Diving in Malta

Mediterranean & Europe

4 regions

176 dive sites

Malta isn't just about the history topside; the diving here holds its own, especially if you're into wrecks and dramatic topography. We find the main island of Malta itself has a surprising amount to offer, from the HMS Maori in Valletta’s Marsamxett Harbour - a surprisingly intact destroyer sitting in shallow water - to the deeper P29 patrol boat. For sheer spectacle, though, Gozo and Comino are where we always steer divers, with sites like the Blue Hole and the Inland Sea on Gozo delivering those classic arch and cavern experiences. Visibility is generally excellent throughout the summer months, though we think late spring and early autumn hit that sweet spot for comfortable water temperatures without the peak season crowds. Keep an eye out for dusky groupers lurking in the shadows and ornate wrasse flitting across the reefs.

Malta Dive Regions

4 diving areas in Malta

Comino

Comino diving usually means a trip to the Blue Lagoon, which is fair enough for snorkelers, but divers should be looking beyond the boats. We love the Santa Marija Caves. They’re a real highlight, a network of tunnels and swim-throughs carved into the cliff face. It’s not just a quick dip through a hole, these are proper caves with decent penetration, but still offering plenty of light from various openings. Imagine sunlight filtering in, catching the dusty sediment stirred up by your fins. We’ve seen some hefty dusky groupers lurking in the shadows there, and occasionally a stingray gliding along the sandy bottom just outside the entrances. For a different vibe, the Cominotto Reef offers some excellent wall diving, dropping down to around 30 metres. Keep an eye out for the bright scarlet coral clinging to the deeper overhangs, and we’ve often spotted ornate wrasse flitting among the posidonia beds. Summer visibility is usually excellent, sometimes pushing 30 metres, which makes those cave dives particularly special. Just be mindful of the boat traffic in high season; early morning dives are always our pick here.

76 dive sites

Gozo

Gozo. Ah, Gozo. This little island just off Malta packs a serious punch for divers. We love that it feels a bit more laid-back than the main island, like diving just got a dose of chill. The Blue Hole and Inland Sea are, without a doubt, the headliners here. Dropping into the Blue Hole feels like entering another dimension, especially when sunlight pierces the water, illuminating the sheer rock walls. You drift through a colossal archway, often spotting hefty dusky groupers lurking in the shadows, then emerge into the open sea. The Inland Sea, on the other hand, is a proper adventure; you enter through a narrow tunnel, often with marbled electric rays camouflaged on the sandy bottom, then pop out into a vast, sun-drenched lagoon. Beyond the famous spots, don't miss the chance to explore the numerous caves and wrecks. Our favourite is probably the Um El Faroud wreck, a seriously impressive artificial reef now home to schools of salema and painted comber. Visibility is usually superb, often 20 metres plus, especially from spring through autumn, and the water temperature can hit a pleasant 26°C in late summer. Currents are generally manageable, but keep an eye on the forecast, especially near exposed points. We'd suggest getting there early for the Blue Hole to avoid the crowds - it’s a popular spot for a reason.

69 dive sites

Malta Island

Malta Island delivers a solid punch for Mediterranean diving, especially if you’re into wrecks and a bit of cave exploration. We’re particularly fond of the intentional sunken fleet; the HMS Maori is a favourite, shallow enough for most, with that classic war relic feel. Then you have the Rozi tugboat and the Um El Faroud oil tanker, both sitting upright and begging for multiple dives to really appreciate their scale. Shore diving at Cirkewwa is a huge plus, meaning no crowded boat trips if you don't fancy them. Visibility is generally good here, often 20 metres or more outside of winter storms. You’ll be seeing plenty of painted combers darting through the tapeweed, common cuttlefish doing their camouflage magic, and if you look close, those little butterfly blennies perched on the rocks. We often spot parrotfish grazing the algae. The water in late summer and early autumn is warm, making those longer dives comfortable. We'd suggest aiming for shoulder seasons, late spring or early autumn, to beat the biggest crowds but still get pleasant conditions. Currents are mostly manageable, though a few spots can get a push, so always check with your local centre.

31 dive sites

Valletta Harbour

Historic harbour diving with WWII wrecks and centuries of maritime history. The HMS Maori, St. Michael, and Carolita wrecks rest in the Grand Harbour.