From Historic Wrecks to Underwater Caves: Your Complete Guide to Malta's Premier Dive Spots

Malta continues to rank among Europe's best diving destinations in 2025, and it's easy to see why. With visibility typically ranging from 20 to 30 metres (and sometimes reaching up to 40 metres in winter), water temperatures from approximately 14°C in winter to 28°C in summer, and multiple dive sites across the archipelago, the Maltese underwater world offers something extraordinary for every scuba diver.

Whether you're taking your first breaths underwater or you're a technical diver seeking deep wrecks, Malta's crystal-clear waters hide treasures that'll leave you amazed.

What makes Malta particularly special in 2025? It's not just the warm Mediterranean waters or the fact that you can dive year-round. It's the incredible diversity packed into such a small area.

Malta offers remarkable variety within easy reach. Historic wrecks with fascinating stories to underwater rock formations carved by nature, beginner-friendly caves to challenging technical dives. Plus, with many sites accessible from shore and dive centres throughout the islands, getting underwater has never been easier.

Ready to discover why divers keep coming back to these limestone islands? Let's explore 10 outstanding Malta diving spots that make Malta an absolute must-visit destination for underwater enthusiasts.

1. Um El Faroud

Location: Coast of Wied iz-Zurrieq, Malta
Dive Type: Wreck Dive
Maximum Depth: 36m
Recommended Level: Advanced

For wreck enthusiasts, Um El Faroud stands as one of Malta's most impressive dives. This approximately 110-metre oil tanker has transformed into a thriving artificial reef, attracting various marine species including barracudas, squids, sea breams, and parrotfish. The wreck sits on the seabed at around 34 metres, making it accessible to advanced recreational divers while offering plenty to explore.

The ship split into two sections several years ago, creating an even more intriguing dive site with multiple entry points. However, this isn't a wreck for the inexperienced. Due to its size and depth, only divers with proper wreck diving experience should venture inside. Areas worth exploring include the bridge area, crew quarters, and the atmospheric passages leading to the engine room, each offering glimpses into the ship's past.

History

Um El Faroud served as a Libyan-owned oil tanker for 26 years, transporting fuel between Italy and Libya. In 1995, tragedy struck when the ship was docked for maintenance at the Maltese Drydocks. An explosion claimed the lives of nine shipyard workers, leaving the vessel damaged beyond repair. After consideration, authorities decided to give the ship a new purpose, scuttling it as a diving attraction in 1998.

Diving tip: The currents around Um El Faroud can be strong and unpredictable. Always dive with an experienced guide who knows the local conditions; they'll help ensure you get the most out of your dive while staying safe.

2. The Blue Hole & Azure Reef

Location: Dwejra, Gozo
Dive Type: Reef/Cave dive
Maximum Depth: 25m (Blue Hole) / Varies (Azure Reef)
Recommended Level: Advanced

The Blue Hole has always been special, but since 8 March 2017, it's become even more extraordinary. This vertical chimney in the limestone coast drops down to about 25 metres, connecting to the open sea through a spectacular underwater arch at around 9 metres. The waters here offer excellent visibility that makes every dive memorable.

The famous Azure Window's collapse in 2017 created an entirely new dive site. The Azure Reef, formed from the massive limestone blocks of the fallen arch, has quickly become one of Malta's most talked-about diving spots. These substantial chunks of limestone have created various swim-throughs, passages, and crevices that are fascinating to explore. Marine life has already claimed these new structures, with various species making their homes among the rocks.

Many divers now combine both sites in one dive, starting at the Blue Hole and exploring the newly formed Azure Reef before checking out the nearby Coral Garden. Just remember, this site requires good physical fitness. You'll need to walk about 200 metres in full gear to reach the entry point, and the terrain can be challenging.

3.  P29 Patrol Boat

Location: Cirkewwa, Malta
Dive Type: Wreck dive
Maximum Depth: 36m
Recommended Level: Advanced

The P29 might be smaller than some of Malta's other wrecks, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in accessibility and marine life. Lying approximately 150 metres offshore from Ċirkewwa and often marked by a buoy, this patrol boat has become one of Malta's popular wreck dives. The vessel sits upright on the sandy bottom, creating an impressive sight for divers.

What makes the P29 particularly appealing for photographers is its intact structure and the marine life that's made it home. Schools of fish often patrol the wreck, while various species lurk in the shadows.

The boat was carefully prepared for diving before sinking. Engines and potential hazards were removed, creating safer entry points throughout the vessel. However, some internal passages remain tight, so penetration should only be attempted by experienced wreck divers.

History

Built in 1969 in East Germany as a Kondor I class minesweeper, this vessel spent its early years patrolling the border between East and West Germany. In 1997, Malta purchased the boat along with sister ships, incorporating them into the Maritime Squadron of the Armed Forces of Malta.

For several years, these patrol boats protected Maltese waters. After decommissioning, the Malta Tourism Authority recognised the vessel's potential as a dive site. The P29 was scuttled on 14 August 2007, becoming one of Malta's purposely-sunk diving attractions.

Photography tip: The wreck features various photogenic elements. Time your dive for when natural light creates dramatic effects through the water.

4. Santa Maria Caves

Location: Comino
Dive Type: Cave dive
Maximum Depth: 10m
Recommended Level: Beginner

The Santa Maria Caves prove that you don't need to go deep to have an unforgettable diving experience. This cave system on Comino's coast features multiple interconnected caves, each with its own character. With relatively shallow depths, it's accessible to beginners, yet fascinating enough to keep advanced divers engaged.

What makes these caves truly special is the interplay of light and water. Sunbeams pierce through openings in the limestone, creating beautiful light effects that dance across the cave walls. The shallow depth means you'll have plenty of time to explore, where you'll discover various marine life.

Octopuses hide in crevices, colourful shrimps move across the rocks, and moray eels peer out from their hideaways. Schools of fish often gather in the caves, creating wonderful photo opportunities.

The caves are particularly spectacular for underwater photographers. The combination of rock formations, light effects, and marine life creates endless opportunities for memorable shots. Remember to bring an underwater torch to illuminate the darker areas and reveal the true colours of the cave's inhabitants.

Best practice: The Santa Maria Caves are popular, especially during summer months. For the best experience, aim to dive here early in the day when the sites are less crowded and the light conditions are optimal.

5. MV Rozi Tugboat

Location: Cirkewwa, Malta
Dive Type: Wreck dive
Maximum Depth: 35m
Recommended Level: Advanced

The Rozi might be one of Malta's smaller wrecks at approximately 35 metres long, but it's become a favourite among many divers. This tugboat sits upright on the sandy seabed, with the wheelhouse at shallower depths and the bottom sections reaching 35 metres. What makes Rozi special is its preservation and accessibility. The wreck remains largely intact (minus the engine and propeller which were removed before sinking), making it suitable for both exploration and photography.

The good visibility in this area means you can often see the entire wreck from a distance, creating an impressive silhouette. As you approach, you'll notice how nature has claimed this vessel. The tugboat is now decorated with marine growth, while schools of fish dart in and out of every opening.

Look out for various species including wrasse, scorpion fish, and other Mediterranean marine life. The wheelhouse, with its openings and structure, allows natural light inside, making it ideal for atmospheric photography.

History

The Rozi's story began in 1958 when she was built in Bristol. After years of service in British waters, she made the journey to Malta in 1972, where she worked for local companies. For many years, this hardworking tugboat helped guide ships safely into Maltese harbours.

When she was decommissioned in 1992, she was given a new purpose. Originally sunk to serve as an attraction for submarine tours, Rozi quickly became popular among divers.

6. Cirkewwa Reef (Including the Arch)

Location: Cirkewwa, Malta
Dive Type: Reef dive
Maximum Depth: 35m+
Recommended Level: Intermediate to Advanced

The Cirkewwa area offers some of Malta's most diverse diving, with natural reef formations including an impressive underwater arch. This site has become increasingly popular, offering divers a chance to explore natural limestone formations while enjoying some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean. The reef system extends to various depths, making different sections accessible to divers of different experience levels.

What sets this area apart is the variety it offers. You can explore the natural arch formation, investigate the surrounding reef with its caves and swim-throughs, or combine it with visits to the nearby wrecks. The area also features underwater statues that have become interesting additions to the natural landscape. The site essentially offers multiple dive experiences in one location.

Marine life here is abundant and varied. The reef structures provide shelter for groupers, octopuses, and moray eels, while the open water often features schools of fish. The walls are covered with colourful marine growth, and careful observers will find various smaller species that make excellent subjects for macro photography.

7. Anchor Bay Cave

Location: Mellieha, Malta
Dive Type: Cave/Reef dive
Maximum Depth: 12m
Recommended Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Anchor Bay, also known as Popeye Village bay, offers more than just the famous film set on land. Underwater, it provides an accessible and interesting dive site with cave formations and diverse marine life. The relatively shallow maximum depth makes it perfect for newer divers or those looking for a relaxed dive with plenty to see.

The cave at Anchor Bay is particularly notable for its size and the light effects created by openings in the rock. The main chamber is spacious enough for several divers to explore comfortably, and the play of light through the water creates beautiful effects throughout the day. The cave system includes several chambers and passages, though some areas should only be explored by appropriately trained divers.

Marine life in and around the cave includes various fish species typical of the Mediterranean, as well as octopuses, moray eels, and numerous smaller creatures that make their homes in the rocky environment. The site is also known for its clear water and the interesting rock formations that extend beyond the cave itself.

8. HMS Maori

Location: St.elmo Bay, Valletta
Dive Type: Wreck dive
Maximum Depth: 16m
Recommended Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Not all great dives need to be deep, and HMS Maori demonstrates this perfectly. This World War II destroyer lies in shallow water just outside Valletta's historic Grand Harbour, making it one of Malta's most accessible historic wrecks. With depths ranging from very shallow to a maximum of around 16 metres, it's suitable for beginners, night dives, and those looking to extend their bottom time.

Despite war damage, portions of the ship remain recognisable and are fascinating to explore. The wreck has become an artificial reef, supporting various marine species including groupers, octopuses, and schools of smaller fish. The shallow depth means you'll have plenty of time to explore the wreck's details and observe the marine life that has made it home.

History

HMS Maori was a Tribal-class destroyer that served with the Royal Navy during World War II. The ship participated in various Mediterranean operations before meeting its fate.

On 12 February 1942, while in Grand Harbour, the ship was hit during an air raid. Despite efforts to save her, HMS Maori sank. Today, the wreck serves as both a diving attraction and an underwater memorial to naval history.

9. Reqqa Point

Location: Marsalforn, Gozo
Dive Type: Reef dive
Maximum Depth: 45m+
Recommended Level: Beginner & Advanced

Reqqa Reef offers something for everyone, from shallow sections perfect for beginners to dramatic walls that plunge into the depths for technical divers. Located on Gozo's north coast, this site showcases the dramatic underwater topography that makes Maltese diving so special.

The reef starts relatively shallow, making it accessible to newer divers who can enjoy the colourful marine life and interesting rock formations. As you move seaward, the bottom drops away dramatically, creating a wall dive that's particularly impressive. This variety means the site can accommodate divers of very different experience levels simultaneously.

Marine life at Reqqa is diverse and plentiful. The shallower sections host numerous smaller species, while the wall attracts larger fish and occasional pelagic visitors. The site is known for its healthy marine ecosystem and the variety of species that can be observed during a single dive.

10. Ghar Lapsi

Location: Siggiewi, Malta
Dive Type: Cave/Reef dive
Maximum Depth: Varies (typically 10-15m)
Recommended Level: Beginner & Advanced

Għar Lapsi is known for its natural beauty both above and below the water. This site features clear waters and interesting underwater topography that appeals to divers of all levels. The area includes cave formations that can be explored by appropriately trained divers, while the surrounding reef offers plenty for those who prefer to stay outside.

The site is characterised by its rock formations and the marine life they support. The relatively shallow depths and usually calm conditions make it an excellent choice for training dives or relaxed exploration. Various fish species can be observed here, and the rock formations create interesting swim-throughs and passages to explore.

The natural pool at Għar Lapsi also serves as an easy entry point, making it particularly suitable for less experienced divers or those looking for a relaxed dive. The clarity of the water here is often exceptional, providing excellent conditions for photography and observation of marine life.

Planning Your Malta Diving Adventure

Best Time to Dive

Malta offers year-round diving, with each season bringing its own advantages. April to June provides warming waters, good visibility, and fewer crowds. July to September offers the warmest conditions and calm seas, though popular sites can get busy.

October to November combines warm water with excellent diving conditions. December to March sees cooler waters but often provides the best visibility and empty dive sites.

Getting Around

Malta's compact size benefits divers greatly. Most dive sites are within reasonable travel distance of each other, and with numerous dive centres spread across Malta, Gozo, and Comino, you're never far from your next underwater adventure. Shore diving is common here, which means more flexibility and lower costs, though boat dives offer access to different sites and perspectives.

Diving Conditions

Visibility in Malta is generally excellent, typically ranging from 20-30 metres. Water temperatures vary seasonally from around 14°C in winter to 28°C in summer. Currents are generally mild at most sites, though some exposed locations can experience stronger flows. The absence of dangerous marine life makes Malta a safe diving destination, though divers should always maintain proper buoyancy to protect the marine environment.

Final Thoughts

Malta's underwater world continues to evolve and surprise. From dramatic natural formations to carefully preserved wrecks, each dive site tells its own story. Whether you're just beginning your diving journey or exploring challenging technical sites, Malta offers experiences that'll keep you coming back.

Ready to explore Malta's underwater treasures? Find a reputable diving school on Yellow Pages Malta and start your Mediterranean diving adventure today. Remember, the best dive site is often the one you haven't discovered yet, and in Malta, there's always another adventure waiting just beneath the surface!