Comino looks better when you paddle to it. This half-day guided kayak trip from Gozo gives you time on the water, with a Blue Lagoon swim plus cave-and-bay scenery most boats can’t reach.

I also like how the guides (Frank, Chris, Andrew, Laura, and Viv come up again and again) blend clear instruction with real personality. One possible drawback: the whole route is weather-dependent, and not every area may be accessible, so you’ll want to stay flexible.

Key things to know before you go

• 2.5 hours of kayaking with a break to swim, relax, and hang out on land
• Blue Lagoon time for a refreshing swim, not a long, overcrowded slog
• Caves, bays, and rock formations along Comino’s coast, reached by kayak
• Beginner-friendly training for both first-timers and experienced paddlers
• Photos sent the next day, plus goggles and a dry-bag for comfort
• Bring water shoes if you don’t want to wrestle flip-flops on rocks

From Hondoq Bay to Comino: the kayak ride that sets the mood

The day starts at Hondoq Bay. Meet your guide in the parking lot at the left side of the winding road. Look for the yellow and red kayaks lined up near the water’s edge, and you’ll spot the setup fast.

Then you’re on the water, heading from Gozo toward Comino. This isn’t a sit-and-watch boat cruise. You feel the sea, you steer, and you get the kind of views you only get when you’re low in the water and close to the rock.

The trip runs about 3 hours total, with two departure windows: 10am to 1pm or 2:30pm to 5:30pm. That matters because it lets you pair it with the rest of your Gozo day without losing the whole schedule to the ocean. And because it’s half-day, it feels like an adventure you can still enjoy even if you’re not trying to build your whole itinerary around one big excursion.

How the Blue Lagoon swim works (and why it’s worth it)

The famous Blue Lagoon is part of the experience, and it’s usually the stop everyone has heard about. In a kayak tour, the big advantage is that you don’t only experience it from the deck with hundreds of people around. You arrive and float with a sense of space, then get time to cool off.

Your guide leads you through the water and into the swim break that includes a refreshing jump-in. You’ll have goggles included, which is handy if you like looking around underwater. Even if you don’t plan to snorkel, goggles make the water feel more alive once you’re in.

One more small but meaningful point: a few reviews mention that the Blue Lagoon stop doesn’t need to be long to be satisfying because the crowding is real once you’re there. In other words, you get the headline moment without turning your whole trip into one long waiting game.

The caves, coves, and Comino rock formations you can’t really see from land

Comino’s coastline is full of caves, small coves, and dramatic rock shapes. The whole appeal of this tour is that you’re not just looking at these from the viewpoint spots. You’re moving alongside them.

As you paddle along, you’ll pass rocky caves and secluded bays that kayaks can reach more easily than larger boats. This is where the guide’s local knowledge starts to matter, because the best routes aren’t only about distance. They’re about finding angles where you get the right sightlines, and where you can safely access small water inlets.

Many guests highlight the cave sections as a top moment. One common theme in the feedback is that the route feels like a real exploration—more like a guided “see the best of Comino by water” plan than a checklist. Reviews also call out that guides include interesting explanations about what you’re seeing, and that they keep people engaged without turning it into a lecture.

If you want an extra layer of memory: one group even had a standout wildlife-related moment involving a chair found in the sea and the turtle Tarvo rescue tied to it. That’s not guaranteed, but it reflects the fact that the guides are watching closely and caring about what’s happening around you.

Santa Maria Bay and the in-between spots that make the trip feel full

You’ll see more than just the Blue Lagoon. The tour specifically includes Santa Maria Bay, along with the caves and bays between the major stops. This is exactly the kind of detail that improves your value.

Why? Because Comino isn’t one place. It’s a chain of small, beautiful pockets. When the plan skips the in-between sections, the trip feels thin—like you only had time for the famous part and then it was over. Here, the pacing aims to include those coastal sections that make Comino feel like a real island, not a single photo spot.

Even if your phone is getting a workout, the better payoff is how the water changes as you paddle: calmer areas for regrouping, more open stretches where you feel the movement. When you’re in the kayak, you notice things you would miss otherwise—like how the rock shapes funnel light and how the water color shifts close to the cliff edges.

The 30-minute break: what you do on land (and how to enjoy it)

The tour includes a 30-minute break inside the overall 2.5 hours of kayaking. This pause is where you reset and enjoy Comino on a more human pace.

During the break, you can swim, relax, and explore on land. The exact vibe depends on the day, but it’s generally a moment to stop paddling, stretch out, and give yourself a chance to move around the shoreline safely.

This is also a smart time to manage your gear. Because you’re carrying a dry bag and likely wearing a mix of wet and dry items, your break is when you’ll actually notice what’s comfortable and what isn’t. If you brought the right footwear and a towel, you’ll be grateful here.

Beginner or experienced: the guide-led safety rhythm that makes it work

This trip is for beginners and experienced kayakers, and that’s not just marketing language. Your guide can teach you the basics if you need it, and the tour includes time where people get comfortable before the main paddling.

From the reviews, the guides are consistently described as professional and attentive, with a good balance of safety and fun. Frank, for example, comes up as informative and careful, plus funny in a way that keeps the group relaxed. Chris is praised for being professional and entertaining. Andrew and Viv show up as patient and encouraging—especially when people are nervous at the start.

There’s one practical reality you should plan for: this is an active adventure. You’ll need basic fitness, and you need swimming ability. If you can swim and you’re willing to work your arms a bit, you’ll likely find the pace manageable. If you’re not comfortable in the water, this may feel stressful.

Also, note the coaching vibe. Multiple reviews mention that first-timers were eased into it and felt supported. That means you shouldn’t assume you’re on your own with a kayak. You’re on the water with a guide who is actively managing the group.

What’s included (and what that means for your comfort)

Let’s talk gear, because the details matter on the water.

Included in your price:

• Tour guide
• Kayak
• Dry bag (so you can keep essentials from soaking)
• Sunglasses/glasses strap
• Goggles
• Photos sent the next day
• Storage of personal items in a trailer

That storage trailer detail is underrated. You don’t want to haul everything with you on shore and then worry about where it’s going to go once you paddle out. With a secure storage setup, you can focus on kayaking instead of logistics.

Photos are also included, and that’s a big value add. It means you don’t have to play photographer while you’re busy steering, and it helps you get real shots of the caves and waterline scenery. Reviews mention photos arrive promptly the next day, which is exactly when you still want to remember what you saw.

You should also know what isn’t included:

• Transfers
• Food and drinks

So plan to grab snacks and water before the meeting point, or eat after. The tour gives you swim time and a short break, but it’s not positioned as a full meal day.

Price and value: what $71 buys you in real terms

At about $71 per person for roughly 3 hours, this tour isn’t just paying for scenery. You’re paying for guided time on the water, the kayak setup, and the extras that make the experience smoother—like the dry bag, goggles, and next-day photo delivery.

Here’s the value equation I see:

• You’re getting guided access to Comino’s caves and coves, meaning you’re not guessing your way through the best spots.
• You’re getting equipment that’s directly tied to comfort and safety.
• You’re getting a planned swim break that works with the route.
• You’re avoiding the “everything is crowded on the water” feeling that boat days can bring.

When I compare that to typical boat excursions, the big difference is control and closeness. On a boat, you’re mostly viewing. On a kayak, you’re moving through the views. That usually creates better memories, even if it’s more effort in the moment.

Meeting point logistics: getting there without turning it into a headache

Transfers aren’t included, so your main job is getting to the meeting point.

The listed meeting spot is Hondoq Bay parking lot, left at the end of the winding road. If you’re driving, you’ll find the crew by the kayaks near the water.

If you don’t have a car, the practical tip given is to use Bolt or eCAB taxis booked through their apps. One review also suggests using Bolt or Uber between where you’re staying, the ferry, and then the meeting point to reduce bus stress. That’s the kind of move that can save time and frustration.

Either way, plan to arrive a little early. Not because the schedule is complicated, but because you’ll want those first minutes to feel calm while you match gear to your group.

What to bring: the small packing choices that stop discomfort

Your packing list is simple, but it’s worth following.

Bring:

• Change of clothes
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Water
• Flip-flops
• Water shoes

That last one—water shoes—shows up as a recurring theme in good advice from reviews. Several people recommend old runners or swim shoes because rocks can be slippery, and you’ll climb or step in and out during the swim and break. Flip-flops can work on dry pavement, but not always on uneven shoreline.

Also:

• Wear or bring what you’ll be comfortable in when you’re wet.
• Do not bring items you don’t want to get wet.

And one clear rule: no alcohol and drugs.

Who should book this kayaking adventure on Comino?

This is a strong fit if you want:

• A guided way to see Comino’s caves and coves
• A swim stop as part of the adventure
• An activity that feels more personal than a big boat day
• A trip you can do without committing a whole day

It’s less ideal if:

• You have children under 10 (not suitable for that age group)
• You don’t feel comfortable in the water
• You’re looking for a totally relaxed, low-effort outing

It’s also a great solo option. Reviews include solo travelers who felt well supported, and the group dynamic seems friendly and safety-focused.

Should you book this kayak tour to Comino?

If your goal is to see Comino in a way that feels hands-on—caves up close, bays you can reach by kayak, and a real swim moment—then I think you should book it.

The biggest reason: you’re not just visiting the famous spots. You’re getting guided routes through the places between them. Add in the equipment, dry-bag comfort, included goggles, and photos sent the next day, and the price feels fair for what you actually get.

Book it if you can swim, you’re okay with wet gear, and you’re ready to paddle for about two and a half hours. If you’re expecting guaranteed perfect weather or a fixed route no matter what, stay flexible—that’s how this sea works.

FAQ

How long is the kayaking time during the tour?

The tour includes 2.5 hours of kayaking and a 30-minute break.

What are the tour start times?

There are two half-day options: 10am to 1pm or 2:30pm to 5:30pm.

Where do I meet the guide?

Meet the guide at Hondoq Bay parking lot, to the left at the end of the winding road. Look for the group with yellow and red kayaks near the water.

Is this tour good for beginners?

Yes. The tour is for beginners and experienced kayakers, and the guide can teach the basics if needed.

What should I bring?

Bring a change of clothes, a towel, sunscreen, water, flip-flops, and water shoes. A dry-bag is included, but you should still plan for getting wet.

Is the tour affected by weather?

Yes. The activity is weather dependent, and not all areas or routes may be accessible depending on conditions.