Mecca for divers

The Maltese Archipelago - the main Island Malta, the smaller Island of Gozo and the tiny Island of Comino - is a real paradise for divers and snorklers. These Islands have fortunately retained their natural state due, to a large extent, to the sea and its fauna.

Apart from other positive aspects, one of the most important is that the Maltese Islands are an all-year-round centre for the diver. Even in a severe winter (which is extremely rare) the sea temperature never drops below 13 Celsius. The climate and duration of sunshine at that time of year are similar to all average North European summer, sometimes even better. In stormy weather, sheltered coasts offer a sufficient number of interesting diving sites.

Diving in winter offers the advantage that many species of fish move inshore to shallower, slightly warmer waters and as they are not disturbed by swimmers during this season, the diver has even better opportunities for observation and photography than in summer.

Sea temperatures in summer are about 23 Celsius, and divers may wear a light 3-mm diving suit or even dive without one.

The Maltese Islands are within easy reach of the European mainland - two to three hours at most - and the facilities compare favourably with other more distant and expensive countries. The Maltese people make you feel at home and practically everyone speaks English.

The Islands offer a well-developed infrastructure for divers, representing a high standard and are capable of coping with the most sophisticated demands.

A number of Maltese diving schools have organised themselves into the Association of Professional Diving Schools, with the result that the staff is 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 of 8-10 days, as it is possible to lease equipment at a favourable rate.

The diving schools have compressors, which are regularly checked by the Department of Health. Against presentation of tile 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 of primary concern.

The seas around Malta are virtually tideless. Under-water currents are very rare in summer and more frequent in winter. However, due to the size of the Island, divers call shift to an alternative dive site easily.

In places, which are hard to reach, it is more comfortable to dive from a boot, 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.

Training and examination according to international standards

Training and examination for obtaining a diver's licence follow the guidelines of the main international diving organisations such as CMAS or PADI, the guidelines of clubs which are associated with these bodies, like the British Sub/Aqua Club (BSAC) or the Verband Deutscher Sporttaucher (VDST e.V.), the Federation of Underwater Activities Malta (FUAM), SAA, NAUI and others. After successful examination the participant will receive the relevant certificate.

The Government: protection of the sea and the divers

The Maltese Islands are a renowned destination for activity holidays. Sensible and responsible people intend to keep them this way. Diving has a prominent position in this concept and that is the reason why diving finds the special attention and promotional assistance of the Maltese Government. In this connection three aims are being followed:

1. Safety standards for diving
2. Protection of the sea, its flora and Fauna
3. Protection of finds of cultural value

These targets are in the diver's main interest and coincide with regulations of practically all international diving clubs and schools, all of which are pledged to maintain the fascination, freedom and safety of this wonderful sport for future generations.

Anyone, who wants to dive within the territory of the Maltese Islands needs a local diving permit, referred to as the C-card. It is issued by the Department of Health and costs 1 Maltese lira. A medical certificate, two photographs and the logbook of the applicant must be presented.

The diver who wishes to dive independently of a diving school has to present a certificate to the authorities equivalent to at least the CMAS/2-Star diver certificate.

All diving schools will ensure that administrative procedures are compiled without problems, and even the "very experienced" would be well advised to apply through diving schools rather than dive on their own. Participants in diving courses under the control of an authorised diving instructor do not need any official Permission except for a medical Certificate.

Spearfishing is absolutely forbidden. There is a heavy fine and possible expulsion and/or confiscation of equipment according the severity of the case.

In some areas of the Island, which will be made known to the diver when receiving his diving permit, diving is strictly prohibited for reasons of archaeological protection.

Archaeological findings have to be reported

Removal and non-reporting of cultural finds is unlawful. It is a criminal act, which will be prosecuted. Do not let temptation spoil your holiday. Report any such discoveries to the officials directly or to your school.

These guidelines are practically self evident to any serious sports diver, since they are a contribution to the protection of the sea, its fauna and flora.

Clear Water around Malta

The excellent underwater visibility, the unique topographic structure of its underwater landscape and the healthy flora and fauna qualify the Islands as the ideal place for this wonderful sport.

The clarity of the sea around the Islands is to be found in very few other places. The waters are still extremely clear and clean and for that reason certain rare species of fish can be found -even the Anthlas Antias - which unfortunately have vanished from other parts of the Mediterranean. The individual diving site and the weather conditions influence the visibility under water in Malta. But thanks to the overwhelmingly rocky coasts and the unpolluted water the visibility is often around 30m.

Underwater Photography - At its best in Malta

Because of the very good underwater visibility there is no other diving destination in comfortable and easy reach, which offers such good conditions for underwater photography as can be found in Malta. The natural colours, especially all shades of orange and red, come out naturally in depths up to 10 - 12 metres, even without flash. An annual international underwater photographic competition called The Blue Dolphin of Malta is organised by the FUAM.

A bizarre underwater landscape of caves and grottoes

The rather strong topographic structures of the Maltese Islands continue also under water. So, in this most bizarre underwater landscape of the Mediterranean, one finds an abundance of caves, holes, grottoes and crevices all of which offer ideal living conditions, for rich animal life. They are the main attraction of Malta as a diving destination. Caves equal in size to a large sports hall are not unusual.

Besides these natural hiding places, there are some wrecks of ships and aeroplanes around Malta, which also have become the home of many fish, crayfish and a multitude of other animal life. And of course they have become a most interesting target for diving excursions.

Fauna and Flora

It would also 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 man, is almost non-existent. Very seldom does one meet Tuna, Dolphins and Bonitos. If at all, one will more likely meet them during wintertime.

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 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. These include the scorpion fish, the bristle worm, the weaver and the stingray.

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 colours are seen more vibrant under a diver's torch. Most diving schools feature night diving in their programme and in the right conditions every competent diver should enjoy this thrilling experience.