Diving in crystal clear water
Malta is blessed with a combination of factors that makes it an ideal place for both inexperienced and experienced divers. Underwater visibility is generally over 30m and the great majority of sites are accessible from the shore. Some of the sites are particularly suitable for divers who may have physical disabilities. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information regarding facilities for disabled divers. Depths vary from 6m to 30m and deeper. Bottom composition also tends to vary from sandy bottoms, sea grass meadows, rock formations all of which house distinct aquatic life. Wrecks and caverns at different depths make it ideal for anyone who would like to try these particular sections of diving. Not to mention some of the best wall diving can be done around here with sheer drops along the cliffs that extend beyond 40m. In brief, anyone who wishes to extend his/her diving education in any particular specialty may be catered for as these dives are done practically every day. Naturally weather conditions always need to be taken into account. You may wish to have a look at some of the most common sites found across the Maltese Islands.
Divers are expected to complete a medical statement form prior to any diving indicating that you are fit to dive. If you are unsure about any of the parts indicated, we do provide the service of a diving doctor.
Cirkewwa Arch - Check out more video clips at our Youtube channel
Diving in the Maltese Islands
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These can be split into a 'wet/cold' season and a 'dry/hot' season roughly from November to March and April to October. The coldest weather is normally in January where daytime temperatures may go down to 10 degrees (C) whereas the months of July and August would be the warmest. The average temperature is always above 30 degrees (C) with occasional peaks going up to 40 degrees. Winter time is somewhat windy so a bit of warm clothing is recommended to avoid wind chill especially when diving. In summer time, there is plenty of sunshine therefore, it is advisable to take the necessary precautions in terms of sun protection and drink plenty of water.
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Relatively less extreme than the surface conditions, the sea temperature rarely goes down below 15 degress (C)(irrespective of the depth normally catered for in recreational diving) around the month of January whereas it is warmest at around August at approximately 27C. In summer, sea temperature may vary with depth as it is usual for thermo clines to form during this period. Below 20m, sea temperature may be a bit fresher at around 22C. During the cold months it is more frequent to get windy conditions. The nature of the Maltese islands is such that there are always dive sites that are well sheltered from the prevailing wind of that particular day. In the warm months, it is unusual to get strong winds so most of the time all the sites would be suitable for diving. Note that while the effects of tides are insignificant, there are a few areas that are occasionally subject to significant current. If diving unaccompanied by our instructors, please do not hesitate to ask about the weather conditions pertinent to that particular day.
Local Regulations - Diving Medical Statement
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Divers are expected to complete a medical statement form prior to any diving indicating that you are fit to dive. If you are unsure about any of the parts indicated, we do provide the service of a diving doctor. The prices for such a service rarely exceeds €50.00. Medicals from your country of origin are acceptable provided that the diving centre is provided with a copy.
Local Regulations - Unaccompanied Diving
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All divers who wish to dive on their own with their buddy may do so, on presentation of PADI Advanced Open Water or equivalent certification by other agencies (e.g. CMAS Two Star Diver, BSAC Sport Diver, SSI Advanced Open Water, etc) or higher diving qualification. It is always recommended to check with the diving centre as to where would be suitable to dive, depending on weather conditions and experience.
Local Regulations - Conservation
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In some sites it is easy to encounter archeological artifacts some of which may date up to the Roman era. Some of the wrecks are from the Second World War. Souvenir collection is clearly prohibited by local laws and offenders will be prosecuted. Should you think that you have come across an item of potential archeological interest please inform your instructor/dive center who will in turn relay the information of the Museums Department. As divers we all have a collective responsibility to take care of the aquatic environment by practicing 'environmentally friendly' diving. Our concern is that you get the best of the diving the Maltese Islands offer with the minimum disturbance to aquatic life. Should you wish to engage in any activity involving local fish life (e.g. photography) please inform us and we will be happy to provide advice.
Hotel bookings
Best rates
Please contact Anchor Diving for special divers' deals!
Sun Seeker Holiday Complex - A warm welcome awaits all guests at this family-owned, friendly complex. The Sunseeker offers a very good range of facilities in a convenient locality. It is just back from Bugibba's sea front, and only five minutes away from the town centre, with its shops, bars, and restaurants. Regular buses run from the Bugibba bus station to the most popular places of interest and to the sandy beaches.
The Topaz Hotel - Situated in the North part of the Island, The Topaz Hotel is located in the heart of the very popular seaside resort of Bugibba.