Diving in Malta: Wrecks, Caves and 40-Metre Visibility

Malta offers an exceptional diving experience with historic wrecks, stunning caves, and unparalleled visibility, perfect for all levels.

What makes Malta so special for divers?

Imagine a country where every dive transports you back in time! Malta isn't just a destination with crystal-clear waters; it's a living underwater museum, brimming with WWII wrecks and natural rock formations that will take your breath away. Visibility here is legendary, often exceeding 30 meters, making every exploration a visual delight.

From novices to experts, the Maltese islands (Malta, Gozo, and Comino) offer a diversity of sites that few places can match. Get ready to discover an underwater world of luminous caves, majestic arches, and history that comes alive beneath the waves. It's the perfect place to combine culture, adventure, and lots and lots of blue.

Best diving areas: Explore the archipelago!

The Maltese archipelago is a treasure trove of dive sites, and each island has its own unique charm. Don't just stick to Malta; Gozo and Comino are must-sees.

Malta: Wrecks and reefs

• Um El Faroud Wreck: A 115-meter oil tanker intentionally sunk as an artificial reef. It's an impressive wreck, ideal for advanced divers. Penetration is possible for appropriately certified divers.
• P29 and Rozi: Near Cirkewwa, these two military wrecks are shore-accessible and teeming with marine life. The P29 is a former patrol boat that now hosts schools of barracuda.
• Għar Lapsi Caves: Perfect for a calmer dive, with shallow cave systems and intricate sunlit passages. Ideal for beginners and photographers.

Gozo: Arches and chimneys

• Blue Hole and the Azure Window: Although the famous arch collapsed, the site remains spectacular. Descend through the Blue Hole between the rock and emerge into a tunnel leading to the open sea. Exceptional visibility and stunning rock formations.
• Inland Sea and Tunnel: A unique experience, dive through an 80-meter tunnel connecting an inland lagoon to the open sea. The light entering is magical.
• Reqqa Point: Impressive walls, caves, and rich marine life. A spot for experienced divers looking for currents and encounters with large pelagics.

Comino: The hidden gem

• P31 Wreck: Another sunk patrol boat, the P31 is smaller than the P29 but equally fascinating. Easy to explore and with plenty of life around it.
• Santa Marija Caves: A complex of underwater caves and tunnels offering a luminous and thrilling diving experience. Perfect for underwater photography.

Marine life: More than just fish!

While Malta isn't famous for its vibrant coral reefs, marine life is abundant and diverse. You'll be surprised by the number of species you can find in its waters.

• Fish: Schools of barracudas, sea bream, groupers, gilthead seabream, moray eels, and octopuses.
• Crustaceans: Crabs, shrimp, and lobsters hide in the crevices of wrecks and rocks.
• Nudibranchs: A wide variety of colorful nudibranchs adorn the walls and soft corals.
• Special encounters: With luck, you might spot sea turtles or even dolphins in the blue. Keep your eyes peeled!

Best time to visit: Sun and warm waters!

Diving in Malta is possible year-round, but there's an ideal season to enjoy it to the fullest.

• May to October: Peak season. Water temperatures: 20-26°C. Air temperature: 25-30°C. Sunny days and calm seas.
• November to April: Low season. Water temperatures: 15-18°C. Air temperature: 15-20°C. Fewer crowds, but a dry or semi-dry suit is needed.

For more details on when to go, check out our guide on the best time to dive in Malta.

Practical tips for your diving trip

Planning your diving adventure in Malta is easy with DiverDoo. Here's the essential info:

• Certification level:
• Discover Scuba Diving: Perfect for trying for the first time. Scuba Malta offers a Discover Scuba Diving in Malta from 90 EUR.
• Open Water Diver: Access to most sites. You can get your Open Water Diver Course in Malta from 550 EUR.
• Advanced Open Water Diver: Essential for deeper wrecks and advanced caves. The Advanced Open Water Diver Course in Malta starts at 395 EUR.
• Costs:
• Guided dives: A package of 2 Fun Dives in Malta with Scuba Malta costs from 120 EUR.
• Equipment: Rental is usually included in packages, but always confirm.
• Logistics:
• Flights: Malta has a well-connected international airport.
• Accommodation: From luxury resorts to budget apartments.
• Transportation: Public buses, taxis, or car rental to explore the islands.
• Dive centers: Scuba Malta in St. Julian's is a 5-star center with excellent options.

Who is this destination best for?

Malta is a diving destination for everyone.

• Beginners: With many shallow and protected areas, it's ideal for learning and doing your first discover dive.
• Intermediate divers: Wide variety of accessible reefs and wrecks.
• Advanced divers: Deep wrecks, challenging caves, and the thrill of exploration.
• History lovers: The war wrecks are a magnet for those seeking more than just marine life.
• Underwater photographers: The water clarity and underwater landscapes offer unique opportunities.

Don't hesitate, dive into Maltese waters and discover a fascinating world. Your next big adventure awaits!

Frequently asked questions

What kind of diving will I find in Malta?

Malta is famous for its historic wrecks, unique rock formations like caves and arches, and exceptional visibility. It's ideal for wreck diving, cave diving, and underwater photography.

What is the best time to dive in Malta?

The best time is from May to October, when water temperatures range from 20-26°C and the weather is sunny. You can dive year-round, but a dry or semi-dry suit is recommended in winter.

Do I need to be an experienced diver to dive in Malta?

No, Malta is suitable for all levels. There are sites for discover dives and Open Water courses, as well as deep wrecks and caves for advanced divers. You can do a Discover Scuba Diving in Malta from 90 EUR.

What marine life can I expect to see?

You'll see schools of barracudas, groupers, octopuses, moray eels, a wide variety of nudibranchs, and crustaceans. Occasionally, turtles and dolphins can be spotted.