Anchor Bay
| Entry & Exit: | Shore |
| Maximum Depth: | 10 Meters |
| Type: | Cavern / Naturalist |
| Typical Marine Life: | Rainbow Wrasse, Cardinal Fish, Grouper, Moray Eel, Octopus |
With The Popeye Village film set as a backup the Anchor Bay dive entrance is impressive, but the real focus of this dive is the enormous cavern located 150 meters from the entrance.
At the maximum depth during the dive is 10 meters a surface swim is not required and divers leisurely make their way along the cliff wall, exploring the stacked boulders and swim throughs on route. Anchor Bay is teeming with aquatic life and octopus, cuttle fish and squid are often spotted foraging for food or hiding under rocks. Once at the cavern entrance, divers turn on their torches and begin to explore. Anchor Bay cavern is the largest accessible cavern on Malta and divers are able to spend a long time serching the nooks and crannies for marine life. Due to the grand entrance there is always a deep blue backdrop indicating the clear exit making this dive popular with experienced and novice divers.
The Blue Hole, Gozo
| Entry & Exit: | Shore |
| Maximum Depth: | 35 Meters |
| Type: | Cavern / Naturalist / Wall |
| Typical Marine Life: | Grouper, Dentix, Amber Jack |
With the impressive Azure Window as a backdrop this is a truly magnificent dive. The Blue Hole is a beautiful circular limestone rock formation, created over thousands of years and presents divers with a simply breathtaking entry and exit. After entering divers descend through the crystal clear water and exit The Blue hole at 15 meters through an impressive underwater archway teeming with aquatic life.
Once through the arch divers are rewarded with dramatic under water topography and can explore caverns, swim throughs, overhangs and enormous boulders strewn over the sea bed far into the distance. With underwater visibility often exceeding 35 meters, it is not long before divers see the magnificent Azure Window. The window thrives with marine life and divers often encounter grouper and octopus, even bull rays are spotted from time to time. Aquaventure combines this spectacular dive with The Inland Sea as part of it’s Gozo two dive day, and is simply an experience not to be missed.
Inland Sea, Gozo
| Entry & Exit: | Shore |
| Maximum Depth: | 35 Meters |
| Type: | Cavern / Naturalist / Wall |
| Typical Marine Life: | Grouper, Dentix, Amber Jack, Barracuda |
Typical Marine Life – The Inland Sea is a lagoon of salt water cut off from the open sea by an imposing limestone cliff face. It is not until close inspection that a narrow ravine is seen leading small boats of sightseers from the pool out through to the Mediterranean. It is said that Jacques Cousteau once listed the Inland Sea in his top ten dives of all time – upon entering the water it is easy to understand why. Torch light guides divers as they slowly descend, following the magnificent sea carved ravine. The vastness of the gully becomes apparent as the darkness gives way to a deep majestic blue, with the open sea visible 100 meters in the distance. Earlier parties of divers can be seen returning from the dive, swimming back through the rock formation suspended in the crystal clear water, silhouetted against the most incredible backdrop of deep open sea. Once through the ravine divers are led on a wall dive teeming with aquatic life, hovering over a drop off that descends to depths in excess of 80 meters. Aquaventure combines this spectacular dive with The Blue Hole as part of it’s Gozo two dive day, and is simply an experience not to be missed.
| Entry & Exit: | Boat |
| Maximum Depth: | 15 Meters |
| Type: | Cavern / Naturalist |
| Typical Marine Life: | Saddled Sea Bream, Grouper, Moray Eel, Octopus |
Aquaventure combines two of the best dives on the Maltese Islands, Comino Caves and Alex’s Cave as pat of it’s Comino two-dive boat day.
A small island lying between Malta and Gozo, Comino is a short 30-minute luzzu trip (traditional Maltese fishing boat) from Aquaventure and proves popular with divers and snorkellers alike. Comino Caves is situated in a secluded bay and the entrance leads to open water through the rock face. Upon entering the water divers are surrounded by thousands of saddled sea bream eager for the fish feeding prelude to every Comino Caves dive. The depth outside the caves is shallow and fish feeding on Comino offers an amazing experience that is enjoyed by Aquaventure’s divers and snorkellers. Beyond the silver cloud of fish, Comino Cave’s impressive entrance appears. Divers switch on torches and slowly explore the beautiful ceiling of bright yellow soft corals and deep red sponge before swimming through the cave into the open water beyond. Once though the cave, divers are presented with impressive underwater topography and an abundance of aquatic life.
Alex’s Cave, Comino
| Entry & Exit: | Boat |
| Maximum Depth: | 16 Meters |
| Type: | Cavern / Naturalist |
| Typical Marine Life: | Rainbow Wrasse, Cardinal Fish, Grouper, Moray Eel, Octopus |
Aquaventure combines two of the best dives on the Maltese Islands, Alex’s Cave and Comino Caves, as pat of it’s Comino two-dive boat day.
A small island lying between Malta and Gozo, Comino is a short 30-minute luzzu trip (traditional Maltese fishing boat) from Aquaventure and proves popular with divers and snorkellers alike. Alex’s Cave is situated in a secluded bay on the south-west side of the island. Mooring up at a rock formation known as ‘The Mushroom’ divers enter the water to explore the valleys and boulders below. A wall dive, teeming with aquatic life, leads enticingly to the magnificent cavern entrance and as divers switch on their torches the exploration begins. Alex’s Cave is an impressive, dome cavern with fascinating ceiling formations, white sand bottom and splendid light filtration. Divers hovering at the entrance are silhouetted against an impressive backdrop of the blue open sea.
The Rozi
| Entry & Exit: | Shore |
| Maximum Depth: | 35 Meters |
| Type: | Wreck |
| Typical Marine Life: | Grouper, Amber Jack, Barracuda, Rainbow Wrasse, Cardinal Fish, Painted Combers |
Scuttled in 1992 to create an attraction for divers, and now resting upright on white sand at 36 meters, this 30 meter long tugboat is regarded as one of the best and most accessible dives on Malta.The Rozi is situated a short surface swim from the far right of the Marfa entry. The water here is frequently so clear that the wreck can be seen from a distance and the wholeship appreciated. As the Rozi was scuttled deliberately all hazards were removed or sealed off, leaving many safe areas for exploration and adventure still open for the experienced diver. For divers choosing not to enter the superstructure, there is an abundance of aquatic life to view during exploration of the exterior of the wreck. The Rozi is now home to grouper, octopus, and squid and the weck sits as an example of what diving can give back to the environmentThe P29
| Entry & Exit: | Shore |
| Maximum Depth: | 38 Meters |
| Type: | Wreck |
| Typical Marine Life: | Grouper, Amber Jack, Barracuda, Rainbow Wrasse, Cardinal Fish, Painted Combers |
Scuttled in 2007 to create an attraction for divers, and now resting upright on white sand at 38 meters, this 52 meter long Patrol Boat, an ex German Kondor class minesweeper,is Malta’s newest wreck/artificial reef complimenting the already very popular North Malta area.
The P29 is situated a short surface swim from the center of the Marfa area, with entries possible either from Suzies Pool or the Steps. The water here is frequently so clear that the wreck can be seen from a distance and the wholeship appreciated. As the P29 was scuttled deliberately all hazards were removed or sealed off and made environmentally safe leaving many areas for exploration and adventure still open for the experienced diver. For divers choosing not to enter the superstructure or hull, there is an increasing amount of aquatic life to view during exploration of the exterior of the wreck. The P29 is becoming home to grouper, octopus, and squid and the weck sits as another example of what diving can give back to the environment.
HMS Maori
| Entry & Exit: | Shore |
| Maximum Depth: | 17 Meters |
| Type: | Wreck |
| Typical Marine Life: | Rainbow Wrasse, Sea Bream, Scorpion Fish, Moray Eel, Octopus |
This WWII Royal Navy ship, sunk following a direct hit from an enemy aircraft in 1942, is Malta’s most famous historical wreck. Resting on a sandy seabed at a depth of 17 meters, HMS Maori offers the divers the opportunity to explore a slice of Maltese underwater history.
The guns have long been removed and following decades of erosion much of the superstructure is now found strewn alongside the vessel on the seabed. Even without the artillery visible, HMS Maori is a fascinating dive with a number of openings available to safely explore the interior of the ship. Some sections of the wreck are easily recognizable as parts of an old warship, while others remain a mystery offering post dive discussion for those determined to piece the entire wreck together. As with most wrecks of this age, HMS Maori hosts an abundance of marine life with the many cracks and crevasses offering sanctuary to numerous octopus and scorpion fish.
| Entry & Exit: | Shore |
| Maximum Depth: | 34 Meters |
| Type: | Wreck |
| Typical Marine Life: | Amber Jack, Barracuda, Grouper, Octopus, John Dory, Scorpion Fish |
Scuttled in 1998 and now resting upright on white sand at 35 meters, this 10 000 tonne, 109 meter long tanker is gradually becoming one of Malta’s most popular advanced dives.
The Um El Faroud has an increasingly established abundance of sea life with grouper, amberjack, octopus and Barracuda making their home around this wreck. Situated a comfortable swim from the Blue Grotto entrance you can fly out at 10 meters and enjoy the panorama you see below. Experienced divers are able to safely penetrate the control room and bridge, and with visibility exceeding 30 meters the view is spectacular. As a 109 meter wreck, though now in two pieces, one dive cannot possibly do the Um El Faroud justice. The wreck just entices you back for more.
Blenheim Bomber Boat
| Entry & Exit: | Shore |
| Maximum Depth: | 40 Meters |
| Type: | Wreck |
| Typical Marine Life: | Grouper, Moray Eel, Octopus |
This wreck, situated at the south of Malta, is an ideal dive for the more experienced diver. Aquaventure organizes the trip for buddy pairs to go and independently dive the wreck.
Using a specifically designed diving rib with an experienced skipper, the dive starts from the fishing village of Marsascala. A short boat ride later and you enter the water from the boat over the wreck. Descent is down a shot line placed by the skipper directly beside the wreck. From a depth of 20meters the outline becomes clear and as you near the wreck more detail such as the landing gear and pilot’s seat can be seen. Even with the depth of dive you have plenty of time to explore this small aero plane before returning to the surface for your boat ride back to shore.
Imperial Eagle Boat
| Entry & Exit: | Boat |
| Maximum Depth: | 40 Meters |
| Type: | Wreck |
| Typical Marine Life: | Grouper, Moray Eel, Octopus |
This wreck, situated off the East Coast of Malta, close to Qawra Point is an ideal dive for the more experienced diver. Aquaventure organizes the trip for buddy pairs to go and independently dive the wreck.
Using a speed boat or luzzu with an experienced skipper, the dive starts from the dive centre jetty. A short boat ride later and you enter the water from the boat over the wreck. Descent is down line placed beside the wreck. From a depth of 20 meters the statue of Christ becomes clear. After a look around the statue the nearby wreck is at hand to continue the dive. With the staggered depth and statue there is plenty of time to explore this former Maltese ferry before returning to the surface for your boat ride back to shore.
Xlendi, Gozo
| Entry & Exit: | Shore/Boat |
| Maximum Depth: | 40 Meters |
| Type: | Wreck |
| Typical Marine Life: | Grouper, Moray Eel, Octopus |
This wreck, situated off the South of Gozo, is an ideal dive for the more experienced diver. Aquaventure organizes the trip for buddy pairs to go and independently dive the wreck.
Using a boat direct from the dive centre jetty or by car using the Gozo ferry, the dive starts very close to the southern Gozo shore. Whether the entry from boat or shore the wreck is an easy swim to reach. This upturned car ferry established as an artificial reef makes a superb view of a massive hulk that once was used by cars and people making their way to Gozo. After exploring the exterior of the wreck (the interior is not penentrable) the nearby reef wall makes a fantastic end to the dive as you slowly make your way up the wall you have the chance to see some of the Mediterranean fish life.
| Entry & Exit: | Shore/Boat |
| Maximum Depth: | 40 Meters |
| Type: | Wreck |
| Typical Marine Life: | Grouper, Moray Eel, Octopus |
These wrecks, situated off the South of Gozo, are dives for the more experienced diver. Aquaventure organizes the trip for buddy pairs to go and independently dive the wreck.
Using a boat direct from the dive centre jetty or by car using the Gozo ferry, the dives start very close to the southern Gozo shore. These, two of Malta’s newest artificial reefs sunk in the summer of 2007 add two more interesting dives. Whilst it is possible to do the two wrecks on one dive due their close proximity it is advised to do them separately or they may not be appreciated due to the depth of dive. After exploring either wreck the nearby reef wall makes a fantastic end to the dive as you slowly make your way up the wall you have the chance to see some of the Mediterranean fish life.
Marfa Point, Madonna Statue
| Entry & Exit: | Shore |
| Maximum Depth: | 10-35 Meters |
| Type: | Cavern / Naturalist / Wall |
| Typical Marine Life: | Grouper, Dentix, Amber Jack, Barracuda, Rainbow Wrasse, Cardinal Fish, Painted Combers |
With two dives never the same it soon becomes clear why Marfa is Malta’s favourite dive site. There are six separate dives at Marfa with at least three entry points available for all levels of diver. Marfa is also used as the entry and exit for The Rozi and The P29 wreck dives.
Marfa is famous for it’s dramatic underwater topography and divers can experience a 25 meter drop off, numerous caverns, chimneys, overhangs and arches. Yet, perhaps the most striking vision is the abundance and variety of life. The main entry point offers a sheltered , shallow area where divers can comfortably reacclimatise to the underwater environment, before exploring the walls and valleys beyond. At 18 meters a small cave can be found containing a statue of the Madonna and just beyond at 23 meters, an impressive rock formation known as Sugar Loaf Mountain is home to a number of grouper, wrasse and octopus. Marfa is situated only five minutes from Aquaventure and also offers the perfect setting for night dives.
Slugs Bay
| Entry & Exit: | Shore / Boat |
| Maximum Depth: | 10 Meters |
| Type: | Naturalist |
| Typical Marine Life: | Rainbow Wrasse, Painted Combers, Moray Eels, Octopus, Cuttlefish, Scorpion Fish |
Just five minutes from Aquaventure, this relaxing shore dive offers the perfect opportunity for divers to re-acclimatise to the underwater environment. Divers enter the water from a sheltered jetty and descend to a maximum depth of six meters, where an abundance of marine life can be found amoung the boulders and shallow valleys.
Slugs Bay offers a safe haven from the prevailing north westerly wind and the visibility is often clear and bright. Due to the shallow depth bottom times can be longer offering plenty of opportunity to explore. Numerous divers have regularly found fossilised shark teeth in the white sand and encrusted rocks where octopus, moray eels and cuttlefish search for food. Aquaventure also uses Slugs Bay for the open water dive of Discover Scuba Diving, where first time divers experience the wonders of scuba diving in a safe and protected environment.
Blue Grotto
| Entry & Exit: | Shore |
| Maximum Depth: | 30 Meters |
| Type: | Cavern / Naturalist / Wall |
| Typical Marine Life: | Rainbow Wrasse, Cardinal Fish, Grouper, Octopus, John Dory, Scorpion Fish |
A very popular shore dive, Blue Grotto is situated on the south west coast offering a safe haven from prevailing north west winds ensuring this dive site is accessible virtually every day of the year.
The main entrance is from a narrow quay into a sheltered gorge where an abundance of aquatic life can be found, from John Dory and Octopus to Scorpion fish and rainbow wrasse. The dive then follows the natural contours of the cliff face and divers soon discover The Bell Tower Cavern at 26 meters. The Bell Tower is home to a variety of shrimp and crayfish, and with torches on divers can explore the impressive coloured coral and sponges covering the walls and ceiling. Just beyond the cavern divers enter The Aquarium, an area strewn with boulders, swim throughs and over hangs and literally thriving with colour and life. Blue Grotto is one of Malta’s best dive sites for marine life and often divers don’t even need to leave the sheltered entrance to appreciate why.
Ghar Lapsi
| Entry & Exit: | Shore |
| Maximum Depth: | 20 Meters |
| Type: | Cavern / Naturalist |
| Typical Marine Life: | Rainbow Wrasse, Cardinal Fish, Grouper, Moray Eel, Octopus |
From the shelter of the swimming area entrance the cavern system is not obvious, but once underwater it soon becomes clear why this is Malta’s most popular shallow cavern system. Ghar Lapsi is situated on the south west side of Malta and is often chosen as the second dive following the Blue Grotto.
Spectacular light filtration and multiple entry/ exits provide divers with every opportunity to enjoy this impressive system. Ghar Lapsi is best visited in the early afternoon when rays of sunlight streak through every crack and fissure in the rock. Once the cavern has been explored divers exit to the open sea and an expanse of fine white sand interspersed with ridges, valleys and swim throughs teeming with aquatic life and colour. Rays, Octopus and cuttlefish are often spotted and with visibility often exceeding 35 meters Ghar Lapsi is also popular simply as a relaxing afternoon dive.