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Diving in the heart of Mediterranean with the vibrant marine life of the Maltese islands
17 Aug 2016

Diving in the heart of Mediterranean with the vibrant marine life of the Maltese islands

The three islands that make up the Maltese Archipelago -Malta, the largest; Gozo, the mythical isle of Calypso; and tiny Comino, famous for its Blue Lagoon - form a very special diving site at the heart of the Mediterranean.


The islands invite you to discover their natural harbours, bays, sheltered creeks, cliffs, reefs and wrecks. The waters here are some of the most limpid and clear in the world. Visibility is excellent down to around 30 metres. So Malta is a dream destination for underwater photography. Marine life flourishes in a vibrant display of colours.

With dive sites just a stone's throw away from each other, you will be able to explore a variety of underwater worlds. We've listed some of the best known dive sites ranging from labyrinthine caves to reefs and wartime wrecks.

For more excitement, try a night dive or dive deeper to 30 or 40 metres. Colours appear almost fluorescent by torchlight. For the more experienced, these dives offer a unique adventure.

Conservation Areas around Wrecks

A number of conservation areas have been established around submerged wrecks located in Maltese waters. At present, there are seven such conservation areas, namely:

- The Um el Faroud in Wied Iż-Żurrieq
- MV Xlendi, Cominoland, Karwela off Xatt l-Aħmar
- Tug St. Michael, Tug 10 in Marsaskala
- The Imperial Eagle off Qawra Point
- Rożi, P29 off Ċirkewwa
- Blenheim Bomber off Xrobb l-Għaġin
- Bristol Beaufighter off Exiles Point

Shore Dives

The islands invite you to discover their natural harbours, bays, sheltered creeks, cliffs, reefs and wrecks. The waters here are some of the most limpid and clear in the world. Visibility is excellent down to around 30 metres. So Malta is a dream destination for underwater photography. Marine life flourishes in a vibrant display of colours.

The combination of sheer cliffs, caves, wrecks, shelves and sandy and rocky sea beds, means there is a large variety of fauna and flora to see in the Maltese waters. Wrecks, as artificial reef habitats, have provided a home for a greater number of species in recent years and make excellent dive sites.

Species you are likely to see include groupers, amberjack, various bream, octopi, squid, flying fish, gurnard, stingrays, meagre, bogue, red mullet, parrot fish and the occasional moray eel. Although the rocky structures and underwater coast seem ideal living conditions for eel, you tend to see them mostly during night dives.

The chance of meeting a big game fish is almost non-existent. Rare sights include tuna, dolphins and bonitos, though there is more chance of seeing these large fish in winter when they come closer to shore, attracted by the warmer waters.

John Doryare also occasionally spotted, mostly during wintertime, since they normally live a greater depths. Corals are also found on arches, reefs and caves. They glow a wonderful orange to pink colour and are particularly excellent to photograph at night.

If you would like to know more about Malta's wrecks and marine life, contact the Malta Marine Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the preservation of Malta's fragile marine habitat.

Boat Dives

With dive sites just a stone's throw away from each other, you will be able to explore a variety of underwater worlds. The best known dive sites are ranging from labyrinthine caves to reefs and wartime wrecks. For more excitement, try a night dive or dive deeper to 30 or 40 metres. Colours appear almost fluorescent by torchlight. For the more experienced, these dives offer a unique adventure.

If you are looking for a short or long term rental or sale properties in Malta and Gozo, contact ECSM Property Ltd- we have an extensive database of Maltese properties. Our staff is on hand to assist with finding you a new, luxury or bargain residence on the Maltese islands. For more information and detailed guidance about Maltese properties look at our website www.ecsmproperty.uk.com or drop us a note on ec@ecsmproperty.uk.com We look forward hearing from you.

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