Best Scuba Diving in Malta

Scuba Diving in maltA

A European holiday hot spot, scuba diving in Malta deserves a place on every diver's must-visit list! With a variety of options for every experience level and plenty of topside activities, Malta is the perfect destination for families, friends, and solo travelers.

maltA DIVING HIGHLIGHTS

Malta scuba diving is among the best in Europe and is known for a huge variety of dive sites scattered along the coastline. Few destinations offer such a diverse range of diving experiences, from the fascinating topography and caves of Gozo to the world-famous heritage wrecks that are recognized archaeological sites.

Fascinating underwater topography, thrilling wrecks, caves, and swim-throughs, and a mix of boat and shore diving await in this diving destination. Malta scuba diving is a unique experience with dozens of dive sites to explore.

Interested in another fascinating cave diving destination? Learn more about scuba diving in Riviera Maya, Mexico.

Jump To:

When to Dive Malta - Marine life - Wreck Diving - Shore Diving  -Top Dive Sites - Diving Conditions 

How to Get There - How to Dive Malta - Topside Activities - Practical Information

Where is malta?

Malta is a small island nation located in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Italy and east of Tunisia. Three main islands make up the Maltese archipelago: Malta, Gozo, and Comino. The capital city, Valetta, is located on Malta, and travel between Malta and Gozo is easily done by ferry. 

WHEN TO scuba dive in malta

The best time to dive in Malta is during the summer months of April through October. While it can still be quite windy during these months, the water is at its warmest and you have the best chance of uninterrupted diving. Malta can be dived year-round by hardened drysuit divers; however, water temperatures can drop as low as 57°F (14°C) in the winter months.

maltA DIVING INFORMATION

Scuba diving in Malta offers exceptional variety in dive sites suitable for divers of every experience level from beginners to advanced technical divers. With some of the best diving in Europe, Malta is known for its great opportunities for shore diving, cave diving, and wreck diving. 

maltA MARINE LIFE & PHOTOGRAPHY SUBJECTS

Malta scuba diving boasts such a variety of dive sites and underwater photography opportunities that all divers, from beginners to experienced technical divers, will be impressed. Whether divers seek incredible topography for underwater landscape photography, find thrill in exploring historical shipwrecks, or want to see some interesting marine life, scuba diving in Malta will not disappoint.

Here is a list of some of the marine animals you might spot when scuba diving in Malta: 

• Octopus
• Groupers
• Barracuda
• Seahorses
• Rays
• Cuttlefish
• Tuna
• Moray Eels
• Nudibranchs
• Coral

Wreck Diving in Malta

Divers seeking fascinating shipwrecks should put Malta high on their diving bucket list. With its position in the Mediterranean, Malta is home to some incredible historical wrecks and the Government formed an Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit to both protect these artifacts and allow divers to explore them. Some wrecks have been purposely sunk to create artificial reefs, encouraging the marine ecosystem to thrive.

SHore DIVING IN maltA

This tiny island nation in the central Mediterranean may not be the first place that springs to mind as a shore diving vacation destination. However, over 50 sites can be found dotted along every part of Malta’s 136-mile-long coastline. The island is small enough that when weather blows out the sites on one coastline, it’s just a stone’s throw to the protected waters on the opposite coast.

Shore diving in Malta is easily managed by renting a car and driving yourself to the various dive sites. Numerous dive operators offer equipment and cylinder rentals, making it easy for divers to purchase a map of the local dive sites and start exploring. Guided shore dives are also available for those who prefer the support of a local expert. 

6 BEST DIVE SITES in malta

Here are some of the top dive sites  in Malta:

1. Cirkewwa Reef – One of the most popular dive sites on the island of Malta, Cirkewwa Reef has a beautiful underwater landscape featuring a variety of marine life including barracuda, octopus, and moray eels. Nearby shipwrecks MV Rozi and P29 are accessible from the same shore entry point. Infrastructure includes parking areas, toilets, cafes, and entry stairs with railings.

2. Blue Hole – The most famous dive site on Gozo, the Blue Hole is accessible from shore but requires a bit of a trek over the rocky landscape. The gateway to dive sites Azure Window and Coral Gardens, divers enter the sinkhole and can enter the Mediterranean from there to explore further.

3. Um El Faroud – A well-known wreck dive on Malta, Um El Faroud is popular among experienced recreational divers. The wreck is a former Libyan oil tanker that was purposely sunk to create an artificial reef and attract scuba divers.  Purposely cut entry and exit holes allow plenty of opportunities for experienced wreck divers to penetrate the 360-foot ship.

4. Inland Sea – For a unique dive experience, Inland Sea is a must-visit site on Gozo. The natural lagoon connects to the open sea via a 260-foot tunnel through the rock. Once divers have completed the journey through the tunnel, they can explore the reef walls or continue to dive to exit at Blue Hole.

5. Reqqa Point – Another popular Gozo dive site, Reqqa Point features dramatic underwater landscapes with swim-throughs, tunnels, and caverns. The site is accessed from shore and hosts a variety of marine life including lobsters, an array of reef fish, and nudibranchs. Experienced technical divers will be impressed by the chimney found deep within the dive site.

6. Santa Marija Caves – This dive site on Comino island offers more than ten caves for divers to explore while scuba diving in Malta. With a variety of swim throughs and caverns providing spectacular underwater scenery, this area is ideal for underwater photographers and is worthy of several dives to experience all it has to offer.

maltA DIVING CONDITIONS

• Water Temperatures: Range from59 - 82°F (15-28°C) 
• Visibility: Generally better around Gozo and can be upwards of 100 feet (30 meters).
• Weather: The air temperature ranges from  55-81°F (13-27°C).
• Skill Level: Every level from beginner to advanced technical divers.

maltA TRAVEL INFORMATION

A holiday spent scuba diving in Malta can be easily combined with travel to other European destinations, or as a stand alone trip (there is plenty to explore!). With a friendly English-speaking population, visitors to Malta will find a comfortable experience with plenty of accommodation options.

HOW TO GET TO maltA

Visitors fly into Malta International Airport (MLA), which is serviced through most European hubs, as well as Dubai. The airport is close to the capital, Valletta, but Malta is small enough that divers can stay anywhere on the island and still access all dive opportunities. As a popular European vacation destination, Malta offers a wide range of accommodation options, from high-end resorts to vacation rentals. Although there aren’t any dive resorts available, most dive shops and centers will recommend nearby accommodation options.

HOW TO scuba DIVE maltA

There are no dive liveaboards in Malta, but there are numerous reputable dive operators and accommodation options. Diving in Malta is popular with independent dive buddy teams who prefer to rent a car and cylinders and explore the area’s dive sites without a guide. Those who feel more comfortable diving with a local guide can book Malta dive trips with local dive operators.   

TOPSIDE ACTIVITIES in malta

While not scuba diving, there are many exciting topside activities to do in Malta. Explore the capital city of Valletta, one of the country’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. Malta has plenty of options for history buffs, including ancient temples that are some of the oldest free-standing structures in the world. Those looking to relax can enjoy Malta’s stunning beaches and experience views of the coastline from various boat tours.