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've listed the most well-known dive sites, with depth, dive type and required level for each one. At a glance, you'll see where your next Malta dive should be.

Malta is one of the few destinations where you can get in the water all year round. Visibility reaches 30 to 40 metres, and on clear days even 50 metres. Currents are minimal and tidal movement is negligible. Don't expect tropical colour explosions — what you get instead is crystal-clear blue water, dramatic rock formations and wrecks in abundance.

Three islands, three diving experiences

The archipelago is made up of three diving areas, each with its own character:

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

The Gozo Channel ferry runs between Malta and Gozo (departing from Cirkewwa in the north), so combining both islands in a single trip is perfectly straightforward.

The best dive sites in Malta, Gozo and Comino

Below are the most popular sites, grouped by level. Depths and levels are guidelines — always get a briefing from a local dive centre.

For beginners

Just starting out, or looking to ease in gently? Tugboat 2 near Sliema is an excellent choice — a training wreck at 18 to 20 metres, accessible directly from the rocky shore. The P31 near Comino (18 metres) is equally ideal for a first wreck dive: its shallow depth means you can spend a full hour exploring it. HMS Maori, off the coast of Valletta, is the only World War II wreck accessible to recreational divers, and at 16 metres it's well within reach for beginners.

For advanced divers

If you're after greater depth, head to Cirkewwa in the northwest — Malta's most versatile dive location. Here you'll find the photogenic tugboat Rozi (to 33 metres) and the patrol boat P29 (to 36 metres), along with natural arches and swim-throughs. The Um El Faroud near Zurieq is the showpiece: a 110-metre tanker, widely known as the queen of the wrecks. Bear in mind that this is a shore dive with steep steps and a ten to twelve minute swim to reach the wreck — not to be underestimated.

For cave and technical divers

On Gozo, the Inland Sea draws the most divers: an 80-metre tunnel leading from an inland lagoon out to a spectacular wall (20 to 30 metres for sport divers, up to 60 metres for tech divers). Right next to it, the Blue Hole is Gozo's most famous site — especially since the adjacent Azure Window rock arch collapsed in 2017. For serious technical divers, dozens of historic wrecks lie at depths of up to 130 metres, including the submarine HMS Stubborn (57 metres). A permit from Heritage Malta is required for these historic wrecks, which you can arrange through an approved dive school.

Shore diving or boat diving?

The majority of diving in Malta is shore diving: you drive to the site in a hire car with your tank in the boot. Having your own transport is therefore almost essential (and remember — they drive on the left). Boat trips are mainly used to reach Comino (P31, Santa Maria Caves) and a number of aircraft wrecks that can only be accessed from the water.

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 to visit: 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 January to May, a drysuit is recommended. Leave the shorty at home — wreck penetrations, caves and swim-throughs call for proper protection.

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 there for a reason — touching them stings.

Also be aware of the safety regulations. In the busy channel between Malta and Gozo, you are required to display an alpha flag or a Surface Marker Buoy. The nearest recompression chamber is at Mater Dei Hospital in Msida.

Other things to keep in mind

Malta is around three hours from Amsterdam by air (Air Malta, Transavia) or direct from Eindhoven (Ryanair). You pay in euros, no visa is required and everyone speaks English — making it a very accessible destination for divers from the Netherlands. One practical tip: bring a travel adaptor, as Malta uses the British three-pin plug.