Malta is an amazing destination relatively few people get the opportunity to see. The beautiful blue Mediterranean, the stunning natural landscapes, and the marine life here are all fantastic, and of course, the diving is spectacular. If you’re looking for some great wreck diving or a superb reef or two, come visit Malta’s northwest region; the area near Melliena is sure to please. Let’s take a closer look!
Ahrax Reef - Malta Dive Sites
A fantastic shore dive that’s also accessible by boat, Ahrax Reef is accessed via a narrow inlet. After passing over a field of sea grass, you’ll find yourself in a rocky area, where you are very likely to encounter shoaling barracuda. Keep the shoreline to your right and continue swimming for about two hundred meters, and you’ll reach a cavern with an entrance 10 meters wide and ten meters deep. Swim through this, and you’ll pass over a mass of rocks covered in purple sponges, anemones, and sea worms; after this, you’ll be in a shallow pool just 3 meters deep. It’s a long round-trip swim, however this dive is so beautiful you’ll almost certainly want to do it more than once. Maximum depth is about 11 meters and visibility is usually around 30 meters.
Saint Paul’s Bay and Reef - Malta Dive Sites
Saint Paul’s Island is just a short boat ride from Malta. This uninhabited islet has plenty to offer; in fact, you could probably spend a couple of days diving here and not succumb to boredom! The reef offers depths between 5 and 35 meters. It runs to the southeast from the islet, and is teeming with colorful life. St. Paul’s Bay is an excellent site for beginners, or for just chilling out; it features maximum depth at 15 meters and is home to quite a nice array of local marine life including wrasse, octopus, nudibranchs, and many other creatures. Visibility around Saint Paul’s is usually 20 meters or so.
Imperial Eagle Wreck - Malta Dive Sites
Located a short distance off Qawra Point, the wreck of the Imperial Eagle sits upright on the sand, as if she is about to set sail. This ferry was built in the 1950s and was the sister ship to Cousteau’s famous Calypso. 43 meters long and situated at a depth of 42 meters, this wreck is suitable for penetration; the corridors and wheel house are clear, and there are loads of fish and other creatures living inside. Outside and in, this wreck is simply magnificent. Watch for triggerfish!
HMS Stubborn Wreck - Malta Dive Sites
If you’ve always wanted to dive a sunken submarine, consider visiting the wreck of the HMS Stubborn. This British S-class submarine was commissioned in February of 1943; three short years later, she was scuttled and used as a sonar target. Though the wreck is located at a depth of 53 meters, visibility is great here, usually meeting or exceeding 30 meters. It’s not unusual to get your first look at the wreck while you’re still descending – it pops into view when you reach about 25 meters. The sub’s propellers remain intact, as do the propeller tubes. The hatch on the conning tower is open, affording a quick peek inside. Look for rays, tuna, barracuda, and other marine life that sometimes visits the wreck.
When visiting Melliena, take some time to enjoy the sheltered beaches, the sunlit coves, and of course, the topside attractions, which are numerous and range from ancient churches to the famous Popeye’s Village, which is a family amusement park that was the movie set for the 1980 Popeye movie starring Robin Williams. Whether you come with a group of divers or if you’ve got non-diving friends or family members along, everyone is sure to enjoy the fun and relaxation this part of Malta offers.