Malta, an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea, is renowned for its clear blue waters, diverse marine life, and stunning underwater landscapes. Scuba diving in Malta is a must-do activity for any adventurous traveller seeking to explore the fascinating world beneath the waves.
With over 300 days of sunshine every year and water temperatures that range from 14 to 26 degrees Celsius, Malta is the perfect destination for year-round diving. The islands offer a diverse range of dive sites catering to all levels of divers, from beginners to advanced, making it an ideal location for training and certification.
One of the most popular dive sites in Malta is the Blue Hole, a natural limestone rock formation located on the west coast of the island of Gozo. The Blue Hole is a unique dive site that features an underwater tunnel that connects the hole to the open sea, and a breathtaking underwater arch that provides a stunning backdrop for underwater photos. Divers can also explore the nearby Inland Sea, a protected bay that is home to a variety of marine life, including octopuses, moray eels, and colourful fish.
Another popular dive site in Malta is the wreck of the Um El Faroud, a 10,000-ton oil tanker that was sunk intentionally in 1998 to create an artificial reef. The wreck now lies at a depth of 36 metres and is home to a variety of marine life, including barracudas, groupers, and seabreams. The Um El Faroud is a popular destination for experienced divers, and many diving centres in Malta offer guided dives to the site.
If you are looking for a challenging dive, the Rozi Wreck is an excellent choice. This former tugboat was intentionally sunk off the coast of Cirkewwa to create an artificial reef. The wreck is now home to an abundance of marine life, including schools of barracuda and cardinalfish.
For those looking for a unique diving experience, the Cirkewwa Arch is a must-see. This natural limestone arch is located on the northwest coast of Malta and is home to a diverse range of marine life, including octopuses, squid, and colourful reef fish. The arch starts at a depth of 12 metres and descends to a maximum depth of 35 metres, making it an ideal dive site for intermediate and advanced divers.
Malta is also home to several stunning underwater caves, including the Santa Maria Caves, located on the east coast of Comino Island. The Santa Maria Caves are a network of underwater caves and tunnels that are home to a variety of marine life, including damselfish, octopuses, and sea anemones. Divers can explore the caves and tunnels and enjoy the stunning views of the underwater landscapes.
In addition to the variety of dive sites, Malta is also home to a range of diving centres and schools that offer training and certification courses. These courses are
recognised worldwide, and the certifications obtained in Malta are accepted by diving centres and schools around the world.
In conclusion, scuba diving in Malta is an unforgettable experience that offers divers the opportunity to explore stunning underwater landscapes, encounter a diverse range of marine life, and discover unique underwater structures. With a range of dive sites catering to all levels of divers and a variety of diving centres and schools, Malta is the perfect destination for any adventurous traveller seeking to explore the fascinating world beneath the waves.