Malta sits in the heart of the Mediterranean, surrounded by some of the clearest water in Europe. Underwater visibility reaches 20–40 metres. The sea stays warm for nine months of the year (minimum 14°C in February, maximum 27°C in August). The rocky coastline is paradise for snorkelling and diving — caves, tunnels, shipwrecks. And above the water: windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, jet skiing, SUP. Malta has it all.
Snorkelling — The Easiest Start
Snorkelling in Malta is great even for complete beginners — clear water, lots of fish, caves and rocks accessible straight from the shore. Own equipment (mask + snorkel): €15–30 at sports shops or rental outlets.
Best spots:
- Blue Hole (Gozo) — a natural hole in the rock leading to open sea. Fish, reefs, octopus. Level: easy to intermediate.
- Inland Sea (Gozo) — a lagoon connected to the sea by a tunnel. The boat ride through the tunnel (~70m) is unforgettable.
- St. Peter's Pool (near Marsaxlokk) — natural limestone swimming hole, very clear water, lots of fish.
- Wied il-Ghasri (Gozo) — a narrow rocky gorge descending to the sea. One of Gozo's most beautiful spots.
- Anchor Bay (Mellieħa) — clean cove, peaceful, lots of fish among the rocks.
Diving in Malta — Top 5 in Europe
Malta ranks in Europe's top five dive destinations. Visibility to 40m, warm water, wrecks, caves and rich marine life. Diving is possible year-round.
Best dive sites:
- Blue Hole + The Arch (Gozo) — one of the world's most famous dive sites. A natural rock arch at 5–8m depth. Suitable for all levels.
- MV Karwela + MV Xlendi (Gozo) — deliberately sunk wrecks at around 40m. Advanced divers only.
- Cirkewwa Arch (Malta) — rock arch at 6m, ideal for beginners.
- Azure Window debris (Gozo) — the remains of the famous arch that collapsed in 2017. Now an interesting dive site in its own right.
Prices: Discover Scuba (first dive with instructor): €60–90. Guided dive: €40–60. PADI Open Water course: €350–450 (3–4 days). Recommended: Maltaqua, Dive Zone Malta, Gozo Aqua Sports.
Kayaking and SUP — Explore Caves from the Water
Kayaking along Malta's coastline gives access to caves, coves and spots unreachable from land. Available for hire or as guided group tours.
Best routes: Around Gozo's northern coast (Blue Hole → Wied il-Ghasri → Marsalforn, around 5 hours). South Malta coast (Marsaxlokk → St. Peter's Pool). Blue Lagoon on Comino (by kayak instead of crowded boat).
Prices: SUP hire: €15–25/hour. Kayak hire: €20–35/hour. Guided kayak tour: €45–70/person (half-day).
Windsurfing and Kitesurfing
Malta is moderately good for windsurfing — there is wind, but it is not always consistent. Best locations: Mellieħa Bay (steady breeze, shallow water — ideal for beginners), Marsaskala (fewer crowds), Golden Bay.
Season: March–June and September–November. July–August: weaker winds.
Prices: Windsurfing course (10 hours): €250–350. Equipment hire: €60–90/day. IKO kitesurfing course: €350–500.
Jet Ski, Banana Boat and Parasailing
Classic beach activities available at most larger beaches and promenades in season (June–September). Jet ski (15 min): €40–60. Banana boat: €15–20/person. Parasailing: €40–60. Flyboard: €60–80 (15 min). Locations: Mellieħa Bay, Buġibba, St. George's Bay, Golden Bay.
Fishing Trips
Full-day fishing trips: from €60–100/person. Species: tuna, lampuki (mahi-mahi), marlin. Book through local operators or Viator.
Water Temperatures by Season
| Month | Water temp. | Best activities |
|---|---|---|
| May–June | 20–22°C | Snorkelling, diving, kayaking, windsurfing |
| July–August | 25–27°C | All activities, jet ski, banana boat |
| September–October | 24–26°C | Diving (best visibility), windsurfing |
| November–April | 14–18°C | Diving (quieter, 5mm wetsuit) |