Malta’s sea provides some of the most transparent water in the Mediterranean. Visibility tends to be as high as 30 meters (100 feet) on a good day. Such clarity makes Malta a perfect place for snorkeling and diving. Sailing into Malta by yacht allows you to reach places land visitors overlook. Many sailing yachts charters in Malta come equipped with snorkeling equipment making it easy to explore whenever you drop anchor.
Blue Lagoon: Snorkeling Paradise
Blue Lagoon between Comino and Cominotto Islands is at the top of most snorkeling lists. It’s shallow turquoise waters reveal white sand that seems to glow underwater. Even beginners can spot colorful fish like rainbow wrasse, damselfish, and sea breams. The protected bay keeps water calm most days. Though it’s crowded during summer, getting there by yacht early morning or late afternoon helps avoid the busiest times.
Santa Maria Caves: Underwater Passages
Just around Comino’s coast from the Blue Lagoon, Santa Maria Caves offer more adventure. Underwater entry points in the sea caves provide a great option for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Sunlight creates magical blue effects as it filters through the clear water. Caves serve shelter to octopuses, groupers, and multicolored nudibranchs (sea slugs). Easy access through yachts provides the convenience to spend time exploring several caves in one day.
Cirkewwa: Wrecks and Reefs
Near the top of Malta is Cirkewwa, home to two renowned shipwrecks. The P29 Patrol Boat sits upright at 34 meters (112 feet), making it suitable for certified divers. The shallower Rozi tugboat rests at 22 meters (72 feet) and sometimes reaches up to visibility from the surface. Between dives, snorkelers can explore the reef tops teeming with fish. An underwater statue of the Madonna nearby attracts both snorkelers and divers. The region offers sound yacht anchoring in calm weather.
Ghar Lapsi: Natural Swimming Pool
On Malta’s southwest coast, Ghar Lapsi is a natural rock pool linked to the open sea by underwater tunnels. The sheltered pool makes perfect snorkeling for beginners and children. More experienced swimmers swim through the tunnels to the open sea. The underwater terrain around it has interesting rock formations and sea creatures. Sailing charters in Malta usually have this location on their southern coast routes.
Inland Sea and Blue Hole (Gozo)
The west coast of Gozo is home to two top-notch dive spots reachable by yacht. Diving through this tunnel reveals changing light and dramatic walls covered in colorful growth. Close by, the Blue Hole creates a natural chimney in the rock that opens into deeper water. Even snorkelers enjoy the shallow areas around these sites where they see sea stars, crabs, and fish among the rocks.
St. Paul’s Islands: Historical Underwater Site
Legend says St. Paul shipwrecked on these small islands in 60 CE. Today, they offer interesting diving and snorkeling in relatively sheltered waters. A big statue of St. Paul submerged serves as a center of attraction. The underwater crevices and caves of the area harbor sea life such as cardinal fish and moray eels. The yacht anchorage between the mainland and the islands serves as protection in most weather conditions.
Planning Your Water Time
The best approach combines advance planning with flexibility. Research sites that match your group’s experience level. Allow weather and sea conditions to guide daily decisions. Remember that morning typically brings calmer seas and fewer people. Having your own yacht means you can stay when a spot proves wonderful or move on if conditions aren’t ideal.
