►Diving Sites

►About Malta, Gozo & Comino

The Maltese archipelago consists of three inhabited islands: Malta (245sq.km), Gozo (67sq.km), and Comino (2.8sq.km), and four other uninhabited islands. These other little islands are called Filfla, Cominotto, St.Paul's & Fungus rock. Malta lies in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea 58 miles (93km) south of Sicily and 180 miles (288km) north of North Africa. Total area of the islands is approx. 316sq.km. The sea between Malta and Sicily is generally less than 100m deep although maximum depths of 200m are recorded whilst the channel between Malta and North Africa reaches beyond 1,000m.

The island of Malta is about 17 miles in length and, at its widest point, measures 9 miles. The island is characterized by low- lying hills and valleys with terraced fields built by farmers over centuries to cultivate this fertile land. The islands are composed of sedimentary rocks, mostly limestone and blue  clay which are the fossilised remains  of organisms  such  as algae,  molluscs, crustations, echinoderms and fish which were  preserved in bottom sediments which later became rock. These  calcareous deposits  were  laid  down  not long before the land rose out of the sea about 10 million years ago.  Malta's coastline has many natural harbours, bays, creeks, sandy beaches and rocky coves. The circumference of Malta's shoreline is approx. 85 miles (136km). Malta's highest point is 253m above sea level and sister island Gozo is 191m at it's peak. Valletta is the capital city which overlooks the ancient and most stunning harbour. The harbours waterways were used by the Phoenicians as early as the 9th century B.C. , however the earliest inhabitants of these magnificent islands were the Neolithic people from Sicily around 5,000 B.C. The temples they used to inhabit are still excellent condition. After Phoenician rule the battle for Malta was fought between the Carthaginians and the mighty Roman empire which saw the Romans emerge as the victorious around 218 B.C. Under the Roman empire Malta was a peaceful and prosperous island for 6 centuries. But in the 4th century A.D Rome fell to Byzantine. Malta was again conquered in 870 A.D. by the Arabs. Arab rule came to an end in 1090 when Count Roger the Norman joined Malta to Sicily and back to Christianity. With over 350 churches Malta confirms it's 98% Roman catholic faith. Many foreign nobles eventually exploited Malta in the coming centuries, however in 1530 Charles V, holy Roman emperor and king of Sicily and Spain, granted a home on Malta to the Knights of the order of St.John. In 1565 the Turkish army tried to destroy Malta in one of the most amazing battles of all times called 'The Great Siege'. Although heavily outnumbered the Maltese people fought back and kept the island from falling under Turkish rule but in 1798 Malta collapsed to Napoleon. France surrendered to British rule in 1800 and British control of the islands was ratified in 1814. On 21st September 1964 Malta gained it's independence and in 1979 all British forces withdrew from Malta. The population of Mata stands at about 400,000.

Gozo, the island of the nymph Calypso is smaller than Malta, its sister island, and has a character quite distinct from it. The countryside is greener and more spectacular, with flat-topped hills characterizing the landscape, while the coast has rugged cliffs, penetrated by steep valleys and beautiful bays. Gozo is more relaxed and quieter than Malta. It is 9 miles long and 4.4 miles at its widest point The diving around Gozo is blessed with the most incredible 60m+ visibility and dramatic vertical drop offs that plunge even 50m beneath you. Sometimes referred to as  'small oasis in the centre of the Mediterranean', Gozo has a very ancient history and a tradition of hospitality.  Gozitans (as the Island's people are called) have always welcomed visitors with genuine friendliness, and tend to expect such an attitude in the Visitor. Gozo's chief characteristics noted by several visitors include its peaceful atmosphere and its cleanliness. Gozo is greener than Malta and much more hilly especially towards the centre.   Indeed most of its hills are in the shape of plateaus, and this rather picturesque factor, together with the hillsides of many little fields bounded by rubble walls or prickly pear trees; give it a charm of its own. Its undulating landscape and spectacular coastline await exploration. Choose from rocky inlets to red sand beaches or sail, snorkel, dive and fish.  Gozo has some of the Mediterranean’s best - professionally run - dive-sites. The population of Gozo stands at about 28,000.

Comino is the smallest inhabited island in the Maltese archipelago. Only a handful of farmers live there & neither cars, nor other noisy activities disturb the peaceful tranquillity of this little paradise. There is only one cosy beach hotel. The many bays & rocks in Comino and the crystal-clear waters are ideal for any kind of water sports, especially snorkelling and scuba diving. Comino is officially deemed an extension of Gozo and falls under the Gozo Ministry. It boasts the sandy beach of Santa Maria and a rocky but well-sheltered Blue Lagoon...a very popular bathing spot especially in the tourist seasons. 

The Maltese climate is typically Mediterranean with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The wet season lasts from October to March with 85% of the rain falling in this period. The period between April and September constitutes the dry season. The temperature averages 14 degrees Celsius in winter and 32 degrees Celsius during the summer. The water temperature averages 12 degrees in winter and 28 degrees in summer. The water temperature is at it's coldest during March and April warming up dramatically fast during the following months. Most of the diving is done during April all through to November. For those wishing to plug in any electronic equipment, the Maltese system is similar to the UK system, which is 240 Volts.

►Underwater Archeological Heritage

The Maltese archipelago and the surrounding sea has been frequented by human beings for at least the last  7 thousand years.

A long and varied sequence of cultures is witnessed by the archeological left to rest at the seabed.

The sea must have been exploited for sailing and food by the islands' inhabitants since prehistoric times. As a result, many relics of seafaring and other maritime lie at the bottom. Sometimes, constructions were purposely built , underwater as in the case of the defensive wall built across 'Ramla Bay' by the Knights of Saint John.

On its own, however, an artifact separated from it's context tells us very little. To understand and interpret this material, it is very important that it is studied systematically by professional archeologists. It is of utmost importance that archeological remains are recorded as they were discovered. Recent research led to the discovery of 2,500 B.C. temples underwater in an area not yet

disclosed to the public for protection reasons. There are huge amounts of underwater archeological sites of great historical value and importance, hence, all dives must be carefully and respectfully done.

When archeological objects are brought to the surface they usually need specialised conservation treatment to ensure their survival and enjoyment by future generations. In Malta the National Museum of Archeology is the body responsible for the protection and study of the country's archeological heritage, including remains lying underwater. Access to certain underwater archeological sites is regulated or forbidden. All SCUBA divers are advised to keep informed on such regulations.

If you ever happen to come across anything, whilst diving, which you think may have archeological interest, please do the right thing and you too could play an incredibly important part in the safeguarding and rediscovery of the past of these amazing islands. Make sure not to move the object. Try to take as accurate bearings, references and depth readings as possible, to make it possible to return and locate the site. Report the site at once to the Museums Department in Republic Street, Valletta. Try not to draw unauthorised attention to the site. Remember archeological remains are not just pretty objects which you can take home to decorate your living room, in fact, without proper conservation treatment, they will usually deteriorate and end up looking quite ugly. If you really want to enjoy the fulfillment of any chance discovery that you might make, please do it the right way, and let other people enjoy it with you.

The law in Malta states:

(Laws of Malta, Chapter 54 : sec. 11, 12, 14, 19.)

► In Maltese waters, no person may conduct excavations for the discovery of objects of archeological or historical importance, unless authorised by the

    Government.

► If such an object is discovered by chance, it must not be disturbed from the place where it is discovered, and must be reported at once to the 

    Museums Department.

► All movable archeological or historical remains discovered underwater are the property of the Goverment of Malta.

►Those who fail to comply may be fined or imprisoned, according to the gravity of the case.

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