News

Where to dive in Malta? The best dive sites in Malta, Gozo and Comino

Malta is een populaire duikbestemming met tientallen stekken verspreid over drie eilanden — Malta, Gozo en Comino — die het hele jaar toegankelijk zijn dankzij minimale stroming, nauwelijks getij en een zicht dat op heldere dagen oploopt tot 50 meter. Het aanbod varieert van beginnersvriendelijke wrakken zoals de Tugboat 2 bij Sliema (18 tot 20 meter) en de HMS Maori voor Valletta (16 meter) tot gevorderde duiken bij de Um El Faroud, een tanker van 110 meter die bekendstaat als de koningin van de wrakken. Op Gozo trekt de Inland Sea de meeste duikers met een 80 meter lange tunnel en een wall tot 60 meter diepte voor techduikers, terwijl historische wrakken tot 130 meter diep — waaronder de onderzeeër HMS Stubborn op 57 meter — een permit vereisen van Heritage Malta via een erkende duikschool. Het grootste deel van het duiken gebeurt als kantduik, waarvoor eigen vervoer vrijwel onmisbaar is, en september geldt als het ideale seizoen vanwege het warmste water, het beste zicht en de afgenomen zomerdrukte. Malta is vanaf Nederland bereikbaar in circa drie uur vliegen via onder meer Transavia en Ryanair, er is geen visum vereist en de euro wordt er gebruikt.

Diving trips

24 June 2026

NOB is organising two extra large snorkelling days in Gelderland this summer

The Dutch Underwater Sports Federation (NOB) is organising two snorkelling days this summer, with a total of 120 places available: on Saturday 18 July at Bussloo in Gelderland, and on Sunday 9 August at Groene Heuvels, also in Gelderland. Each day features three sessions — at 09:30, 12:00 and 14:30 — with a maximum of 20 participants per session. The activity is open to anyone aged 10 and over who holds a Swimming Certificate A, and participation costs €9.95 for NOB members and €19.95 for non-members. New this year is a partnership with SamenSuppen, which will be offering SUP excursions at both locations, giving visitors the option to combine snorkelling with stand-up paddleboarding. Registration and further information are available at www.onderwatersport.org/twee-extra-grote-snorkeldagen-nog-meer-avontuur-onder-water.

Flora & Fauna

10 June 2026

Walk the show floor in advance: Duikvaker 2027 in 3D

Duikvaker 2027 is introducing an interactive 3D floor plan that allows visitors to explore the exhibition floor virtually before the event opens. The floor plan shows the layout of the hall, the locations of stands and theatres, including the full programme for each theatre, covering topics such as technical diving, underwater photography, travel destinations and underwater sustainability. Some exhibitors have already had their stands rendered in 3D — the Bonaire Plein, for example, is already visible — and as the show approaches, more and more stands will be added to the digital environment. The aim is to help visitors plan their visit efficiently by mapping out routes and selecting presentations in advance. The 3D floor plan will soon be available at duikvaker.nl, where interested parties can sign up for the newsletter to receive a notification as soon as it goes live.

Exhibition

3 June 2026

Bonaire square at Duikvaker 2027: 14 exhibitors, dushi vibes and daily happy hour

At Duikvaker 2027, the Bonaire Square returns as the central meeting point for diving enthusiasts considering or planning a trip to Bonaire. Fourteen exhibitors from the island — including dive schools, resorts and tour operators — are grouped together in a single zone on the show floor, styled with a Bonairean atmosphere, complete with its own bar, a daily happy hour and Krioyo snacks. Bonaire appeals to divers for a number of reasons, not least because PADI has recognised it as the world's number 1 shore diving destination, with more than 85 dive sites, 54 of which are accessible directly from the waterfront — all within the Bonaire National Marine Park, which has been a protected area since 1979. Duikvaker 2027 takes place on Friday 5, Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 February at Expo Houten, Meidoornkade 24 in Houten. The definitive list of participating exhibitors at the Bonaire Square will be announced in stages in the run-up to the show via duikvaker.nl.

ExhibitionDiving trips

13 May 2026

Duikvaker 2027: 5, 6 and 7 February at Expo Houten

The Duikvaker weekend, a major diving trade show, takes place from 5 to 7 February at Expo Houten. For three days, more than 200 exhibitors from over 27 countries showcase everything related to diving equipment, travel, training and underwater photography. Visitors can enjoy a variety of presentations and themed roundtables, including a new Friday evening edition. The event brings together diving enthusiasts and professionals alike. Its primary aim is to provide information, inspiration and networking opportunities within the diving community.

Exhibition

12 May 2026

Presentations at Duikvaker 2027: 80+ speakers across 5 theatres

On 5, 6 and 7 February 2027, Duikvaker will take place at Expo Houten, where more than 80 speakers spread across five theatres will deliver presentations of 25 to 30 minutes on a wide range of topics including underwater photography, wreck diving, technical diving, dive medicine, travel destinations and ecology. Presentations will be held in Dutch, English and German, and are free to attend for anyone with a Duikvaker ticket. New in 2027 is the Friday Evening edition, running from 6:00 to 9:00 pm, which has been deliberately scheduled with a limited number of presentations so that visitors can focus on exploring the exhibition floor; the full programme runs on Saturday and Sunday. The DuikeninBeeld themed discussion tables return as a regular feature, offering small-scale conversations with experts on subjects such as underwater photography, equipment maintenance and sustainable diving. The first version of the programme will be announced in September at duikvaker.nl.

Exhibition

12 May 2026

Friday Evening Edition: Duikvaker for those whose weekend is already packed

Duikvaker 2027 is introducing a Friday Evening edition on Friday, 5 February at Expo Houten, running from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. This additional evening has been created for divers who are unable to free up their weekend due to family or club commitments. The offering is fully on a par with the weekend days: all 200+ exhibitors from 27+ countries will be present, presentations will be held, and the Bonaire Plein will feature a bar with a happy hour. A separate ticket is required for the Friday Evening edition, valid exclusively on Friday evening and not exchangeable for Saturday or Sunday; the price will be announced at a later date. Duikvaker 2027 will take place in full on 5, 6 and 7 February at Expo Houten.

Exhibition

12 May 2026

Filters

Duikvaker 2027 for the whole family: here's how young visitors experience the diving trade show

Where to dive in Malta? The best dive sites in Malta, Gozo and Comino

NOB is organising two extra large snorkelling days in Gelderland this summer

Walk the show floor in advance: Duikvaker 2027 in 3D

Bonaire square at Duikvaker 2027: 14 exhibitors, dushi vibes and daily happy hour

Duikvaker 2027: 5, 6 and 7 February at Expo Houten

Presentations at Duikvaker 2027: 80+ speakers across 5 theatres

Friday Evening Edition: Duikvaker for those whose weekend is already packed

Duikvaker 2027 for the whole family: here's how young visitors experience the diving trade show

Where to dive in Malta? The best dive sites in Malta, Gozo and Comino

NOB is organising two extra large snorkelling days in Gelderland this summer

Walk the show floor in advance: Duikvaker 2027 in 3D

Bonaire square at Duikvaker 2027: 14 exhibitors, dushi vibes and daily happy hour

Duikvaker 2027: 5, 6 and 7 February at Expo Houten

Presentations at Duikvaker 2027: 80+ speakers across 5 theatres

Friday Evening Edition: Duikvaker for those whose weekend is already packed

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