For most people looking to visit Malta, its attractiveness is largely down to its warm weather, its many beaches and rich history. However, beneath the surface lies another world worth exploring, with Malta widely considered to be one of the best diving destinations in the Mediterranean thanks to some breathtaking underwater landscapes and rich marine biodiversity.
Additionally, Malta’s warm climate allows the possibility of diving all year round, with water temperatures averaging roughly 15°C in winter and 26°C in summer.
The Attractions
One of the main attractions is the abundance of wrecks. Many of these are relics from World War II, with ships, planes, and submarines scattered across the seabed, creating opportunities for historical exploration. More recent wrecks have been deliberately sunk to form artificial reefs, attracting an array of marine life and creating underwater ecosystems. Some of the most popular wrecks include the MV Rozi, a tugboat sitting close to Cirkewwa, and the HMS Maori, a WWII destroyer that rests in shallower waters near Valletta, accessible to all levels of divers.
The Blue Hole in Gozo, perhaps Malta’s most famous dive site, is a naturally-formed limestone pool that connects to the open sea through a large underwater archway. Divers can explore its colourful vertical walls and it’s not uncommon to encounter various types of marine life, such as parrotfish, sea bream and groupers as you descend.
Other highlights include the Santa Maria Caves near Comino, which host plenty of marine life and offer exciting swim-throughs to explore.
Marine Life
Marine life around Malta is diverse, with plenty of species to spot on every dive. Common sightings include octopus, cuttlefish, moray eels, groupers and barracuda. During certain times of the year, you could even encounter larger species like tuna or amberjack and the clear waters and healthy reefs make for great underwater photography opportunities.
Dive Challenge Levels
Beginners can start off by exploring the island’s shallow reefs, with deeper and more technical dives available to the more experienced divers. Some of the most popular of the shallow reefs can be found at Ghar Lapsi, Qawra Reef - which starts off shallow but also offers a gradual descent, Zurrieq Reef - near the famous Blue Grotto, and Anchor Bay, close to Popeye Village in Mellieha, this site offers divers the chance to encounter small fish and other marine creatures.
For those looking for more challenging dives, Malta is the ideal location for technical diving. The island’s deep wrecks, underwater caves, and vertical walls offer ideal conditions for decompression dives and wreck penetration. One of the must-see sites is the wreck of the HMS Stubborn, a British submarine, which is perfect for experienced divers looking for a challenge.
Many of Malta’s dive sites are conveniently accessible from the shore, making it easy to explore the underwater world without the need for boat transfers. For example Cirkewwa, with its range of wrecks and reefs, is among the most popular shore dives in Malta. For those willing to venture further, boat dives open up even more possibilities, including visits to remote sites around Comino or lesser-known areas off Gozo.
Malta as a Diving Destination
This blend of culture, history, and varied sites makes Malta a truly unique destination for diving enthusiasts. Whether you’re drawn by the promise of exploring shipwrecks, navigating through underwater caves, or simply enjoying the vibrant marine life, Malta offers an unparalleled diving experience in the heart of the Mediterranean.
