Diving In Malta
An adventure island in the heart of the Mediterranean, with an incredible mix of island life, diving and partying.
Everything you’ll need to know about diving in Malta!
Range Of Depths, Shore Access
Key features
September
Best Time Of The Year
75 / 100
Rating
Cheap
Cost
Medium - Adventurous & Boat
Access Type
Low - Medium
Fish Life
Quick Links
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Where is Malta?
Malta is in the heart of the Mediterranean and has two smaller adjacent islands: Gozo and Comino. With a population of around 520,000 people, Malta is an enchanting island that is rich in history, has a natural beauty, and, most importantly, is packed with great shore diving.
Although they speak Maltease, English is widely spoken and you will find it easy to communicate with the locals. Many dive centres have international instructors that speak a wide-range of languages.
Beyond its aquatic allure, Malta is steeped in history dating back thousands of years. From ancient temples that predate the Egyptian pyramids to medieval fortifications that whisper tales of knights and battles, the island is a living testament to the civilisations that have shaped its identity. Its charming villages, rolling hills, and picturesque coastline further add to the island’s undeniable charm.
Malta also has a great evening/night life scene that features great restaurants, lively bars and many late-night clubs.
How to get to Malta?
Malta’s international airport has between 150 – 200 flights per day and flies to many large European hubs. It’s situated in the south of the island but public transport; via taxi or buses, are easy to come by.
Alternatively, rent yourself a cheap, beaten up car and really explore everything the island has to offer.
Where to stay on Malta
Dives on Malta are dotted around, although you’ll want to stay either in the North or along the North-Eastern coast line. This is where the most popular towards are and are where you’ll find the experience to be the best mix.
If you’re looking for a popular area, opt for St. Paul’s Bay, St Julians or Victoria (the capital).
If you’re after something more laid back, aim for some of the smaller bays either side of the popular towns.
When to go diving in Malta?
Although you can dive all-year-round on Malta, sticking to the spring, summer and autumn is best. Come winter time, ladders are often taken out restricting you to beaches and shore entry.
The optimum time to go diving in Malta is September. By this point the weather is still warm but not scorching, the water is as warm as it’s going to get and the island is starting to quiet down after the summer holiday rush. You’ll find the general standard of divers will increase around this time as dive groups often plan their excursions for early to mid September.
January: 14°C Air | 15°C Water
February: 14°C Air | 15°C Water
March: 15°C Air | 15°C Water
April: 18°C Air | 16°C Water
May: 22°C Air | 18°C Water
June: 26°C Air | 22°C Water
July: 30°C Air | 25°C Water
August: 30°C Air | 27°C Water
September: 27°C Air | 26°C Water
October: 23°C Air | 24°C Water
November: 19°C Air | 21°C Water
December: 16°C Air | 17°C Water
Where to go diving on Malta?
Malta has a wide range of dive sites that suit almost any ability which is why diving in Malta is a hit with families and dive groups. Depth ranges from shallow sand and stone beaches, right through to 100m+ dives. There is something for everyone with wrecks, reefs and caves.
Um El Faroud, Malta: This impressive wreck dive is located off the southern coast of Malta. The Um El Faroud was a Libyan oil tanker that was intentionally scuttled in 1998 to create an artificial reef. It now lies at a depth of around 34 meters and is teeming with marine life.
Cirkewwa, Malta: Situated in the north of Malta, Cirkewwa offers a range of dive sites, including the P29 Patrol Boat wreck and the statue of the Madonna. The P29 is a popular dive, with its submerged structure providing a home for various species.
Wied iz-Zurrieq, Malta: Located near the Blue Grotto on Malta’s southwest coast, this site is famous for its dramatic underwater landscapes and underwater archways. Divers can explore rock formations and swim-throughs at varying depths.
Anchor Bay, Malta: This sheltered bay is known for its clear waters and easy access for beginners. It’s a great spot for snorkelling as well as diving, and you can explore the surrounding rock formations and marine life.
Whether you’re an experienced diver or a novice, Malta’s diverse underwater world promises an unforgettable adventure. Be sure to dive with reputable local dive centres and guides who can enhance your experience while ensuring safety and preservation of these incredible sites.
Top Malta Dive Sites
Um El Faroud
Explore the sunken Libyan oil tanker, a captivating artificial reef teeming with marine life, resting at 34 meters depth off Malta’s southern coast. Easy parking just get there early!
Features: Shore, Wreck
Difficulty: Medium
Depth: 35m
Access: Easy
Rozi
Discover the Rozi wreck, a tugboat sunk intentionally to create an artificial reef. Resting at 35 meters, it’s a fascinating dive site abundant with marine biodiversity.
Features: Shore, Arch, Chimney, Reef
Difficulty: Medium
Depth: 35m
Access: Easy
P29
Adjacent to the Rozi is the Patrol Boat. This artificial reef, resting at 36 meters, offers a great dive that can be ended by exploring the nearby reef whilst doing any stops.
Features: Shore, Wreck, Wall
Difficulty: Easy (but deep)
Depth: 36m
Access: Easy
Anchor Bay
A tranquil bay with clear waters, Anchor Bay is ideal for snorkeling and easy dives. Explore rock formations and marine life in this picturesque spot.
Features: Bay
Difficulty: Easy
Depth: Shallow – 12m
Access: Easy
Wied iz-Zurrieq
Famous for dramatic underwater landscapes and rock formations, Wied Iz-Zurrieq offers intriguing swim-throughs and rich marine life on Malta’s southwest coast.
Features: Cave, Reef, Wall
Difficulty: Easy
Depth: 30m Max
Access: Boat
Get Your Free Dive Site Map Download
Diving in Malta? Get your free dive site map digital download including: Cirkewwa Reef, The p29, Rozi & more!
Fish Life
If you’re looking for incredible, abundant fish life then diving in Malta is NOT for you. Now that’s not to say there’s nothing to look at. You can commonly see grouper, octopus, wrasse, barracuda, reef fish and eels. Those who are incredibly lucky, however, may be able to spot the gracious Mola Mola (Ocean Sunfish) – although these are rare.
Malta’s charm comes in the easy-to-access dive sites that don’t rely on boats, along with incredible underwater structures – a divers playground. The only thing missing is a few more fish! So, although diving in Malta won’t satisfy your fish-finding requirements, it will certainly scratch your diving itch!
Culture
On this little island there’s more than just diving in Malta. The culture will enchant you. You’ll enjoy incredible diving, a relaxing pace of life, and, at the end of the day, the waves will whisper softly in your ear whilst you enjoy the best food and drink the island has to offer. After something more active? Each town celebrates its own festival, one almost every week, so be sure to find out where the next one is and celebrate with the locals.
On your pre-flight day, enjoy the beautiful nature, the abundance of churches, or explore the island on foot or on bike.
Key Questions
If you’re looking for warm but not uncomfortable air, reliable weather, warmest water and a quieter island try early September.
Reefs, walls, wrecks, drop-offs, tunnels, underwater arches and more. Malta has an incredibly amount of shore-accessible dive sites that will please anyone of any standard. Be prepared, fish-life isn’t in abundance.
Aside from the elusive Mola Mola (Ocean Sunfish) there’s very little sea-life of interest. Commonly seen: Groupers, Wrasse, Jacks & Tuna, Eels, Octopus, Lobster and Reef Fish.
Apart from the beach dives, most access can be described as adventurous. Expect to walk a little to get to where you need to be but, don’t worry, as soon as you’re in it will all be worth it!
Yes! Diving in Malta is great and possibly one of the best spots to choose in Europe. The sites are a divers playground and offer everything for any ability.
Xav
First qualified at 10 years old, I’m a PADI and SSI instructor, technical diver and general water enthusiast. I’ve dived and worked all over the world and aim to provide honest, open reviews of locations including information that will make your trip run smoother.
Want help planning your next trip? Get in touch for insider info including fully bespoke dive trip planning.
An Honest Review
Malta’s a great place to mix diving with holiday fun. If your an avid diver then Gozo would probably be better for you. Taking the family? Opt for Malta!
Now I always promise to give honest, impartial advice and that’s exactly what you’ll get here.
If you’re from Europe, or are close by, should you dive here? Absolutely! Malta, Gozo and Comino are undoubtedly one of the best places to dive due to their easy-to-access sites that are available island-round meaning you’ll never be unable to dive.
Would I fly 6+ hours to get here? No! If you’re 6+ hours away, chances are dive locations equally as impressive (if not, even better) that you can experience.
Top Dive Centers Malta
Divewise
Divewise Malta focus on helping you discover the underwater world and for providing a top-quality customer service. They’ll leave you with lovely memories you’ll treasure for years to come.
Key Features:
– Nitrox
– Multi-lingual Instructors
– Rib & Hard Boats
– Dive & Accomidation Packages
Location: Marsalforn
Dive On Malta
No matter if you are into wrecks, deep dives, caverns or just shallow reef dives – Dive On Malta have got you covered. They will make sure that you see all the gems that Malta’s underwater world has to offer.
Key Features:
– Nitrox
– Multi-lingual Instructors
– Hard Boat
– Beach Front Location
Location: Xlendi
7R Diving
We offer all the training and adventure opportunities you need to get your adrenaline fix, whilst maintaining impeccable safety standards. Whatever it is you’re looking for, 7R can help.
Key Features:
– Tech-Diving focused
– Multi-lingual Instructors
– Boat diving
– Multi-Federation
Location: Xewkija
Plan Your Dive Trip To Malta
Pre-Planning
If you’re looking to go diving in Malta, try and plan a trip in September. Flights and hotels are usually cheaper, dive centres are less busy and the weather is still great.
Contact a dive centre of your choice (although we suggest using one above) and make sure passports, dive medicals and insurance are up-to-date.
Decide if you’re wanting to get any certifications done as you may be able to do the learning before you go leaving just the fun dive parts when you arrive.
If it’s been a while try getting a refresher done locally. If not, watch some videos just to refresh your memory.
Once all paperwork is in order it’s time to pull out your gear, having anything serviced and replace anything necessary.
Flight, Transport & Accommodation
Book your flights early. Look for the best luggage option – sometimes this is a normal suitcase, other times this may be oversized baggage. Remember, always pack your dive computer and your mask in your hand luggage (and preferably your regs if bringing your own).
Book your taxi from the airport to your hotel/apartment in advance. This will save you money and ensure you get top-quality service. I would personally take taxis rather than renting as once you get to the town where you’re staying, you won’t need a vehicle unless of course you are diving unaccompanied (i.e without a dive centre instructor/guide).
Personally, I would opt for a self-contained apartment. This allows you to make yourself a quick breakfast ready for diving and gives you the freedom to choose local restaurants rather than constantly opting for the hotel restaurant. Remember, most hotel restaurants are open to the general public as well!
If I were going back diving in Malta, I would opt for a small, sea-facing apartment close to places to eat and drink.
Ferry To Gozo Dive Sites
Booking the ferry is not required. When you arrive, head inside, buy yourself a ticket and wait for the next ferry. When it arrives head for the upper deck and enjoy the view. If you stand on the starboard (right) side, you’ll have a great view of Comino.
When you approach Gozo, head back inside and wait for the passenger bridge to open.
A Weeks Diving
The exciting part. Your week diving in Malta is just about to start!
If diving with a centre, get there as soon as you arrive to finish up any paperwork and unpack your dive kit ready for the morning – you don’t want to delay a dive or forget something in the morning rush. Then, enjoy your first day, get in the water for a quick dip, stock up on snacks and bottled water, eat well, hydrate and get to sleep early.
If diving in Malta unaccompanied, see if you can collect bottles the night before (although check your car insurance), if collecting in the morning, avoid peak times. Come up with a couple of different options the night before and then choose one depending on the weather. The most accurate weather app to use is WindGuru. Choose a dive site opposite to the wind direction, tides are not important.
At a minimum, before your week of diving in Malta is up, make sure you dive:
– P29/Rozi
– Um El Faroud
– Get over to Gozo for the Blue Hole and Inland Sea
Top Travel Accessories For Diving In Malta
If you purchase an item with these links the price is exactly the same however I get a small commission. This allows me to continue this website, and provide (hopefully) useful information whilst being able to support ocean-related charities. There is no sponsorship for these products, these are items I would highly recommend and use myself.
Diving Gozo & Comino – A great divebook written by a friend of mine. Dive maps mixed in with historic and cultural information.
View a snippet here.
Access to Malta’s dive sites is notoriously adventurous, rocky and often full of sea-urchins. Hard-soled dive boots are a must when diving in Malta to help keeping your feel and ankles safe. These boots have saved me many a injury.
Save your wetsuit from the sand and muck found on the floor when changing. When diving in Malta you’ll be changing on rocks, adjacent to saltpans, or tarmac. Save yourself a whole load of hassle with a changing mat.
On a similar thread, save yourself the towel-changing-dance and grab yourself a light-weight microfibre towel to help change in and out of swimwear. Only 1 dive site on Malta has a changing room, so save yourself a dropped towel…
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