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Have you heard of Ta’ Marija Cave? It’s a stunning sea cave near Gnejna Bay in Malta. It’s easiest to reach it by water, which makes it ideal for kayaking.
Written by Laura Jasenaite, Malta travel expert with 15+ years living on the islands.
I’ve lived in Malta since 2011. Kayaking is an activity I really enjoy, and I often rent a kayak to have a great day out with my friends.
I recently visited Ta’ Marija Cave and loved it. Now, I want to share some tips so you can have a great kayaking adventure to Ta’ Marija Cave in Gnejna.
My favourite time to go is at sunset. You get the sunset views, and the light shines right inside the cave. A few times I got off the kayak and swam inside the cave. It’s one of my favourite swims in Malta.
The cave is on the west side of Malta, between Gnejna Beach and Fomm ir-Rih Bay. The best way to reach Ta’ Marija Cave is by kayak.
You can walk to the cave too. But it’s hard to find, and it can be slippery and dangerous if the sea is wavy. (More on this below.)
In this guide, I will give you all the information you need to plan your kayaking trip to the Ta’ Marija cave.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Quick answer: Ta’ Marija Cave is a sea cave on Malta’s west coast, near Gnejna Bay. The best way to get there is by kayak from Gnejna beach. It takes about 30 to 40 minutes, and a double kayak costs around €15 an hour. Boats can’t go in because the water is too shallow. Only go into the cave when the sea is calm.
Gnejna Bay is one of the stops in my 7-Day Itinerary
I’ve mapped out exactly when to visit Gnejna Bay alongside the rest of Malta – with clear routes, best visit times, location links, restaurant tips, and zero stress.
Get the guideGetting to Ta’ Marija Cave, Gnejna
To get to the cave from Gnejna Bay, it takes around 30 to 40 minutes, depending on how fast you paddle. Don’t worry if you’re not a pro kayaker – the journey is suitable for beginners too.
It does take some energy and time, though. If you haven’t kayaked before, take it slowly and rest on the way.
It’s best to rent a kayak at Gnejna Bay. There’s a rental place on the beach, open from 9 am to 7 pm. They’re open till sunset on summer weekends. Call to confirm hours and plan a sunset kayak trip.
They offer single or double kayaks. Additionally, they provide life vests and tips for finding the cave.
A double kayak usually costs around €15 an hour (checked October 2026). Prices can go up, so ask before you set off.
Ta’ Marija Cave at a glance (checked October 2026):
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Where | West coast of Malta, between Gnejna Bay and Fomm ir-Riħ Bay |
| How to get there | By kayak from Gnejna beach (boats can’t go in) |
| Paddle time | About 30 to 40 minutes each way |
| Kayak rental | Around €15 an hour for a double kayak; you pay when you come back |
| Rental hours | 9 am to 7 pm; until sunset on summer weekends |
| Best time | Sunset, or early morning in summer |
| Go inside only if | The sea is calm |
Getting to Gnejna Bay
Gnejna Bay is part of a trio of beaches – Golden Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, and Gnejna Bay. They’re all separated by clay cliffs and rocky hills.
The easiest way to reach Gnejna Bay is by car. There is a large parking lot, making it easy to find a spot.
The car park is free. If you don’t have a car, take a cab. If you’re renting a car for your trip, you can compare car hire prices on Discover Cars.
Taking the bus is a bit of a hassle. It will take you to Mgarr, and then you have to walk for 25 minutes to reach Gnejna Bay.
If you’re up for it and the weather’s not too hot, consider hiking from Ghajn Tuffieha to Gnejna Bay.
You can get to Ghajn Tuffieha by bus and take a 30-40 minute walk along the coast with stunning views. Interested? I have a detailed guide for that.
There are a few places to eat on the beach. They’re very casual: think burgers, chips and sandwiches.
- Location: link to Google Maps
- Nearest bus stop: Mgarr, 25 minutes away. If you want to hike from Ghajn Tuffieha, start at the bus stop Riviera
- Frequency of the buses: every hour or less
- Parking available: car park next to the beach (free)
Can you walk or take a boat to Ta’ Marija Cave?
Boat trips don’t go into Ta’ Marija Cave. The water is too shallow. A kayak is the way in.
Some people hike down to the cave. I’ve never done it, and I don’t know the route, so I keep it for kayaking. I also heard on the news that people got stuck in the cave after a hike and needed help. If you want to see the inside, go by kayak.
You also can’t rent a paddle board at Gnejna, only kayaks. If you have your own board, see my paddle boarding guide for other spots.
Best Time to Visit
Summer days can get very hot. To avoid this, it’s best to kayak in the morning. Start at 9 a.m. This way, you’ll avoid the worst heat and still have time to explore.
Another option is to go in the late afternoon, around 5-6 pm. You will also see the stunning colours of the golden hour.
This is my favourite. At sunset the light shines right into the cave. If you love sunsets, here are my other best places to see the sunset in Malta.
If you’re planning to visit Ta’ Marija Cave in spring or autumn, you can go kayaking pretty much any time during the day. Just keep an eye on the waves – if it’s too choppy, it can be dangerous to go inside the cave.
But don’t worry. You don’t have to figure it out alone if the weather is good. The rental shop is there to help. You can give them a call in the morning or even the day before, and they’ll let you know if the weather is good for visiting the cave.
Add Gnejna to a stress-free week
My 7-Day Itinerary tells you when to go to Gnejna Bay and what to pair it with, with routes, timings and where to eat.
Get the guideKayaking to Ta’ Marija Cave, Gnejna
It takes around 30-40 minutes to paddle to the cave, but that’s not super exhausting. I’d suggest renting the kayak for an hour and a half or two hours.
The great thing about the rental shop is that you can grab a kayak, go out, and pay when you return, based on how long you were out there.
Let the rental shop know that you are going to the cave so they can advise if it’s safe, warn you about the waves or currents.
Save the rental shop’s phone number before you go. Put your phone in a dry bag. If you get caught out by the waves or get too tired, call them. They come out by boat to pick you up.
And don’t forget to wear a life jacket. If you happen to fall out of the kayak, the water is deep, so it’s better to be protected.
When the waves are high, it’s risky to enter the cave because of the danger of water flowing in. But, despite not being able to go in, it’s enjoyable to kayak around and admire the cave from afar.
If the water is calm, it’s safe to enter the cave and even get out of the kayak for a swim.
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I want it!Exploring Ta’ Marija Cave
When the sea is calm, you can easily paddle into the cave. Then, you can lift your kayak onto the rocks. After that, you’re free to swim and snorkel. The water is crystal clear, allowing you to see many fish.
You might spot some sea bass swimming around, and if you’re really lucky, you could even see an octopus.
If the sea is wavy, it’s better not to enter the cave. It can get a bit dangerous with the waves crashing in.
Bring your phone with a dry bag to take photos. Capture the sun rays in the cave or the water reflections.
Want to kayak into another sea cave? In the north, near Mellieħa, you can paddle into Coral Lagoon. A popular option is this 2-hour self-guided kayak trip to Coral Lagoon. You can book it ahead, and you can cancel up to 24 hours before.
Returning Back to Gnejna Bay
When returning from the cave, stay to the right. You’ll spot rocky bays. You can easily paddle through. The water is very calm, ideal for relaxing or swimming.
You can also cross the bay and visit the clay cliffs. There’s a small, often empty beach. It’s hard to reach by foot, as you need to descend slippery cliffs. Last time I went, we had the place to ourselves.
After exploring the secret beach, head back along the coast to Gnejna Bay. You’ll pass another rocky area, Ta’ Babu Cove. People often swim and sunbathe there.
From there, it’s a short 10-minute paddle back to Gnejna beach.
Ta’ Marija Cave: FAQ
I hope you enjoyed this guide and you will plan a kayaking trip to the Ta’ Marija Cave. Wear a life jacket and take guidance from the rental shop. As you paddle into the cave, you’ll have the chance to swim and explore the beautiful nearby bays.
If you enjoy water activities, feel free to explore my guides to the best snorkelling spots, paddle boarding locations, and scuba diving adventures.
Planning your week in Malta?
Gnejna Bay is one stop. My 7-Day Itinerary plans all seven days, with routes, timings, where to eat and how to get around.
Get the guideMore water activities and the wider trip plan are in my Malta travel guide for first-timers.
