Question 1

When is the best time to dive Malta and Gozo for warm water and calm seas?

Accepted Answer

Late summer into early autumn is ideal. September and October often combine calmer seas with water near {{ 26 | temperature }}. May and June are also excellent with fewer crowds than July–August. Winter diving is viable but chillier, with more wind and swell on exposed coasts.

Question 2

How do I choose between basing on Malta or Gozo?

Accepted Answer

Base near Cirkewwa on Malta for the highest site density and easy access to Rozi, P29, and arches. Choose Gozo if you want quieter villages, caverns, and quick runs to south‑coast walls. With frequent ferries, many travelers split time or day‑trip to match wind direction.

Question 3

Do I need a permit to dive Malta’s wrecks?

Accepted Answer

Most recreational wrecks like Rozi, P29, P31, and Um El Faroud do not require a special permit beyond standard dive procedures. Historic cultural heritage wrecks are controlled sites that must be booked through licensed operators under Heritage Malta rules. Your chosen dive center will arrange this.

Question 4

What thickness wetsuit should I pack for Malta?

Accepted Answer

For late spring through early autumn, a 3–5 mm works for most divers. In winter, water near {{ 15 | temperature }} calls for a 7 mm with hood or a drysuit. Freedivers commonly use 5 mm two‑piece suits outside peak summer and 3 mm in July–September.

Question 5

How do I get from the airport to Gozo without a car?

Accepted Answer

From Malta International Airport, bus or taxi to Valletta for the high‑speed passenger ferry to Mgarr, or bus to Cirkewwa for the Gozo Channel ferry. Crossings are frequent and take roughly 25–45 minutes depending on route.

Question 6

Is snorkeling good in Malta if I am not a diver?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Crystal Lagoon and nearby coves on Comino offer sandy shallows, light‑filled caves, and ladders for easy exits. On Malta, Cirkewwa’s sheltered corners and inner‑harbour reefs like Ta Xbiex are beginner‑friendly. Go early to avoid boat traffic in peak months.

Question 7

Are SMBs and dive flags required in Malta?

Accepted Answer

Every buddy team should carry a surface marker buoy on boat and shore dives, and freedivers should tow a float with a flag around busy coves and lagoons. Stay well clear of boat channels and give way to ferries and tour boats.

Question 8

Where can I find a recompression chamber and diving medical support?

Accepted Answer

The Hyperbaric Unit at Mater Dei Hospital in Msida handles recompression and diving medicine. In emergencies dial 112. DAN Europe also runs a 24‑7 medical hotline for members and can coordinate with local providers.

Question 9

What are common marine life encounters around the wrecks and reefs?

Accepted Answer

Expect Mediterranean bream, wrasse, octopus, morays, scorpionfish, barracuda, and seasonal pelagics like amberjack. In spring, watch for cuttlefish eggs in sheltered areas. Macro fans find nudibranchs and blennies on reef and wreck superstructures.

Question 10

How crowded do popular sites get in summer and how do I avoid it?

Accepted Answer

July–August bring peak tourism. Beat crowds with dawn entries, weekday scheduling, and targeting lee‑side coves when boat traffic is funneled to the lagoons. Consider splitting time on Gozo for a quieter base while day‑tripping to Malta’s marquee wrecks.

Malta & Gozo

Wrecks, arches, and year-round Mediterranean water time

Why choose Malta and Gozo

Where the diving happens

Conditions at a glance

Topside pairing

Don't miss while you're here

Cirkewwa day circuit

Comino snorkel combo

Gozo caverns sampler