Have you heard of Malta or, even better, the Maltese islands? This small archipelago may be little more than a speck on the world map, but it diving in Malta packs a punch.
For those who have never heard of these islands, pull up a map of Europe and look at the Mediterranean Sea. The Maltese islands are located right between the southern tip of Sicily and the northern shores of Africa. They’re easy to reach from anywhere in Europe and very well connected with international flights.
Malta and Gozo offer a wide range of accommodation at all levels, from luxury hotels to Airbnbs and converted farmhouses. The diving in Malta offers something for everyone, whether you enjoy staying in the busier resorts of north Malta or prefer the laid-back vibe of Gozo.
What makes scuba diving in Malta so good?
Under the stunning blue waters of the Mediterranean, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Malta is home to WWI and WWII wrecks, as well as shipwrecks that were sunk deliberately to create even more underwater attractions. There’s something here for every experience level, from beginners to seasoned pros and tech divers.
Even if you’re not into wreck diving, you’ll enjoy the underwater world. Think stunning boulder-scapes, swim-throughs of all sizes, and a choice of caverns. One of the islands, Gozo, is home to the Inland Sea, a truly unique site which connects to the Mediterranean via a tunnel.
Plenty of the dive sites can be accessed from the shore, making divers less dependent on boats. Plus, the water’s blue is just irresistible, and the locals complain when the visibility drops below 65 feet (20 m).
Dive Sites on Malta
MV Um El Faroud wreck
Located off the southern coast of Malta, the wreck of this Libyan tanker has become one of the island’s most popular dive sites. Um el Faroud has a haunting backstory. It was operating between Italy and Libya when it came to be in dry dock in Malta in February 1995. A gas explosion occurred one night, killing nine shipyard workers and significantly damaging the ship, making it a total write-off.
It remained in harbor for three years until the authorities decided to scuttle it as an artificial reef. You can now reach this sizable wreck within 10 to 15 minutes’ swim from the shore. If that sounds like too much work, ask your dive center about DPV rental.
Things to See:
With a length of 361 feet (110 m), this is a large wreck spread over depths of 65 to 118 feet (20 to 36 m). It’s impossible to see everything in a single recreational dive, especially since the wreck broke into two halves following a storm in the winter of 2005/06. So it’s worth deciding if you want to see the stern or the bow section before you enter the water.
Most divers choose the stern initially. It’s a little closer to the entrance if you’re shore diving, plus it features the engine room, bridge, and accommodation of the ship. Both parts offer opportunities for penetration if you’re trained accordingly. With doors and hatches removed before scuttling, light enters the interior of this wreck from different angles, making for a stunning dive.
Highlights:
- Rudder and propeller remain intact
- Schooling amberjacks love this wreck
- Great dive for all skill levels
Patrol Boat P29
The P29 patrol boat started life in East Germany in the 1960s. In the early 1990s, it was sold to the Armed Forces of Malta, one of several in its class. Having been decommissioned in 2004, the Maltese Tourism Authority bought this 170-foot-long (52 m) boat to prepare it for scuttling.
It now lies off the coast of Cirkewwa in the west of Malta, just around the corner from where the Malta-Gozo ferry berths and only a short swim from a shore entry dedicated to divers. The P29 is located in 59 to 124 feet (18 to 38 m) with its deck lying in 91 to 104 feet (28 to 32 m). There are a few penetration opportunities here too for those with appropriate training.
Things to See:
Explore the replica of its gun, standing proud on the deck of the wreck in about 98 feet (30 m). This wreck is not as big as the Um El Faroud, but there are plenty of nooks and crannies to check out. Don’t forget to look for smaller marine life, too.
On your way back to shore, spend some time on the reef, which features interesting structures like Old Man’s Nose and a few swim-throughs. It’s easy to wind your way back to the exit and check out the shallower areas as you’re completing your safety stop.
Highlights:
- Easy to reach from the shore
- Don’t miss the well-crafted gun replica on the deck—it’s a great photo opportunity
- Explore the reef on your way back—divers spot mola mola here from time to time
Ghar Lapsi reef and caves
Don’t be deceived by the size of the tiny village of Ghar Lapsi. The reef and the cave system here offer great opportunities for novice divers as well as those who are experienced enough to enjoy the system of swim-throughs. Plus, if you enjoy novelty dives, there is a chance to peek at an underwater nativity scene, too.
Things to See:
If you love cavern-like structures and swim-throughs, head to Finger Reef from the entrance directly below the parking lot. From here, you can easily reach the “cave with a hole in the roof,” with its entrance at about 62 feet (19 m). Take your time approaching the entrance as there may be large groupers.
Take a look around the cavern and enjoy the light reflections in this space. Once you’re ready, you can exit through the roof and either continue to the creche or spend more time exploring the reef.
Highlights:
- Beautiful caverns and swim-throughs
- Shallow area is ideal for a gear shakedown or refresher dive
- Good chance of spotting large groupers in cave entrances
Imperial Eagle and the Statue of Christ
Originally known as the New Royal Lady, the Imperial Eagle was built in Sunderland, England. It was eventually sold to a Maltese company and spent time ferrying cars and passengers between Malta and Gozo before being used for storage. It was scuttled off Qawra Point in the northwest of Malta and can be reached by a short boat ride.
Things to See:
This 148 foot (45 m) wreck lies in a depth of 125 feet (38 m), just about 0.3 mile (500 m) offshore. Although a relatively small wreck, the Imperial Eagle still offers plenty to explore. One of our favorite features is the ship’s wheel on the bridge of the wreck.
A short distance away sits the Statue of Christ, which was originally lowered into the water in nearby St. Paul’s Bay in front of Pope John Paul II. It was later moved closer to its current location.
Highlights:
- Combine a wreck dive with an exploration of the Statue of Christ
- Only a short boat ride from Qawra Point
- Original artifacts still in place
HMS Southwold
The HMS Southwold is one of the so-called “heritage wrecks,” meaning it is under the care of Heritage Malta, which issues diving permits for this technical wreck off the eastern coast of Malta to help protect the legacy of this WWII ship.
In 1942, Southwold was on its way to help another British ship when it passed too close to a floating mine. The mine exploded directly under its engine room, damaging the ship so badly that efforts to tow it to safety failed. It now rests between 213 to 246 feet (65 to 75 m) and can be reached by boat.
Things to See:
This is another wreck that has broken into two parts, with several hundred feet separating bow and stern. Because of the depth of the wreck and the distance between the parts, divers must choose a section and plan their dive thoroughly.
Is it worth the effort? Yes, aside from diving a true piece of history, there is colorful marine life coverage on the wreck. You can also still make out its gun turret and other features, making for stunning photographs.
Highlights:
- Dive a piece of WWII history
- Admire the marine life coverage on the bow section
- Dive this wreck twice to cover bow and stern
Dive Sites on Gozo
There are four wreck dives on Gozo as well as stunning scenic dives. Here, we’ve picked one wreck and three other standout sites.
Inland Sea and Whale Cave
The Inland Sea is a small body of shallow water inside Gozo, connected to the sea via a 262-foot-long (80 m) tunnel that offers stunning views of the blue waters of the Mediterranean. There’s nothing quite like heading toward the blue as the tunnel opens up around you.
Things to See:
Starting very shallow in the sheltered Inland Sea, divers cross the tunnel, which starts in 10 feet (3 m) and ends in 85 feet (26 m). Once out in the blue, choose to head left or right. Turning right, choose your depth and head 10 to 15 minutes along the wall to Whale Cave.
This is a great place to explore and look for shrimp along the walls of this cavern before making your way back through the tunnel. On return, you’ll follow the green glow toward the Inland Sea.
Highlights:
- Dive among one-of-a-kind topography
- Take advantage of a shallow, sheltered entry point
- Adapt your dive profile to match your desired depth
The Blue Hole and the Azure Alps
If you looked at dive site guides to Malta and Gozo just a few years ago, one of the main attractions was the Blue Hole and the Azure Window. In fact, the Azure Window even featured in season one of the “Game of Thrones” franchise. In 2018, the Window collapsed, creating the Azure Alps in 50 to 164 feet (15 to 50 m).
Things to See:
The Blue Hole is a popular swimming spot, and it’s also one of the entry points for this dive site. Though it’s a bit tricky to reach with dive gear, you’re rewarded by amazing sun rays underwater. Follow the reef to the strange peaks of the Azure Alps—the rocky remains of the Azure Window—and enjoy some of the newest swim-throughs in these islands.
Highlights:
- Dive a piece of geology in action
- Enjoy the play of the light rays below the Blue Hole
- Ascend back through the Blue Hole or make your way to the Inland Sea (see above)
MV Hephaestus
The former oil tanker MV Hephaestus is the latest addition to the Gozo wrecks you can dive from the shore at Xatt l-Ahmar. The other three—Cominoland, Karwela, and Xlendi—are well worth checking out, too. Wrecked at Qawra Point in Malta in 2018, Hephaestus was scuttled as recently as August 2022. It now lies in 114 to 154 feet (35 to 47 m) off the south coast of Gozo.
Things to See:
After a year in the water, this 196-foot (60 m) tanker is starting to become home to schooling fish and other marine life. The wreck has been well prepared for divers wishing to do a penetration dive, with large openings cut in between the engine room and cargo holds. There are plenty of details like winches still to be discovered outside, too.
Reaching this wreck takes about 15-20 minutes from the Xatt l-Ahmar entry point. You can cut this down with a scooter, and you can also hire a boat to drop you off. Whichever you choose, this is a great entry-level tech dive or a challenging recreational dive.
Highlights:
- Experience the transformation of a new wreck
- Enjoy excellent penetration opportunities
- Watch for schooling barracudas on the return from the wreck
Tac Cawla Caves
Want to head off the beaten track a bit? Take a boat from the Inland Sea to explore these caverns on the northwest coast of Gozo. There are five caves here; the furthest two are the largest and can be seen from the cliffs above. The other three are fully submerged.
Things to See:
If you love dramatic underwater scenery, this is a dive for you. In the largest two caverns, you can surface in the large air pockets at the end of the structure. Each exit toward the sea offers brilliant blue water that’s simply unforgettable.
The cavern closest to the Inland Sea also features an arch right by the entrance, making for excellent photo opportunities. While this is a stunning dive site for most divers, make sure you’re appropriately trained when entering caves and caverns.
Highlights:
- Cavern-hopping in the Mediterranean
- Stunning topography
- Off the beaten track but only 10 minutes by boat
Dive Sites on Comino
Santa Marija Reef and Caves
Depending on your level of qualification and experience, this reef is an excellent place for relatively new divers to observe schooling saddle bream and red mullet. You may also find cuttlefish and other marine life in the area.
Things to See:
Your boat will drop you off in a small bay, from where you can see the entrance to the caves and the sandy area that has become a fish favorite. There are several routes through the cave, which reaches from one side of the headland to the other. You will find amazing swim-throughs full of corals, nudibranchs, and tubeworms.
Highlights:
- Great options for all levels of diver
- Beautiful growth in caverns and swim-throughs
- Quieter than many sites on Malta and Gozo
About Malta, Gozo, and Comino
A total of five islands make up this archipelago: the main island of Malta, followed by Gozo, Comino, Cominotto, and Filfla. Most of the diving happens on the three larger islands of Malta, Gozo, and Comino. You’ll find plenty of diving businesses catering to recreational and tech divers on Malta and Gozo.
Malta and Gozo offer a wide range of accommodation at all levels, from luxury hotels to Airbnbs and converted farmhouses. There is something here for everyone, whether you enjoy staying in the busier resorts of north Malta or prefer the laid-back vibe of Gozo.
Topside, enjoy stunning cliff scenery and history dating back 7,000 years.
Best Time to Visit Malta
The main diving season lasts from April to October, but there is diving outside of these months. However, conditions can be challenging, and it may be too windy and wavy on some days. During the height of the summer, days can be very hot, which is why many tech divers, for example, choose to arrive at the beginning or the end of the season.
If you don’t want to dive every day, take a boat tour, rent a stand-up paddle board, or dive into the history of these fascinating small islands. Malta and Gozo hold a strategically important position that has made them a target of various conquerors over the years.
The Knights of St. John had a huge influence here. Plus, there is Malta’s version of Mediterranean food to be discovered. What’s not to like?
Take a moment to look at this.
