Discover Open Water in Malta

We meet at the open air terrace at the Duke Boutique Hotel in Victoria for a pre-trip briefing, where you will meet your guides and fellow swimmers. You’ll enjoy stunning views over Gozo’s north coast from here and the sight of the citadel illuminated as night falls. After the safety briefing, there’s time to enjoy a group dinner together before we start our swimming programme the following morning.

On our first morning of swimming, we head down to the sandy beach at Ramla in the north of Gozo. Known for its reddish coloured sand it is an ideal beach to start our Discover Open Water Swimming trip, due to its size and accessible coastline. We carry out an initial acclimatisation swim where you have an opportunity to get used to the conditions. From here we make our way north up to the headland at Rdum-il-Kbir before returning back to Ramla. We then head back to our accommodation where a lunch is waiting for us. There is an opportunity to relax and maybe take in the sites of Victoria, the island’s capital before we head out for our second swim. The afternoon takes us to the west coast and the port village of Xlendi, where SwimTrek has been going to for over 12 years. This stretch of coastline offers a mix of caves and steep cliffs which plunge to the ocean floor below and is an ideal next swim in your trip progression. On returning back to the beach, you will have some time to explore this traditional Gozitan fishing village before we return to the capital and a chance to relax at our hotel and make use of the facilities before we head out for a meal at one of the local restaurants.

As yesterday was a day of Gozo swims, today is given over to discovering its smaller neighbour, Comino. Named after the plentiful cumin that grows on the island, Comino is a wildlife sanctuary sitting upon a rocky wilderness featuring cliffs, coves, creeks and a coastline dotted with deep caves. It really is a swimmer’s paradise and that is why we will be spending the full day here.

On first arriving on Comino we walk across the southern section of the island before reaching Santa Maria. From here we swim north towards Ghemieri headland and then follow the coastline round until we arrive at a series of caves, which is ripe for exploration before we make our way back to the beach. It is a stunning first swim of the day. There is time for you to explore around Comino and take in the sights such as Saint Mary’s tower, before we meet up for lunch together. Following time to relax we then carry out our second swim of the day, which is our first circumnavigation as we swim around the small island of Cominotto. Between Comino and Cominotto we will swim through the iconic Blue Lagoon with its pure white sand in an almost swimming pool environment. It is a great last swim of our time on Comino. At the end of our swim we then take a boat back to Gozo before heading back to the Duke Hotel.

The final day of our trip involves a single swim, but what a swim it is! We journey directly west to Gozo’s own Inland Sea, an enclosed lagoon at Dwejra which is linked to the Mediterranean through an impressive tunnel stretching 80m in length. On exiting the tunnel, we head south along sheer cliffs and through the site of the now collapsed Azure Window which formed a limestone arch. After this we arrive at the Blue Hole, one of Malta’s premier dive sites, which is a 10m wide pool populated with bream, lobster, octopus and many more aquatic species. It’s a stunning swim with variety in buckets. On swimming back to the Inland Sea there is a chance to relax and explore before we head back to Victoria, where the trip comes to an end.

Swimming Distances

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in the sea is a fantastic experience, however you should be aware that certain marine life such as jellyfish and sea urchins could be present during the swims. In all cases we will work on reducing your contact with these creatures, however if you suffer from anaphylaxis, please consult the office prior to booking.

Walking Distances

Walking is not a major part of the trip and we will generally walk on sealed paths to and from the bays and beaches that we start and finish our swims on. There is also a relatively flat 4km walk on Comino. Appropriate footwear should be worn for these walks.

Temperatures

• Please note that these temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. As a consequence, open water swimming holidays require a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your SwimTrek guides as quickly as possible.

Group Size

This trip has a maximum group size of 14. The group will be split into a maximum of three groups, based on speed, with each group being accompanied by their own safety vessel/escort. 

Boat Support

Boat support on this trip includes two support watercraft piloted by your SwimTrek guides. Please note that this boat support is subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed.

Equipment to bring along with you

In addition to your daily non-swimming clothes, we also recommend that you bring the following items:

*Try to bring one clear lens and one tinted lens for different light conditions.

SwimTrek will supply swim hats, water and electrolyte drinks. The guides will not distribute shared drinks bottles but will fill your personal drink bottles. Please ensure these are clearly marked to help our guides identify yours. If you would like to use a wetsuit, rash vest or fins during your swims, please ensure that you bring these with you. For more information please check out our Covid-19 guidance.

The easiest way to reach the start of your trip is to fly into Malta International Airport (MLA) and take a private transfer to the hotel via a ferry from Malta’s northernmost point of Ċirkewwa to Mgarr, Gozo’s main harbour.

As SwimTrekkers come from all over the world, and join our swimming holidays in numerous destinations, we don't currently offer flights as part of our SwimTrek packages. We do however want to do as much as we can to ensure that our guests get the best deals when travelling to one of our trips so check out SwimTrek's tips to help you get the best deals for your flights.

Private Transfer from Malta International Airport to Hotel

After you arrive at the airport, you will find a chauffeur waiting for you with a name on a sign in the arrivals hall. They will drive you to the ferry port in Malta where you will board the ferry to Gozo as a foot passenger. Once in Gozo, another taxi chauffeur will be waiting for you for your transfer to the hotel. To book your private transfer, please email your flight arrival details to info@xlendi.com as soon as possible.

Please note that the cost of the ferry ticket is not included.

It is also possible to be picked up from an alternative location to the airport. Please email info@xlendi.com directly to arrange an alternative pickup location. If you encounter any problems with your arrival, you can contact Xlendi Tours on their 24-hour emergency phone line (+356 99422810).

Direct Private Transfer from Malta International Airport To Hotel

The chauffeur that picks you up from the airport will board the ferry to Gozo with you and will drive you directly to the hotel. This will save you boarding the ferry on foot and handling your luggage. To book your direct private transfer, please email your flight arrival details to info@xlendi.com as soon as possible.

Please note that the cost of the ferry ticket is not included.

It is also possible to be picked up from an alternative location to the airport. Please email info@xlendi.com directly to arrange an alternative pickup location.

Bus from Malta International Airport to Ċirkewwa Ferry Port

There are a number of routes to Cirkewwa from various towns and villages across Malta. There is a direct bus line (X1) from Malta International Airport to Cirkewwa Port, departing every 40 minutes. For more details, visit www.publictransport.com.mt.

Ferry from Ċirkewwa Ferry Port to Mgarr Ferry Terminal (Gozo)

There are regular ferry services that run from Ċirkewwa Ferry Port to Mgarr Ferry Terminal daily. A standard foot passenger fare is €4.65 and are only sold at the Mgarr Gozo terminal on a return basis. Customers boarding the ferries at Cirkewwa in Malta do not have to be in possession of a valid paid ticket and can purchase their return ticket before making their return journey from Gozo. For more details, please visit www.gozochannel.com .

Bus from Mgarr Ferry Terminal (Gozo) to Hotel

The 301 bus between Mgarr (ferry terminal) and Rabat (Victoria) operates every 30 minutes. Passengers can travel using the same bus cards and tickets used in Malta. The cost per trip varies from €1.50 to €2. Tickets can be bought either online, from the booth machines or once you hop on the bus. Buses operate daily between 05:30 and 23:00. Further information can be found at www.publictransport.com.mt. From the Main Bus terminal in Victoria, walk down Main Gate street onto Republic Street. Walk for 350m down to The Duke shopping complex and take the lift to the reception on the 4th floor.

The Duke Boutique Hotel is situated in the heart of Victoria and enjoys excellent views all around the island. The owners, Jason & Sharon Galea are long standing friends of SwimTrek and having hosted our trips to Gozo since 2010. They have an excellent understanding of your needs during this trip. Guests can choose from 5 distinctly designed room types and suites in this 4-star boutique hotel, many commanding magnificent views of the Citadel or the Villa Rundle Gardens. Room choices include standard and garden view rooms, or alternatively, there is the option to upgrade to a jacuzzi terrace room, junior suite or presidential suite, which are available upon request.

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation and Trip Extension Options

If you would like to extend your stay in Gozo and need to book additional nights’ accommodation before or after your trip, please contact Jason & Sharon directly via: info@thedukehotelgozo.com.

If you have the time extend your stay in Malta to explore its rich heritage including the iconic walled city of Mdina and the attractive waterfront of Valletta.

Meals

Three breakfasts are included during your trip, as well as lunch on Days 2 and 3 . Other meals are at your own expense. This gives you a fantastic opportunity to explore and experience the local cafes and restaurants of your choice in Victoria over the course of your trip. In Gozo, the average price of a meal in a local restaurant is approximately €15-25.

For more information on any of the following sections please visit the Travel Advice page of our website:

Money, Extra Expenses and Tipping

You should bring extra money with you to cover such items as lunches, dinners, drinks, entertainment, souvenirs, etc. The local currency in Malta is the Euro (€). You can exchange currency at the hotel or withdraw money at ATMs that can be found on Republic Street, where the Duke Boutique Hotel is based. Please note a tourist tax will need to be paid on location, currently €0.50 per person per night.

In some countries tipping, gratuities, is not part of the culture in others it has become an expected norm. We believe that tipping is entirely at your discretion. If you have been provided with excellent service it may be something you wish to do. Your SwimTrek Guides can advise on local norms for service providers like boat crew, waiters or taxis. Nothing is expected for your SwimTrek Guides but many groups like to present something to the Guides at the end of the trip.

Passports and Visas

Malta is part of the European Union. Non-residents of Malta require a full passport to enter the country, which should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. Citizens of all EU member states, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand do not require a visa to enter Malta. Please note that visa regulations are subject to change and we advise you check visa requirements prior to travel.

Travel Insurance

We consider comprehensive travel insurance to be essential, and we strongly recommend that you purchase insurance which includes, but is not limited to, cover for illness, accident, emergency repatriation, ambulance, air ambulance, helicopter rescue services, cancellation, lost luggage and delays. Your travel insurance should also cover you for open water swimming and any other activity listed in your trip itinerary (including races and competitions, where applicable). Please read your policy details carefully and remember to take them with you on your trip for your own reference. For further information about travel insurance, please visit: www.swimtrek.com/travel-insurance.

Health Information and Recommended Vaccinations

For comprehensive health information for people travelling to Malta, including all recommended and required vaccinations, please visit Travel Health Pro. Please note that this information is subject to change and you should re-check this site regularly prior to your trip.

Travel Plugs & Electricity

For a useful source of information on the different electrical outlets, electrical plugs, and electric sockets, please visit worldstandards.eu.