Top 9 Diving Spots in Malta for Every Skill Level
October 22, 2025
Malta has long been considered one of Europe’s premier scuba destinations. With its crystal-clear waters, fascinating wrecks, dramatic caves, and stunning natural formations, it’s no surprise that divers from around the world flock to these islands every year. Whether you’re a beginner eager to explore shallow reefs or an advanced diver chasing shipwrecks, the top Malta diving spots offer something for everyone.
Most of these dive sites are easy to reach, either from the shore or by boat. And if you join a private boat tour with GOZOblu, you can skip the busy spots and explore hidden lagoons and caves at your own pace. Small island, big underwater adventures.
Here are the nine must-visit dive sites in Malta and Gozo that should be on every diver’s bucket list:
1. Cirkewwa
Located at Malta’s northern tip, Cirkewwa is one of the most popular and diverse Malta diving spots, attracting divers from around the world. This site combines stunning natural formations such as underwater arches, tunnels, and swim-throughs with two famous wrecks: the P29 patrol boat (52m long, resting upright at around 34m) and the Rozi tugboat (scuttled in 1992, max depth about 34m). Both wrecks are easily accessible from shore and are a highlight for wreck diving enthusiasts.
Cirkewwa caters to divers of all skill levels. Beginners can explore the shallow reefs teeming with colourful marine life, while advanced divers can venture deeper to discover the wrecks and dramatic underwater walls. Depths range from 5 metres to around 35–36 metres, with consistent visibility of 20–30 metres.
Practical amenities such as designated entry points with stairs and railings, parking areas, and nearby facilities make diving here convenient and safe. With its mix of natural beauty, wrecks, and accessibility, Cirkewwa rightfully earns its reputation as one of the top Malta diving spots.
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2. P31 Wreck, Comino
The P31, also known as the Patrol Boat P31, is one of Comino’s underwater treasures and a must-visit wreck dive site in Malta. Originally a German minesweeper, it was later used by the Armed Forces of Malta before being scuttled in 2009 to create an artificial reef. The wreck sits upright on a sandy seabed at a maximum depth of around 18–20 metres, making it ideal for beginner and intermediate divers.
The P31 is smaller than the P29 at Cirkewwa but equally fascinating, with easy penetration points and abundant marine life such as damselfish, bream, moray eels, and octopus. The shallow depth and crystal-clear waters around Comino ensure excellent visibility, allowing divers and underwater photographers to capture the wreck in all its detail.
3. Santa Maria Caves (Comino Caves)
A short distance from the Blue Lagoon, the Santa Maria Caves also known as the Comino Caves offer a unique and enchanting dive experience. This network of interconnected caves, tunnels, and swim-throughs provides something for every diver, from beginners to more advanced explorers.
The dive typically ranges between 5 and 15 metres in depth, with sunlight streaming through the cave openings to create breathtaking light effects underwater. Marine life is plentiful, including schools of bream, parrotfish, and moray eels, while the caves themselves make for an exciting and atmospheric underwater adventure.
The Santa Maria Caves are also popular for snorkelling and boat excursions, but for divers, the quiet beauty and play of light inside the caverns make this site truly special.
4. Um El Faroud (Wied iz-Zurrieq)
The Um El Faroud is one of the most iconic Malta diving spots, offering both history and adventure in a single site. This Libyan-owned oil tanker, built in 1969 in the UK, was severely damaged by a tragic onboard gas explosion in 1995 that claimed the lives of nine workers. Declared beyond repair, it was deliberately scuttled off Wied iz-Zurrieq in 1998 to form an artificial reef and diving attraction.
Today, the wreck lies upright on a sandy seabed, stretching about 110–115 metres in length with a beam of 15.5–16 metres. Depths range from around 15 metres at the funnel to 36–37 metres at the propeller, with the main deck at roughly 25 metres. A powerful storm in the winter of 2005/2006 broke the ship into two sections, creating a wide gap that adds new exploration opportunities for divers.
Advanced divers can penetrate various sections of the wreck, including the engine room and smaller compartments, making it a thrilling challenge. The site teems with marine life such as schools of barracuda, moray eels, octopus, and even pelagic species like tuna and mackerel.
Recognised as one of Malta’s premier wreck dives, the Um El Faroud combines history, scale, and rich biodiversity, making it a must-visit for those exploring the best Malta diving spots.
5. P29 (Cirkewwa)
The P29 wreck at Cirkewwa is one of the most popular Malta diving spots for wreck enthusiasts. Originally an East German Kondor I-class patrol boat named Boltenhagen, it was built in 1970 and later acquired by the Malta Tourism Authority. On August 14, 2007, it was intentionally scuttled to form part of Malta’s artificial reef program.
The wreck lies upright on a sandy seabed, with depths ranging from about 12 metres at the shallowest point to 37–38 metres at the deepest. Its compact structure makes it fascinating to explore, with the hull now covered in sponges, algae, and thriving marine life. Divers can also admire original features such as the 14.5 mm machine gun turret on the bow, one of the wreck’s most photographed highlights.
Location is close to the famous Rozi wreck. Many divers combine both sites in a single outing. The P29 is shore-accessible with just a short swim, making it convenient while still offering a sense of adventure.
This wreck is particularly popular with underwater photographers due to its upright position and excellent natural lighting conditions. Most dive operators recommend an Advanced Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent) to visit the site, with nitrox use advised for extended bottom time. Wreck penetration should only be attempted by those holding the proper training.
If you’re looking for Malta diving spots that balance accessibility with excitement, the P29 at Cirkewwa is an unforgettable experience.
6. Rozi (Cirkewwa)
The Rozi tugboat is one of the most famous Malta diving spots, located just off Cirkewwa. This 35-metre tug was scuttled in 1992 to create an artificial reef and now lies upright on a sandy seabed. The wreck sits mostly between 30 and 36 metres deep, with the mast starting around 20 metres, making it accessible for advanced open water or confident intermediate divers with good air management.
Almost fully intact except for its engines and propeller, the Rozi offers easy swim-arounds, safe penetration opportunities, and excellent conditions for underwater photography. It has become home to an impressive range of marine life, including shoals of damselfish, cardinalfish, and rainbow wrasse, as well as scorpionfish, moray eels, octopuses, and the occasional barracuda.
Its close proximity to Cirkewwa’s natural reef allows divers to enjoy both wreck and reef ecosystems in a single dive. Many pair the Rozi with the nearby P29 patrol boat wreck or the iconic Cirkewwa Arch for a varied diving experience.
With its structural integrity, rich biodiversity, and shore accessibility, the Rozi continues to stand out as a classic wreck and one of the most memorable diving spots in Malta.
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7. Blue Hole (Gozo)
The Blue Hole in Gozo is one of Malta’s most iconic natural diving attractions, located near Dwejra on the island’s west coast, right next to where the famous Azure Window once stood. This sinkhole, approximately 10 metres wide and 5 metres across, forms a sheltered pool that leads into a vertical shaft connecting to the open sea.
The Blue Hole itself reaches depths of around 15 to 16 metres, while nearby caves, chimneys, and swim-throughs extend the dive experience to 30 metres or more. In certain sections beyond the main hole, depths can reach up to 60 metres, making the site suitable for divers of varying experience levels from Open Water certified beginners to advanced divers with Nitrox training.
What makes the Blue Hole one of the most celebrated Malta diving spots is not just its unique geological formations: arches, overhangs, chimneys, and caves, but also its vibrant marine life. Divers frequently encounter groupers, octopus, moray eels, lobsters, shoals of bream, and other Mediterranean species.
Widely considered a bucket-list dive, the Blue Hole consistently ranks among the top dive sites in Malta and Gozo, attracting divers from all over the world.
8. Inland Sea (Gozo)
Located on the western coast of Gozo in Dwejra Bay, right next to the famous Blue Hole, the Inland Sea is one of the most distinctive Malta diving spots. This shallow lagoon is connected to the open Mediterranean by an 80–100 metre tunnel carved naturally through the cliffs over thousands of years.
The dive begins in the calm, sheltered lagoon, which makes it a great choice for novice divers. As you swim through the tunnel about 6 metres deep at its entrance, you’ll emerge into the open sea where depths drop to 25–30 metres. Here, dramatic vertical walls, caves, and steep drop-offs provide thrilling exploration for more experienced divers.
The Inland Sea is also renowned for its stunning light effects, as sunlight streams through the tunnel and creates a spectacular underwater scene, making it especially popular with photographers. Marine life is abundant, with frequent sightings of groupers, moray eels, damselfish, and colorful nudibranchs like the Regal Doris.
Suitable for Open Water Divers and above, the Inland Sea offers both a gentle introduction to diving and a more adventurous experience beyond the tunnel, cementing its reputation as one of the most remarkable dive sites in Gozo and Malta.
9. HMS Maori (Valletta)
For history enthusiasts and wreck divers, the HMS Maori in Valletta is one of the most fascinating Malta diving spots. This British Tribal-Class destroyer was sunk in February 1942 after a German air raid in Valletta’s Grand Harbour. In 1945, the front section of the wreck was salvaged and later scuttled at St Elmo Bay near Marsamxett Harbour, where it now rests on a sandy seabed.
Lying on its port side at a shallow depth of 12–16 metres, the wreck is around 42 metres long and partially buried in sand. Despite being broken down, divers can still recognise key features such as the bridge, gun mounting bases, anchor windlasses, and other ship parts. Its accessibility from shore makes it an excellent site for beginners, while its historical significance and marine biodiversity ensure that even experienced divers find it rewarding.
The HMS Maori also serves as an artificial reef, sheltering a wide range of marine life including moray eels, nudibranchs, rays, octopus, lizardfish, cuttlefish, and many smaller fish species. The combination of history, easy conditions, and vibrant marine ecosystems makes the HMS Maori one of the best entry-level wreck dives in Malta with a truly captivating backstory.
Why Dive in Malta?
The Mediterranean has plenty of beautiful places to explore, but Malta’s underwater world feels special. The islands are small, yet they offer an amazing variety of dive sites in a compact area. You don’t have to travel far to find caves, arches, reefs, and wrecks, all surrounded by clear blue water. This mix of natural beauty and human history makes Malta one of the top diving spots in Europe.
- Diverse Landscapes: Malta’s coastline is full of limestone cliffs that drop into the sea, creating caves, tunnels, and arches waiting to be explored. Some dive sites even feature purpose-sunk wrecks, which have turned into thriving reefs for marine life. You can move from shallow bays perfect for beginners to dramatic caverns and deeper wrecks suited for advanced divers, all within a short distance.
- Great conditions: Visibility is often incredible, reaching 20 – 40 metres on most days. The diving season is open year-round, but waters are warmest and most inviting from June through October. Calm seas and plenty of sunshine make it a comfortable place for both beginners and pros.
- Easy access: Many dive sites can be reached right from the shore, saving time and effort. Others are only a short boat ride away, so you can explore several in a single day. This convenience makes Malta an easy choice for anyone who wants variety without long travel times.
Explore Malta’s Diving Spots with GOZOblu
While many visitors head straight into the water with dive operators, there’s another way to experience Malta’s incredible underwater sites: by private boat. At GOZOblu, we specialise in luxury private boat tours around Malta and Gozo, offering guests the freedom to explore the islands at their own pace.
Although we don’t run diving tours ourselves, our private charters can take you directly to many of the most famous Malta diving spots such as the Blue Hole, Inland Sea, or Cirkewwa, upon request. This makes GOZOblu the perfect choice for:
- Divers & Snorkellers – We’ll bring you right to the best entry points, so you can dive or snorkel at your leisure while we wait nearby.
- Families & Groups – Not everyone wants to dive, and that’s okay. While divers explore underwater, others can relax onboard, swim, or enjoy the coastline.
- Private Experiences – Unlike crowded group tours, we offer a tailor-made itinerary where the boat is yours alone, complete with space, comfort, and flexibility.
- Scenic Access – Some of Malta’s top dive sites are just as spectacular above the surface. From dramatic cliffs to hidden caves, you’ll enjoy stunning views even if you don’t dive.
With GOZOblu Private Boat Tours, you don’t have to choose between comfort and adventure: you get both. We provide a luxurious, private way to reach Malta’s diving hotspots, making it easy for everyone in your group to enjoy the day, whether they’re passionate divers, snorkellers, or simply lovers of the sea.
How to Pick the Right Dive Site in Malta
Not every dive site in Malta is suitable for every diver, which is why it’s important to choose based on your skills, comfort level, and what kind of experience you’re looking for. Some locations are shallow and beginner-friendly, while others demand advanced training due to depth, wreck penetration, or stronger currents. Picking the right dive site not only makes your dive safer but also far more enjoyable.
1. Match Your Skill Level
- Beginners: If you’re new to diving, start with easier sites like the HMS Maori in Valletta. Its shallow depth (12–16m) makes it accessible while still offering plenty to explore.
- Intermediate divers: The Inland Sea and Cirkewwa reefs are excellent choices. They offer swim-throughs, arches, and walls that are more adventurous but still manageable.
- Advanced divers: Wrecks like the Um El Faroud and deeper dives around the Blue Hole in Gozo provide challenging conditions, penetration opportunities, and greater depth for those with the right training.
2. Consider Entry Type
- Shore dives: Many of the best Malta diving spots are accessible directly from the coast. Sites such as Cirkewwa and the Blue Hole are well set up for shore entries, making them convenient and budget-friendly.
- Boat dives: Some sites are easier and more enjoyable by boat. If you’re planning to dive the Um El Faroud or want to combine multiple sites in one trip, a boat dive gives you more flexibility and comfort.
3. Think About Seasonality
- Summer: Expect warm waters (up to 27°C) and calm seas, ideal for all divers. However, popular sites like Cirkewwa and Blue Hole attract larger crowds.
- Spring & Autumn: These seasons offer excellent visibility, fewer divers in the water, and milder conditions, perfect if you want to experience places like the Inland Sea or Rozi in a more relaxed setting.
- Winter: While cooler, diving is still possible. Experienced divers often enjoy wrecks like the P29 when sites are less busy.
4. Factor in Crowds
Hotspots such as Cirkewwa and Blue Hole can get busy, especially in summer. If you’d prefer a quieter experience, consider diving early in the morning or booking a private boat charter to explore wrecks like the Um El Faroud or P29 with fewer people around.
Practical Dive Tips
Planning ahead will make your Malta diving trip smoother and far more enjoyable. Each of the top sites, from Gozo’s Blue Hole to the wrecks at Cirkewwa has its own quirks, so here are some practical tips to keep in mind:
- Permits and Rules: Some wrecks, like the HMS Maori in Valletta, fall under heritage protection. Access may require booking through licensed dive operators who are authorised to lead dives at these sites. Always check in advance, especially if you’re planning wreck penetrations like at the Um El Faroud.
- Choosing a Dive Operator: With popular wrecks such as the P29 and Rozi at Cirkewwa attracting divers year-round, it’s important to dive with a reputable centre. Look for operators that have strong safety records, proper insurance, oxygen kits, and experienced guides familiar with these iconic Malta diving spots.
- Shore Entries: Many Maltese dive sites are shore-accessible but involve rocky paths or uneven terrain. This is especially true at Wied iz-Zurrieq (Um El Faroud) and Gozo’s Inland Sea. Pack sturdy footwear for easier entry and exit, and don’t rush your entry when the rocks are slippery.
- Parking and Transport: Sites like Cirkewwa and the Blue Hole are extremely popular, meaning parking spots fill up quickly. Arrive early if diving from shore, or consider booking boat dives to avoid the stress of parking and carrying heavy gear across rocky terrain. Boat trips also make it easier to combine multiple wrecks, like the P29 and Rozi, in a single outing.
- What to Pack: Malta’s waters stay relatively warm, but conditions vary with the seasons. A 5mm wetsuit is ideal in spring and autumn, while a 3mm suit is comfortable in summer months. Don’t forget a dive torch for exploring the Um El Faroud and Gozo’s caves, and bring a wide-angle lens if you plan to photograph the sweeping arches of the Blue Hole or the wrecks at Cirkewwa.
Ready to Dive into Malta’s Best Underwater Adventures?
From the historic HMS Maori in Valletta to the breathtaking Blue Hole and Inland Sea in Gozo, the top Malta diving spots offer something for every diver. Whether you’re drawn to dramatic natural formations, curious about WWII wrecks, or eager to explore artificial reefs like the P29 and Um El Faroud, Malta’s waters deliver an unmatched variety of experiences.
Instead of just visiting the islands for beaches and sunshine, step beneath the waves and discover a world of history, marine life, and adventure waiting below the surface. With warm waters and excellent visibility, diving in Malta is a year-round invitation to explore.
So grab your fins, zip up your wetsuit, and get ready to make Malta’s underwater world part of your next adventure because some of the most unforgettable sights here aren’t above the water, but beneath it.
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