Scuba Diving in Malta: The Definitive Guide

You’re planning to go diving in Malta?

Great idea!

The island features many amazing dive sites and is known to be one of the best diving destinations in the Mediterranean.

And, good news, with clear and not too cold water even in winter, you can enjoy this activity and explore the underwater world at any time of the year.

Whether you want to do your try dive (also known as “first dive”) in Malta, take your PADI Open Water Diver course or opt for a diving holiday, I will give you all the information you need as well as my best tips to enjoy the perfect dive in Malta or Gozo.

So, ready to dive in Malta?

Your different options for diving in Malta

To dive in Malta, you have 2 options:

• Choose a dive center located on the main island of Malta
• Opt for a diving club in Gozo, the second island of the Maltese archipelago (easily accessible in 20 minutes by boat)

In Malta, you will be able to choose between 2 types of first dives:

• Adventure try dive, with theoretical course + diving to a maximum depth of 12 meters
• VIP try dive with private instructor: the same thing, but with an instructor just for you and your family/group!

And if you prefer to dive in Gozo, you will have the choice between 4 diving programs depending on your level:

• Discover scuba diving: try dive (first dive) – similar to Malta’s adventure try dive, but in Gozo
• PADI scuba diving course, to get your “PADI Open Water” certification
• 2 dives in 1 day package.
• 4 dives in 2 days package.

I will give you more details about all these options a bit further down this guide

Try dive in Malta (first dive)

If you have never dived before your trip to Malta, you will have to start by doing a try dive.

The diving center I have selected for you offers first dives with a maximum of 4 divers per instructor. This will allow you to enjoy the activity in optimal safety conditions!

On the day of the activity, you will need to go to the diving center located in Saint Paul’s Bay (North of Malta).

After meeting your diving instructor, you will need to fill in the mandatory medical questionnaire, to make sure that you are fit to dive!

Your instructor will then give you an introductory briefing to diving, where you will learn:

• All the necessary safety instructions
• The gestures to communicate underwater
• How to use your equipment.
  

After this short introduction, it will now be time to go get your gear!

With the guidance of your instructor, you will select equipment adapted to your size (wet suit, fins, mask). Once fully equipped, you will take the jeep and head for your first dive in Malta!

The location of your try dive will depend on the weather. Your instructor will make sure that you will enjoy good underwater visibility for your dive!

It’s also important to note that this diving center offers a real first dive.

This means that you will spend 1 hour underwater and that you will be able to go down to a maximum depth of 12 meters (if you feel like it of course!)

Many other clubs only offer an initiation, with a 20 minute dive to a maximum of 5 meters where you just learn to breathe underwater.

So now you know it: you will have the best experience possible!

You should plan around half a day for your first dive, as the activity takes about 2h30-3h in total (course + time to get dressed like a pro + time spent diving)

Of course, as it’s a small diving center (friendly atmosphere guaranteed!), you will need to book your first dive as soon as possible: the places are very limited!

In order to book your dive in Malta at the best diving center and at the best price, simply click on the button below:

Diving in Gozo (Malta)

You prefer to dive in Gozo, the second island of the Maltese archipelago?

That’s also possible!

Here also, I have selected for you the best diving center of the island.

They offer an amazing diving experience in small groups!

Depending if you have already dived or not, you will need to choose a diving program adapted to your level.

Here is a summary of the 4 options you have:

1. Try dive in Gozo

This “Discover scuba diving” try dive is exactly the same as the one mentioned above, in the “diving in Malta” section of this guide.

You will start by filling the medical questionnaire, then will get an introduction course to learn the basics about diving and safety.

After the short class, you will choose your equipment, take the jeep and head to the diving site of the day!

Of course, this is also a real “first dive” experience: you will be underwater for about 1 hour and will be able to dive to a maximum depth of 12 meters.

To book your first dive in Gozo’s best diving center, simply click on the button below:

2. PADI Open Water Diver Course

You really want to learn scuba diving and get your first certification recognized worldwide?

In that case, you can do your PADI Open Water Diver Course in Gozo!

This 4-day PADI course includes a theoretical part (you will learn everything you need to know to use your equipment and dive safely) as well as a practical part featuring 9 dives.

After obtaining your certificate, you will be allowed to dive to a maximum depth of 18 meters without being accompanied by a professional instructor.

You will thus be able to rent diving equipment and enjoy some of the most beautiful diving sites in Malta and around the world (Thailand, Spain, France, Indonesia, Mexico…).

It’s also the first mandatory step to be able to take another course and learn to dive deeper!

To book your diving course in Gozo, simply click on the green button below:

3. & 4. Diving Packages – 2 or 4 dives in Gozo

In Gozo, experienced divers can also opt for a package of 2 or 4 exploration dives.

Depending on your level, your instructor will suggest different dive sites in Gozo.

You need to book your 1 day – 2 dives package by clicking here:

And for the 2 days – 4 dives version, it’s right there:

You want to learn more about Diving in Gozo? Then you should have a look at my dedicated article: Diving in Gozo: the definitive guide.

The 15 Best dive sites in Malta

Here are the most famous diving spots in Malta:

• Qawra Point, a shallow bay located in the North of Malta. Perfect for a try dive!
• Cirkewwa Arch, a beautiful natural rock formation located 20 meters underwater
• Rozi wreck, a 40 meter long tugboat wreck
• The P29, a 54-meter vessel, still in good condition. The perfect place to observe moray eels and barracudas.
• Anchor Bay (where Popeye Village is located), features an underwater cave at a depth of 10 meters with an open air vault
• Paradise Bay, known for its varied underwater fauna: moray eels, scorpion fish, octopus
• Ghar Lapsi in the south of Malta: several caves and an abundant underwater life (seahorses, groupers and more!)
• UM El Faroud wreck, a 110 meters long ship wreck. You can explore the engine room and the holds.

And the best dive sites in Gozo:

• The Blue Hole, a vertical tunnel with a large arch and a cave. The ideal place to observe groupers.
• Coral Cave, a magnificent 17-meter deep cave with walls covered with coral and sponges
• Inland Sea, a tunnel dug by the sea under a cliff. 6 to 25 meters deep
• Cathedral Cave, a large underwater cave with amazing lighting and an air pocket where you can breath naturally
• MV Karwela wreck, a former ferry linking Malta and Gozo that was sunk to serve as a diving spot.

From Gozo, you can also go diving in Comino. Here are the best dive sites:

• Santa Maria Caves to explore the underwater caves of Comino
• Cominotto Reef, a vertical wall going down to more than 30 meters deep
• P31 wreck, a former patrol boat of the Armed Forces of Malta lying at 20 meters below sea level.

Practical information for diving in Malta

You’re planning to do your try dive in Malta?

Here is some practical information to know:

• Obviously, you must know how to swim to do a try dive!
  
• You will have to wait between 12 and 24 hours after your dive before taking the plane. Don’t choose the last day of your trip to Malta to do your first dive!
• You must not suffer from heart or respiratory problems or other serious health problems
• You must not have any ear problems
• You shouldn’t dive on an empty stomach, but you shouldn’t eat too much fat before going underwater.
• Remember to stay well hydrated (water, not alcohol!)
• Children can do their try dive from the age of 10.

Other things to do in Malta and Gozo

You’re you up for more activities during your stay in Malta?

No problem: Here you will find the complete activities list. There is definitely something for you!

For more information about these activities and to book them, simply click on the following links:

The 3 best activities to do in Malta

It’s your first trip to Malta and you want to focus on the best activities and excursions?

In that case, I have selected for you the 3 activities and excursions you can’t miss during your trip to Malta.

So, here are my 3 favorites!

1) Going on a boat trip to Comino Blue Lagoon

• Catamaran boat trip to the Blue Lagoon (transport from Malta can be organized after booking)
• Sailboat “3 islands” day trip– Snacks, wine and lunch + Free transportation from Malta included
• Private VIP boat trip to Comino and Gozo full day (the best!) – Also available for a half day (3h30).
• Full day VIP private boat trip with skipper from Valletta – Full day
• Full day VIP private sailboat trip with skipper from Valletta – The best way to make the most of your day at sea!

2) Visiting Gozo by Quad bike or Jeep

• VIP full day quad bike tour in Gozo (top!) – Visit the island of Gozo with the best local guide and take a lunch in an amazing restaurant with countryside view. Small groups + discover more than 2 times more places than with other quad tours (including a few hidden gems!)
• Full day Quad bike tour in Gozo, with departure from Malta (transport included). Return by boat via Comino and the Blue Lagoon! Definitely one of the best activities in Malta!
• Gozo: Jeep tour – Pick up at your hotel in Malta included. A great way to discover Gozo if you don’t want to drive!

3) Diving in Malta and Gozo

• Adventure try dive in Malta – Malta is a very well known destination for this activity. A VIP try dive with private instructor is also available if you want an instructor just for you and your family/group!
• First Dive at one of the most beautiful dive sites in Europe. And if you already have diving experience, you can opt for the following packages: “1 day – 2 dives” (click here) and “2 days – 4 dives” (click there).

In addition to the 3 amazing activities mentioned above, here is the complete list, with all other activities you can do in Malta:

1) The best activities in Malta (and from Malta)

Boat trips to the Blue Lagoon

• Boat trip to Comino Blue Lagoon: + transport from Malta can be organized after booking
• Catamaran boat trip to the Blue Lagoon + transport from Malta can be organized after booking
• Sailboat “3 islands” day trip– Snacks, wine and lunch + Free transportation from Malta included
• Private VIP boat trip to Comino and Gozo full day (the best!) – Also available for a half day (3h30).
• Full day VIP private boat trip with skipper from Valletta – Full day
• Full day VIP private sailboat trip with skipper from Valletta – The best way to make the most of your day at sea!
• Day trip to Comino Blue Lagoon + 3h to visit the island of Gozo
• 3h boat trip around Comino + 3h tour of Gozo by Jeep
• Evening trip to Comino “Swim, Drink Dance”
• Shuttle boat to Comino

Visiting Gozo from Malta

• Quad bike day trip to Gozo, with departure from Malta (transport included). Return by boat via Comino and the Blue Lagoon! Definitely one of the best activities in Malta! – A half day tour is also possible – click here.
• Gozo: guided Bus Tour – Pick up at your hotel in Malta
• Gozo: Jeep tour – Pick up at your hotel in Malta
• Gozo: private Jeep tour – Pick up at your hotel in Malta

Guided visits and excursions in Malta

• Guided tour of Valletta (small group) / Valletta Private guided tour / Historical tour: Valletta at the time of the Second World War
• Guided tour to the 3 Cities + wine tasting
• Vintage Bus Tour to the 3 Cities
• Guided tour of Mdina (small group) / Private guided tour of Mdina on foot
• All-inclusive night tour: This night tour includes a visit to Mdina, a 5D show in Valletta about the history of Malta and a visit to the town of Mosta. Transport to and from your hotel is also included.
• Game of Thrones tour – Malta is one of the filming location for the TV show.
• Day trip to Marsaxlokk and the Blue Grotto – Transport + guide included!
• Half day guided tour to discover the megalithic temples of Malta, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites
• Private 1 day guided tour of Malta or private tour with driver (without tour guide).

Other activities to enjoy in Malta

• Adventure try dive in Malta – Malta is a very well known destination for this activity! VIP try dive with private instructor also available if you want an instructor just for you and your family/group!
• 2h tour by car + 1h snorkeling
• 2h snorkeling tour for beginners
• Hike with a local guide – Several excursions to choose from depending on the duration:
  • Mistra Valley et Saint Paul’s bay (2h30)
  • Cliffs and the south coast of Malta (3h)
    
  • Malta from east to west (5h)
• Boat trip on a traditional Maltese boat at Valletta
• Malta Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

Partying in Malta

If you want to take advantage of your stay in Malta to party (on your last evening or maybe even on several evenings during your stay !), you should:

• Go on a pub crawl and make friends from all other the world – Click here!
• Dance all night long in one of Paceville nightclubs
• Opt for a boat party with an open bar.

2) The best activities in Gozo

Boat trips

• Private 3,5 hour boat trip to Gozo and Comino
• Private VIP boat trip to Comino and Gozo full day (the best!)
• How to reach Comino by shuttle boat from Mgarr (Gozo harbour)
• How to reach Comino by shuttle boat from Hondoq
• Shuttle to Comino + visit to the sea caves.
• Boat trip to Comino at sunset + BBQ
• Visit of Gozo by jeep + lunch + boat trip of 3 hours to Comino
• Private 1-hour boat trip to Comino
• Private 3 hour boat trip around Gozo
• Visit Gozo by car with driver + 4 hours excursion by private boat to Comino.

Other activities / Guided tours

• VIP full day quad bike tour in Gozo (top!) – Visit the island of Gozo with the best local guide and take a lunch in an amazing restaurant with countryside view. Small groups + discover more than 2 times more places than with other quad tours (including a few hidden gems!)
• 2h Segway tour with local guide (Gozo)
• 2h or full day hike with a guide (Gozo), to discover the hidden gems of Gozo, away from mass tourism.
• Quad bike guided tour of Gozo (full day) / Also available for a half day
• Scooter guided tour of Gozo
• Private Gozo guided tour: Half day
• Private Gozo Guided Tour: Full day
• Private Gozo Guided Tour: Full day with boat trip!
• Private Gozo Guided Night Tour
• Tourist bus tour (Hop-on Hop-off).

Nautical activities

• First Dive at one of the most beautiful dive sites in Europe! And if you already have diving experience, you can opt for the following packages: “1 day – 2 dives” (click here) and “2 days – 4 dives” (click there).
• Subwing – New in Gozo, super trendy!
• Snorkeling course
• 1h guided Jet-Ski-Tour
• Jet Ski rental
• SUP (Stand Up Paddle) 3h guided tour
• SUP 3h guided tour at sunset
• Paddling experience day + night (amazing!)
• Parasailing
• Towed Buoy
• Wakeboard – Water Ski – Knee boarding
• Kayak rental
• Boat rental: no license needed (up to 90 HP engine)
• Boat rental: with license (more than 90 hp engine).

What to do in Malta and Gozo after diving?

To discover all the best things to do in Malta, you should read my article: The 25 best Things to do in Malta.

You want to know more about the best places to visit in Gozo? it’s right here: The 10 best things to do in Gozo.

To prepare your trip to Comino Blue Lagoon, have a look at my detailed guide: How to visit Comino and the blue Lagoon?

If you want to do something else than nautical activities, you should go quad biking in Gozo. It’s amazing! You need to read my guide here: Quad biking in Malta/Gozo: All my best tips

Where to stay in Malta for diving?

If you are planning to do a 4-day PADI Open Water course, to do several dives or simply to enjoy amazing holidays in Malta, you will need to find an accomodation.

As I know the country very well, here is my selection of the best hotels in Malta depending on the city and your budget.

In Valletta, the capital

If you want a hotel in the south of Malta, you should stay around Valletta:

• Private Room: Located 300 metres away from Fort St Elmo and 700 meters from the Upper Barrakka gardens. Comfortable double room from 75€, breakfast included. Strong points: the excellent location, the hospitality and kindness of the host, the calm.
• Grand Harbour Hôtel: Hotel with traditional architecture, located in the heart of downtown Valletta, only 100 meters away from the Upper Barraka Gardens. Standard double room from 90€ per night or view sea + Three Cities view for 110€, breakfast included. Strong points: ideal location, magnificent view, roof terrace.
• Tano’s Boutique guesthouse: Hotel located in the center of Valletta, very close to all the best places to visit. Spacious and bright double room from 115€ per night. Strong points: the central location, the calm, the terrace on the roof for breakfast. The best value for money in town!
  
• Grand Hôtel Excelsior: 5* Hotel located on the waterfront, the view is stunning! Very nice rooms starting at 170€ per night. Strong points: The swimming pool, jacuzzi, free parking, the amazing breakfast and many other things that will make your stay in Valletta truly exceptional. My favourite place to stay in Valletta!
• Hôtel Phoenicia Malta: Luxury hotel located on City Gate square. Spacious, bright and tastefully decorated double room from 349€, breakfast at 17€. Strong points: the infinity pool with view on the port, the huge garden, the place and the free private parking. It’s simply the best hotel in Valletta, if you can afford it.

Near Mellieha, northern Malta

For a stay in the North of Malta (convenient for getting to Comino), it’s best to choose a hotel towards Mellieha:

• Pergola Hotel & Spa: located in Mellieha with a view over the bay, the village, Gozo and Comino. Studio apartment with kitchen amenities starting from 80€/night, breakfast for an additional 8€. Best features: kitchen amenities, view, excellent service, 3 swimming pools.
• Maritim Antonine Hotel & spa: located in Mellieha, 1km away from a vast sand beach. Very spacious and elegent double room starting from 140€/night, breakfast included. Best features: rooftop swimming pool with a scenic view over the bay, heated pool and hot tubs, good buffet with many options, next to bus stops going to Valletta or to the beach. It’s the best value for money in Mellieha.
  
• Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands: located in Golden Bay and 2min walking distance to a lovely beach. Big double room with balcony (sea view or countryside view) starting from 150€/night, breakfast for an additional 20€. Best feature: direct access to the beach, view, delicious breakfast, during summertime you can get complimentary sun bed and umbrella on the beach.

Best Hotels in Gozo

• Bambina guesthouse: Guesthouse located in Xaghra, 10min walking from the beach. Modern with a zen vibe double room starting from 75€/night. Best features: amazing house with a swimming pool and a great view over Gozo, friendly staff, direct access to the beach, very good value. A great choice in Gozo for its excellent value for money!
  
• Casa Gemelli Boutique Guesthouse: Charming hotel located in Victoria, the capital of Gozo. Fully renovated double room starting from 90€/night, breakfast included. Decoration is a mix of modern and traditional. Best features: central location, close to all the bus stops, homemade breakfast, friendly and helpful staff.
• The Duke Boutique Hostel: Located in the center of Victoria. Very spacious and comfortable double room starting from 100€/night, breakfast included. Best features: location, great bedding, rooftop terrace view, great breakfast with many options, great staff, some rooms have a hot tub on the balcony.
• Kempiski Hôtel San Lawrenz : Luxury hotel located in San Lawrenz, close to Inland Sea ad Ta’Pinu Basilica. Spacious and modern double room with balcony starting from 130€/night. Breakfast for an additional 25€. Best features: amazing view, huge swimming pools, indoor pool, free parking lot, outstanding breakfast, nice spa. It’s simply the best hotel in Gozo!

In the south of Malta

• Luxury Room in the South Malta: Bed and Breakfast located in Zurrieq, 3km away from the airport. Big and modern double room starting from 60€/night. Best features: spacious room, very helpful owners, next to the airport et Blue Grotto.
• Dun Gorg Guest House: Located in Marsaxlokk. Modern double room with a balcony and sea view starting at 65€, breakfast included. Strong points: the terrace, the compfortable rooms, the location. It’s an excellent choice in the south of Malta!
• Port View Guesthouse: Guesthouse located in Marsaxlokk, a lovely fishermen village with a popular Sunday market. Modern and comfortable double room starting from 70€/night, breakfast included. Best features: next to the sea, good breakfast and excellent service.
• Harbour Lodge: Located right next to the fishing port. Quiet and comfortable double room starting from 85€/night, breakfast included. Best features: quiet location, free parking lot, free shuttle to the airport.

Malta travel Guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet Malta guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the DK Eyewitness Malta guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

You’re traveling in Malta? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Malta: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Malta are listed there.

The 20 Best Things to Do in Malta: The ultimate bucket list!

• Itinerary: 2-3 Days in Malta – with all my best tips + accommodation suggestions!
• Itinerary: 4-5 Days in Malta – with all my best tips + accommodation suggestions!
• Itinerary: 1 Week in Malta – with all my best tips + accommodation suggestions!
• Itinerary: 10 Days in Malta – with all my best tips + accommodation suggestions!

• Valletta: The 10 best things to do
• Gozo: The 10 best places to visit

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