Clean sea, dozens of caves to explore, and an incredible variety of marine species. Here are 10 perfect diving spots in Malta!
For diving enthusiasts, the Maltese islands are a must. The calm and crystal-clear waters of Malta and Gozo are a diver’s paradise. The extraordinarily rich underwater life, the beauty of the seabed, caves, and wrecks to explore, satisfy even the most demanding divers. There are also several sites suitable for beginners, easily accessible from the shore and ideal for snorkeling and free diving.
What is the best time to dive in Malta and Gozo?
The ideal period is from April to November when the water temperature is around 24 ° C. However, diving in Malta is possible all year round. Even in winter, the water temperature rarely drops below 13 ° C.
Where to dive in Malta and Gozo?
1. Anchor Bay (Malta)
This is a much-visited dive site in the northwestern coastal area of Malta, near the town of Mellieha. The area is famous for hosting Popeye Village, but it also offers interesting scuba diving, especially for beginners. The average water depth is 6 meters and reaches up to 28 meters. You can access the water from the pier in the bay from which you dive into an area whose seabed is made up of some large boulders, where an anchor, a downhill stretch, and even a cave are laid. Among the interesting things to observe, there is also the wreck used during the shooting of the film “Popeye” whose steel hull is still in perfect condition. In the waning area, it is possible to spot octopuses, Tung shells, and some large fish. In the total area, you can also meet parrotfish and sometimes even some moray eels.
2. Carolita Barge (Malta)
Accessible all year round in almost all weather, this scuba diving site in Malta is famous for the wreck of the Carolita Barge, which was sunk because of an air raid in 1942 during the Second World War. The 32-meter long wreck is unique as it is the only remaining of a series of light boats. Besides being easily accessible, it is a must for lovers of WWII wrecks and is still in an area extremely populated by fish that accompany the diver throughout the dive.
3. Cirkewwa (Malta)
In the northern part of the Maltese island is Cirkewwa. This is one of the best scuba diving sites for beginners. It easily accesses from the shore, and for this reason, it is much loved by those who have just started diving. The dive offers the chance to train in a shallow area, but two wrecks, a statue, and a natural rock arch can be seen in the same area. The walls of the arch also have many caves and tunnels to explore. The arch is the most picturesque attraction that highlights the underwater beauty of the area. The maximum depth at this point still reaches 36 meters.
4. Crocodile Rock & Coral Cave (Gozo)
In San Lawrenz, this place is one of Gozo’s most popular diving spots. Crocodile Rock is a rock formation whose peak can already be seen from the coast and which takes its name from its crocodile shape. The boat can approach it and the area reaches a depth of 33 meters, with visibility up to 20 meters. At the beginning of the dive, you cross a shallow coral reef and then go deep down where large boulders scattered on the seafloor are found. Moving to the left of the cliff, you will come to a wonderful place: a cave full of multicolored and sized corals. Remember to bring a torch with you and get ready to be amazed by the beauty of the place where corals, rare fish, sponges, and with a little luck also seahorses and scorpionfish are easily spotted.
5. Delimara (Malta)
At the highest point of the Delimara peninsula, about a 15-minute drive from the village of Marsaxlokk is another perfect spot for diving. This place is suitable for many divers, so both beginners and advanced. Different dives are depending on the level of preparation, but each spot has something interesting to offer. The dive begins with a coral reef a few meters underwater. Going down further, there is a steep jump that allows you to dive up to 25 meters. Down there is a cave and a straight tunnel that leads back to the coral reef. They scatter the lower part with rocks and here you can meet groupers and stingrays, around the cliff if you pay a little attention you might even spot some shy octopus hidden in a hole in the wall.
6. Double Arches (Gozo)
This site, in the northern part of Gozo, is famous for its two natural underwater arches that rise one above the other, but also for its easy access from the shore. They can be reached either by swimming or by boat, about 200 meters from Xwejni bay. The lowest dive point at the end of the arches is 36 meters, but the depth beyond the reef also reaches 45 meters, making it a popular dive for experienced divers. There are also several caves near the arches, and they are all rich in interesting fauna such as schools of cuttlefish, octopus, seahorses, and barracudas.
7. Ahrax Point (Malta)
Let us go back to the Mellieha area where there is another fantastic diving spot. Suitable for all levels of experience, we suggest you reach the place by boat. To access it, you must go through a narrow entrance that is the entrance to a cave. Since there is enough space to let in enough natural light, a multitude of life forms have developed in the cave with many corals and starfish. The place allows you to observe a coral reef rich in flora and fauna, but there is also a descent that leads to a large cave. During the dive, it will be easy to spot red sponges, cardinalfish, and many colorful corals.
8. Um El Faroud (Malta)
Another excellent diving site is near Qrendi in the southwest of Malta, near Weid-iz-Zurrieq, the area of the famous Blue Grotto. Here is the wreck of an oil tanker of about 10,000 tons and 110 meters in length, which can be easily accessed by swimming directly from the coast: the spot is one of the most famous among European divers. It is a very stimulating dive even for the most experienced divers because the maximum depth reaches 36 meters. The tanker was of Libyan nationality and sank because of an accident in 1998. It is therefore a relatively new wreck, but which still hosts a rich fauna including tuna, barracuda, and trevally.
9. Ghar Lapsi (Malta)
Ghar is the Maltese word for cave. Gharl Lapsi is a small fishing community on the south coast of Malta and there are several underwater caves in this area where light easily sneaks through the cracks in the rock, creating beautiful lighting effects. The depth of the seabed varies from 15 to 20 meters and the area is populated by a typical Mediterranean marine fauna. It is a must-visit site for its great charm.
10. Hms Maori (Malta)
Located in the Grand Harbor of Valletta, the Hms Maori is the wreck of a destroyer that sank in St. Elmo’s Bay after they destroyed the engine room in 1942. It covers the whole wreck in underwater fauna and flora, and it is quite easy to enter to explore even the most hidden corners.