Dive Sites

The three Islands that make up the Maltese Archipelago - Malta, the largest; Gozo, the mythical isle of Calypso; and tiny Comino, famous for its Blue Lagoon - form a very special diving site at the heart of the Mediterranean. The Islands invite you to discover their natural harbours, bays, sheltered creeks, cliffs, reefs and wrecks. The waters here are some of the most limpid and clear in the world. Visibility is excellent down to around 30 metres. So Malta is a dream destination for underwater photography. Marine life flourishes in a vibrant display of colours.

With dive sites just a stone's throw away from each other, you will be able to explore a variety of underwater worlds. We've listed some 36 of the best known dive sites ranging from labyrinthine caves to reefs and wartime wrecks. For more excitement, try a night dive or dive deeper to 30 or 40 metres. Colours appear almost fluorescent by torchlight. For the more experienced, these dives offer a unique adventure.
 

Marine Life

The combination of sheer cliffs, caves, wrecks, shelves and sandy and rocky sea beds, means there is a large variety of fauna and flora to see in the Maltese waters.  It would be too difficult to list them all.  Wrecks, as artificial reef habitats, have provided a home for a greater number of species in recent years and make excellent dive sites. Species you are likely to see include groupers, amberjack, various bream, octopi, squid, flying fish, gurnard, stingrays, meagre, bogue, red mullet, parrot fish and the occasional moral eel.  Although the rocky structures and underwater coast seem ideal living conditions for eel, you tend to see them mostly during night dives. The chance of meeting a big game fish is almost non-existent.  Rare sights include Tuna, Dolphins and Bonitos, though there is more chance of seeing these large fish in winter when they come closer to shore, attracted by the warmer waters. John Dory are also occasionally spotted, mostly during wintertime, since they normally live a greater depths.  Corals are also found on arches, reefs and caves.  The glow a wonderful orange to pink colour and are particularly excellent to photograph at night. There are a few sea animals to watch but not handle as they have vicious or poisonous bristles and spines. Keep your eyes open for the scorpion fish, bristleworms, sea urchins and the stingray. If you do step on or touch one of these fish, seek medical attention as your reaction to the injury will depend on your general medical condition and age. If you would like to know more about Malta's wrecks and marine life, contact the Malta Marine Foundation by email info@marinefoundation.org or through the Foundation's website at www.marinefoundation.org .  The Malta Marine Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the preservation of Malta's fragile marine habitat.