Types of Tourism in Malta
DIVING
Scuba diving (diving) is very popular in Malta. Many divers claim that it is worth coming to Malta for just one dive in the Maltese waters . The Maltese archipelago attracts divers primarily with its unique topographical structure, the purity of the coastal sea and the rich underwater flora and fauna. Due to the diversity of the underwater landscape, both the experienced diver and the beginner will find interesting places to dive in Malta.
Weather conditions allow for scuba diving in Malta all year round. Even in the winter months, the water temperature does not drop below 14 degrees, and the indented coastline allows you to find dive sites protected from the storm even in bad weather. In summer, the water temperature averages 23 degrees, so divers can wear lightweight 3mm wetsuits or do without them at all. Check top-medical-schools.org for travel information in Malta.
The absence of high and low tides, as well as underwater currents, also favors scuba diving.
Clear water and good visibility are important criteria for scuba diving. There are few places left where you can find such crystal clear and transparent water as around the Maltese Islands. A rich fauna lives in countless grottoes and rock breaks. And thanks to the healthy environment in the Maltese waters, you can see such representatives of the underwater fauna that are no longer found in other areas of the Mediterranean. On average, in favorable weather, underwater visibility is 30-50 m at a depth of 20-30 m.
Scuba divers appreciate the local rocky coastline. In the intricately indented coastline of the Maltese Islands, there are many sheer cliffs, in which there are truly fantastic, breathtaking arches, caves, crevices, grottoes and tunnels.
One of the most popular types of diving in Malta is wreck diving. More than once in the course of its history, Malta and the waters adjacent to it turned out to be the scene of military operations. Naturally, each historical period is marked by the most interesting underwater relics, the oldest of which, however, are strictly protected by the state and are inaccessible to amateur divers. However, the objects allowed for diving are also enough – and the depth range (from 9 to 75 m) is available to both inexperienced beginners and demanding technical divers.
The flora and fauna of the Maltese waters is extremely rich. Of the fish, the Mediterranean grouper, parrot fish, red mullet, moray eel, sunfish (mainly in winter), stingray, flounder and many others are most often found by a scuba diver. Octopuses, seahorses, squid, lobsters, starfish, crabs and cuttlefish can also be seen frequently. Encounters with dolphins are not so frequent, but they do happen.
In the shadow of many underwater arches and reefs, you can see brightly colored corals, both hard and soft, which are practically not found in other areas of the Mediterranean Sea.
The Maltese coast provides an excellent opportunity to take underwater photography. Crystal clear coastal waters and good visibility allow you to photograph countless maritime wonders even at great depths. Naturally vibrant colors, especially shades of red and orange, come out beautifully on film at depths of up to 10-12 m, even without a flash. Every year Malta hosts an international underwater photography competition called “The Blue Dolphin of Malta”, which brings together lovers of the underwater world from many countries of the world.
To ensure the safety of scuba divers, maintain the ecological balance of coastal waters and protect possible archaeological finds, the Maltese state has introduced certain diving control rules, similar to the rules of almost all international underwater clubs.
Anyone wishing to dive with scuba equipment in the Maltese Islands, including those studying to dive at a diving school with a qualified instructor, must be physically fit to dive, as evidenced by a medical certificate. In obtaining it, the chosen diving school usually helps. In case of diving without an instructor, you need to obtain a special permit from the Malta Health Department. Spearfishing without a license is prohibited in Maltese waters. A fine is imposed on the violator, equipment may be confiscated.
Any discovery of an archaeological or historical nature is the responsibility of the diver to report to officials or to his diving school. Such finds are not allowed to be seized on their own, they must be left where they were found.
Scuba Diving Courses
In Malta, where scuba diving is at a premium, you can find everything you need for diving. Dive centers offer a wide range of courses, from initial training to advanced training of divers according to international standards to the rank of instructor. Course duration – from one day. Courses are held on PADI, CMAS and BSAC systems with the issuance of relevant international certificates and dive registration books.
For those who are not serious about scuba diving, but still want to experience the joy of communicating with the underwater world, schools organize one or more dives under the supervision of an instructor.
Interesting places for diving
Malta:
– Chircaua, Marfa Point – underwater wall, Madonna statue, sunken tugboat;
– Akhrush Point – a shallow reef with a cliff inhabited by numerous marine life;
– Ar Lapsi – caves located at shallow depths;
– Weed of Zurrik – an underwater valley;
– A ship that sank in 1942.
Gozo:
– Inland Sea – the most popular place for diving; – Blue Hole (depth about 20 m), Fungus Rock, rising from the water, Azure Window, which is one of Malta
‘s visiting cards; – Cave and Reef Shlendi – in the south of the island; – Re “a Point – a reef that goes to a depth of 60 m; – Marsalforn – an underwater cave. Comino: – Ir” and “a Point – an underwater cliff; – Santa Maria Caves – small caves inhabited by many fish;
– Blue Lagoon – a chic place in the “Polynesian style” in the west of the island.
EXCURSIONS
There is no other corner on earth where so many impressive cultural monuments of all periods of human history – from the Stone Age to modern times, would be concentrated in such a small space. Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Castilians, Knights of the Order of St. John, French and English once dominated the islands and left their traces. Due to such a rich past, a huge number of excursions can be held on the island of Malta.
