Top Malta Dive Sites: A Complete Guide for Divers
Diving in Malta is like stepping into another world, and Malta dive sites offer some of the most stunning underwater adventures you’ll find. With crystal-clear waters, fascinating wrecks, and vibrant marine life, it’s a destination perfect for divers of all levels.
What I love about Malta is how accessible it is. Just pick a site, gear up, and let the underwater world show you what it has to offer.
This guide will take you through Malta’s top dive sites, what marine life to look for, the best times to visit, and tips to make your dives smooth and safe.
Let’s dive in!
Top Dive Sites in Malta
Cirkewwa
Cirkewwa is one of Malta’s most iconic dive sites, located on the northern tip of the island. It’s famous for its vibrant marine life, dramatic underwater landscapes, and accessible wrecks that appeal to divers of all skill levels.
Highlights
- Wrecks: Explore the Rozi Tugboat and the P29 Patrol Boat, sitting at depths of 20–35 meters.
- Reefs: Swim through colorful reefs teeming with marine life like groupers, moray eels, and schools of bream.
- Madonna Statue: A shallow, serene dive perfect for beginners.
Diving Conditions
- Depth: 5 to 35 meters (16–115 feet).
- Currents: Mild to moderate, depending on the day.
- Visibility: Excellent, up to 30 meters (100 feet).
What You’ll See
Cirkewwa offers a mix of wreck diving and reef exploration. The Rozi Tugboat and P29 Patrol Boat have become artificial reefs, attracting an array of marine life.
Expect to see barracudas cruising by, nudibranchs hiding in the coral, and even the occasional stingray gliding across the sandy seabed. The Madonna Statue adds a unique and peaceful touch to your dive.
Tips for Cirkewwa
- Arrive Early: The site can get crowded later in the day.
- Check the Weather: Strong winds can bring challenging currents.
- Bring a Torch: Explore the wreck interiors safely and spot hidden marine life.
Who Can Dive Here?
Cirkewwa is beginner-friendly, especially around the Madonna Statue and the shallow reefs. However, the wrecks are better suited for intermediate to advanced divers due to their depth.
Blue Hole (Gozo)
The Blue Hole is one of Malta’s most breathtaking dive sites, located near Dwejra Bay on the island of Gozo. This natural rock formation leads to a dramatic underwater world of arches, caves, and sheer drops, making it a favorite among experienced divers seeking adventure.
Highlights
- Underwater Arch: A stunning natural arch that creates a picturesque swim-through.
- Chimney: A vertical tunnel leading divers from 6 meters down to 16 meters.
- Open Water Drop-Off: Descend into the deep blue and experience the vastness of the ocean.
Diving Conditions
- Depth: 5 to 50 meters (16–164 feet).
- Currents: Mild to strong, especially around the open sea.
- Visibility: Exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters (100 feet).
What You’ll See
The underwater landscape is as dramatic as it gets. Start your dive in the shallow Blue Hole itself, which is sheltered and easy to enter. As you move through the archway, the reef walls are covered in colorful sponges and corals.
Keep an eye out for groupers, octopuses, and schools of barracuda patrolling the area. Venturing deeper, you might spot amberjacks or tuna passing by.
Tips for the Blue Hole
- Use a Guide: They’ll help you navigate the chimney and open sea safely.
- Plan Your Dive: Depth and currents make this better suited for experienced divers.
- Bring a Camera: The natural light filtering through the arch creates incredible photo opportunities.
Who Can Dive Here?
The Blue Hole is best for intermediate to advanced divers. Its depth, open-sea element, and occasional currents require good buoyancy control and confidence underwater.
Um El Faroud Wreck
The Um El Faroud is one of Malta’s most impressive wreck dives. This former oil tanker, which sank in 1998 after a gas explosion, has transformed into a massive artificial reef and a haven for marine life.
Located off the coast of Wied iz-Zurrieq, it offers a rewarding experience for advanced divers.
Highlights
- Massive Wreck: The ship is 115 meters (377 feet) long, providing plenty to explore.
- Artificial Reef: Home to a wide range of marine life, from small reef fish to larger predators.
- Photogenic Features: The ship’s bridge, propeller, and cargo holds make for stunning visuals.
Diving Conditions
- Depth: 15 to 36 meters (50–118 feet).
- Currents: Mild, but can be stronger at depth.
- Visibility: Excellent, up to 30 meters (100 feet).
What You’ll See
As you descend, the wreck looms into view, covered in soft corals and sponges. The ship is teeming with life, including scorpionfish, groupers, and schools of damselfish. Barracudas often patrol the area, and nudibranchs can be spotted in the nooks and crannies of the wreck.
The wreck’s size allows for extended exploration. Divers can swim through the cargo holds, inspect the engine room, or marvel at the towering propeller. It’s an eerie yet fascinating dive that feels like stepping into a time capsule.
Tips for the Um El Faroud
- Dive with a Buddy: The size and depth of the wreck make teamwork essential.
- Bring a Torch: The interior of the ship is dark and holds plenty of hidden surprises.
- Mind Your Limits: Ensure you’re comfortable with deep dives and have proper training for wreck penetration.
Who Can Dive Here?
The Um El Faroud is best suited for advanced divers due to its depth and complexity. If you’re not certified for deep dives, consider exploring the area around the wreck instead.
Blue Lagoon (Comino)
The Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s most picturesque and beginner-friendly dive sites. Located between the islands of Comino and Cominotto, its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life make it a perfect spot for relaxed, shallow dives.
Highlights
- Shallow Depths: Ideal for beginners and snorkelers, with depths ranging from 5 to 15 meters.
- Vibrant Marine Life: Colorful fish, octopuses, and sea stars thrive in the lagoon.
- Incredible Visibility: The lagoon’s turquoise waters are famously clear.
Diving Conditions
- Depth: 5 to 15 meters (16–50 feet).
- Currents: Usually mild, making it safe for newer divers.
- Visibility: Excellent, up to 30 meters (100 feet).
What You’ll See
The Blue Lagoon’s sandy seabed is dotted with patches of seagrass, providing a habitat for a variety of marine species. You’ll encounter colorful wrasses, damselfish, and maybe even a shy seahorse hiding among the grass.
The area’s shallow caves and rocky outcrops are great spots to explore, often harboring octopuses and small moray eels.
The lagoon’s calm waters make it an excellent place to hone your skills or simply enjoy a leisurely dive. For those more experienced, nearby sites such as the Santa Maria Caves offer a bit more adventure while still being accessible.
Tips for the Blue Lagoon
- Go Early: The lagoon can get crowded with boats and swimmers later in the day.
- Bring a Snorkel: When you’re not diving, the surface views are just as stunning.
- Stay Sun-Safe: There’s little shade on Comino, so reef-safe sunscreen is a must.
Who Can Dive Here?
The Blue Lagoon is perfect for beginners, as well as experienced divers looking for a relaxed, scenic dive. It’s also a great choice for families or groups with mixed skill levels.
Inland Sea (Gozo)
The Inland Sea is a unique dive site located in Dwejra, Gozo. This natural lagoon connects to the open sea through a long underwater tunnel, offering divers a truly distinctive experience.
The combination of geological formations and diverse marine life makes it a must-see for adventurous divers.
Highlights
- Underwater Tunnel: A dramatic 80-meter passage leading to open waters.
- Stunning Scenery: Sheer walls and vibrant reefs await on the other side of the tunnel.
- Serene Lagoon: Perfect for surface intervals or snorkelers in your group.
Diving Conditions
- Depth: 5 to 30 meters (16–100 feet).
- Currents: Mild inside the lagoon but can be stronger in the open sea.
- Visibility: Excellent, up to 30 meters (100 feet).
What You’ll See
The dive begins in the shallow lagoon, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. As you enter the tunnel, the light dims, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere. At the end of the tunnel, you emerge into the open sea, greeted by vertical walls covered in corals, sponges, and schools of fish.
Marine life here is diverse—you might spot groupers, bream, and parrotfish near the reef, while barracudas and jacks roam the deeper waters. The tunnel walls often hide octopuses and colorful nudibranchs, so take your time as you pass through.
Tips for the Inland Sea
- Stay Calm in the Tunnel: It’s a long swim, so conserve your air and pace yourself.
- Bring a Torch: Lighting up the tunnel reveals hidden marine life and adds to the experience.
- Check the Weather: Rough seas can make the open-water portion challenging.
Who Can Dive Here?
The Inland Sea is suitable for intermediate divers due to the depth and the tunnel’s enclosed nature. Beginners can still enjoy the lagoon area, but the full dive is best experienced with some prior experience.
Marine Life to Discover
Malta’s waters are a vibrant mix of colorful reefs, fascinating creatures, and larger pelagic species. Whether you’re diving shallow lagoons or deep wrecks, the marine life here is diverse and captivating.
Common Marine Life
- Groupers: Often seen around reefs and wrecks, these large fish are a staple of Malta’s waters.
- Octopuses and Cuttlefish: Masters of camouflage, they hide in rocky crevices and sandy seabeds.
- Moray Eels: Found peeking out from holes, these eels are a common sight around reefs.
- Nudibranchs: Tiny, colorful sea slugs add vibrant pops of color to the underwater landscape.
Pelagic Species
- Barracudas: Found in deeper waters near wrecks like the Um El Faroud.
- Tuna and Amberjacks: Fast-moving and thrilling to watch, they cruise along reef edges.
- Stingrays: Glide gracefully over sandy seabeds, often spotted during warmer months.
Reef Life
- Soft Corals and Sponges: Covering the reef walls, these create a colorful backdrop.
- Seagrass Beds: Essential habitats for smaller species, including seahorses and juvenile fish.
- Crabs and Shrimps: Hiding in cracks and crevices, these tiny creatures are easy to miss but worth looking for.
Seasonal Highlights
- Spring and Summer: Seahorses become more common in seagrass beds, while stingrays and jellyfish are often seen.
- Autumn and Winter: Cooler waters bring excellent visibility and chances to spot larger fish near the wrecks.
Rare Encounters
- Sea Turtles: Occasionally spotted gliding through the open water.
- Dolphins: Rare but magical to see, usually in deeper areas away from crowded dive sites.
Tips for Spotting Marine Life
- Stay Calm: Marine life is more likely to approach when you move slowly and avoid sudden movements.
- Scan the Environment: Look closely at reef walls and seagrass beds for smaller, camouflaged creatures.
- Be Patient: Take your time; the best sightings often come to those who linger and observe.
Best Time to Dive in Malta
Malta offers year-round diving, but the experience varies with the seasons. Understanding the seasonal conditions can help you pick the best time for your visit based on your preferences and skill level.
Spring (April–June)
- Conditions: Mild water temperatures (16–20°C / 61–68°F) and fewer crowds.
- Visibility: Excellent, often exceeding 30 meters.
- Marine Life: Seahorses and juvenile fish are more active as the water warms up.
- Best For: Divers who enjoy calm conditions and quieter dive sites.
Summer (July–September)
- Conditions: Warmest water temperatures (23–26°C / 73–79°F) and peak tourist season.
- Visibility: Consistently great, with calm seas most of the time.
- Marine Life: The reefs are bustling with life, and you’re likely to see barracudas, stingrays, and octopuses.
- Best For: Beginners and photographers looking for the clearest and most comfortable conditions.
Autumn (October–November)
- Conditions: Water remains warm (21–24°C / 70–75°F) with fewer visitors than in summer.
- Visibility: Outstanding, making it ideal for exploring wrecks and reefs.
- Marine Life: Seasonal species like jellyfish and migrating fish are often spotted.
- Best For: Divers seeking top-notch visibility without the summer crowds.
Winter (December–March)
- Conditions: Cooler water temperatures (14–16°C / 57–61°F) but still diveable with proper exposure suits.
- Visibility: Excellent, as the cooler water minimizes algae growth.
- Marine Life: Less active, but you can still see moray eels, groupers, and some pelagic species.
- Best For: Experienced divers comfortable with colder conditions and quieter sites.
Tips for Choosing the Right Season
- Crowd Levels: Summer is busiest, so book early or opt for spring/autumn for a quieter experience.
- Gear Up: Bring a 5mm wetsuit for spring/autumn and a 7mm or drysuit for winter.
- Plan Ahead: Check dive site conditions, as winter winds may impact accessibility.
Malta’s year-round diveability is one of its biggest strengths, but each season offers a slightly different perspective on the underwater world.
Tips for Diving in Malta
Diving in Malta is a rewarding experience, but a bit of preparation can go a long way in ensuring safety, comfort, and maximum enjoyment.
Choose the Right Dive Site
- Match your skill level to the site’s conditions. For beginners, places like the Blue Lagoon are perfect. Experienced divers might prefer the deeper wrecks, such as the Um El Faroud.
- Research each site’s accessibility and features before diving. Some, like the Blue Hole, may require a guide for safe navigation.
Gear Up Properly
- Rent or Bring Your Own Gear: Dive shops are plentiful in Malta, offering reliable rental gear. However, if you’re more comfortable with your own equipment, bring it along.
- Exposure Suits: Wetsuits or drysuits are essential depending on the season. A 5mm wetsuit works for spring/autumn, while winter may require a 7mm suit or a drysuit.
Book with Certified Dive Centers
- Always dive with a reputable and licensed dive center. They’ll provide professional guides, reliable gear, and insights into local conditions.
- Check reviews and ensure the center adheres to safety standards.
Check Weather Conditions
- Maltese waters are generally calm, but wind and currents can sometimes make conditions challenging.
- Avoid diving after storms or in rough seas, especially at open-water sites like the Blue Hole or Inland Sea.
Maximize Your Experience
- Bring a camera: Malta’s underwater visibility is perfect for capturing stunning photos of wrecks and marine life.
- Go early: Sites like the Blue Lagoon and Cirkewwa can get busy later in the day. An early start ensures a more peaceful dive.
Conclusion
Malta’s dive sites are a treasure trove of underwater wonders, offering something for every type of diver. From the shallow, vibrant waters of the Blue Lagoon to the haunting depths of the Um El Faroud wreck, each site has its own unique charm and challenges.
Take your time to plan the perfect trip—choose the season that suits your diving style, gear up properly, and respect the marine environment. Diving here isn’t just about adventure; it’s about connecting with the ocean and appreciating its beauty.
So, pack your gear, book a flight, and dive into the magic of Malta. There’s a world waiting beneath the surface, and it’s yours to explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
