If there’s one time when Nick and I are likely to argue, it’s when we’re in a kayak. We’ve had our share of disagreements while paddling around Indonesia’s lakes in a dugout canoe, often going in circles instead of a straight line, leading to the usual squabbles like:
“Paddle harder!”
“Don’t paddle so hard!”
“Stop splashing me!”
Our daily kayaking trips on Lake Atitlan in Guatemala often involved Nick trying to jump out and nearly tipping over the kayak getting back in, which frustrated me to no end. Another memorable paddling adventure took us from Cape Maclear on Lake Malawi to a far-off island. Naturally, we ended up arguing about the effort it took and the dangers of the return trip.
Despite these arguments, we genuinely enjoy kayaking. Recently, we had a successful first sea kayaking trip without any fights, paddling at an even pace at last! We learned to kayak together after nine long years.
We chose Gozo Adventures for a 14-kilometer trip from Gozo Island to Comino Island and back. After a briefing from our guide, Sandra, we suited up and launched our bright red double kayak. Alongside us were a Canadian and a German couple, all around our age. Just five minutes into our trip, we came across a boat on fire. Shockingly, no one else stopped to help, so Sandra called for help, and we waited until the rescue boat arrived.
Continuing our paddling, we explored stunning limestone formations, hidden caves, and secret beaches. Crossing from Gozo to Comino, Sandra guided us past the famous Blue Lagoon to her favorite spots along the northeast coast. It felt like a treasure hunt, navigating through towering caverns and enjoying the beautiful coral below.
Halfway through, we stopped at the pristine Santa Maria beach on Comino Island, surrounded by clear water and white sand, though we refrained from swimming due to jellyfish.
The highlight of the day was the Blue Lagoon, where the sea shifted from royal blue to bright turquoise, making us feel like we were in the Caribbean. After soaking in the views, we headed to another secret bay and then back across the choppy sea to Mgarr Harbour, having paddled 14 kilometers in about 6.5 hours.
The next morning, despite the stiffness from kayaking, we were eager to explore Gozo on foot. A great advantage of traveling around Malta and Gozo is the ability to do it independently, thanks in part to well-marked trails put together by Visit Gozo. Considering our poor sense of direction, we were amazed that we managed both kayaking and hiking without any issues.
Our chosen trail, the Dwejra walk, started at St. George Basilica in Victoria and quickly led us away from the city into lush farmland with panoramic views. We encountered farmers, idyllic small villages, and finally Ta’ Sarraflu with a freshwater pond that provided much-needed shade.
Though some trail markers were sparse, our smartphone’s Google Maps helped us navigate. We reached our destination, Fungus Rock and the Azure Window. Fungus Rock is known for plants with Viagra-like properties, which were historically guarded by watchtowers.
While the windy conditions prevented us from swimming, the view of the Azure Window was breathtaking, especially with the waves crashing around it. This natural rock arch is one of the most popular attractions in Malta and Gozo, even featured in a Game of Thrones episode.
After a 10-kilometer hike and our previous day’s 14-kilometer paddle (both in 30-degree heat!), we were exhausted. We caught the local bus back to our hotel in Xewkija, where I finally enjoyed a well-deserved hot bath.
The island of Gozo offers endless adventures and activities, from biking and hiking to kayaking. We’re already looking forward to our next visit, where we’ll certainly explore more trails and embark on another paddling adventure with Sandra!
