Best scuba diving spots in Malta
With crystal-clear waters, stunning coastlines and colourful marine life Malta welcomes you to some of the most fascinating scuba diving spots of the Mediterranean!
There’s no better way to explore the Mediterranean than a scuba diving adventure. Scuba diving allows participants of all levels to dive in and discover what’s hidden beneath the world's surface. Located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Malta offers some of the best scuba diving locations in Europe. Thanks to its warm waters and good winds, Malta is an amazing scuba diving destination for divers of all levels. Malta's pristine waters offer great visibility, making scuba diving pleasant and memorable.
Whether you're a beginner trying scuba diving for the first time or a certified diver, this article will help you find the scuba diving activity in Malta that fits your level and tastes the best. Malta's underwater world offers unparalleled views, from rocky cliffs to hidden sea caves: you won't be disappointed! Read on to find out the best scuba diving spots on Malta Island!
1. Bugibba
The first place worth exploring in Malta is undoubtedly Bugibba, a coastal town located at the northern end of the island. Bugibba is located only 18 kilometres (11 miles) north of Valletta, Malta's capital, and it's easily reachable from any corner of the island. Popular among tourists for its vibrant nightlife, Bugibba is also home to mesmerizing marine biodiversity.
On a PADI discover scuba diving course in Bugibba, you'll have the chance to learn the fundamentals of scuba diving with a professional instructor. Together you'll uncover Malta's marine life and dive to a maximum depth of 12 metres (39 feet). If you want to become a certified diver, you can join this PADI scuba diving course in Bugibba! Over the course of two days, you'll master the fundamentals of scuba diving in Malta's pristine waters and reach a maximum depth of 12 metres (39 feet)! At the end of this course, you'll receive a PADI certificate recognised all around the world! Bugibba is home to some of the most interesting diving sites in Malta, offering you the unique chance to explore new places and learn from professionals.
2. Sliema
Sliema is a coastal town located on the eastern side of Malta. Easily reachable from Valletta, Sliema is one of the most appreciated scuba diving sites in Malta. Home to rich marine life, Sliema is mostly known for its sea caves. Hidden and colourful, Sliema's sea caves create a magical atmosphere waiting to be explored.
If you are a certified diver, you will love these exploration dives in Sliema with a local guide. You can choose between a single and a triple dive, allowing you to discover Sliema's underwater world according to your plans. Your divemaster will guide you through the most fascinating sea caves in Sliema, unveiling different types of fish, octopuses and seaweeds. Sliema's transparent waters welcome beginners as well. On this 3-hour PADI discover scuba diving course in Sliema, you'll learn the basics of scuba diving with a professional instructor and dive into Malta's turquoise waters and breathe underwater for the first time.
3. Mellieha Bay
Next on our best scuba diving spots in Malta is Mellieha Bay. Located on the northern end of Malta, Mellieha Bay, also known as Għadira Bay, is a long stretch of sand between the Coral Lagoon and Imgiebah Bay. Renowned for its white sand and picturesque buildings, Mellieha Bay welcomes thousands of divers every year.
With its rich seabed and fascinating wrecks, Mellieha Bay is the place to go for certified divers seeking new adventures. On these exploration dives from Mellieha Bay you'll discover Malta's hidden treasures with a professional guide! If you are a beginner willing to try scuba diving in Malta for the first time, you can opt for this first dive experience in Mellieha Bay and try the thrill of breathing underwater!
4. St. Paul's Bay
Saint Paul's Bay is another coastal town located in Malta's Northern Region. If you are wondering where to go scuba diving in Malta, Saint Paul's Bay is one of the most popular diving sites on the island. Its sandy beaches and shallow waters make it the ideal spot for beginners.
If it's your first time trying scuba diving in Malta, join this discover scuba diving session in Mellieha Bay and dive in pristine waters! Hand in hand with a professional instructor you'll reach a maximum depth of 12 metres (39 feet), directly from the shore. Certified divers can get a taste of Malta's underwater world with these adventure dives in Mellieha Bay. In 4 hours you'll unveil some of Malta's hidden treasures, such as shipwrecks!
5. Exiles Bay
The next charming place for scuba diving in Malta is Exiles Bay. Less known by visitors, this bay offers a unique insight into Malta’s marine flora and fauna. Located between St. Julian's and Sliema, Exiles Bay is home to a sandy stretch with a lovely view of St. Julian's Bay. You can easily drive to Exiles Bay from Valletta or Sliema and enjoy panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea, before starting your scuba diving experience.
Beginners can join a PADI first dive adventure with a certified instructor and get a taste of the fundamentals of this sport during a 3-hour session. If you are interested in becoming a certified diver, this PADI scuba diving course in Exiles Bay will not disappoint you. You and a small group will attend theoretical and practical sessions at the scuba diving centre and achieve an international PADI certificate to dive up to 12 metres (39 feet)! If you are willing to take the next step, you can join this PADI Open water diver course in Exiles Bay and spend 3 days exploring the depths of Malta!
Where will you scuba dive in Malta?
With an average water temperature of 20 °C (68 °F), Malta offers the highest annual sea temperature in Europe. From 15–16 °C (59–61 °F) in winter to 26 °C (79 °F) in summer, you can practice scuba diving in Malta all year round. Thanks to its unique marine life and perfect visibility, anyone can enjoy a fantastic scuba diving adventure. Whether you are an experienced diver or a first-timer, you'll find the experience that fits you best. If you would like to learn more about this intriguing sport, check out our complete guide to scuba diving! Given Malta's small size, you can explore the underwater world from different diving sites, making your scuba diving adventure in Malta memorable.
If you are travelling to Malta this year, read our article on the top 10 activities to explore Malta and Gozo Island and get inspired!