Photo credit: Alex Krotkov
Malta's popularity as a holiday destination for British scuba divers and snorkellers is thanks to its crystal-clear blue waters, interesting marine life and easy accessibility from the UK.
The Maltese Islands - comprising Malta, Gozo, and Comino - offer some of the best diving opportunities in the Mediterranean, with a range of sites suitable for divers and snorkellers of all levels, from beginner to advanced. What makes underwater Malta particularly special is not only the visibility, which often exceeds 30 metres, but also the historical and natural wonders that lie beneath the surface.
The warm Mediterranean climate ensures that the waters remain comfortable year-round, with summer temperatures hovering around 25°C, while winter temperatures are still mild enough for a pleasant dive or snorkelling experience.
Breathtaking underwater landscapes
Beneath the waves the Maltese seabed is a stunning mix of dramatic drop-offs, caves, tunnels, and overhangs, all teeming with marine life. The islands' waters are home to both Mediterranean species and those from the Atlantic, making it a biodiversity hotspot. Some of the most famous dive sites, such as the Blue Hole on Gozo, offer striking underwater topography. The Blue Hole is a natural limestone arch leading into the open sea, where divers can descend to a depth of 50 metres.
For cave diving enthusiasts, Malta offers several spectacular cave systems including the Cave of St. Paul's, where divers can explore deep caverns with sunlight filtering in through cracks in the rock. The underwater tunnels of Cirkewwa offer a variety of routes through rocky landscapes, as well as encounters with octopuses, lobsters, and other creatures hiding in crevices.
Malta has a rich maritime history, and the island's position between Africa and Europe made it a key naval crossroads throughout history, so it’s no surprise that many wrecks have accumulated around its shores. The marine life in Malta is varied and abundant. Divers can expect to encounter a wide variety of fish species, including parrotfish, wrasse, and seabream. Larger species such as tuna, rays, and even the occasional shark do put in an occasional appearance.
For snorkellers and their families, the Blue Lagoon is a stunning, sheltered bay located between the islands of Comino and Cominotto. Or try Golden Bay on Malta’s northwest coast, where the water is clear and calm, and just a short distance from the shore, you can find rocky reefs, seagrass meadows, and plenty of marine life. Snorkelers here may encounter octopuses hiding in crevices, wrasse darting through the water, and even the occasional ray gliding along the sandy seabed.
Accessibility
Malta’s accessibility is one of its key selling points. The islands are well-equipped with dive centres, boat trips, and rental facilities catering to both beginners and experienced divers. The relatively short distances between dive sites allow divers to explore multiple locations in a single day. Whether you’re interested in guided dives, technical dives, or simply relaxing and exploring, Malta offers something for every diver. Contact a BSAC Centre in Malta to find out more about diving, snorkelling or training on the island.
Flights from major UK airports
Whether you’re looking to relax and observe the marine life or seek out more adventurous encounters, Malta’s best underwater spots are sure to leave you with lasting memories. You can fly to Malta in approximately three hours from the UK, making it ideal for a family holiday, a club trip or just a short getaway from grey winter days! BSAC qualifications are recognised worldwide, so start planning your trip now at VisitMalta.com
In association with:
Dive and train with BSAC overseas
Start planning your blue water training! Use the locator to find an overseas BSAC Centre. For more information on BSAC’s Skill Development Courses, go to bsac.com/sdcs
