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

You know you want to dive in Malta — but where exactly? That's the question most divers struggle with, because the archipelago has dozens of sites spread across three islands. Below, we list the best-known dive sites, with depth, dive type and required level for each one. At a glance, you'll know exactly where your next Malta dive will be.

Malta is a destination where you can dive virtually year-round, though winter dives call for thicker exposure protection and a careful choice of sheltered sites. Visibility is typically 20 to 40 metres and can be even better on exceptionally clear days. Currents are generally mild and tidal range is small, although deeper wrecks and exposed sites can have current or surge. Don't expect the tropical riot of colour you'd find in the Red Sea or the Caribbean, but do expect crystal-blue water, dramatic rock formations, caves, swim-throughs and a remarkable number of wrecks.

Three islands, three styles of diving

The archipelago divides into three diving areas, each with its own character:

• Malta is the largest island and offers the greatest variety: well-known wrecks, shore dives close together and the widest choice of dive centres.
• Gozo lies just north of Malta and is wilder and quieter. This is where you'll find the spectacular rock formations, tunnels and caves.
• Comino is the small island in between — almost uninhabited — with some of the finest cave dives and clear, shallow water.

Between Malta and Gozo, the Gozo Channel ferry runs between Ċirkewwa on Malta and Mġarr on Gozo; the crossing takes around 25 minutes, so combining both islands in a single trip is perfectly straightforward.

The best dive sites on Malta, Gozo and Comino

Below are the most well-known sites. Depths and levels are guidelines and depend on the route, sea conditions and entry and exit points — always get a briefing from a local dive centre.

For beginners

Just starting out, or looking to ease in gently? A great place to begin is HMS Maori near Valletta — one of Malta's most accessible WWII wrecks and, at just 12 to 16 metres, well within reach of less experienced divers. The P31 off Comino is also an excellent first wreck dive: a boat dive to around 18 to 20 metres, ideal with a guide. Tug 2 at Exiles (Sliema) offers a relatively shallow training and wreck dive profile, with the wreck sitting at around 22 metres. It's suitable with supervision, but the depth makes it less ideal as a first independent beginner dive. On Gozo, Coral Gardens at Dwejra is a calm, shallow shore dive — a perfect starting point.

For advanced divers

Those looking to go deeper should head to Cirkewwa in the north-west — Malta's most versatile dive location. Here you'll find the photogenic tugboat Rozi (around 20 to 34 metres) and the patrol boat P29 (around 20 to 34/36 metres), along with natural arches and swim-throughs. The Um El Faroud at Wied iż-Żurrieq is the showpiece: a 109 to 110-metre tanker, popularly known as the queen of the wrecks. Worth noting: this is a shore dive with steep steps and a ten to twelve-minute swim to reach the wreck, so don't underestimate it.

For cave and technical divers

On Gozo, the Inland Sea draws the most divers: an approximately 80-metre tunnel leading from an inland lagoon out to a spectacular wall. Recreational divers typically stay within their certification limits; deeper profiles are for experienced or technical divers only. Right next to it, the Blue Hole is Gozo's most famous site — especially since the neighbouring Azure Window rock arch collapsed in 2017. For serious technical divers, there are deeper historical wrecks, including the submarine HMS Stubborn (approx. 56 to 57 metres). Many historical wrecks and underwater cultural heritage sites are only accessible through registered local dive centres or clubs and are managed by Heritage Malta. Always arrange access through an accredited local dive centre.

Shore diving or boat diving?

Many of the popular recreational dives on Malta and Gozo are shore dives: you drive to the site with a hire car, tank in the boot. Your own transport is therefore almost essential (and remember: they drive on the left). For Comino (P31, Santa Maria Caves), aircraft wrecks and various historical or deep wrecks, a boat is usually required.

When is the best time to dive in Malta?

You can dive year-round, but the seasons vary considerably:

For many divers, September is the ideal time: the water is at its warmest, visibility is at its best and the summer crowds have thinned out. In summer, a 3 to 5 mm wetsuit is sufficient; from December to May, a thick wetsuit or drysuit is advisable. In summer, a shorty may be enough for straightforward dives, but for wrecks, caves, swim-throughs and rocky shore dives, a full suit is generally more comfortable and safer.

What will you see underwater?

Malta is not a tropical destination, so don't expect shoals of brightly coloured reef fish. What you will find is a rich Mediterranean world: moray eels, octopuses, sea bream, scorpionfish, stingrays and, if you're lucky, a John Dory or barracuda. For macro photographers, it's a nudibranch paradise. One word of warning: fireworms are everywhere, and their vivid orange colour is a warning sign — touching them stings.

Also keep safety rules in mind. When there is boat traffic, always use an Alpha flag, dive flag or surface marker buoy in accordance with local procedures. Vessels are required to keep their distance from dive signals, but never assume you've been spotted. Malta has a Hyperbaric Unit at Mater Dei Hospital in Msida; ask locally about the current emergency procedure, especially if you're diving on Gozo.

Other things to keep in mind

Malta is around three hours by air from the Netherlands. There are direct flights from Amsterdam, including with KM Malta Airlines and, depending on the season, other carriers as well. From Eindhoven, low-cost airlines such as Ryanair regularly operate direct flights. Check the current schedules, as routes change by season. You pay in euros, no visa is required, and English is an official language that is very widely spoken in Malta. For Dutch divers, the bar to entry is low. It is worth bringing a plug adaptor, as Malta uses the British three-pin socket.

Hear the story behind the site

A table tells you where the wrecks are, but not what it feels like to swim out of the Inland Sea tunnel or glide along the Um El Faroud. On Duikvaker you'll find dive centres and travel operators who know Malta inside out and can tell you exactly which site suits your level. If you're still weighing up your next trip, take a look at the exhibitors and dive destinations on the show floor — and grab your ticket while you're at it.

Duikvaker 2027 takes place on 5, 6 and 7 February at Expo Houten. See you on 5, 6 and 7 February.