Madonna Statue
Location: Cirkewwa ‚ North Malta
Depth: 18mtr
Time: 40-50mins
The Dive: Entry is easy into a 1m deep pool, then out into a life packed shallow reef of 5mtrs down a valley to 11m. Once at the drop off you follow a beautiful wall with a gentle sloping bottom toward a small cavern, where the Madonna watches over the divers and marine life. This is a great dive for searching for critters and usually your first dive on the Island it is also a fabulous site for night dives‚ strongly recommended for during your visit.
Sightings: Wrass, Parrot Fish, Grouper, Large Bream, Octopus, Moray Eel, Cuttle Fish, Cardinal Fish, Slipper Lobster, Unicorn Shrimp
Anchor Bay Cave/Popeye Village
Location: Mellieha, West Coast Malta
Depth: 12mtr
Time: 40-50mins
The Dive: Although this is an easy shallow site it constantly surprises even the most hardened dive junkies. It starts with a critter search through boulders then to a large open cavern at 8m, where, if you choose to enter, the light of the exit is always visible. Continue approx 15m in then you can surface into a stunning bell shaped cave. Then, air permitting, the return journey brings you to the other side of the bay to locate one of the large anchors said to hold Malta in place. This dive has it all, rocky reef, cavern, lovely sand patches, and walls to dive around. Also a great site for Night Diving, recently we had an amazing encounter with a large adult electric ray who enjoyed a good tickle.
Sightings: Moray Eel, Octopus, Triplefin, Flying Gunard, Turbot, Stingray, Electric Ray, Saupe, Grouper, Bream, Flounder.
The Right Arch
Location: Cirkewwa ‚ North Malta
Depth: 18mtr
Time: 40-50mins
The Dive: Enjoyable wall and reef dive, involving some nice swim-throughs. The destination is a breathtaking natural archway in the reef, behind which is often found large schools of Barracuda and Amber Jack.
Sightings: Barracuda, Jacks, Tuna, Giant Sea Snail, Octopus, Scorpion Fish, Anemone Crab.
Paradise Bay
Location: Cirkewwa ‚ North Malta
Depth: 18mtr
Time: 40-50mins
The Dive: One of the most scenic dives in Malta, stunning rock formations, swim-throughs, a beautiful natural rock arch which has been affectionately named Temple Arch due to its stunning symmetry and grandeur. Large Morays are common poking their heads from the large boulders. As this is a little known dive site large and strange encounters are often reported, during the winter we even had a resident Trigger Fish chasing divers away from its nest.
Sightings: Moray Eel, Nudibranch, Octopus, Grouper, Bream, Serpent Seastars, Trigger Fish.
Blue Grotto
Location: Wied iz Zurrieq ‚ South West Malta
Depth: 12-30mtr
Time: 40-50mins
The Dive: This Reef is a very pretty slopping wall starting in the Valley it curves around the entrance and drops away to around 30mt. However, you can easily choose to do it shallower most of the life is around 12-18m but experience has shown that the sighting of large grouper happens at the deeper depths. Various channels and cracks in the wall are ideal hiding spots for the Octopus and this site boasts a healthy number of red cardinal fish, which hang motionless in the crevices and caves in the wall. The elusive john dory, giant bearded fireworms, and the rare sea hare are spotted here more than any other site.
Sightings: Grouper, Octopus, Bream, Cuttlefish, SeaHare, Bearded Fireworm, Cardinal Fish.
Ghar Lapsi
Location: North of Wied iz Zurrieq ‚ South West Malta
Depth: 12mtr
Time: 40-50mins
The Dive: Starting with a spectacular cavern with light penetrating through cracks in the ceiling and exits along the cave, this dive is ideal for photography. You can choose your exits making the cavern easy or squeezy.The squeezy is fun and very safe. Located in a beautiful secluded cove which makes it a perfect second dive after either the Um el Faroud wreck or Blue Grotto
Sightings: Flying Gunard, Stingray, Lizard Fish, Octopus, Cuttle Fish.
LíAhrax
Location: Dwejra ‚ North/West Gozo
Depth: 18/35mtr
Time: 40-50mins
The Dive: Starting at the nursery area on the shallow reef, air permitting its possible to make it to the underwater entrance to a large blow hole, however this can be a challenge to get to and is usually better to be attempted by boat.
Sightings: Bream, Parrot Fish, Cuttle Fish, Dusky Grouper, Saupe, Cardinal Fish, Nudibranch, Moray Eel, Octopus.
Blue Hole ‚ Gozo
Location: Dwejra ‚ North/West Gozo
Depth: 18/35mtr
Time: 40-50mins
The Dive:A must do! This is the signature dive site of Gozo. It begins with breathtaking 10mtr wide chimney over looked by the gigantic Azure window. As you descend a natural rock arch forming a doorway appears before you leading to the open sea. Large grouper are a common sight here along with the occasional spiny lobster. Leaving the chimney behind you large boulders provide cover for countless families of parrot fish. The fallen boulders have come from the roof of the Azure Window which although 30m above you can clearly be seen from the sea floor. Heading around the leg of the arch you can pick your depth upto 40m where ever you choose to go an amazing variety of marine life awaits. Heading back to the reef wall through swim throughís towards an enormous vertical crack in the reef. Starting at 18m and climbing up towards a coral garden at 4m‚ this is one possible exit ‚ however you can return to the Blue Hole from here too, and the cavern at the base of the Hole is always worth a visit before ascending.
Sightings: Schools of Bream, Parrot Fish, Large Dusky Grouper, Saupe, Cardinal Fish, Nudibranch, Moray Eel, Lobster, Octopus.
Inland Sea ‚ Gozo
Location: Dwejra ‚ North/West Gozo
Depth: 18/35+mtr
Time: 40-50mins
The Dive: As the name suggests the dive starts in a large scenic inlet ‚ natural lake surrounded by stunning rock faces. A short surface swim across to the open cave which leads through the Island to the open sea some 70m long ‚ 8m above the surface the cave is open for boats to travel through out to the Azure Window with tourists. Below the surface it begins at 5m and drops to beyond 30m at the exit to the sea, light is not normally an issue on this dive but some divers use a small torch to investigate the cavern walls. As you travel along the cavern toward the exit a shaft of blue light beacons you onward, getting bigger and bigger until you are suspended at the exit surrounded in the bright light. Although the reefs here are beautiful and have lots of life on them the cave is something you will always remember‚ its something completely different to do and another must do while your visiting.
Sightings: John Dory, Octopus, Cardinal Fish, Barracuda, Parrot Fish, Spotted Doris.
Mgarr ix Xini ‚ Gozo
Location: West Gozo
Depth: 12mtr
Time: 40-50mins
The Dive: One of Gozoís best kept secrets, although only a shallow dive it is great for Octopus and seahorse hunting. Then following a pretty wall to the right hand side of the bay out towards the mouth of the inlet we arrive at a large open cavern approx. 8m across and 20m or so metres to the back. After investigating and checking the walls for sea horses we make our way across the sandy bay to return along the other side to get a better chance of seeing the rare flying gunards and if the Gods are smiling some cuttle fish displaying the many colours theyíre famous for. A shallow critter hunt which often packs a surprise encounter.
Sightings:Cuttle Fish, Octopus, Flying Gunard, Sea Horse, Saupe, Bream, Nudibranch.
Lantern Point ‚ Comino
Location: South East Comino ‚ Boat Dive
Depth: 18/35mtr
Time: 40-50mins
The Dive: There is nothing nicer than jumping off the back of a boat right over your dive site‚ as the anchor drops you can feel the excitement building. We jump in over a shallow 6m reef taking a westward bearing a short swim brings us to a crack in the reef floor. This is the opening to a large, exciting chimney, which we descend down passing interesting rock formations as we go. The cave levels out and continues towards the outer wall of the reef at 15m. From here you can pick your depth around the boulders and along a beautiful wall, the deeper offering beyond 30m with swim thrus. Normally this dive offers incredible visibility and the chance for encounters with larger marine life.
Sightings: Grouper, Moray Eel, Bream, Saupe, Painted Comber.
Santa Maria Caves ‚ Comino
Location: East Comino ‚ Boat Dive
Depth: 10/21mtr
Time: 40-50mins
The Dive: Dropping in over a large sandy area, you are immediately surrounded by the local welcoming committee of sea bream. We begin this dive with a dramatic fish feed, which is a great opportunity for some amazing photos. Then its off to explore the beautiful caves, long and in most of the cave non overhead environment ‚ suitable for Open Water Divers. The openings in the Cave roof offer great light and because of this caves natural beauty it was used for the treasure scene in the movie The Count of Monte Christeau. Once through the cave the dive heads towards a large pinnacle out in open water which is home to lots of marine life. When ready to return its back through the cave system using other channels so you have had a good chance to really explore this amazing natural cavern.
Sightings: Cuttle Fish, Octopus, Flying, Saupe, Bream, Nudibranch, Moray Eel, Grouper.
Alexís Cave ‚ Comino
Location: West Comino ‚ Boat Dive
Depth: 18mtr
Time: 40-50mins
The Dive: Entering through a small archway in the reef out to a rocky reef and wall area we head over to a huge sandy area where we find cleaver wrass, turbot and other interesting life. Then its over to the wall to find the cave entrance ‚ a huge crack in the reef wall. As you enter your eyes adjust to the new light ahead a vertical opening in the ceiling stretching up to the surface becomes visible giving you more daylight enticing you further inside. At this point the cave bears left and the light seems to disappear, however a quick look over the shoulder reassures you that the exit can clearly be seen ‚ even from the very back of the cavern. For an added bonus you can surface inside this cavern‚ but it is from a depth of 15m so only those whom dont have issues with equalising should attempt this as the only exit is back through the underwater entrance of the cave.
Sightings: Cuttle Fish, Sting Ray, Wrass, Turbot, Flying Gurnard, Turbot.
Wrecks
HMS Maori
Location: Valleta
Depth: 15mtr
Time: 40-50mins
The Dive: Situated in St Elmos bay in Valleta, the HMS Maori is just a 5 minute swim from our entry point. This world war II wreck lays in just 14m and is an ideal dive for divers of all levels. The wreck which was bombed on the 12 February 1942 is easy to navigate and although its nearing 70 years old, parts of it are clearly visible like the gun turrets and main deck. You are also able to swim through the structure but be careful not to kick up the silt. One of the most exciting parts of the dive is seeing the 3 shell cases which were uncovered by rough seas a few years ago still with the date markings on them. After exploring the wreck, take a few minutes to look in the sea grass for seahorses or on the sandy seabed for octopus and flying gurnards.
Sightings: Cuttlefish, Octopus, Fling Gurnards, Bream, Wrasse, Moray Eels, Cardinal Fish.
The Rozi Tugboat
Location: North Malta
Depth: 35mtr
Time: 40-50mins
The Dive: The most famous wreck dive in the Maltese Islands, scuttled in 1992 as a tourist attraction, the Rozi has been delighting divers for nearly 20 years. Sitting on a sandy seabed not far from the reef edge this 40m long Tugboat is home for an incredible array of marine life. From the smallest nudibranch to the huge morays & wreck fish there is something for everyone. Penetration is available and interesting but limited on this wreck. The rear section is open allowing easy access to the engine area, the deck level has some passage ways and rooms, the wheel house is still perfectly intact and offers some great photo opportunities. At 34m deep this dive is recommended for advanced or above – well worth taking your wreck , deep or advanced course to see!
Sightings: Bream, Eagle Ray, Wreck Fish, Barracuda, Dusky Grouper, Saupe, Nudibranch, Moray Eel, Octopus.
P29 Patrol Boat
Location: Cirkewwa
Depth: 35mtr
Time: 40-50mins
The Dive: If youíre a metal head, then youíll love this dive. Scuttled in 2007, this wreck is in pristine condition. With it being releatively new, marine life is growing day by day. The P29 has so many doors and holes chopped in it you can go almost anywhere inside. Penetration is very easy and at this moment in time, all knobs and levers can still be turned and twisted. Average depth for this dive is 30m and visibility ranges from 20-40m
Um el Faroud
Location: Wied iz Zurrieq ‚ South West Malta
Depth: 34mtr
Time: 40-50mins
The Dive:The Um el Faroud is a tanker ship sitting upright at a depth of 35m. This is a large wreck ‚ approx 110m long and 16meters wide. This dive is recommended for advanced divers and above due to the depth, distance and currents that can be experienced here. The Um el Faroud is great for penetration as doors and windows have been removed for your safety, the rudder and propellor are still intact making a great photo opportunity and there is an abundance of marine life both on the wreck and nearby reef.
Sightings: Barracuda, Large Bream, Nudibranch, Damsel Fish, Jacks, Spanish Dancers, Octopus.
Xatt L Ahmar, Gozo
Location: Wied iz Zurrieq ‚ South West Malta
Depth: 32mtr
Time: 30-40mins
The Dive:Scuttled for divers in 2006, the MV Karwela was previously a passenger ferry used by the Captain Morgan tour company. 50m in length sitting upright & intact on the sand, there’s plenty to explore. The twin screws are still in position and penetration is easy using the doors and stairways. Eventually bringing you up to the wheelhouse. There is also a surprise find situated on the rear deck platform, for those with keen eyes. Situated not far from a dramatic wall this dive has a nice reef to make the required safety stop enjoyable on the return journey.
Sightings: Bream, Cuttle Fish, Dusky Grouper, Saupe, Nudibranch, Moray Eel, Octopus.
MV Cominoland
Location: Xatt L Ahmar, Gozo
Depth: 42mtr
Time: 30-40mins
The Dive: Built in1942 serving as passenger & car ferry then scuttled in August 2006 alongside the Karewla. The Cominoland is another superb wreck to play on. Only recently sunk, marine life is just beginning to make it home, but excellent penetration is available and with some slight storm damage to the bow end this gives the wreck a spooky feel. With the addition of these two new wrecks in Xatt L Ahmar, Gozo is worth a couple of visits, with the famous Blue Hole and Inland Sea sites making a excellent 2nd day. Again the depth of this dive would be better suited to those with training or experience in the deeper side of diving.
Sightings: Bream, Cuttle Fish, Dusky Grouper, Saupe, Nudibranch, Moray Eel, Octopus.
P31
Location: Comino
Depth: 18mtr
Time: 50-60mins
The Dive: Visitors to the P31 would be excused for having that dejaview, as this is the sister ship of the ex mine sweeper Boltenhagen (P29). However, this wreck sits in only 18mt of water and offers amazing bottom time and therefore every nook & cranny can be explored. Although the exterior of the ship is the same the internal layout differs quite considerably, and there seems to be more rooms to investigate. The shallow depth also provides great light for photography, as for marine life it seems the inhabitants of Comino have been waiting for some new real estate as it is becoming rapidly populated by bream, chromis, octopus & even cuttle fish have been spotted around the stern. Finally a really impressive wreck that divers without the higher certifications can enjoy.
Sightings: Bream, Cuttle Fish, Chromis, Saupe, Nudibranch, Octopus, Sand Smelts.
Blenheim Bomber
Location: Marsascala, South Malta
Depth: 42mtr
Time: 30-35mins
The Dive: This unusual wreck dive makes a pleasant change from the ship wrecks we are used to diving. At a depth around 20m you can start to pick out the outline of the aircraft, as you descend the details be come clearer until you reach the wreck at 40m. The wings and engines are virtually intact although now showing signs of her time spent at depth. The cockpit cover is missing suggesting the crew safely evacuated prior to ditching. The pilot's seat and control column is clearly visible. The surrounding area is quite clear of debris the bottom contour is simple allowing divers to explore the entire area of the wreckage, checking out the large 920hp Bristol Mercury engines and landing gear visible inside the covers still retraced. This is a specialist dive due to depth & location and a private charter boat is required in advance to achieve this lovely dive – we can normally arrange as long as we have a little notice.
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