Diving the Maltese Islands: Malta, Gozo & Comino

The three Islands that make up the Maltese Archipelago – Malta, the largest; Gozo, the mythical isle of Calypso; and tiny Comino, famous for its Blue Lagoon – form a very special diving site at the heart of the Mediterranean and is known as the birthplace of diving in the Mediterranean

The Islands offer excellent diving for both beginners and experienced open water, wreck or cave divers. With their natural harbours, bays, sheltered creeks, cliffs, caverns, reefs and wrecks, the Islands invite you to explore. The possibilities are endless. With dive sites just a stone’s throw away from each other, you will be able to delve into a variety of underwater worlds. Malta’s marine attractions include labyrinthine caves and tunnels unbelievably shaped by nature, as well as reefs and wartime wrecks ranging from depths of just 10 m down to 70 and 80m.

The waters around the Maltese Islands are some of the most limpid and clear in the world. Sea water temperatures reach 26ºC in summer and are no lower than 15ºC in winter. Visibility is excellent and usually averages around 30 to 35m. So Malta is a dream destination for underwater photography. Marine life flourishes in a vibrant display of colours. You are likely to come across groupers, gurnards, octopi, red mullet, flying fish, barracuda, conger eels, and even the rare sea perch which has all but disappeared from the Mediterranean. For more excitement, try a night dive. Colours appear almost fluorescent by torchlight. For the more experienced, these dives offer a unique adventure.

The Islands are really a year round diving destination as there is always a dive site in the lee of the prevailing wind even when this is strong. Furthermore, some of the best sites are easily accessible from shore so boat diving is not necessary. At just a couple of hours’ flight from major European cities (just 3 hours away from London) the Islands are the perfect long weekend diving break to beat the winter blues. At this time of year, you can see some wonderful species; fish such as the John Dory come closer to shore during this season.

There is a wide choice of dive centres both in Malta and Gozo, with a track record of some 30 years in the industry. Professional, qualified diving instructors are trained to teach all levels, from beginners to professional level courses. Dive centres are located across the Islands, so you will always find one near your hotel. Most centres run courses leading to internationally-recognised diving qualifications, including PADI, BSAC and CMAS.

Divers, qualified to advanced level can rent equipment and dive together. Qualified instructors can take their own groups diving in Malta, but need to register with a local dive centre and comply with local diving regulations.
 

DIVE CENTRES

There are over 40 dive centres across the Maltese Islands. Most of these centres are members of the local Professional Diving Schools Association (PDSA) - an organisation that considers safety and well-being of divers paramount. It also works to ensure that dive sites are protected and accessible and that divers here are conscious of the need to safeguard the archaeological and natural underwater heritage of the Islands.

For more information, go to www.pdsa.org.mt

SOME POPULAR DIVE SITES

THE TUGBOAT ROZI

Situated just off Cirkewwa, at a depth of 30 metres, lies the tugboat Rozi, deliberately sunk in 1991, now a popular site with experienced divers.

CIRKEWWA REEF

A wonderful site with caves, reefs, promontories and tunnels at depths of 15 to 30 metres.

CIRKEWWA ARCH

Extraordinary underwater walls and a magnificent arch, where you can come across a variety of fish and, if you’re lucky, a seahorse or two. This dive is ideal for all levels of experience.

L-AHRAX POINT

Although this dive is relatively shallow, it is no less spectacular for that. The reef is rich in marine life and the drop-off impressive.

ST PAUL’S ISLANDS

These are the islands at the entrance to St. Paul’s Bay. It is a very popular dive site with a reef wall, which drops to a depth of 34 metres to a sandy bottom, where a variety of species swim around and sift for food.

HMS MAORI

At the southern end of the small bay, below Fort St. Elmo, is the wreck of HMS Maori, sunk in 1942. It lies on a sandy seabed 13 – 17 metres from the surface.

CAROLITA BARGE

This vessel sank near Manoel Island in Marsamxett Harbour in 1942 after being struck by a torpedo. It is very well preserved and is the haunt of many species, particularly octopus.

BLENHEIM BOMBER

This aircraft is located approximately 800 metres due east of Xrob il-Ghagin at a depth of 42 metres. The wreck is remarkably well preserved and makes for a very exciting dive.

WIED IZ-ZURRIEQ

Close to the Blue Grotto is a marvellous underwater valley, a labyrinth of caves at different depths.

UL EL FAROUD

Without doubt, this is the largest wreck and possible the most popular wreck on the Islands at a 110m long and sitting at a depth of 35m. Although breaking up into 2 distinct sections, the dive is a must for all experienced divers.

GHAR LAPSI

This is a tiny fishing village on the west coast. The site is fairly shallow, but winds through a varied, interesting route.

ANCHOR BAY

The set from the film "Popeye" still stands in this bay in all its glory. The site is characterised by many caves and beautiful passageways.

BLUE HOLE / AZURE WINDOW

A spectacular rock formation carved by nature, dramatic both above and below water. Probably the most popular dive site in Gozo. A must for all divers.

INLAND SEA

This 80 metre long tunnel, with depths from 3m to 26m, makes a unique and visually stunning dive for experienced divers.

REQQA POINT

Reef and drops-offs with an abundance of marine life. Possibly the best dive site on the island of Gozo.

LANTERN POINT

A reef that juts out of the South West side of Comino. This dive is suitable for all levels of divers as the reef ranges from a depth of 6 to 50m. Best known for the Chimney dive – an L shaped tunnel in the side of the reef at a depth between 6 and 17m

ST MARIA CAVES

On the North East of Comino are 2 caves where it is possible to enter 1 cave and exit by the 2nd. Also well known for the resident school of sea bream in the Summer months. The caves were used as a backdrop for scenes in the film ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’.

JUST AS EXCITING ON LAND

Situated at the very heart of the Mediterranean, the Maltese Islands offer an abundance of historical sites and cultural experiences, together with a wide choice of leisure activities that make it a truly unique year-round, holiday destination. Blessed with sunshine throughout the year and surrounded by crystalline waters, Malta, Gozo and Comino offer a memorable experience, where complete relaxation can easily give way to one's urge to discover the islands' many cultural, artistic and natural treasures.

Wherever you decide to go, the atmosphere is carefree and relaxed. For lovers of music, and theatre, Malta boasts an abundant year-round events calendar. For the more actively-inclined, the Islands also offer a variety of land and water-sports, from golf, tennis, rock climbing and horse-riding to sailing, windsurfing and much more.

Malta’s cosmopolitan seafront resorts offer as stylish a night life and cuisine as any European city, with the added advantage of size. The fact that the territory is small means that rural tranquillity and a stunning coastline lie just a short distance away from the hub of entertainment. So whether you seek the ultimate in unspoilt isolation, the buzz of cafe life or a flutter in one of the casinos, Malta and Gozo offer a special blend of excitement and relaxation.

For information about the Maltese Islands
contact the Malta Tourist Office 020 8877 6990
or go to www.visitmalta.com