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Scuba Diving in Malta, Gozo and Comino
12 May 2024
With clear waters and rocky scenery the Maltese islands are very good for diving. Indeed, two of her dive sites are amongst the best in Europe: namely the Blue Hole in Gozo and Cirkewwa in Malta.
There are over 80 ship and aircraft wrecks in Maltese waters, about 15 of which are regularly dived. The Malta Independent paper though goes further and claims that there are at least 800 planes lying on the seabed. Don't forget to get insurance which covers diving.
Diver leaving the Inland Sea on the way to the Blue Hole.
Photo credit: Runeng (CC BY 2.0)
Malta lies at the centre of the Mediterranean, 93 km south of Sicily and 288 km north of Africa. It comprises three islands: Malta itself, Gozo and Comino.
When is the best time to dive Malta?
You can dive in Malta throughout the year. January and February are the coldest months, but air temperatures even then average 13oC with the water being around 16oC. The warmest months for diving are from June to November, when water temperatures range from 20oC to a maximum of 26oC in August.
Almost everyone speaks English with Italian also being widely spoken (and Maltese of course).
Malta is just 27 km (17 miles) long by 15 km (9 miles) wide. Gozo is even smaller whilst Comino has been said to be just 500 paces in circumference.
Getting to Malta and Gozo
There is one airport in Malta. To get to Gozo you take a short ferry ride from Cirkewwa which lasts about half an hour. Ferries run 24 hours.
Many airlines fly to Luqa Airport in Malta, including Air Malta.
Or search for options using Skyscanner.
Dive Sites in Malta and Gozo • Malta & Gozo Dive Centres • Malta Accommodation • Further Reading • Your Comments
The Dive Sites of Malta and Gozo
Malta Dives • Gozo Dives • Comino Dives • Further Reading • Your Comments and Recommendations
Inland Sea and Blue Hole
The most spectacular stretch of coast is on the west of Gozo at Dwerja. Here you find the Inland Sea. This cliff-surrounded lagoon is linked to the open sea by a tunnel.
Sadly the Azure Window collapsed into the sea during a storm in March 2017. The rubble starts from 10 metres and descends down to some 50 metres. Divers now visit the remains of the Azure Window.
Reviews:
(2)
"It is a beautiful sharp drop off into the blue hole with what seems like limitless visibility and literally feels like you are on the very edge of the world. It really is the most extraordinary dive!"
Bianca
"Scenery going to the dive is awesome, looking at the Azure window. Next door is the inland sea, which is a good dive in itself, but if your navigation and air is good the combo is awesome. Start in Inland Sea, down to 10m, through to Ocean down to 22m and keeping wall on left shoulder gradually back up to 15m, across first inland part (10 fin kicks) to join wall on left, then through Azure window and 30 fin kicks to Blue Hole at 12m. If your air is good, then go past blue hole cave entrance and turn right keeping wall on left, and then in through chimney swim-through up to 7m, then back round to right (wall now on right) and rejoin blue hole cave entrance, explore cave before ascent into the Blue Hole itself. Smile at the tourists as you surface. "
Jamie Furness
Entry to dive is down a ladder. Swim to your left along a cliff. Big shoals of chromis.
"Diving at Reqqa Point offers an impressive wall dive for experienced divers, with a rocky shelf at 18 meters full of jackfish, moray eels, and schools of sardines. There are also big groupers in the depths.
Kathryn Curzon, 31 July 2024
Enter the water by the 6th lampost. Swim across the bay to a cliff where the cave, or tunnel, is at 6 m. The cave is straight and you can see daylight at either end.
Reviews:
(1)
"Easy walk in site, some fish including rays."
Scott, UK, August 2015
An easy dive with maximum depth of 16 m. The Maori was a destroyer, 115 m long. She was sunk in an air raid in 1942 by German bombers. Half buried in sand only around 40 m of the wreck is left to dive.
"It's a beautiful wreck in Marsamxett Harbour with lots of swim throughs and holes to investigate and a great place to spot the illusive sea horses "
Jane Bell, Malta
"Malta diving: it's great. The HMS Maori wreck dive at St. Elmo Bay, Valletta was excellent. Lots of marine life it also makes a good night dive!
Steve Naz
Um El Faroud was a 10,000 ton tanker. Following a gas explosion during maintenance work in 1995, she was scuttled at Wied iz-Zurrieqoff. She is large - 115 m long and lies, in two parts, between 18 and 36 m. You can swim into the wreck which is one of the best in Malta. This dive is normally done as a shore dive.
Reviews:
(1)
"Considered one of the top wreck dives in the Mediterranean and is a thriving artificial reef. She sits upright on a sandy bottom and has a maximum depth of 36 meters.
Kathryn Curzon, 31 July 2024
"Simply breath taking, I have dived the Thistlegorm and numerous other wrecks. Not a patch on this oil tanker, it was spectacular.
Joanna Davies, 2015
Built in 1890, the SS Polynesien was a French ocean liner which used sail and steam. During the first World War she became a military transport ship and was torpedoed by a German submarine in 1918 when she was 7 miles from Valletta harbour with the loss of 17 lives. The dive is deep, between 45 and 63 m. It is known for its pottery and ceramics, and locally is known as the plate wreck. Since 2019 the wreck has been protected by Heritage Malta and only licensed dive centres can visit it. Penetration is no longer allowed. The wreck lies about 3 km east of Marsaskala.
Reviews:
(2)
"65 meters, Le Pollynesian was a cruseliner converted to a military transport."
Kris, June 2023
"Massive steam ocean liner Polynesien was torpedoed in WW1 when it was serving as troop carrier. Depth 45-63m. Current (ripping) to be expected. One of the best wreck you will ever see and arguably the best wreck of the Maltese Islands. "
Kevin, Malta, March 2016
Reviews:
(1)
"British S-class submarine purposely sunk by the British to act as a ping target. Depth 45-56m. Being a sub, there's not much to see beyond its hull and conning tower, however makes for a splendid wreck dive."
Kevin, Malta, March 2016
Reviews:
(1)
"British destroyer mined in WWII. In two parts, 300m apart. Depth 67m and 74m. A time capsule of WWII action. A superb wreck site. "
Kevin, Malta, March 2016
The Rozi sits on the seabed at around 36 metres. Her shallowest point is at 30 m. This tug boat was deliberately sunk in 1992 as an attraction for tourists on the glass bottomed boat. An attractive dive site with many fish due to divers feeding them. So good that it has been voted one of the best dives in Europe.
The wreck of the Rozi in Cirkewwa, Malta. Photo credit: Richard Kingfelt
The Rozi started life in Bristol as the Rossmore in 1958. Renamed first Rossgarth in 1969 and then in 1981 as the Rozi. The tugboat Rozi operated in Grand Harbour, Valletta, Malta. The Tug Boat Rozi is now lying intact except for its engines and propeller in an upright position in about 34 metres of water. The Tug Boat Rozi is one of the most popular wrecks with visiting and local divers.
Reviews:
(4)
"The iconic Cirkewwa reef boasts dive sites for recreational and tech divers, making it a popular choice for experienced divers. Swim alongside an array of marine life whilst you explore the wrecks, arches and swim-throughs there. After your dives, take a trip inland to the ancient city of Mdina, the "Silent City", and immerse yourself in its rich history and charming atmosphere.
Kathryn Curzon, 31 July 2024
"Wonderful dive to 36 meters, circumnavigate the wreck and drop to the wheel house to feed the thousands of fish waiting for the divers. Also at Cirkewwa is Right arch: a beautiful full arch to swim up and over and a great place to spot thousands of barracuda
Jane Bell, Malta, 4 December
"A perfect place to go diving: full of colour and adventure. A nice smooth dive where you can see anything from a small jellyfish to a shark.
Danielle
"Excellent dive site with wreck of ROZI as well as stunning underwater topography (swim through's, drop offs etc.) Vis stunning usually 30 m+ occasionally 50 m+. Sea life in abundance, barracuda, morays, octopus, cuttlefish and even dolphins!
Danny Jones
P29 is one of the two wrecks in Cirkewwa and a very popular dive site. Built as a minesweeper in 1969, she was then called the Kondor I and was part of the German Navy. In 1992 she became a patrol boat for the Armed Forces for Malta. She was scuttled in 2007 as a dive site and artificial reef. The wreck lies between 36 and 21 m, and is 60 m long. You can dive the P29 as a shore dive - the wreck is marked by buoy.
Reviews:
(1)
"This mine sweeper is fantastic, guns still in place, such fun to penetrate.
Joanna Davies, 2015
"Condor Class Patrol Boat. (Dived with Dive Med.)
Daniel
This dive features a long, straight cave. In this you can always see the opening if you look back. At the end of the cave is a big air chamber - but don't remove your regulator as the air is not fresh. Swim into the cave keeping the wall on your left. If you carry on with the wall on your left, when you leave the air chamber you can enter another passage leading to another chamber. Still keeping the wall on your left, another exit from this chamber takes you back to the original entrance passage and out.
"Has good reef and cave dives. "
Steve Naz
"Drop-offs, ledges, gullies and caves."
Steve Naz
"A perfect place to go and do a couple of hours boat diving and if you want adventure then this is the place to go with the pristine reefs.
Danielle, 2008
Dive at the North West tip of Malta, near where the ferry for Gozo docks. Good access to a little gully to the left of a tower. Down to the left there is at 7 m a drop off down to around 15 m. A few small caves, several wrasse. Worth doing.
Reviews:
(1)
"The Blenheim Bomber (plane) is one of the best dives in Malta! Its history is unclear, but when it crashed into the water it landed on its belly, loosing the front of the cabin and nose wheel. It is dived by boat, but not all dive Centers know of its exact location. There is sometimes a current running so it is important to descend as quickly as possible holding onto the shot line which will be provided. This is a dive for more experienced divers only. (Dived with Dive Med.)
Daniel, 2012
The P31 started life as an East German minesweeper. In 1992 she was sold to Malta and renamed the P31. The Maltese used her as a patrol boat until 2009. She was then scuttled as a dive site off the small island of Comino. Comino is car-free and is uninhabited apart from one hotel.
"This is a perfect introduction to wreck diving, dropping off from the boat you can clearly see the sea floor 18 metres below. Dropping down to the wreck you can dive along the deck and enter into the bridge. Since this wreck was cleared before sinking there are no snags to watch out for really. While this cannot really be called a penetration dive, it does allow divers to gain a bit of experience around wrecks with little fear of being enclosed. I would also like to recommend Scubatech diving.
Peter Gallagher, March 2017
The Santa Maria Caves comprise 10 caves on the north side of Comino. The caves are quite shallow and some are open above water. They feature plenty of sea life, including nudibranchs and moray eels.
"The Santa Maria Caves offer a network of interconnected caverns and rock formations bathed in light – they are perfect for underwater photography. With direct access to the surface as well, this is a great dive site for newer divers who want to try cave diving without the fear factor.
Kathryn Curzon, 31 July 2024
"This dive is often done as a second dive after the P31. Again you drop off the boat into quite shallow water, frequently the guide will have brought bread to hand feed the shoals of sea bream that follow the divers. Feeling the tiny mouths trying to get the bread from your close fist is... a bit unique. The Caves themselves are a brilliant dive. Depths vary from 10 to 15 metres and on the route I was taken, there were several swim-throughs, where you went from the relative gloom of the overhead rock to pools of sunlight streaming down.
Peter Gallagher, March 2017
Malta & Gozo Dive Centres
St Pauls • Marsaskala • St Julians • Cirkewwa • Bugibba • Qawra • Sliema • Valletta • Gozo
Maskli Street
Qawra
SPB 1484
Malta
Tel: (00356) 99008378
UK: +44 (0)7775 500353
Reviews:
(3)
"Fantastic service offered by Dawn Diving. Would highly recommended this company. Their service is the highest ever service I have experienced as a diver. "
Colin Scott, UK, August 2016
"5 star dive centre situated in the North of the island @ Qawra. Most excellent dive centre and caring , professional staff. "
Jane Bell
"I recommend Dawn Diving Training Academy in Qawra malta. A brilliant brand new dive centre and the guys are great instructors. "
Jack
L-Alka
San Pawl il-Bahar
Malta
Tel: +356 2158 0617
E-mail: dive@scubatech.info
Reviews:
(1)
"I would like to recommend Scubatech diving in L-Alka, San Pawl il-Baħar, Malta. Derek, the owner, is massively experienced having logged over 27,000 dives.
Peter Gallagher, 15 March 2017
Mosta Road
St Paul's Bay
SPB 03
Malta
Tel: +356 21 57 1873
Fax: +356 21580064
E-mail: simone@maltaqua.com
Reviews:
(1)
"I'd like to add that Maltaqua is another dive operator that is very professional and the people are great!! I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them last year in October.
Lynette Maczuga
Divemed
Zonqor Point
Marsaskala
Malta
MSK 1570
E-mail: info@divemed.com
Reviews:
(1)
"I will dive with them again and again and again. They organized boat trips to any dive site. Excellent value for money.
"Daniel, 2012
Cresta Diving Centre
Cresta Quay
St Georges Bay
St Julians
Malta
Tel: (+00356) 21371459
Tel: (+00356) 9982 0460
E-mail: info@crestadivecentre.com
Reviews:
(1)
"Excellent customer service, great instructors"
Conrad, 10 April 2014
Divewise
Westin Dragonara Resort
St.Julian's
STJ 3143
Malta
Tel: (+00356) 213 56441
E-mail: info@divewise.com.mt
Neptunes Diving Centre
Chander
Triq Il Turisti
Qawra
St Paul's Bay
Malta
Tel: 00356-21376865
Mob: 00356 99436209
E-mail: info@neptunesdiving.eu
Review Neptunes Diving Centre…
DiveMalta Dive Centre
St.Julian's Aquatic Sports Club
George Borg Olivier Street
St.Julian's
STJ 1083
Malta
Tel: (+00356) 2136 9994
Skype: stuart_rhys_jones
E-mail: dive@divemalta.com.mt
Divewise
Westin Dragonara Resort
St.Julian's
STJ 3143
Malta
Tel: (+00356) 213 56441
E-mail: info@divewise.com.mt
Instructors speak Russian, English, German, French and Hungarian and have PADI, IANTD, CMAS and PSAI certifications. Offer both recreational and technical diving.
U-Dive St. Julian's
Portomaso Hotel, Hilton
St. Julians
Malta
Tel: + 356 9974 4000
Email
U-Dive Bugibba
Bugibba Hotel Dolmen Resort
Bugibba
Malta
Tel: + 356 9974 4000
Email
Reviews:
(1)
"U-Dive has two diving centres - one in St. Julians, the other - in Buggiba. Instructors speak in 5 languages."
Alina, Russia, 11 April 2014
Dive Deep Blue Malta
Deep Blue Lido
9/11, Ananija Str
Bugibba / Qawra
Malta
Tel: (+00356) 21 583946
Mob: (+00356) 99868957
E-mail: dive@divedeepblue.com
PADI 5* Instructor Development Centre, National Geographic Dive Centre and Project AWARE Official Partner.
Subway Dive Centre
Vista Complex
Pioneer Road
Bugibba SPB2800
Malta
Tel: +356 2157 0354
E-mail: info@subwayscuba.com
Bugibba
Malta
Tel: +356 21573962
Mobile: +356 99253956
E-Mail: tinagilbert@hotmail.com
Reviews:
(1)
"Accommodation at Diving into Malta is excellent and cheap."
Steve Naz
Paradise Diving Centre
Paradise Bay Resort Hotel
Cirkewwa
Malta
Tel: (+00356) 21 524363
E-mail: alison@paradisediving.com
Sliema Aquatic Sports Club
Tower Road
Sliema
Malta
Purchase a boat ticket or rent the whole boat and plan your own dive trip
Ta' Xbiex Creek Marina
Malta
Whatsapp: +356 99 15 67 09
office@diveboat.mt
Mobi Dives
Gozo
Malta
Reviews:
(2)
"Friendly helpful dive team. Individual instruction excellent for novice diver. Dive centre also runs mini bus to other, more adventurous, sites in Gozo "
Scott, UK, August 2015
Qbajjar Road MFN 1516
Marsalforn
Gozo
Malta
Tel: +33 7 82 88 22 19
info@islandstecdive.com
Gozo Diving & Gozo Technical Diving
Mgarr Road
Xewkija
Gozo
Malta
Tel: +356 79009575 / +356 79009565
E-mail: info@gozodiving.com
Malta and Gozo Accommodation
Bugibba
Malta
Tel: +356 21573962
Mobile: +356 99253956
E-Mail: tinagilbert@hotmail.com
Your Comments
Please send us your comments on diving Malta and Gozo. Do you want to recommend a diving centre or dive site? Let us know. If you own a dive centre get yourself added.
References and Further Reading
The Wreck Site has more information about the various wrecks in Malta's waters.