A Magical Paddle from Gozo to Circumnavigate Comino

After 7 months of isolation in Jersey (2020-21) it was possible with restrictions and bureaucracy to return to the Netherlands in June and visit family in England in August and October. At the end of October, I flew to the virtually Covid free Malta for a week’s kayaking holiday with eleven fellow paddlers from the Jersey Canoe Club.

Comino seen from the air. To the left is Gozo, so the paddle was across the channel with the obvious boat passing through. The lighter coloured water between the two smaller islands is the Blue Lagoon.

Gozo lies to the Northwest of Malta, with Comino Island between. On two of the days, we circumnavigated Comino and on the other days we explored the spectacular Gozitan limestone coast. All the paddles were memorable, however, this second trip to Comino was magical.

A small but iconic arch on the south side of Comino. I worry it will go the same way as the Azzure Window on Gozo. It was still there the last time I paddled past in March 2025.

Alighting from the slip at Hondoq, Gozo, we crossed the North Comino Channel paddling through the Blue Lagoon, where we’d swam three days earlier. Avoiding the squall around the western headland of the Cominotto we headed through a stone archway into the Crystal Lagoon investigating sculptured caves and inlets.

Heading across the Channel towards Malta. The swell was about to increase significantly in height.\

Our goal to cross the Gozo Channel to Malta at the Coral Lagoon for lunch. It was soon evident with a Force 5 gusting 6 around this northeast peninsular, that this would be impossible. Retracing our route back to Comino we found a protected haven on the southern shore.

The return to the shelter of Comino for lunch, our destination on Malta was a bit too wild.

Under a searing 28° in the sunshine we ate our lunch, Chris, from Kayak Gozo provider suggested a ten-minute walk up the hill to gain a glorious view. Paints in hand I quickly walked to a spot with awe inspiring magical panorama of the lagoons leading to the Cominotto. A quick sketch soon appeared as in the gusting wind I clung onto hat, sketch pad and palette. An overly happy Barry snapped by our Columbian paddler Iris.

A bit of air on the crossing back to Comino.

Just time for a quick swim before continuing the paddle with Louis in our tandem and the other sea kayakers. Continuing eastward along the south coast the Mediterranean rolling waves are just a metre or so, calm compared to our first day’s paddle. The erosion carved coastline is stunning as we paddle parallel, about 200 metres away from sloppy crashing waves fighting to gouge the rocks.

Barry thoroughly enjoying his time on Comino. An opportunity to spend time painting.

Crossing back over the North Comino Channel we power through in our tandem quickly and soon encounter calmer waters of Gozo’s southern coast. From there we paddle westward, returning to the small harbour of Hondoq.

Barry Le Bailly