Xlendi Watersports

Xlendi Watersports is a family-run water sports centre in Xlendi Bay, the small resort cove on the south-west coast of Gozo. It started as a one-man business with a couple of boats and a few kayaks, and it was established in 1988 by its founder, Louis, who still runs it with his family. Their motto is quality, genuineness and good service.

The centre rents boats you can drive yourself, runs trips to Comino and the Blue Lagoon, takes visitors into the coral caves along the Gozitan coast and hires jet skis and other water toys. It is listed on VisitMalta.co.uk in our directories of water sports in Malta and boat charter in Malta.

Self-drive boats

The self-driven boats are the centre's best-known offer: be your own navigator and explore Comino and Gozo at your own pace. No nautical licence is needed for most of the boats. Prices start from €120 for three hours, and fuel is not included, so you pay for the fuel you use at the end of the hire.

The fleet ranges from 13 feet to 27 feet and carries from 2 to 12 passengers. A boat licence is not required for boats carrying up to six passengers, but a valid boat handling certificate is needed for larger boats. Drivers must be over 18 and show a passport, ID card or credit card to complete a hire agreement. Skippers are available if you would rather not drive. Before you set off you receive a full briefing, an explanation of what to do in difficulty and a detailed map showing anchoring places. Half the fleet is very basic and simple to handle.

Every boat carries EU safety equipment, including buoyancy aids for adults and children, a first aid box, distress flares, a fire extinguisher, an anchor, removable shade canopies and cushions, with a GPS transponder and echo sounder on boats from 60hp upwards. The boat is handed over with a full tank, and the driver must not drink alcohol, although passengers may drink within a limit. Boats named on the booking form include Bacca 20, Lady Naya, Big Boy, Delfino and Voyager.

Trips to Comino, the caves and around Gozo

The newest trip is a shared four-hour guided boat tour around Comino with three swimming stops, taking in the Blue Lagoon and the Crystal Lagoon, from €25. It is suited to families, couples and solo travellers. Our Blue Lagoon guide explains what to expect at Comino's best-known bay.

Private boat trips run from three to six hours around Comino and Gozo and can leave from Xlendi Bay, Mġarr Harbour or Ċirkewwa. Shorter organised trips follow the Gozitan coast to Xlendi's coral caves and the Fungus Rock, past historic watch towers, and there are fishing trips too. Half-day and full-day trips around Comino and Gozo run daily.

Compare this with the other operators in our directory, such as Aloha Boat Charters Malta and Amazing Boat Trips Malta.

Jet skis and water sports

On the activity side, the centre hires jet skis, double and single kayaks, stand up paddle boards, rowing boats and paddle boats with a slide. It also offers crazy sofa rides, wakeboarding and water skiing. Services can be booked at the canoe stand on the right-hand side of Xlendi Bay as well as in advance.

The centre also caters for corporate groups and can help organise a group event. Payment is accepted through Viva Wallet.

Booking and planning your stay

Book ahead, especially in high season, naming the boat you want. A €50 deposit is enough to secure a booking and can be paid by PayPal link, bank transfer or cash at the centre in Xlendi Bay.

If you are planning a stay on the island, see our Gozo guide and hotels in Gozo, then check the Malta weather guide for the best months on the water. The best beaches in Malta guide is useful for rest days. To ask about a hire or a trip, use the VisitMalta.co.uk enquiry form on this page and we will pass your message to Xlendi Watersports, whose team will reply to you directly.