Malta
Country Name: Republic of Malta
Capital City: Valletta
Population: Approximately 514,000 (2024 est.)
Official Language: Maltese, English
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), UTC +1; Central European Summer Time (CEST), UTC +2 during daylight saving time.
Diving Overview
Malta offers exceptional diving experiences with its clear, warm waters, rich marine life, and fascinating underwater landscapes. The island’s dive sites are ideal for both novice and experienced divers, featuring everything from shallow reefs to deep wrecks and dramatic caves.
- Number of Dive Sites: Over 50
- Types of Diving: Reef, wreck, cave, and drift diving.
- Marine Biodiversity Highlights: Groupers, octopuses, moray eels, various species of nudibranchs, and colorful coral formations.
- Average Water Temperatures: 16-25°C (61-77°F).
- Visibility Range: 20-40 meters (66-131 feet).
Important Information
Optimal Dive Seasons
The best diving conditions are typically from May to October, with warm waters and excellent visibility.
Major Airports
Malta International Airport (Luqa)
The Travel Tip
A 3mm wetsuit is generally sufficient for diving in Malta’s warm waters during summer, but a thicker suit may be needed in spring and autumn.
Weather Patterns
Malta has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
Internal Transportation
Options include buses, taxis, car rentals, and ferries connecting Malta with Gozo and Comino.
Attractions
Major attractions include the historic city of Valletta, the ancient temples of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra, the Blue Lagoon on Comino, and the medieval city of Mdina.
Top Dive Regions
Malta offers a variety of top dive regions, each with unique underwater landscapes and rich marine life. From the underwater arches and wrecks of Cirkewwa to the spectacular Blue Hole and wrecks around Gozo, divers can explore a range of exciting sites. Comino is known for its crystal-clear waters and the iconic Blue Lagoon, while Valletta offers historical wreck dives and stunning underwater scenery just off the capital’s coast. These regions cater to divers of all levels, making Malta a premier destination for underwater adventures.
Gozo
Features spectacular dive sites like the Blue Hole, Inland Sea, and the wreck of the MV Karwela, offering diverse marine life and impressive underwater topography.
Comino
Home to the iconic Blue Lagoon and Santa Marija Caves, providing crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine ecosystems.
Valletta
Offers historical wreck dives, such as the HMS Maori, and stunning underwater landscapes just off the coast of Malta’s capital city.
Cirkewwa
Known for its underwater arches, tunnels, and wrecks, including the famous Rozi Tugboat and P29 patrol boat.
Marine Life
Malta’s marine life is diverse and abundant, providing vibrant underwater experiences for divers and snorkelers. The clear waters around the islands are home to a variety of fish species, including groupers, bream, and parrotfish. Invertebrates such as octopuses, cuttlefish, and various species of nudibranchs add to the underwater diversity. The rocky reefs and underwater caves provide habitats for moray eels, lobsters, and crabs, while the colorful coral formations enhance the visual appeal of the dive sites. Marine protected areas around the islands help preserve these ecosystems, ensuring that Malta’s marine life thrives.
Common Species: Groupers, octopuses, moray eels, bream, parrotfish, nudibranchs, cuttlefish, lobsters, and crabs.
Seasonal Highlights: Octopuses and cuttlefish are commonly seen during the warmer months, while the best visibility for exploring wrecks and caves is typically in late summer and early autumn.
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