10 Best Dive Spots in Malta: Complete Guide to Mediterranean Diving
Malta and Gozo pack an extraordinary amount of diving into a small archipelago. Crystal-clear Mediterranean water, dramatic underwater topography, WWII history and purpose-sunk wrecks make it one of Europe's top destinations — especially for wreck and cave enthusiasts.
This guide ranks the 10 best dive spots in Malta, with practical tips on skill level, season and how to combine sites on a single trip. For more European options, see our best dive spots in Europe guide.
What Are the 10 Best Dive Spots in Malta?
The essential Malta dive sites are the Blue Hole (Gozo), Inland Sea, MV Rozi wreck, Um El Faroud, P29 patrol boat, Cirkewwa, Reqqa Point, Xatt l-Ahmar wrecks, Comino caves and HMS Maori.
The best time to dive Malta is April through October, when water reaches 20–26°C and visibility often exceeds 30 meters.
Top 10 Dive Spots in Malta (Detailed)
1. Blue Hole & Azure Reef (Gozo)
The Blue Hole on Gozo is Malta's most photographed dive — a natural rock chimney opening into the open sea beside the former Azure Window coastline. Descend through the hole, exit to the reef, and explore arches and drop-offs teeming with parrotfish, bream and octopus. Early morning dives avoid crowds.
Best for: All certified levels in calm conditions. Can have surge — check weather.
2. Inland Sea & Tunnel (Gozo)
The Inland Sea is a lagoon connected to the Mediterranean through a shallow tunnel. Divers pass through the tunnel (about 25 m long) and emerge on a wall dropping into deep blue water. A unique geography lesson and a thrilling dive when visibility is good.
Best for: Open Water+ with good buoyancy. Not for claustrophobic divers on rough days.
3. MV Rozi Wreck (Cirkewwa)
The MV Rozi is a tugboat sunk intentionally at Cirkewwa as an artificial reef. Sitting upright at 34 m with the deck around 20 m, it is covered in sponges and home to barracuda, morays and schools of damselfish. Often combined with the nearby P29 wreck on the same dive plan.
Best for: Advanced Open Water. Popular for wreck specialty training.
4. Um El Faroud Wreck
The Um El Faroud is a 110 m Libyan tanker scuttled off Wied iz-Zurrieq after an explosion. Resting at 35 m, it is one of the largest wrecks in Malta — impressive exterior photography, swim-throughs for trained wreck divers, and abundant fish life on the structure.
Best for: AOW+ and wreck experience. Penetration only with proper training and guide.
5. P29 Patrol Boat (Cirkewwa)
The P29 (formerly East German Kondor-class patrol boat) sits near the Rozi at Cirkewwa. Shallower than the Rozi with open holds and deck areas, it is a favourite second dive or introduction to wreck diving in clear Maltese water.
Best for: Open Water divers comfortable with depth to 35 m (AOW recommended).
6. Cirkewwa Reef & Arch
Beyond the wrecks, Cirkewwa offers reef walls, a natural arch and the statue of Jesus Christ (submerged memorial). Excellent visibility and easy shore access from Malta's north make it a hub for dive centres running daily trips to Gozo and Comino.
Best for: All levels depending on the chosen route.
7. Reqqa Point (Gozo)
Reqqa Point on Gozo's north coast features a steep wall with caves, overhangs and gorgonians. Barracuda and jacks patrol the blue; macro life hides in cracks. A classic Gozo dive when conditions on the north are calm.
Best for: Intermediate divers. Can have current on the point.
8. Xatt l-Ahmar Wrecks (Gozo)
Xatt l-Ahmar hosts three wrecks on the same shore entry: the MV Karwela, MV Cominoland and MV Xlendi — former ferries scuttled as artificial reefs. Shallow decks and open structures suit photographers and wreck newcomers.
Best for: OW+ wreck fans. Multiple dives from one entry point.
9. Comino — Santa Maria Caves
Between Malta and Gozo, Comino Island offers turquoise water and the Santa Maria Caves — interconnected caverns and swim-throughs with light beams and reef fish. Often done as a boat dive with lunch on the island.
Best for: All levels on calm days. Popular for Discover Scuba and fun dives.
10. HMS Maori (Valletta)
The HMS Maori is a WWII destroyer wreck in Marsamxett Harbour near Valletta. Only the forward section remains at about 14 m — historically significant and accessible for divers who want a shallow wreck with Malta's wartime story. Visibility varies with harbour conditions.
Best for: History buffs and OW divers. Check local regulations and dive centre schedules.
Malta Dive Sites Comparison
| Site | Island | Level | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Hole | Gozo | OW+ | Arch, chimney |
| Inland Sea | Gozo | OW+ | Tunnel exit |
| MV Rozi | Malta | AOW | Iconic wreck |
| Um El Faroud | Malta | AOW | Large wreck |
| P29 | Malta | OW–AOW | Patrol boat |
| Cirkewwa | Malta | All | Reef + wrecks |
| Reqqa Point | Gozo | Int | Wall, caves |
| Xatt l-Ahmar | Gozo | OW+ | 3 ferry wrecks |
| Comino caves | Comino | All | Caverns |
| HMS Maori | Malta | OW | WWII history |
FAQ: Diving in Malta
Is Malta good for wreck diving?
Yes — Malta is one of Europe's best wreck destinations. See also our global guide to the best wreck dives in the world.
Do I need a drysuit in Malta?
Most divers use a 5–7 mm wetsuit. Winter (January–March) water can drop to 15°C — a semidry or drysuit is comfortable then.
Related Guides
Find Dive Centers in Malta
Compare dive centers in Malta and Gozo for wrecks, courses and fun dives.
Search Malta Dive Trips