Malta Scuba Diving: A Guide to Dive Sites in Malta, Gozo and Comino

Are you a scuba diving enthusiast looking for your next underwater adventure? Look no further than Malta! This stunning Mediterranean archipelago offers some of the best scuba diving experiences in Europe, with crystal clear waters, fascinating marine life, and intriguing WW2 shipwrecks waiting to be explored.

Malta is home to a diverse range of dive sites, each with its own unique characteristics and attractions. From the famous Blue Hole and Inland Sea in Gozo to the Santa Maria Caves in Comino, there is no shortage of exciting places to discover beneath the waves. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, there is something for everyone in Malta.

In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the top dive sites in Malta, Gozo and Comino. We’ll give you all the information you need to plan your perfect scuba diving holiday, from where to find the best dive schools to what marine life you can expect to encounter.

So grab your wetsuit, strap on your fins and let’s dive into the underwater world of Malta!

Malta tourist information

Weather: The weather is hot most of the year in Malta, though it does get a little cooler in the winter months. In peak summer months, it can regularly hit 35 degrees celsius in the day, and around 25C at night.

Airport: Malta International Airport Luqa (MLA) is the airport that serves the Maltese islands. Airport taxis charge a flat rate of €20 for a single fare, however they may charge extra for waiting. It’s highly recommended to book in advance here. 

Car rental: You can hire a car from any of the major tourist spots like Sliema, Qawra, Bugibba, and St. Paul’s Bay, as well as from the airport. People drive on the left-hand side in Malta.

Good to know:
As soon as you land in the airport, get yourself a 7-Day Tallinja Explore Card. It costs €21 and gives you unlimited travel on buses all over Malta (including night services).

Malta Scuba Diving Map

Malta Scuba Diving: A Guide to Dive Sites in Malta, Gozo and Comino

👉 Short on time? Skip the diving course and go straight to scuba diving with this personalized, half-day package that includes professional instructor and is suitable for divers of all levels (including first-timers). Purchase your tickets today and prepare yourself for the most unforgettable experience!

When is the best time to go diving Malta? 

Are you wondering when is the best time to go? Well, it all depends on what kind of diving experience you’re looking for.

If you’re a fan of warm waters and sunny skies, then the summer months, from June to September, are the perfect time to explore the underwater world of Malta. During this time, the sea is at its warmest, reaching up to 26°C (79°F), and visibility is often crystal clear, allowing you to see a variety of marine life up close and personal.

But don’t worry if you prefer cooler temperatures and a quieter diving experience. Spring, from March to May, is a great time to visit Malta, when the water is cooler but still comfortable at around 15-20°C (59-68°F). This is the perfect time to see schools of fish and other marine creatures that migrate through the Maltese waters during this period.

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to explore the underwater world of Malta in a different light, then the autumn and winter months, from October to February, are the perfect time to go diving. Sure, the weather may be cooler and wetter, and the sea can be a bit choppy, but there are fewer tourists, meaning less crowded dive sites and a more peaceful diving experience.

So, whether you’re a warm-water lover or prefer a cooler, quieter diving experience, Malta has something to offer all year round.

What diving level do I need to be? 

What level of diving certification do you need? Well, the good news is that you don’t need to be an advanced diver to enjoy the stunning dive sites in Malta.

To scuba dive in Malta, you need to have at least an Open Water Diver certification or equivalent. This means that you have completed a training program that covers the fundamentals of scuba diving, including diving theory, equipment, and safety procedures. If you’re not certified yet, don’t worry! There are many scuba diving courses in that offer lessons for all levels, from beginner to advanced.

For those who are new to scuba diving, you can start with a Discover Scuba Diving program, where you’ll receive a brief introduction to diving theory and then have the chance to practice your skills in a pool or shallow water dive. This is a great way to dip your toes into the world of scuba diving and see if it’s something you want to pursue further. 

Best Dive Sites in Malta, Gozo and Comino

1. Blue Hole and Coral Gardens, Gozo

Let’s start with the best scuba diving spots in Malta. The island’s coastline is blessed with several excellent dive sites, but if you’re looking for the best, you can’t go wrong with the Blue Hole.

Located on the island of Gozo, this natural 10-meter-wide natural limestone formation drops down to 26 meters and is a dive site that’s famous among the diving community for its stunning underwater scenery. As you descend into the clear blue water, you’ll pass through an archway before reaching a vertical chimney that opens up into a large cave. You’ll find an abundance of marine life here, including moray eels, octopuses, and even barracuda.

2. Santa Marija Caves, Comino

Situated on Comino Island, the Santa Marija Caves are a network of underwater caverns, tunnels, and swim-throughs. The dive site is known for its crystal-clear waters and unique rock formations and is home to a variety of marine life like lobsters, octopuses, and nudibranchs. Divers can explore the caves and tunnels, filled with light and shadow play, providing an extraordinary diving experience.

➤ Looking for things to do on Comino Island? Here’s my guide to the famous Blue Lagoon and other things to see and do on Comino.

3. Um El Faroud Shipwreck, Malta

The Um El Faroud is a sunken oil tanker that was intentionally scuttled off the coast of Malta in 1998 to create an artificial reef. It sits upright on the sandy bottom at a depth of around 35 meters, and divers can swim through its engine room and cargo holds, which are home to a wide variety of marine life including schools of fish, octopuses, and eels.

4. Cirkewwa, Malta

Located on the northwestern coast of Malta, Cirkewwa is another popular diving site known for its stunning underwater topography, with several interesting formations including steep drop-offs, caverns, arches, and swim-throughs. Divers can explore the nearby reef, which is home to an abundance of marine life like barracudas, moray eels, cuttlefish, and seahorses.

➤ Tip: while you’re in the region, check out the Popeye Village – Malta’s most popular attraction, near Cirkewwa.

5. HMS Maori Shipwreck, Malta

The HMS Maori is a British destroyer that was sunk by German bombers in 1942 during World War II. It now rests on the seabed off the coast of Valletta at a depth of around 16 meters and is a popular site due to its historical significance, for both recreational and technical divers. Divers can explore the ship’s remains, which are covered in colorful corals and sponges and provide shelter for a variety of marine life.

6. Lantern Point, Comino

Located on the southern tip of Comino Island, Lantern Point is a popular dive site for advanced divers due to its strong currents. The dive site is named after a lantern that used to be located on the headland overlooking the bay. This lantern was used as a navigational aid for ships entering the bay but has since been removed. Today, divers can explore a number of underwater features at Lantern Point, including swim-throughs, walls, and caves.

What will I see diving in Malta?

As you dive into the crystal-clear blue waters, you’ll be greeted by a plethora of colorful marine life that’ll make your heart skip a beat.

You might catch a glimpse of the Maltese octopus, which is known for its unique ability to change its color and texture to blend in with its surroundings. And keep your eyes peeled for the vibrant damselfish, with its bright blue and yellow scales shimmering in the sunlight.

As you explore deeper into the depths, you might even come across the majestic seahorse, gracefully gliding through the water with its curly tail and delicate fins. If you’re lucky, you might spot a curious loggerhead turtle, lazily swimming by with its wise old eyes.

But it’s not just the animals that make diving in Malta such an unforgettable experience. The underwater landscapes are just as awe-inspiring, with ancient shipwrecks and colorful coral reefs teeming with life. You might even stumble upon an underwater cave, adding an extra layer of adventure to your dive.

Malta Gozo and Comino Dive Centers

One standout option is the Aquatica Dive Centre in St. Paul’s Bay. These guys are true professionals, with a passion for diving that’s infectious. They offer a range of courses and dives, from beginner to advanced, so you can choose the experience that suits you best.

Next up is Gozo. Malta’s sister island is a big player in the diving world. One of the top dive centers on the island is Atlantis Gozo. These guys have been around for over 20 years, so they know their stuff. They offer a variety of dives, including the famous Blue Hole, and they have a team of friendly and knowledgeable instructors who will make sure you have an unforgettable experience.

Last but not least, we have Comino. This tiny island between Malta and Gozo may be small, but it’s home to some of the most crystal-clear waters in the region. The best way to explore the underwater world of Comino is with the Comino Dive Centre. These guys offer a range of dives, from shallow to deep, and they have a team of experienced instructors who will make sure you feel safe and comfortable throughout your dive.

Popular Diving Courses in Malta and Gozo

Let’s start with the beginners. If you’re new to diving, the PADI Open Water Course is a great place to start. This course will teach you all the basics of scuba diving, from how to breathe underwater to how to navigate the open sea. Most dive centers in Malta and Gozo offer this course, and it usually takes around 3-4 days to complete.

➤ Want to try diving without taking a course? You can skip the course and book a beginners diving excursion here with a professional instructor.

If you’re already a certified diver and looking to take your skills to the next level, then the PADI Advanced Open Water Course is the way to go. This course will introduce you to new types of diving, such as wreck diving and night diving, and will give you the confidence and skills to tackle more challenging dives. The course typically takes 2-3 days to complete.

For those who are already advanced divers, there are a variety of specialized courses to choose from. If you’re interested in underwater photography, the PADI Digital Underwater Photography Course is a great option. This course will teach you how to capture stunning underwater images and how to edit them to perfection. Another popular course for advanced divers is the PADI Rescue Diver Course. This course will teach you how to prevent and manage dive emergencies and how to become a more confident and responsible diver.

How to Get to Malta, Gozo and Comino

You have a few options, but the easiest and most common way is to fly. Malta has its own international airport, which is conveniently located a few kilometers from the capital, Valletta. You can fly into Malta from many major European cities, as well as a few cities in North Africa and the Middle East.

If you want to explore Gozo and Comino as well as Malta, you’ll need to take a ferry. Don’t worry, it’s a quick and easy trip, and you’ll get to enjoy some stunning views of the Mediterranean along the way.

Diving on Gozo

Once you’re on Gozo, there are a few different ways to get around. You can rent a car or scooter if you’re feeling brave, but be warned – the roads are narrow and winding, so it’s not for the faint of heart. Alternatively, you can take a bus or even hire a private driver to take you around.

Diving on Comino

To get to the diving sites on Comino Island you first need to take the ferry from Malta to Comino. You’ll arrive at the Blue Lagoon and from there its a short walk to the diving sites.

Malta Scuba Diving: FAQs

What should you pack for your visit to Malta?

Another thing to keep in mind is that the weather can be a bit unpredictable, so it’s always wise to pack for all seasons. Here are the Blue Lagoon essentials:

• A decent pair of hiking shoes (for lots of walking and hikes over rocky surfaces)
• Swimwear & compact travel towel (for the beaches and the sea)
• A hoodie or warm sweater (for the cooler evenings)
• A good quality compact camera (for taking great pics)

Traveling to Malta soon?