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Scuba diving in Malta is one of the most highly rated things to do in Malta by divers worldwide and a prime destination for diving holidays.
This is no surprise considering the numerous shore dive sites and boat dives in Malta and Gozo that offer a challenge at different skill levels. In fact, Malta is also a great place to learn how to dive (certification included) or to go for taster dives and beginner courses (like this one).
Scuba divers will encounter dive sites with beautifully coloured coral reefs and dark caves reaching deep into some of Malta’s tall cliffs. Not to mention a number of sea wrecks which over the years have become the habitat for various species of fish and other marine life.
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What makes Malta so attractive for scuba diving is not just the clarity of the waters surrounding the islands but also the optimal weather, the rich marine life and the fact that most dive sites are reachable from shore.
In fact, you can dive in Malta all-year-round.
Even in the middle of winter, the sea temperature never drops below 13 degrees Celsius. The climate and duration of sunshine at that time of year are similar to an average North European summer, sometimes even better.
In stormy weather, sheltered coasts offer a sufficient number of interesting scuba diving sites.
Diving in winter offers the advantage that many species of fish move inshore to shallower, slightly warmer waters which are not disturbed by swimmers at that time of the year. This offers divers a much better opportunity to observe and photograph marine life.
In summer, the warm sea temperature (averaging 26 degrees Celsius) makes it possible for divers to wear a light 3mm diving suit.
Malta attracts over 150,000 scuba divers from around the world every year. This diving destination is so attractive because of:
Popular UK tabloid The Sun says Malta is a great choice for UK families, especially from October onwards:
“The glorious Mediterranean sea around the Maltese islands is a paradise for snorkelers and divers as it is teeming with fish and WW2 wrecks which have become artificial reefs and great dive sites – some of the best in the world. In fact, the Archipelago has repeatedly been voted the second best dive destination in the world.”
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Diving packages vary depending on the diving centre and your level of experience. For example, a beginners 3 day course would typically cost around €200, while a 5 hour course with 2 dives start from €70.
Renting diving equipment in Malta is easy through the numerous diving centres around the islands offer equipment rental (see the list below). Some centres will offer the equipment for free when taking a diving course with them. So if you don’t want the burden of carrying your own diving kit on your vacation, you’ll be covered.
Equipment rental prices vary depending on the type of equipment being rented. As an indication, a 10-litre oxygen cylinder costs around €6 for a whole day, while a full dive suit is €10 and a mask €5.
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In Malta and Gozo there are over 50 diving centres. That is a huge number when one takes into consideration the size of the population and the islands themselves.
Logically, you will find most of these dive centres along popular coastal towns such as St Paul’s Bay, Bugibba, Qawra, Sliema and St Julian’s.
These centres offer diving packages for all levels of divers, starting from beginner courses up to instructor courses. Many of these centres offer equipment rental, so you don’t have to carry your own gear while on holiday.
Here are a few suggestions based on diver reviews:
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Which is the fastest place to reach for Deep Sea diving session. I am staying in Il-Gżira region.
Hi Surbhit, not 100% sure they offer that type of dive but try Lagoon Dive Centre
Hi
I was wondering which beach would be the best for diving…especially because I don’t have my own equipment 🙂
Hi Juliette,
I recommend getting in touch with the guys at Dive Systems. I’ve heard great reviews about them and their services. They can provide pretty much anything you need, from advice to equipment to organised dives, etc. http://www.divesystemsmalta.com/about-us/contact/.
The Rozi is my favorite wreck dive on the island, it sits perfectly on a sand base bottom. The wreck was scuttled as a tourist attraction in 1991 and is a 30 meter harbour tug, full of marine life and fully intact. It’s in a depth range between 25 and 35meters. Upper deck lies at 25meters and rudder is at a depth of 36 meters.