fish: fireworms, octopus, sea horses, cardinalfish, flatfish, scorpionfish, bream, wrasses, mullet, groupers, amberjack, squid, flying fish, gurnard, stingrays, meagre, bogue, parrotfish

rarely: John Dory, eels

almost impossible: big game fish, dolphins, tuna, bonitos

Suit

In summer it is comfortable to dive in a 3 mm wetsuit. From late autumn to the end of spring the water is cold enough to warrant diving in a drysuit or a semidry. A 5mm neoprene is suitable for the rest of the year.

Risk

There are a few sea animals which can have vicious or poisonous bristles and spines. Watch out for the scorpion fish, bristleworms, sea urchins and the stingray. If you step on or touch one of these fish, look for medical attention as your reaction to the injury will depend on your general medical condition and age.

Visibility

25-30 metres

Bottom

rocky or sandy

caves, caverns, grottos, cliffs, shelves

Best time to dive

April – October

Courses

Besides recreational diving for beginners, it is possible to take a PADI course (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), BSAC course (British Sub Aqua Club) or DSAT course (Diving Science and Technology).

PADI courses:

- Bubble Maker

- Seal Team

- Open Water Diving

- Advanced Open Water Diving

- Rescue Diver

- Emergency First Response

- Divemaster

- Master Scuba Diver

- Open Water Instructor

BSAC courses:

- Ocean Diver

- Sports Diver

- Dive Leader

- BSAC Nitrox Course

- BSAC Full Instructor Course

- BSAC IFC – Instructor Foundation Course

- BSAC OWIC – Open Water Instructor Course

DSAT courses:

- Nitrox Diver

- Deep Diver

- Tec Deep Level 1

- Tec Deep

- Tec Trimix

- Gas Blender

- Trimix Gas Blender

SSI courses:

- Scuba update

- (Junior) Open Water Diver

- Specialities: Nitrox Diver, Deep Diving, Stress & Rescue, night diving, underwater navigation, underwater photography, boat diving, Dry suit, Wreck diving

- Advanced Diver (4 Specialities)

- Master Diver

- Dive Control Specialist

- CPR & First Aid

Prices

about 300-400 euro/initial open water course

about 25-35 euro/1 dive

Minimum age

There are no restrictions on age. The decision on minimum age is at the discretion of the instructor of the course. For all divers under age of 18 written parental/guardian consent will be required.

Unaccompanied divers

If you intend to dive without a guide from any dive centre, you will need to be a PADI Advanced Open Water, CMAS 2 Star Diver or equivalent and have a buddy with you. In other case you are not allowed to dive without an instructor. Local Diving Permit is no more required.

Children

Depending on the diving centre the minimum age of a child attending a diving course is 8, 10 or 12.

Snorkelling

Snorkelling can be an alternative to scuba diving as it is really enjoyable, cheap and there is no age limit. Even in the first few metres below the surface experiencing the underwater environment can be extremely exciting. Clean and blue Maltese waters invite to an adventure of meeting a variety of fish and other underwater creatures. One can try it independently or choose one of many snorkelling excursions offers with professional guides. There are also skin diving courses for those who are interested in equipment, techniques and safety.