St Julians
Explore the Central RegionThe Central Region is one of the five regions of the island of Malta, loca
Explore the Central Region
The Central Region is one of the five regions of the island of Malta, located in the Mediterranean Sea. This region provides divers with the chance to experience a variety of types of dive sites ranging from shallow reef dives with sandy bottoms to some exciting shallow shipwrecks. The dive centres and dive resorts have experienced guides who will lead divers to the best of the best sites in the region depending on the conditions. Malta definitely has four seasons, from May to October, the water temperatures are above 20°C, with 27°C being the maximum in August and 13°C in January being the minimum. The air temperatures range between 10°C in winter and 30°C in the summer. The visibility here is fantastic, ranging between 20 and 35 metres!
The main towns from which divers can reach these dive sites are St Julian and Sliema, both of which are gateways to very different types of diving. St Julian’s is the gateway to some exciting wreck dives including Tug Boat 2 and Fireworks Barge. Sliema has many shallow reef dives that divers can jump into straight off the coast which are ideal locations for dive courses, night dives and for underwater photographers as there are interesting rock formations as well as marine species. What makes this an attractive dive location is that the dive sites are mainly easily reached from shore, clear waters and a combination of relaxing reef dives and enthralling shipwrecks.
Places to explore
Courses and Events
Dive Activity
Diving in the Central Region
The Central Region of Malta offers an array of captivating dive sites, perfect for both wreck enthusiasts and those seeking unique underwater experiences. One notable site is the "HMS Maori," a World War II destroyer wreck located just off Valletta, accessible via a short shore dive. The shipwreck, resting at a depth of around 14 meters, is rich in marine life, including octopuses and various fish species, making it a favorite among divers.
Another popular spot is the "Blue Hole" near Gozo, renowned for its natural underwater arch and vibrant marine ecosystem, perfect for those looking to explore from the shore. Night dives in this region reveal fascinating nocturnal behaviors of local marine creatures. While Malta primarily offers shore diving, liveaboard options are available for those wishing to explore more remote sites. This balance provides divers with flexibility and diverse experiences in one of the Mediterranean's top diving destinations.
Top Wildlife Sightings in the Central Region
The Central Region of Malta is a marine paradise known for its diverse aquatic life, making it a popular destination for divers. The vibrant coral reefs are home to an array of common reef fish such as parrotfish and damselfish, providing a colorful underwater spectacle. Divers can also frequently spot octopuses and various species of nudibranchs, which are a highlight for macro photography enthusiasts.
Seasonal sightings include loggerhead turtles and different species of rays, often observed during the warmer months from May to September. While shark encounters are rare, the elusive blue shark can occasionally be spotted in deeper waters during their migration periods. Overall, the likelihood of encountering these species largely depends on the diving location and time of year, with summer months offering the highest biodiversity and visibility.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 300
Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus
594 Sightings
J
7
F
5
M
0
A
14
M
30
J
43
J
101
A
145
S
124
O
85
N
33
D
7
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
423 Sightings
J
12
F
7
M
3
A
14
M
17
J
44
J
61
A
86
S
76
O
56
N
32
D
15
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 250
Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
Grouper/Basslets
276 Sightings
J
1
F
16
M
1
A
0
M
15
J
15
J
51
A
90
S
37
O
33
N
17
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 250
iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.
Scorpionfish
198 Sightings
J
4
F
7
M
1
A
0
M
11
J
11
J
36
A
56
S
36
O
20
N
16
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 3000
SSI-Peter-Schinck
Nudibranch
155 Sightings
J
0
F
13
M
2
A
0
M
0
J
24
J
42
A
43
S
15
O
14
N
2
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 100
iStock-burnsboxco
Parrotfish
85 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
26
A
24
S
11
O
11
N
13
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 120
SSI-Peter-Schinck
Cuttlefish
74 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
17
A
15
M
18
J
11
J
12
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
1
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 350
Alamy-Andre Seal
Damselfish
37 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
15
S
10
O
2
N
10
D
0
The best Months to Dive in the Central Region
Central Region, Malta, offers diving opportunities throughout the year thanks to its favorable Mediterranean climate. During summer, water temperatures range from 23°C to 27°C, providing comfortable conditions for divers. In winter, temperatures drop to 15°C to 17°C, which may require thicker wetsuits for comfort.
Visibility in Malta's waters is generally excellent, ranging between 20 to 30 meters, making it a diver's paradise. While diving is possible year-round, the best conditions are usually between April and October. The winter months can bring stronger winds and currents, potentially affecting dive conditions. Nevertheless, with proper planning, divers can enjoy Malta's underwater beauty even during these less favorable periods.
