Cirkewwa
Explore the Northern RegionThe Northern Region of Malta is one of the five regions of the island, wh
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
Courses and Events
Dive Activity
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.
Top Wildlife Sightings in the Northern Region
Renowned for its diverse marine life, the Northern Region of Malta attracts divers from around the world. Its rocky and reef-filled habitats are home to vibrant reef fish such as ornate wrasse, Mediterranean parrotfish, and damselfish, creating a colorful underwater landscape that delights explorers.
Seasonal highlights include sightings of loggerhead turtles and various rays, such as the common stingray and eagle ray, which are often observed from late spring to early autumn. While shark sightings are less frequent, the small-spotted catshark can sometimes be seen, primarily in deeper waters or during quieter periods away from busy swimming areas. These larger species add an exciting dimension to diving experiences in the region, with encounters more likely during specific times of the year.
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
1.5k Sightings
J
10
F
7
M
37
A
64
M
119
J
152
J
231
A
274
S
282
O
277
N
61
D
22
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
1.5k Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
8
A
40
M
69
J
154
J
205
A
283
S
352
O
293
N
70
D
24
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 27
iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda
226 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
8
M
14
J
40
J
42
A
37
S
42
O
25
N
14
D
4
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
1.6k Sightings
J
5
F
2
M
6
A
41
M
71
J
175
J
290
A
350
S
341
O
220
N
55
D
2
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
879 Sightings
J
2
F
3
M
0
A
33
M
59
J
128
J
152
A
133
S
194
O
141
N
28
D
6
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
801 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
5
A
4
M
33
J
90
J
112
A
197
S
220
O
120
N
18
D
2
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
677 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
21
M
22
J
63
J
110
A
159
S
193
O
105
N
3
D
1
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 40
iStock-Hoatzinexp
Jackfish
561 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
4
M
0
J
58
J
111
A
100
S
158
O
114
N
14
D
1
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
228 Sightings
J
0
F
3
M
5
A
15
M
14
J
48
J
51
A
37
S
28
O
19
N
0
D
8
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 90
Shutterstock-Levent Konuk
Goatfish
215 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
33
J
21
A
60
S
68
O
28
N
3
D
2
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.
