Sea Kayak Tour and Hire at St Thomas Bay

The sea kayak tour at St Thomas Bay is a guided paddling activity on the south-east coast of Malta, run from the beach at St Thomas Bay about 1 km south of the centre of Marsaskala. The listed operator is Sensi Watersports Malta, which offers guided tours of 1.5, 2.5 or 3.5 hours for groups of up to 10, a sunset tour with a swim stop, and kayak hire. Tours follow the Marsaskala coast past limestone cliffs and sea caves, with chances to see the clear water, rock formations and small coves that are hard to reach on foot. The longer tours cover more coastline and suit visitors who want a half-day on the water.

No previous kayaking experience is usually needed, which is why the difficulty is rated easy. Participants should be able to swim and should have enough fitness for steady paddling for the length of the tour. The listing states that hirers must be 16 or over, and visitors with children should confirm age rules for guided tours when booking. Kayaks and paddles are provided by the operator, and visitors bring swimwear, a sun hat, water shoes and a towel. Sunscreen and drinking water are advisable, and a waterproof pouch protects a phone or camera.

Safety is handled through a briefing on the beach covering paddling technique, group order, signals and what to do if a kayak capsizes. Guides lead the group and keep it together, and buoyancy aids are normally part of a guided kayak outing. In an emergency the guide uses the group communication plan and contacts the emergency number, 112, if needed. The best conditions run from May to October, when the sea is warm and the weather is generally settled. Strong easterly winds or heavy swell can lead to a tour being shortened, moved or cancelled, and visitors should ask about the weather policy when booking. The listed price range is EUR 8.00-15.00 (USD 9.20-17.25), with the final amount depending on the tour or hire length. Sunset tours are popular in summer, so early booking is useful.