Scuba Diving in Malta

Malta is an amazing place to take a holiday, not only is it vibrant and cultural but there are a whole host of fascinating and natural wonders that you can take in too.

One reason that many people travel to Malta and one of the biggest tourist draws has to be the diving sites around the Island. The clear blue waters and the different diving sites offer amateurs and more experienced scuba divers. Whether you are a complete newcomer to the activity or someone who loves diving, there are so many choices for you.

Let’s take a look at some of the best diving sites that Malta has to offer.

Um El Faroud Wreck

Having been scuttled in 1998, this particular tanker can be found in around 35m of water. Originally found in one piece, even with the prop and the rudder still in place, this wreck is now in two pieces, after a rather bad storm during 2005/2006. However, it is still a hugely impressive sight.

Blue Hole & Azure in Gozo

If you are happy and willing to head out for a touch of rock climbing with your kit before a dive, then you will be rewarded with a fabulous experience. You enter this dive via a blue hole with frothing waters. However, in no time at all, you will find yourself in peaceful waters. In order to swim out of the Blue Hole you need to sink to 15m, here you can visit the coral gardens, the cave and the chimney.

The Azure window collapse also gave birth to a new diving site.  The ruins of the Azure window and clear waters makes it for a perfect new diving site. The Azure Window has been reborn as an attraction under the water, with the massive columns are now hidden under the sea, only for divers to explore.

Inland Sea

Whilst it may only be 2m at its entry, once you have swam 60m across the Inland Sea, you will find yourself faced with an entrance to an 80m long tunnel which is actually bigger than a bus. Small boats especially sightseeing boat tours pass through the tunnel. This tunnel is fascinating, not only thanks to its shaped walls, but also because the light changes when it opens out to the sea.

P29 Wreck

Another fascinating wreck, this particular ship was scuttled in 2007, located just off the Cirkewwa Reef, designed entirely for divers to explore. It is a relative newcomer when it comes to dive sites. The P29 an old patrol boat of the Maltese armed forces was decommissioned and was decided to be scuttled off the Cirkewwa reef to encourage reef growth. However, even during this short time the marine life are making it their home.

Cirkewwa Arch

Once a large underwater cavern, the roof then collapsed within it, leaving behind an amazing arch as well as a fascinating dive site that many people love to explore.

Rozi Tug Boat (Cirkewwa, Malta)

This particular dive site came into being as a submarine tourist attraction. The wreck was sunk in 1992 and quickly became a popular dive site. It remains impressive, as a 40m long tug boat which is now home to a wealth of marine life. The tug boat was built in 1958, and operated for over 34 years first in England where it was built and then at the Valletta Grand Harbour.

Bristol Beaufighter (St, Julians, Malta)

If you are deep diver, then you will be rewarded by seeing this WWII Bomber that lies at 42m. The wind and fuselage are still visible and most of the plane is buried under the sand. Due to the depths of this diving site, only experienced drivers can experience it.

Santa Maria Caves (Comino)

For those who love the idea of diving down in crystal clear waters, as well as taking some amazing photographs, this is the place for you. A shallow dive, that only goes down to 10m, this particular dive site can only be reached by boat. The crystal waters surrounding Comino and the Blue Lagoon and shallow dive makes the reef and cliffs of the caves really visible. On most common days a school of fish are curious to join divers.

HMS Maori Wreck

A fantastic mixture of dives, allowing you to not only see a wreck but also some amazing marine life too. Shallow and easy for new divers, you will find the wreck at 14m, along with moray eels, octopi and even a sea horse or two. The HMS Maori was a World War II destroyer and was sunk when a bomb exploded the engine room. It was then decided to be moved to St. Elmo’s bay as a diving attraction.

Gozo Wrecks

A shore based dive, here you will find 3 different wrecks together between 35 and 45 metres. All three of them lie roughly in a line, which is great for a wealth of divers.

Fortiza Reef

A shallow reef, the main draw for this particular reef is the geology. Over time, the movement of the sea has created tunnels, gullies and swim-throughs, which, when combined with marine life, is ideal for beginner divers and experienced divers alike.

P31 Wreck

A sister of the P29 dive, the wreck of the P31 is sat in 19m of some of the clearest waters that you will find in the area. One of the newest wrecks out there, it is often combined with a trip to the Santa Maria Caves.

Two Tugs Wreck

Sat upright at 22m with two other tugboats, these wrecks have created somewhat of an artificial reef. All of the doors and windows in the tugboats have been removed, which not only makes things easier for the divers who visit it, but also attracts a wealth of marine life too.

Imperial Eagle

If you have plenty of experience in deep sea diving then this spectacular dive built in 1938 and weighing 257 tonnes is a must see. Not only can you explore the dive site, but you may even be lucky enough to stumble across a statue of Jesus Christ too.

HMS Stubborn

A British s-class submarine, the Stubborn was scuttled in 1946 in order to be used as a sonar target. In order to reach this boat, you will need to dive from a boat, however, you will be rewarded, when you head down into the deep waters, with a rather impressive sight.

Polynesien Wreck

At 152 metres in life, this ship was sunk in 1918 due to a torpedo from a U Boat. The story of this dive site is extra dramatic as it only took 35 minutes for it to sink and it cost 10 lives of those in-board. However, you will find that it makes for a fascinating dive site.

Blenheim Bomber

Built in the UK, this particular dive site offers up something different as you will discover the wreck of a plane, rather than a ship. Lying flat in the sand at 42m, it is now unrecognisable due to time and water currents. However, it is a definitely a must see.

Ghar Lapsi

A beautiful cove acts as the main entry and exit point to this dive site. Down at 22m you will find a cavern.

Blue Grotto

A network of caves in the south of Malta showcasing an spectacular unique arch with different shades of blue waters. There are several diveristy such coloured collars, octopus and several cardinal fish.

So, there you go, you can see a wealth of dive sites spread out around Malta. Why not find the right one for you and see if you can explore all the beauty that Malta has to offer, both on top of the sea and under it?