Diving in Malta & Gozo

The crystal clear waters surrounding the Maltese islands are considered to be one of the top scuba diving destinations in the Mediterranean with spectacular rock formations and a colourful selection of marine life.

 The exciting diving attractions are further complemented by a number of wrecks of ships and aeroplanes, making the seabed even more interesting. The wrecks include the World War II destroyer Maori which is just 14 metres deep, and the 110 metre tanker Un El Farroud lying at 35 metres.

 

 

A big advantage with diving in Malta is that wreck diving is available for all experience levels.

 

• The islands are a real divers paradise with over 35,000 visiting annually in waters that offer excellent underwater visibility,  often around 30 metres. This provides an opportunity to view the unique topographic structure of the underwater landscape with an abundance of caves, holes, grottos and crevices, along with the healthy multi-coloured flora and fauna. This undoubtedly makes the Maltese Islands an ideal place for your consideration for this wonderful sport.

• The Blue Hole in Dwerja, Gozo has been voted one of the top 10 best dive sites in Europe by a survey of independent expert travel writers. For British divers, Malta and Gozo are the biggest dive destinations in the Med.

• The Maltese islands have the advantage of being a year round diving destination with the sea temperature never dropping lower than 13C (58F), even in the winter.

• Dive sites are always easily accessible and even on the rare days that the weather closes in the sheltered coastline offers numerous options for a number of interesting dives and sites. Diving in the very mild winter months around the Islands is further enhanced by the many species of fish that move inshore to the shallower, slightly warmer waters and as they are not disturbed by swimmers during this time, the diver has even more opportunities for observation and photography.

• The Maltese islands have the advantage of being a year round diving destination with the sea temperature never dropping lower than 13C (58F), even in the winter. Dive sites are always easily accessible and even on the rare days that the weather closes in the sheltered coastline offers numerous options for a number of interesting dives and sites. Diving in the very mild winter months around the Islands is further enhanced by the many species of fish that move inshore to the shallower, slightly warmer waters and as they are not disturbed by swimmers during this time, the diver has even more opportunities for observation and photography.

• Sea temperatures in the summer range from around 23C (78F) and divers may wear a light 3mm diving suit or even dive without one. A good semi-dry suit is advisable between the months of December-April.

• Malta offers a well developed diving infrastructure and is capable of coping with the very basics diving means or even the most sophisticated of demands. Rebreathers, nitrox, trimix, deep air diving and DPV's are all available locally. Divers need to be aware that if visiting the Islands for a short period there is no need to bring along with them their own equipment as these can be easily hired locally at very reasonable prices.

• Malta is an ideal place for diver training as the seas around the island are virtually tide less and a safe haven. Underwater currents are very rare in summer although slightly more frequent in the winter months. Malta is also ideally suited for night dives that open up a whole new dimension for the experienced diver.

• It is possible to combine a short break in Malta with a diving holiday and as a general rule a diver who has made a single non stop dive can fly 12 hours after resurfacing. This is normally extended to 24 hours depending on the dive frequency during the holiday, the depths, the duration and intervals between the dives.

• A beginner can learn to dive in just 2-3 days with a scuba diver course whilst an advanced open water course and a rescue diver course can also be covered in 2-3 days. A six dive package option over 3 days is possible for the more experienced diver, including a night dive and two boat dives.

• For those who wish to dive independently without the aid of a local instructor may do so but need to have a local diving permit. All forms are made available at dive centres on the island.

• A medical certificate, two passport photographs and a minimum standard of BSAC Sports or PADI advanced are required or equivalent. At the present time anyone wishing to scuba dive in Malta must hold a current diving medical. This service is offered locally through some dive centres at a cost of approx £LM4 and we would suggest that any person who is unsure of their current medical situation should seek advice before booking.

• Any history of asthma, diabetes or epilepsy are disqualifying factors for diving in Malta. There is a recompression chamber and hyperbaric unit at Malta's main hospital, St Luke's.

   

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