It is well-known that Malta is a top diving destination, due to its abundance of Mediterranean marine life, wonderful wrecks, extraordinary caves and natural underwater rock formations. But, what makes it extra attractive is that it is an all-year-round diving destination.
Expert dive instructor Mikela Borg from Divemed Diving Centre tells us why winter is ideal for diving in Malta.
1. Warm waters
“The water temperature in Malta in winter is between 14 and 16 degrees Celsius. Sometimes, that’s warmer than the air temperature! It is quite comfortable to dive in those temperatures in a thick winter wet-suit (7mm+) or else insulated in a dry-suit”
2. Vibrant visibility
“The Mediterranean Sea is famed for its clarity due to its high salination and resulting lack of algae. Come winter, the visibility in Malta’s waters is even clearer, stretching up to 40 metres! Thus, winter is the ideal time for underwater photography.”
3. Marvellous marine life
“Winter is the time of year for bigger fish sightings, such as dentex, groupers and amberjacks. Marine life really flourishes in winter, so there is much to see. With decreased underwater activity and pristine visibility, the overall experience with marine life is much richer during the winter months. Our traditional Maltese fish, the John Dory rises from the deep to warmer waters during the winter months, impressing divers with its colorful luminescent scales."
3. Deserted dive sites
“Malta is a very popular diving destination and although it has many dive sites, these can get busy from May to September. Even access areas on land can feel hectic with vans, equipment and divers. Winter diving offers calm and the charm of having an entire wreck or natural dive site to yourself.”
5. Sheltered dive spots any day
“The weather above water will barely affect what’s below. Therefore, you can dive on most days, unless conditions affect entering or existing the water. Due to the geographic shape of the Maltese Islands, divers can find sheltered dive spots on most days of the year and its size make them easy to reach within a short travel time."
"Whether it's reefs, wrecks or marine life you're after, Malta offers all year round diving possibilities. Winter diving is very rewarding due to the mentioned advantages and the feeling of exclusivity. The majority of local divers prefer winter diving in Malta for the pure bliss feeling of diving in gin-clear waters sheltered from the winds off the busy peak season."
Are you tempted for a winter dive experience in Malta this 2020?