DIVING IN THE MALTESE ISLANDS

DIVING SCHOOLS AND CLUBS

The islands offer a well-developed infrastructure for divers, which represents a high standard and is capable of coping with the most sophisticated demands. The Maltese diving schools have organized themselves into the Association of Professional Diving Schools, with the result that the staff are well-trained and responsible. All schools offer up-to-date equipment of the best quality with an excellent follow-up service. It is not necessary to bring along your own equipment for a short diving visit as it is possible to hire equipment at a reasonable rates. The diving schools have compressors which are regularly checked by the Department of Health. Against presentation of the Maltese diving permit any diver can get his cylinders filled or can rent cylinders. Beginners and advanced divers will receive all help and assistance from the schools to ensure that their diving holiday in Malta is trouble free and enjoyable. Diver safety is target number one.

The seas around Malta are virtually tideless. Underwater currents are very rare in Summer and more frequent in Winter. However, due to the small size of the island, divers can shift to an alternative dive site very easily. In places which are hard to reach, it is more comfortable to dive from a boat, especially as there is always somebody available for assistance and control of the divers. The schools also make sure that at all interesting dive sites the diver finds entry without problem.

FAUNA AND FLORA

It would be difficult to list and comment on the many various species of fauna and flora to be found in the waters around Malta. It is important to state that the chance of meeting "big game" fish or certain species of sharks which may be dangerous to the person, is almost non-existent. Very seldom does one meet Tuna, Dolphins and Bonitos. If at all, one will meet them more likely during winter time. Species which the diver will find around the Maltese islands are groupers, amberjack, various bream, various wrasse, damsel fish, octopus, squid, flying gurnard, stingrays, meagre, bogue, red mullet and others. Occasionally one will see moray eels - although the structure of the coast and the rocks seems to offer ideal living conditions for them, they tend to be more visible during night dives. Also John Dory can be watched here occasionally, mostly during wintertime since normally it lives in greater depths. There are a few sea animals which are beautiful to watch but dangerous to touch; they are not deadly but could be very painful depending on the diver's heart condition, general health situation as well as age. Here the scorpion fish, the bristle worm, the weaver and the stingray must be mentioned.

NIGHT DIVING

Night diving opens a whole new dimension for the experienced diver, and Malta is ideally suited for this kind of diving. At night time the diver sees an entirely different variety of fish and colors are shown more vibrant under a diver's torch. Most diving schools feature night diving in their program and under the right set of conditions every competent diver should enjoy this thrilling experience. Wied iz-Zurrieq in the south-west of the island is particularly a favorite for night diving.

UNDERWATER ARCHEOLOGY

The thousands of years of history of the Maltese islands have brought to these shores many and varied visitors through the ages. Most have left their mark in the form of archaeological remains. On land historical buildings and artifacts are exhibited in museums and cultural sites. There still remains underwater many known and as yet undiscovered relics of the past which form a valuable part of the National Heritage. These are all part of a story which is our history.

It is important that divers do not scavenge around wreck sites because:
The materials may shed new light on the trade and habits of our ancestors. Separated from their context, these may not tell the whole story.
Unskilled handling may damage the items forever.
Without appropriate care and treatment, artifacts generally deteriorate and become worthless.
Lifting such materials from archaeological sites is forbidden by law.

If you ever come across what appears to be a historical item:

- Do not disturb the site
- Take note of the location to enable a future return
- Report the details to: The Director, The Museums Department (Archaeology Section), Republic Street, Valletta

DIVE SITES

Malta being an island has the advantage that regardless of prevailing weather conditions one can always find a protected dive site. The following sites have been selected on account of the varied diving they offer. They are situated geographically in the four corners of Malta and Gozo. As a bonus the majority have easy direct access to the water.

Malta

Cirkewwa Situated in the north of the island in the vicinity of the departure point of the Gozo ferry this location has long been a favorite among the locals mainly for its impressive drop off from 8m to 30m (25ft-90ft). The area boasts a picturesque arch (underwater photographers note) and a number of caves. As it is on the channel, visibility is always high and apart from resident groupers one can encounter free swimming predators such as amberjack and dentex.

Ahrax Point This is the north-east point of Malta (pleasure craft going to Gozo and Comino pass through here - use marker buoy!). The entry point is from a narrow inlet with depths from 3m to10m (9ft-30ft) ideal for beginners. A snorkel of ten minutes gets on to the point where two options present themselves: to the left a reef rich in marine life and an impressive drop-off; to the right an underwater entrance to a large cave.

Anchor Bay This is an ideal location when strong NE winds prevent diving in many other areas. Entry to the water is from a pier and the bottom slopes gradually, reaching depths of 28m (85ft) out on the sand. There is a large cave to be explored and the bottom is rich in red algae.

Merkanti Reef This reef lies in the northern tip of St. Julian's Bay. For comfort it is recommended to do a boat dive though the stronger swimmers can easily reach it from land. The many nooks and crannies house a variety of fish life and offer good photographic opportunities. Depths vary and different categories of divers are sure to find suitable ones.

Qawra Point This is the southern tip of St. Paul's Bay. A large Roman anchor was recovered from the sea in this area. The profile drops slowly at first and the monotony of posidonia meadows gives way to a steep slope to 40m (120ft). Here many weird shaped sponges show their full magnificence by the light of a torch. A large C-shaped cave often inhabited by brown meagre and bream completes this long dive.

Ghar Lapsi A fishing hamlet on the western coast. Access to the water is easy. Within a few strokes from the entry point is found a shallow system of underwater caves lit up with beams of sunlight from the numerous exits. The Ghar Lapsi area is mostly in the 15m to 20m (45ft-60ft) depth even far out and so it offers a large area of parallel reefs and depressions and most of the typical marine fauna of the Mediterranean

Wied iz-Zurrieq The steep slope of the valley continues underwater. The bottom is strewn with rocks which must have been carried there over the centuries. At the right of the mouth of the valley a small cave is to be found. The bottom falls to 30m (90ft) plus. The location comes to its full glory at night as the multitude of crabs hidden during the day venture forth.

Comino

Ras I-Irqieqa This is a thin strip of land at the southwest tip of Comino and most of the boat traffic going to Gozo goes past it. There is a sheer drop-off to 40m (120ft). The water is clear and the upswelling old currents from the depths support large shoals of sardines and bogue which are preyed upon by amberjacks, dentex and sometimes even tunny. The boulder strewn depths reveal families of bream and brown meagre. The climax of the dive is the encounter with enormous grouper (2m/6ft) and his smaller relatives.

St. Marija Caves These are an ideal second dive location for those who have made a boat trip to Comino, and need an interesting shallow location following a deep dive at Ras I-Irqieqa. The caves are very pretty and the imaginative underwater photographer has endless possibilities. Octopus, moray eels, small groupers and countless small fish make this a relaxing dive

Gozo

Reqqa Point This is the northernmost tip of the Maltese Islands. The road on the beach is rough, the entry is tricky with a strong swell (choose a day when the sea is calm) but is a fantastic dive. The reef consists of a parapet at 30m (90ft) and then a drop to 60m (180ft). There is an excellent vantage point at 15m (45ft). Here one is literally in a cloud of small fish feeding on the nutriment-rich water. Large shoals of dentex have feeding frenzies, groupers are large and plentiful. Added to this there are large caves and deep waters.

Dwejra Point Dwejra is one of the most spectacular diving areas of the Maltese Islands with deep water (60m/180ft) and many caves, arches, etc. The most dramatic is the 35m (145ft) tunnel which opens from the Inland Sea to the open sea where the bottom drops suddenly. Here large fish are to be found. The clear waters and depths can be deceptive so watch your decompression time!

Mgarr ix-Xini (Ta' Cenc) Please note that Mgarr ix-Xini is a prohibited dive site, and the cliffs of Ta' Cenc do not offer an entry point, so one must enter the water from the private beach of the Ta' Cenc Hotel. The cliff continues underwater to a depth of 30m (90ft) where it gives way to large boulders which provide ample hiding place for groupers to thrive. This site is best avoided when southerly winds prevail as visibility falls.

DIVING SAFETY AND PERMIT

Diving in Malta is regulated by a license issued by the Department of Health and supported by a medical certificate covering fitness to dive. The license is required to be shown when renting cylinders or obtaining air fills. The license is not required when diving accompanied by a licensed diving instructor.

License Requirements:

- Minimum age limit of 14 years
- Medical Certificate of Fitness to Dive
- Two "Passport Sized" photos
- Photocopy of Log Book or "C" Card / P.I.C.
- Lm1.00 Administration Fee

Keep in mind:

- Never dive alone.
- Do not dive beyond your abilities/fitness. Make sure you are well rested, sober and not under the influence of medication/drugs.
- Do not fly within 24 hours of diving.

ESSENTIAL INFO - GUIDES - MAP - NEWSPAPERS - TV & RADIO

RESTAURANTS - NIGHTLIFE - MUSIC - FILM - SPORTS - ART & CULTURE - ATTRACTIONS