Why Snorkel in Malta?
Malta offers some of the best snorkelling in the Mediterranean, with crystal-clear waters boasting visibility up to 30 metres on calm days. The archipelago's unique underwater landscape combines rocky reefs, sandy seabeds, underwater caves, and posidonia seagrass meadows teeming with marine life.
Unlike tropical destinations, Malta's snorkelling is accessible to everyone. You don't need a boat to reach excellent spots - many of the best locations are just a swim from shore. The water is warm enough for comfortable snorkelling from May through October, with peak conditions in September when the sea is warmest and crowds have thinned.
Whether you're a first-time snorkeller looking for calm, shallow waters or an experienced swimmer seeking underwater caves and diverse marine ecosystems, Malta delivers. Combine your snorkelling adventures with visits to the island's stunning beaches for the perfect Mediterranean holiday.
Best Snorkelling Spots in Malta
From easily accessible shore entries to boat-only destinations, these are Malta's top snorkelling locations.
🏊 St Peter's Pool
Malta's most famous natural swimming hole doubles as an exceptional snorkelling spot. The deep, crystal-clear water offers excellent visibility, and the rocky walls are covered in marine life. Watch for octopus hiding in crevices and schools of bream passing through.
The main pool is 4-8 metres deep, perfect for freediving practice. Around the edges, shallower areas suit beginners. Water shoes are essential for the rocky entry points.
⚓ Anchor Bay (Popeye Village)
This sheltered bay next to the famous Popeye Village film set offers calm, protected waters ideal for beginners and families. The sandy bottom transitions to rocky outcrops hosting diverse marine life.
Snorkel along the bay's edges where rocks meet sand for the best fish spotting. The clear water and gentle conditions make this perfect for children learning to snorkel.
🪨 Ghar Lapsi
A local favourite on Malta's southwest coast, Ghar Lapsi features natural rock pools and underwater caves that create an exciting snorkelling environment. The site is more adventurous than typical tourist spots.
Explore the small caves and swim-throughs along the rocky coastline. The area is known for larger fish including barracuda and amberjack. Best for confident swimmers.
🏝️ Sliema Rocky Coast
Don't overlook the urban coastline stretching from Sliema to St Julian's. The rocky shore offers surprisingly good snorkelling, with easy access from the promenade and numerous entry points via ladders and natural platforms.
Popular spots include Fond Ghadir and Exiles. The water quality is excellent despite the urban location, and you'll find abundant fish life along the rocky walls.
🌊 Wied iz-Zurrieq
The departure point for Blue Grotto boat trips is also a fantastic snorkelling location. The deep blue waters and rocky coastline create dramatic underwater scenery. Experienced snorkellers can explore the sea caves.
The area features impressive underwater rock formations and attracts larger pelagic fish. Water can be choppy - check conditions before visiting.
Blue Lagoon Snorkelling
The Blue Lagoon on Comino island is Malta's most iconic snorkelling destination. The impossibly turquoise waters, white sandy bottom, and exceptional visibility make it a bucket-list experience.
What Makes It Special
The Blue Lagoon's shallow, sheltered waters (1-6 metres) are perfect for snorkellers of all levels. Visibility regularly exceeds 25 metres, allowing you to spot fish from the surface that would be invisible elsewhere. The contrast between the white sand and rocky outcrops creates diverse habitats.
Best Areas to Snorkel
- Around the rocky edges: The best marine life concentrates near the rocks surrounding the lagoon rather than over the sandy centre
- The channel entrance: Slightly deeper water with more fish activity, but watch for boat traffic
- Crystal Lagoon nearby: Many boat tours visit this second, less crowded lagoon with excellent snorkelling
When to Visit
The Blue Lagoon gets extremely crowded in summer, especially between 11am and 4pm. For the best snorkelling experience:
- Early morning: Take the first boat from Cirkewwa (around 9am) to arrive before the crowds
- Late afternoon: Book an afternoon tour that stays until 6pm when day-trippers have left
- Shoulder season: May, early June, and September offer warm water with significantly fewer visitors
Snorkelling in Gozo
Malta's sister island Gozo offers superior snorkelling conditions with less development, cleaner waters, and more dramatic underwater topography. If you're serious about snorkelling, a day trip or overnight stay in Gozo is highly recommended.
🔵 Inland Sea (Dwejra)
A unique inland lagoon connected to the open sea through a tunnel in the cliff. Confident snorkellers can swim through the tunnel (about 80 metres) to reach the open sea with incredible visibility and marine life.
The inland lagoon itself is calm and suitable for beginners. Traditional boat rides through the tunnel are available if you prefer not to swim.
🏖️ Hondoq Bay
A beautiful bay on Gozo's south coast with crystal-clear waters and varied underwater terrain. The mix of sand, rock, and seagrass creates diverse habitats. Excellent for families and beginners.
Snorkel around the bay's edges for the best marine life. The area is relatively uncrowded even in summer.
🐠 Xlendi Bay
This picturesque fishing village bay offers easy shore snorkelling with dramatic underwater cliffs dropping away from the shore. The rocky sides of the bay are teeming with fish.
Swim out along either side of the bay to find underwater caves and overhangs. The village has excellent restaurants for a post-snorkel meal.
🌅 Mgarr ix-Xini
A narrow inlet creating a fjord-like swimming spot with exceptionally clear water. The sheltered location means calm conditions even when other areas are rough. Popular with locals.
Explore the rocky walls on both sides of the inlet. The deeper water towards the mouth attracts larger fish.
Marine Life Guide
Malta's Mediterranean waters host a rich diversity of marine species. Here's what you can expect to encounter while snorkelling.
Common Fish Species
- Ornate wrasse: Colourful green and orange fish, abundant at all sites
- Damselfish: Small, dark fish often seen in schools near rocks
- Sea bream: Several species including saddled bream and two-banded bream
- Painted comber: Striking striped fish common in rocky areas
- Blennies and gobies: Small fish hiding in crevices - look closely!
- Parrotfish: Increasingly common, colourful Mediterranean species
Larger Species
- Barracuda: Often seen at deeper sites like Ghar Lapsi and Wied iz-Zurrieq
- Grouper: Dusky groupers frequent caves and overhangs
- Moray eels: Green morays hide in rocky crevices - don't touch!
- Octopus: Common throughout Malta - watch for them changing colour
- Cuttlefish: Present in sandy areas, especially spring and autumn
Other Marine Life
- Sea urchins: Abundant on rocks - reason to wear water shoes
- Starfish: Red and purple starfish on rocky bottoms
- Nudibranchs: Colourful sea slugs for keen-eyed snorkellers
- Jellyfish: Occasional appearances, especially late summer - ask locals about current conditions
- Posidonia seagrass: Not a fish, but these underwater meadows host pipefish and seahorses
Gear Rental Options
You have several options for obtaining snorkelling equipment in Malta, from basic beach rentals to professional dive shop quality.
Beach Kiosk Rentals
Many popular beaches and swimming spots have kiosks offering basic snorkel sets (mask, snorkel, sometimes fins). Expect to pay €5-10 for a half-day or full-day rental. Quality varies considerably.
Available at: Anchor Bay, Golden Bay, Mellieha Bay, Paradise Bay, Xlendi (Gozo)
Dive Shop Rentals
Malta's numerous dive centres offer higher-quality equipment for snorkellers, typically €10-15 per day. They often provide better-fitting masks and proper snorkelling fins rather than basic swim fins.
Recommended dive shops with snorkel rentals:
- Divewise (Sliema): Quality equipment, helpful staff
- Maltaqua (St Julian's): Good selection, convenient location
- Atlantis Gozo: Best option if snorkelling in Gozo
Buying Your Own
If you plan multiple snorkelling sessions, buying your own equipment makes sense. Basic sets start around €20-30 at beach shops, while quality masks from dive shops cost €40-80.
Where to buy:
- Dive shops: Best quality but pricier
- Decathlon (Paola): Good value sports equipment
- Beach shops: Basic sets, tourist areas
What to Look For
- Mask: Tempered glass, silicone skirt, good seal around your face
- Snorkel: Dry-top or semi-dry design prevents water entry
- Fins: Short snorkelling fins are easier than long dive fins
- Rashguard: Highly recommended for sun protection during extended sessions
Snorkelling Tours
Guided tours offer access to the best spots, equipment included, and local knowledge. Here are the main options.
Blue Lagoon Boat Trips
The most popular snorkelling tour in Malta. Full-day trips include transport to Comino, time at the Blue Lagoon, and often stops at other swimming spots like the Crystal Lagoon or Santa Maria Bay.
- Price: €25-45 depending on operator and inclusions
- Duration: 6-8 hours typically
- Inclusions: Usually snorkel gear, sometimes lunch and drinks
- Departure points: Sliema, Bugibba, Cirkewwa
Gozo Snorkelling Day Trips
Explore multiple snorkelling sites around Gozo with an experienced guide who knows the best spots and conditions.
- Price: €50-80 including ferry and transport
- Duration: Full day
- Sites visited: Typically 2-3 locations including Dwejra area
Private Boat Charters
For groups or those wanting flexibility, private boat charters allow you to visit spots of your choosing away from the crowds.
- Price: €200-500 for a half-day depending on boat size
- Benefits: Personalised itinerary, avoid crowds, multiple stops
- Capacity: Usually 4-12 people
Kayak Snorkelling Tours
Combine sea kayaking with snorkelling stops at caves and hidden coves inaccessible by larger boats.
- Price: €45-70
- Duration: Half-day (4 hours typically)
- Fitness level: Moderate - suitable for beginners with reasonable fitness
Safety Tips for Snorkelling in Malta
Snorkelling is generally safe, but following these guidelines will ensure a trouble-free experience.
Before You Enter the Water
- Check conditions: Look for red flags at beaches indicating dangerous conditions. Strong winds from the north (Gregale) or northwest (Majjistral) can create rough seas.
- Know your limits: Don't swim too far from shore, especially if you're not a strong swimmer
- Buddy system: Always snorkel with someone or ensure others know where you are
- Sun protection: Apply waterproof sunscreen and consider wearing a rashguard - the Maltese sun is intense
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water before and after your snorkel session
In the Water
- Watch for boats: Stay within designated swimming areas and be visible. Boat traffic can be heavy near popular spots
- Sea urchins: Abundant on rocks - always wear water shoes and watch where you step
- Jellyfish: Can appear in late summer. Ask locals about recent sightings. If stung, seek first aid
- Don't touch marine life: Moray eels can bite, and fire worms cause painful stings. Look but don't touch
- Currents: Some areas have currents near headlands. If caught, swim parallel to shore rather than fighting against it
- Ear equalisation: If freediving, equalise your ears properly to avoid barotrauma
Equipment Safety
- Check your mask seal: A leaky mask is distracting and uncomfortable
- Clear your snorkel: Know how to blast-clear water from your snorkel
- Fins fit: Loose fins can cause blisters or fall off; too tight restricts circulation
Environmental Responsibility
- Don't stand on coral or rocks: Marine life is fragile
- Take nothing: Leave shells, starfish, and other creatures where they are
- No littering: Malta's seas are pristine because visitors respect them
- Reef-safe sunscreen: Chemical sunscreens damage marine ecosystems. Choose mineral-based alternatives
Snorkelling Spots Comparison
| Location | Difficulty | Gear Rental | Boat Needed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Lagoon | Easy | ✓ | ✓ | Everyone |
| St Peter's Pool | Moderate | ✗ | ✗ | Confident swimmers |
| Anchor Bay | Easy | ✓ | ✗ | Families, beginners |
| Ghar Lapsi | Moderate | ✗ | ✗ | Experienced snorkellers |
| Inland Sea (Gozo) | Moderate-Hard | ✗ | ✗ | Adventurous swimmers |
| Xlendi (Gozo) | Easy-Moderate | ✓ | ✗ | All levels |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best snorkelling spot in Malta?
The Blue Lagoon on Comino is widely considered Malta's best snorkelling spot, offering crystal-clear turquoise waters with visibility up to 30 metres. For easily accessible spots on the main island, St Peter's Pool near Marsaxlokk and Anchor Bay near Popeye Village are excellent choices.
Can I rent snorkelling gear in Malta?
Yes, snorkelling gear is available for rent throughout Malta. Beach kiosks at popular spots charge around €5-10 for a mask and snorkel set. Dive shops offer higher-quality equipment from €10-15 per day. Many boat tours to the Blue Lagoon include basic snorkel gear in the price.
When is the best time to snorkel in Malta?
The best snorkelling conditions are from May to October when water temperatures range from 20-27°C and visibility is excellent. Early mornings offer the calmest waters and best visibility. September and October provide warm water temperatures with fewer crowds than peak summer months.
What marine life can I see snorkelling in Malta?
Malta's waters are home to diverse marine life including colourful wrasse, damselfish, octopus, moray eels, sea bream, and barracuda. You may also spot sea urchins, starfish, and various crustaceans. Posidonia seagrass meadows host seahorses and pipefish in some areas.
Do I need to book a tour to snorkel at the Blue Lagoon?
No, you don't need a tour but it's the most convenient option. Boat trips from Sliema, Bugibba, or Cirkewwa take you directly to Comino, often including snorkel gear and stops at multiple swimming spots. Alternatively, you can take the public ferry from Cirkewwa and bring your own equipment.