- Reading
- 3 min
- Access
- boat
- Difficulty
- medium
St. Paul's Islands are two tiny islets in St. Paul's Bay where tradition says St. Paul was shipwrecked in 60 AD. A statue of St. Paul on the larger island. Accessible by kayak or boat.
St. Paul's shipwreck site
Two tiny islets (Selmunett) lie in St. Paul's Bay, about 200 metres from shore. Tradition holds this is where in 60 AD the apostle Paul was shipwrecked during his voyage to Rome, as described in the Acts of the Apostles (chapters 27-28). A statue of St. Paul from 1845 stands on the larger island.
Uninhabited and protected
The islands are uninhabited and protected as a nature reserve. Endemic plant species grow on them, and the rocky shores provide habitat for lizards and seabirds. Landing on the islands is formally prohibited without permission from the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA).
View from shore
The best view of the islands is from the Bugibba promenade or the rocky coastline between Bugibba and Xemxija. You can reach them by kayak (rentals in Bugibba) or excursion boat. The water around the islands is clean and shallow, ideal for snorkelling.
Practical tip: Kayaks for hire in Bugibba (about EUR 15/hour). No landing on the islands. Snorkelling around the islets is excellent (fish, seahorses). The view is free from the Bugibba promenade.
🧠 Test your knowledge
Why are the islands named after St. Paul?
Choose an answer! Check in to earn +10 bonus pts.
Tip
Rent a kayak or small boat from Bugibba (EUR 15-20). Can't land, but swimming around — yes.
Check in here
You haven't created an explorer profile yet
Gallery
Nearby
25 pts~1.6 km · ~20 min
Zigumar Restaurant
A restaurant at the end of the pier in St. Paul's Bay — tables over the water, lobster the size of a helmet. Explorer Piotr fought with tongs and won.
20 pts~1.7 km · ~21 min
St. Paul's Bay — Promenade
St. Paul's Bay — traditionally where the Apostle was shipwrecked in 60 AD. Today a bustling resort with a kilometre-long promenade and views of the island with the saint's statue.
25 pts~1.9 km · ~23 min
Wignacourt Tower (St. Paul's Bay)
Wignacourt Tower (1610) — Malta's oldest surviving watchtower and the prototype for the entire defence system. Now a museum about the history of towers. The only Wignacourt tower open inside.