Explore the Northern Region

The Northern Region of Malta is one of the five regions of the island, which is located in the Mediterranean Sea. The Northern region also houses some of the best diving around Malta from areas such as St Paul’s, Cirkewwa, Bugibba, Meliaha and Qawra. The main highlights which attract divers to this region for diving are the crystal clear waters, calm diving conditions, variety of types of diving which cater to divers of all levels and interests and the high abundance of marine life which inhabits this area. There are multiple of dive centres on the island which expert dive guides which will take divers to the best spots around. Malta definitely has four seasons, with air temperatures ranging between 10°C in winter and 30°C in the summer and water temperatures ranging between 27°C in the summer to 13°C in the winter. Visibility is above average here throughout the year; between 20 and 40 metres!

Some of the must-see dive sites here include the impressive wrecks MV Rozi and Patrol Boat P29, the impressive natural Arches off of Cirkewwa which divers of all levels can swim through due to them being quite shallow, St Paul’s Island Reefs; which are reefs just teaming with marine life, and so much more! Most of the dives here are done from shore with a few boat dives as well. This is the type of diving destination which provides a combination of easy relaxing dives with some more thrilling dives, but all in relaxing, pristine conditions.

Places to Explore

Cirkewwa

7 Divesites 1 Center

Cirkewwa is a harbour which is situated on the northernmost tip of the Northern Region of the Island of Malta, located in the Mediterranean Sea. This is the most visited region of Malta and there is a large array of dive sites from shallow, easy dive sites to deep wrecks and even a natural arch all within a few hundred metres of one another. The clear waters of the Mediterranean, the vast abundance of marine life to spot and easy diving conditions, this is an ideal location for divers to enjoy a combination of spectacular boat and shore dives.

St Pauls Bay

3 Divesites 6 Centers

St Paul’s Bay is the largest town in the Northern Region of the island of Malta, located in the Mediterranean Sea. This bay has multiple dive centre and dive resorts which will take divers to see the best local dive sites and of the Northern Region. The crystal clear, marine life-rich waters are the highlight of this region, combined with different underwater topography and difficulty levels of diving. There are flourishing reefs, shallow wrecks and the opportunity to spot a large collection of different marine species such as schools of reef fish, reef critters and larger pelagic fish. Here, divers will have relaxing yet exciting dives.

Upcoming Events

Diver Level Programs / Courses

AQUAVENTURE MALTA

Open Water Diver

29 Dec 2025 + 1 more

This globally recognized certification program is the best way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification.

Diver Level Programs / Courses

AQUAVENTURE MALTA

Enriched Air Nitrox Level 2 (40%)

⌀ Visibility

Scubapro, Stephen Frink

★★★★☆ Siren’s

Great dive site for training and try diving with easy entrance and exit. Small reef and a flat sandy bottom with a maximum depth of 8-10 metres and a statue.

★★★★★ MV Imperial Eagle, wreck

MV Imperial Eagle, launched in 1945, is a 45 meter long deep wreck dive off the coast of Malta. It was a former ferry boat between Malta and Gozo. She was scuttled in 1999 as an artificial reef and an attraction for scuba divers in a marine conservation area.

★★★★★ HMS Stubborn

MV Imperial Eagle, launched in 1945, is a 45 m long deep wreck dive off the coast of Malta. It was a former ferry boat between Malta and Gozo. She was scuttled in 1999 as an artificial reef and an attraction for scuba divers in a marine conservation area.

★★★★☆ Amphoren (E3), Cirkewwa, Malta

Is a reef dive site in Cirkewwa. Paradise Bay reef offers a great variety of underwater scenery for divers - lots of interesting rock formations, large boulder fields, sandy bottoms and sea grass along with drop-offs of various heights, swim-throughs and a natural rock arch known as Left Arch or White.

★★★★☆ Left Arch

The left arch is a smaller arch then the Cirkewwa arch, it sits at about 11 meters, and goes almost to surface level.the dive to the arch is a wall dive with a few swim troughs along the way.

★★★★☆ madonna

Halfway along the reef wall there is a statue of our lady, also known as Madonna, in a small cave at a depth of 18 metres. The Madonna statue was placed in this cavern by a local dive club Amphibians Diving Club in November 1987. For the 20th anniversary in 2007 the dive club added a commemorative plaque.

Scubapro, Stephen Frink

★★★★★ Right Arch

Cirkewa Arch is a beautiful natural underwater archway. The Arch is actually a cavern where the roof has collapsed long ago, leaving the Arch as a result. The Arch is at 12m below the surface and 8m above the seabed. On the way to the Arch there are also some nice caves/tunnels.

Diving in the Northern Region

The Northern Region of Malta offers a captivating array of dive sites that cater to enthusiasts of all levels. Among the top attractions is the MV Imperial Eagle wreck, a fascinating underwater relic that sits at a depth of 40 meters, attracting divers with its rich history and abundance of marine life. Another must-visit is the Santa Maria Caves, accessible by shore or boat, where divers can explore intriguing underwater tunnels and encounter vibrant schools of fish.

For those interested in unique experiences, night diving at Anchor Bay offers glimpses of nocturnal marine behavior, showcasing the diverse ecosystem thriving in these waters. The region provides a perfect balance between shore diving and liveaboard options, ensuring flexibility and variety. Whether you're exploring historical wrecks or enjoying the colorful marine life, the Northern Region of Malta promises unforgettable diving adventures.

The best Months to Dive in the Northern Region

Offering excellent diving conditions year-round, the Northern Region of Malta benefits from a Mediterranean climate with warm water temperatures ranging from 15°C in winter to 26°C in summer. Divers are drawn to its consistently clear waters, where visibility often exceeds 30 meters.

Diving is possible throughout the year, although spring and autumn offer the most stable conditions. During summer, the northwesterly winds, known as the Mistral, can affect surface conditions, while winter may bring stronger currents. These factors can slightly impact visibility and accessibility, but diving remains feasible during these periods with proper planning.