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Discover the Underwater Treasures of Malta
Malta’s waters are nothing short of a living museum, and diving with DiveBase puts you right in the centre of it all. The archipelago is dotted with dramatic drop-offs, mysterious caves and some of the Mediterranean’s most famous wrecks. The Um El Faroud, a massive oil tanker scuttled as an artificial reef, sits upright in Wied iz-Zurrieq and is now encrusted with corals and patrolled by schools of barracuda. Not far away, the Blue Hole in Gozo is a natural limestone chimney that drops into a deep archway – a must for any adventurous diver. The team at DiveBase knows every twist and turn of these sites and will match your dive to your experience level, so you can explore safely while getting the most out of every bubble.
Macro lovers will be in heaven too. Seahorses, octopus, flying gurnard, and nudibranchs of every colour hide among the posidonia meadows and rocky ledges. For those who enjoy the thrill of drifting, the currents around Comino deliver exhilarating rides past walls draped in purple and yellow sponges. And if you’re lucky, you might spot a curious tuna or even a shy eagle ray. Ask the team which sites are best for spotting nudibranchs this month – they keep a keen eye on the tiny stuff as well as the big.
Learn to Dive or Improve Your Skills
Never dived before? No problem. DiveBase offers a complete range of PADI courses, from first-timer Discovery Dives to professional-level Divemaster training. The beginner experience starts right at the perched beach, where shallow, calm water makes your first breaths underwater feel natural and stress-free. Patient, multilingual instructors will have you gliding over the seagrass in no time, and within a single session you’ll already be working towards your Open Water certification. It’s easily one of the most rewarding souvenirs you can take home from Malta.
Already certified? Choose from a menu of specialties that really make sense in Maltese waters – Deep Diver, Wreck Diver, Nitrox, or Underwater Photography. The Digital Underwater Photographer specialty is especially popular because the visibility here often exceeds 30 metres, giving you the perfect classroom. The centre has its own dedicated classroom area, spacious equipment storage, and a super relaxed vibe where questions are always welcome. Pro tip: book the Advanced Open Water course and combine it with a night dive. Malta’s nocturnal marine life is completely different, and DiveBase knows the best spots for watching octopus on the hunt.
Beyond Diving: Snorkelling and Boat Excursions
Not everyone in your group may be a diver, and DiveBase welcomes them with open arms. Snorkelling tours are a brilliant way to share the underwater magic without the tanks. The iconic Blue Lagoon in Comino is on everyone’s list, but the team can also take you to quieter coves where you can drift over glittering shallows and watch cuttlefish change colour right beneath your mask. Full-day boat excursions include stops for swimming, sunbathing, and yes, plenty of Cisk on board. The boats are small and comfortable, so you’ll never feel crowded.
Private charters are also available if you want to craft your own itinerary. Celebrate a birthday, pop the question, or just treat your mates to a sunset cruise along the cliffs of Malta’s west coast. The light here is pure gold, and the panorama of Dingli Cliffs from the sea is something you’ll never forget. All snorkelling gear is provided, and you’ll get a thorough briefing so that even complete beginners feel confident. Just ask at reception – the team regularly updates a list of seasonal sea conditions and can recommend which trip will give you the smoothest, clearest water on the day.
Insider Tips for a Smooth Stay
Making the most of your time with DiveBase starts with a little local know-how. The dive centre is a short walk from the Malta National Aquarium and right on the water, so driving is easy: free parking is available along the seafront, but during peak summer months there can be a scramble, so arrive a touch earlier and enjoy a coffee at the waterfront café. If you’re relying on public transport, bus routes connect from St Julian’s and Sliema, and you can even combine your dive day with a visit to the aquarium or a stroll around St Paul’s Bay.
The Maltese sun is generous but can be sneaky – pack reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and a reusable water bottle. The dive centre provides chilled water, but having your own keeps you hydrated for back-to-back dives. Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) bring the warmest water and fewest crowds, while winter diving offers impressive visibility and a chance to see spawning cuttlefish. And when your day of bubbles is done, don’t just rush off. The team has an excellent list of nearby restaurants serving fresh lampuki and rabbit stew, two local staples you really must try. They’ll even tell you where to find the best pastizzi for a post-dive snack – because every dive deserves a flaky, ricotta-filled reward.
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