Manoel Island SUP Adventure

If you’re looking to combine sightseeing, a bit of adventure, and a splash of relaxation, the Manoel Island SUP Adventure might just be your next favorite activity in Malta. While I haven’t personally paddled around this historic spot, reviews and detailed descriptions suggest it offers a balanced mix of fun, scenic beauty, and cultural insight—all from the perspective of a stand-up paddleboard.

What truly stands out about this tour is the chance to see Manoel Island, Fort Manoel, and Valletta from a new angle, along with the relaxed break for swimming and snorkeling in Sliema. Plus, the guides seem knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience accessible for all levels of paddlers. One thing to keep in mind is that this is a relatively short, 2-hour adventure, so it’s perfect if you’re tight on time but still craving a memorable Maltese sea experience. It’s best suited for active travelers who enjoy water activities and want an authentic, scenic outing without overextending their schedule.

Good To Know

• Scenic Exploration: Paddle around Manoel Island with views of Valletta and Fort Manoel.
• Relaxing Breaks: Stop in Sliema to snorkel, swim, and unwind in the water.
• Expert Guidance: Led by an ASI SUP rescue certified instructor, with friendly local guides.
• All Equipment Provided: High-quality gear, including board, paddle, leash, and lifejacket.
• Photo Memories: Participants receive high-quality photos to remember the trip.
• Suitable for All Levels: From beginners to experienced paddlers, activity is designed to be fun and easy.

Discover Malta from the Water: An Overview

The Manoel Island SUP Adventure offers a refreshing way to explore Malta’s coast and history in a single session. Starting at the Manoel Island Slipway, the tour begins with a quick but comprehensive introduction to stand-up paddleboarding. This part is especially valuable for beginners or those who haven’t tried SUP before, as the guide ensures everyone feels confident before hitting the water.

Once paddling starts, you’re taken on a leisurely tour around Manoel Island, a site that’s both picturesque and historically significant. The island is home to Fort Manoel, a star-shaped fortress dating back to the 18th century, which provides an eye-catching backdrop for photos. As one reviewer mentioned, “Tibor, our guide, was really friendly and passionate, sharing interesting tidbits about what we were seeing,” which helps bring the experience alive.

The highlight is the opportunity to get a different perspective on this well-known Maltese landmark, without the crowds and noise of land-based touring. The tour also includes stops for swimming and snorkeling in the waters of Sliema, giving you time to cool off and enjoy Malta’s inviting sea. Whether you’re capturing photos of Valletta’s skyline or relaxing on your board, the mix of sightseeing and leisure makes it a well-rounded outing.

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What to Expect on the Tour

The tour begins at the Manoel Island Slipway, where you’ll meet your instructor and fellow participants. The group is small (limited to seven people), which means personalized attention and a more relaxed vibe. The instructor, fluent in English and Hungarian, walks you through paddleboarding techniques, making the experience accessible whether you’re a seasoned paddler or trying it for the first time.

Once ready, the group sets off to cruise around Manoel Island, often described as a “harbor tour” that’s both scenic and informative. Expect to paddle past the impressive fortifications of Fort Manoel, with plenty of photo opportunities—many visitors find the views of Valletta’s skyline especially striking.

Throughout the journey, the guide might offer tips to improve your paddling technique, and there’s ample chance to try tricks or even practice yoga poses on the board if you’re feeling adventurous. The pace is gentle, allowing you to soak in the scenery, enjoy the sea breeze, and take in the historical landmarks from the water.

Midway, the tour makes a stop in Sliema. Here, you are encouraged to snorkel, swim, and relax. Reviewers note that these breaks are well-timed and add a lot of value, especially for those hot afternoons. One reviewer, Inga, called it “a harbor tour on a paddleboard” with “time for swimming and snorkeling,” which she found fantastic.

Finally, the tour concludes back at the starting point, with the added bonus of receiving high-quality photos capturing your paddleboarding moments. This is particularly appreciated, as it allows you to relive the experience later or share some impressive shots with friends.

The Equipment and Guide

All necessary gear is provided, including boards, paddles, leashes, and lifejackets—meaning you won’t need to worry about bringing your own. The instructor, certified by ASI for SUP rescue, is both knowledgeable and friendly, making safety, technique, and fun the priorities.

Participants rave about the instructor Tibor, with one review mentioning, “He was a really interesting guy telling us things about what we were seeing,” which adds an extra layer of engagement to the session. The small group size fosters a relaxed environment where everyone can ask questions and receive tailored guidance.

The included high-quality photos are a thoughtful addition, allowing you to capture the stunning scenery and your paddling skills without any extra effort or cost.

The Practicalities: Price, Duration, and What to Bring

At $56 per person, the tour offers good value considering the equipment, instruction, scenic experience, and photos included. The 2-hour duration makes it an ideal half-day activity, especially if you’re exploring Malta and want a break from land-based sightseeing.

Since transportation to the meeting point at Manoel Island Slipway is not included, you’ll want to plan how you’ll get there. The spot is easy to find on Google Maps, and it’s worth arriving a few minutes early to get ready and settle in.

What you should bring: hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and water. The activity is suitable for all levels of experience, but participants should be comfortable in water—non-swimmers or those over 70 may want to reconsider. The tour isn’t suitable for children under 12 or people with back problems.

Why This Tour Is a Great Choice

What makes the Manoel Island SUP Adventure stand out is how it combines active exploration with relaxing sea breaks. You’ll enjoy picturesque views of Valletta and Fort Manoel, learn a new skill, and be guided by friendly, professional instructors who care about safety and fun.

The fact that reviews highlight the guides’ knowledge and enthusiasm adds confidence that this will be a memorable, well-led experience. Plus, the opportunity to snorkel and swim in Malta’s clear waters means you get a full mini-vacation experience in just two hours.

If you love being on the water, want to see Malta from a fresh angle, and enjoy small-group adventures, this tour is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for those seeking a light, engaging, and scenic activity that combines physical activity with sightseeing.

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Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This?

This SUP adventure is ideal for active travelers, curious explorers, and anyone eager to add a splash of excitement to their Malta trip. It’s especially suitable if you’re interested in combining cultural sights with outdoor fun—from the historic fortress walls to the vibrant waters of Sliema.

Beginners will appreciate the comprehensive paddleboarding intro, while experienced paddlers will enjoy refining techniques and taking photos of the stunning scenery. The small group setting ensures that everyone feels comfortable and gets personalized attention, making it a safe and enjoyable activity for all.

While it’s a short activity, the blend of scenic views, historical sights, and water relaxation makes it a surprisingly immersive and worthwhile experience. If you’re eager for a memorable, active way to see Malta’s coast, this paddleboarding tour might just be the highlight of your trip.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour includes an introduction to basic SUP paddling techniques, making it accessible for beginners and those new to paddleboarding.

What should I bring with me?
Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and water. The activity is outdoors and sunny, so being prepared is key.

Can I snorkel during the tour?
Absolutely. The tour includes a stop in Sliema for snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing in the water.

Are high-quality photos included?
Yes, participants receive high-quality photos capturing their paddleboarding experience.

What is the meeting point?
The meeting point is at Manoel Island Slipway, which can be found easily on Google Maps.

How long is the tour?
The activity lasts around 2 hours, including paddling, stops, and relaxing breaks.

Is the activity suitable for children?
It’s best for children over 12 years old; younger children or non-swimmers might find it less suitable.

Is transportation included?
No, transportation to and from the start point is not included, so plan accordingly.

To sum it up, the Manoel Island SUP Adventure provides a fantastic way to see Malta’s coast from a different angle, blending history, scenery, and water fun in a compact, well-organized package. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned paddler, it offers a scenic escape that’s both memorable and easy to fit into a day’s itinerary. With friendly guides, gorgeous views, and the chance to snorkel, it’s a worthwhile addition to any Malta trip that values authentic, active experiences.

You can check if your dates are available here: