the ride mean a welcoming, quick dip into the waters. You can enjoy short boat trips in places like Dwejra, but typical- ly, panoramic boat trips last a whole morning or day, with the skipper providing services such as snacks, food, drinks, and floatables for added fun. Boat trips are perfect for exploring the coastline from a new angle, enjoying postcard-perfect mo- ments on the deck or captur- ing the sunset as it dips behind the horizon. Chartered boat trips are also the ideal activity for team building, celebrations, parties and even romantic pro- posals. Most skippers are based in Mġarr Harbour, Xlendi, and Marsalforn Bay, and boat rides can be organised directly with them. Canoeing and Kayaking Let the sea wrap you in calm and navigate to adventure on board a canoe or kayak. Pad- dling into secluded bays and discovering the varied coastline that Gozo offers is a peaceful and close-to-nature experience. One of the highlights of such an adventure is a visit to Wied il-Għasri. Similarly, crossing the Gozo channel stretch to Comino and discovering the caves and the Blue Lagoon in the early hours of the day be- comes truly memorable, etched in every splash of the paddle. Canoeing and kayaking require a moderate level of fitness and can be enjoyed by families with older children. Expeditions of- ten span three hours or longer and popularly depart from Xlendi, Marsalforn, or Ħondoq ir-Rummien under the lead of a tour guide. Jet Skiing Speed through the Gozo's wa- ters with the wind in your hair as you jet ski the waves at full throttle. Ideal for thrill seek- ers and water lovers, jet skiing pumps a vibe that is entirely different from canoeing and kayaking, as the sea becomes a racetrack for an adrenaline-fue- led adventure. Jet skis can typ- ically be rented out at Mar- salforn, Xlendi and Ħondoq ir-Rummien. Towables The fun of the towables rides, such as banana boats, crazy so- fas, and rings, is a typical fun activity for groups and fami- lies. Towables are about spin- ning, splashing, getting soaked, bouncing, laughing and shriek- ing across the waves as every- body holds tight on what seems to be a rollercoaster ride at sea. Epic memories of turning the sea into a veritable playground are the norm with towable ad- ventures that you can engage in at bays like Marsalforn, Ramla, Xlendi, and Ħondoq ir-Rum- mien. Stand Up Paddle Boarding Those seeking solitary pur- suits, looking for balance and finding their calm can try stan- dup paddleboarding. Gliding across glassy water, above the water, as stillness meets motion, has a particular kind of appeal that blends chill and challenge. If you have your own board, you can take off to the horizon from many points along the coast. However, you can also join SUP tours in different lo- cations through different oper- ators. Typically, older children can join as long as they are able to swim. Wakeboarding Not for the faint of heart, wakeboarding is about surfing, sliding and soaring behind a speeding boat where balance meets bold. No matter how it is described, this ride is about pure adrenaline. Wakeboarding is offered by most watersports providers at Xlendi, Marsalforn and Ħondoq ir-Rummien. Subwing Subwing might not be on everyone's radar because it is an underwater activity. Gliding beneath the water while being gently towed is the closest you'll come to human flight in the sea. Some describe it as flying underwater, like a dolphin or other marine creatures; for oth- ers, it is like a surreal dance be- neath the waves, offering a new dimension of freedom and fluid motion. Ideal for those seeking a new adventure without the noise, this is something worth trying. Hydroflying Difficult to beat, hydroflying is the closest thing to flying. Soar- ing out of the sea on a powerful stream of water vibes is a grav- ity-defying activity that makes flying dreams a reality! You might feel that it is futuristic or like something straight out of a film, but the ultra thrill seekers need to check it out at the spe- cialist operators. Diving If you have never tried div- ing, Gozo offers world-class dive sites and a variety of diving schools that can usher you in- to this fascinating activity. The top dive bases in Gozo are in Xlendi, Dwejra, Marsalforn and Ħondoq ir-Rummien. Snorkelling Perhaps snorkelling is the simplest of the activities men- tioned so far—and possibly overlooked. Yet, it remains a wonderfully accessible pursuit requiring very little gear and effort. Little is needed apart from a face mask and snorkel, which can be easily acquired from shops located near the beach. Snorkelling is a serene and enjoyable activity even for children (as long as they are su- pervised), and it remains great for families seeking quality time together at the beach. Gozo has always been syn- onymous with beach life – but true enjoyment of the great blue comes also with a word of cau- tion. It is advisable not to tackle water activities alone, especially if you do not have full knowl- edge of the area or are unsure of your level of fitness. Most beach activities depend on daily weather conditions, particularly wind force and di- rection. It is always wise to discuss these factors with your water sports provider when booking. Getting in touch with wa- ter sports operators is easy, as many have an online pres- ence through which booking arrangements can be handled. Once that's sorted, dive in and enjoy the Gozitan blue. Ideal for thrill seekers and water lovers, jet skiing pumps a vibe that is entirely different from canoeing and kayaking, as the sea becomes a racetrack for an adrenaline-fueled adventure