Explore the South Eastern Region

The South Eastern region is one of the five regions of the island of Malta, located in the Mediterranean Sea. Within this region lies the capital city, Valletta, which is the gateway to the best diving in this region. The numerous dive centres and dive resorts in this region will take divers to the best dive sites in the region which are made up mostly of an assortment of exciting shipwrecks, immersed in clear, calm waters for divers of all levels to experience. 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! This is the ideal location for divers wanting to be able to take full advantage of their time above, and below the water.

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    Diving in the South Eastern Region

    The South Eastern Region of Malta is a diving paradise, featuring a mix of thrilling wreck dives and accessible shore dives. Among the top sites is the "Um El Faroud," a Libyan oil tanker sunk to create an artificial reef. This wreck dive offers an enchanting experience for advanced divers, showcasing rich marine life and impressive structures. Another notable site is "Zonqor Point," perfect for beginners and night dives, with its sandy bottom and intriguing marine behaviors, such as the hunting routines of cuttlefish.

    Dive travelers can enjoy both shore and liveaboard diving options in this region. Shore dives like "Marsaskala Bay" provide easy access for divers at all skill levels, offering safe and convenient entry points with diverse underwater landscapes. For those seeking adventure, liveaboard expeditions offer the chance to explore less accessible sites, ensuring a well-rounded diving experience in the crystal-clear Maltese waters.

    Top Wildlife Sightings in the South Eastern Region

    In the waters surrounding the southeastern region of Malta, divers can expect to encounter a diverse array of marine life. Common reef fish such as parrotfish, damselfish, and wrasses often populate the area, offering vibrant underwater scenes. These species are typically abundant year-round, making them a staple sight for divers exploring the reefs. Seasonal highlights include the appearance of loggerhead turtles, which can be spotted during their migration periods. While not as frequent, sightings of rays and small sharks like the nurse shark are recorded, mainly during the warmer months. Encounters with these larger marine animals are less predictable, influenced by both seasonal changes and specific dive locations. For those hoping to witness these notable species, local dive guides can provide insights on the best times and places for potential sightings.

    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 approx.: 200

    Alamy-WaterFrame
    Moray Eel

    Moray Eel
    526 Sightings
    J
    8
    F
    8
    M
    0
    A
    20
    M
    30
    J
    50
    J
    88
    A
    56
    S
    93
    O
    85
    N
    71
    D
    17

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 300

    Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
    Octopus

    Octopus
    362 Sightings
    J
    6
    F
    0
    M
    1
    A
    10
    M
    18
    J
    40
    J
    53
    A
    59
    S
    79
    O
    66
    N
    28
    D
    2

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 27

    iStock-Global_Pics
    Barracuda

    Barracuda
    130 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    12
    M
    10
    J
    12
    J
    0
    A
    16
    S
    25
    O
    37
    N
    17
    D
    1

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 250

    Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
    Grouper/Basslets

    Grouper/Basslets
    311 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    16
    M
    22
    J
    35
    J
    39
    A
    66
    S
    67
    O
    47
    N
    16
    D
    3

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 250

    iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.
    Scorpionfish

    Scorpionfish
    159 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    29
    M
    0
    J
    29
    J
    26
    A
    17
    S
    27
    O
    17
    N
    11
    D
    3

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 350

    Alamy-Andre Seal
    Damselfish

    Damselfish
    156 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    1
    M
    1
    A
    10
    M
    0
    J
    13
    J
    27
    A
    39
    S
    47
    O
    17
    N
    0
    D
    1

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 3000

    SSI-Peter-Schinck
    Nudibranch

    Nudibranch
    136 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    16
    M
    0
    J
    27
    J
    29
    A
    31
    S
    20
    O
    12
    N
    0
    D
    1

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 100

    iStock-burnsboxco
    Parrotfish

    Parrotfish
    128 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    1
    A
    18
    M
    0
    J
    16
    J
    0
    A
    46
    S
    21
    O
    24
    N
    0
    D
    2

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 40

    iStock-Hoatzinexp
    Jackfish

    Jackfish
    97 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    20
    J
    15
    A
    26
    S
    23
    O
    13
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 80

    iStock/Extreme-Photographer
    Stingrays

    Stingrays
    61 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    20
    A
    19
    S
    10
    O
    12
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 120

    SSI-Peter-Schinck
    Cuttlefish

    Cuttlefish
    50 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    22
    M
    0
    J
    26
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    2

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 40

    iStock-wrangel
    Triggerfish

    Triggerfish
    39 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    11
    A
    15
    S
    13
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The best Months to Dive in the South Eastern Region

    Diving in Malta's South Eastern Region is possible all year round, thanks to its mild climate. Water temperatures range from 15°C in winter to 28°C in summer, making wetsuits advisable in cooler months. Divers can typically enjoy visibility of up to 30 meters, though this can be reduced by winter storms. The region experiences moderate winds, with the Sirocco and Mistral particularly influencing sea conditions. Calm seas prevail in summer, providing ideal diving conditions. Winter months might pose challenges due to rougher seas and stronger currents, but experienced divers can still explore underwater treasures during this time.

    Dive Centers

    Dive Masters Malta

    Dive Masters Malta

    40, DIVE MASTERS Triq Ix- Xaghra Tal-Gzira U, SGW-2829 Siggiewi, Malta

    Dive Sites

    FRENCH TOUCH DIVING, SPB 1283 SAN PAWL IL-BAHAR
    Um el Faroud <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.6)</span>

    Um el Faroud (★4.6)

    The wreck is often dived with 2 dives because of the depth (38 m). View at the bow and funnel impressive. Memorial plaque of the deceased dock workers in the middle of the wreck
    FRENCH TOUCH DIVING, SPB 1283 SAN PAWL IL-BAHAR
    Ghar Lapsi <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

    Ghar Lapsi (★4.4)

    Ghar Lapsi is best known by scuba divers for the more than 40 meters long, shallow and well-lit cave system. Caves have many outlets and cracks in the ceiling, that allow a lot of light to enter, making it abeautiful dive, especially during the day with beams of sunlight dancing in the cave on the corals.
    Mares
    Zurrieq Cave <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

    Zurrieq Cave (★4.3)

    West Reef & Caves is one of the two reef dives in Wied iz-Zurrieq, the other being East Reef. West Reef has drop-offs, ledges, gullies, boulders and two caves surrounded by sea grass and sandy areas.