Scuba diving in Malta: 6 Best Dive Sites in Malta and Gozo
January 2, 2024
Clear blue waters, caves and swim throughs, and plenty of shipwrecks await when you go scuba diving in Malta and Gozo. Malta has 81 listed dive sites and attracts scuba divers and freedivers from all over the world who want to explore these gorgeous Mediterranean waters.
We have put together the ultimate guide for scuba diving in Malta and Gozo, including the six best dive sites, to inspire your next adventure.
Where to go scuba diving in Malta & Gozo – the 6 best dive sites
Let us dive straight in with our six favorite dive sites in Malta and Gozo:
1. Madonna Statue
One of the most famous dive sites in Malta, the Madonna Statue was put underwater for divers to see around 25 years ago. Scuba divers access the statue from shore, through a very shallow pool which then extends to plateaus of various levels suitable for all diving levels. This dive site is popular amongst night divers, and also offers swim-throughs and caves to explore.
2. The Blue Hole
There are some spectacular Blue Holes around the world, and Malta’s is no less impressive. Located in Gozo (the island just north of Malta), this Blue Hole is arguably the most famous attraction of scuba diving in Malta.
A 10-meter (33-foot) wide entry point leads through a crack in the reef to a natural pool and shows you stunning coral gardens and the open deep blue sea. The chimney is a key part of this dive: A large vertical swim-through. This dive site has great views at varying levels, so it is suitable for all diving levels.
3. The Rozi Tugboat
Sunk on purpose in 1991, the Rozi Tugboat dive is one of the most famous in Malta. The dive starts by swimming over a thriving coral reef until you reach the wreck around 150 meters (490 feet) away from shore.
The wreck sits at a maximum depth of 34 meters (110 feet) deep, and penetration is available to explore the engine room and wheelhouse. Wrasse, bream, and scorpionfish are regularly seen around the wreck.
4. Ghar Lapsi
Ghar Lapsi is a beginner-level dive that goes to a maximum depth of 15 meters (50 feet). More experienced divers can enter the Ghar Lapsi cave to look at the large amount of seagrass that lives inside, before exiting in multiple places.
Nudibranchs and sea hares are commonly spotted by more observant scuba divers, and shades of beautiful turquoise waters make this dive particularly special both inside and outside of the cave.
5. Billinghurst Cave
Another shore dive at Gozo (Reqqa Point to be exact), Billinghurst Cave is one of the longest cave dives in Malta and Gozo, extending for around 50 meters (165 feet). The entrance of the cave is only 3 meters (10 feet) deep but descends to a maximum depth of 30 meters (100 feet).
A flashlight is recommended to be able to look around the cave properly, as natural light is limited, and lace corals and red sponges can be seen on the walls. This cave offers an exhilarating opportunity for experienced divers, preferably those certified in Cavern/Cave diving, to explore its depths. Prior experience diving in overhead environments is strongly recommended. More adventurous and seasoned divers can choose to enter the Railway tunnel which is an optional extension of the Billinghurst cave.
6. Reqqa Reef
One of the best dive sites in Gozo for spotting exciting marine life, Reqqa Point not only leads you to Billinghurst Cave (above) but is also a stunning dive site in its own right. A sandy bottom at a maximum depth of 27 meters (89 feet) often has lobsters and stingrays resting on it, and barracuda are also spotted regularly.
Overhangs and caves are also a key part of the Reqqa Reef diving experience; this is truly an unmissable dive when visiting Malta.
Malta diving FAQs
When is the best time to go scuba diving in Malta?
You can go scuba diving in Malta year-round, but the summer months of July to September are considered the best time to visit due to warmer temperatures both in and out of the water.
Where are Malta and Gozo?
Malta is an island country in southern Europe. It is an archipelago between Libya and Italy. Malta has a population of around 523,000 people and attracts holidaymakers and dive tourists throughout the summer months. Gozo is a smaller island that sits just north of Malta.
How do I get there?
Malta has an international airport located in Luqa with many International flights arriving and departing daily. Another option is to catch the ferry from Sicily to Malta, which takes around 90 minutes.
What is the water temperature?
The water temperature varies throughout the year in Malta and Gozo, hitting a low of 14 °C (57 °F) in February, and reaching a high of 26 °C (79 °F) in August.
Is the visibility good?
The water visibility in Malta and Gozo tends to be extremely good due to a small amount of surface runoff. Visibility of up to 50 meters (165 feet) is not uncommon.
The Indian Ocean holds some of the best diving experiences in the world. Find out about our 5 Best Places to Dive in the Indian Ocean.
What is the most common marine life to spot in Malta and Gozo?
As well as offering crystal clear waters and a wide selection of shipwrecks, Malta and Gozo have an abundance of marine life. Divers can spot lobsters and octopus hiding in cracks and crevices, and see fish including parrotfish, triggerfish, scorpionfish, flying fish, stingrays, groupers and much more.
What certification level is recommended for scuba diving in Malta and Gozo?
There are both shore dives and boat dives available to explore around Malta and Gozo, with options for divers of all levels, including beginners.
If you want to explore the wrecks in detail, it might be worth becoming a certified Wreck Diver before you go scuba diving in Malta and Gozo. During this specialty you will be taught how to safely conduct non-penetration dives around wrecks and artificial reefs, up to a depth of 30 meters (100 feet).
How do I find a dive center in Malta and Gozo?
Check out SSI’s dive centers to find the perfect Training Center in Malta and Gozo for you!
Malta and Gozo certainly have some exciting diving options for lovers of wrecks and clear blue waters. Have you booked your flight there yet?