| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Dive SitesThe Valletta area , including Marsamxett Harbour and the Grand Harbour , was the scene of massive aerial bombardment during World War II and now contains a large number of wrecks. Many of these are on mayjot shipping routes and consequently out of bounds. However , tow wrecks – HMS Maori and the barge Carolita are perfect for exploration , whilst other accessible wrecks are the Tent Peg Wreck , MV Odile and HMS Jersey.
Several sites can be found along the North of the island , as well as very deep wrecks like the HMS Stubborn , an intact submarine in 60 M – 200feet .
The popular Marfa Ridge is a magnet for dive training and for more experienced divers who want to dive the wreck of the ROZI .
In the South of the island the caves and cliffs to the southwest are spectacular. As well as the relativelly unexplored island of filfla , there are also three new wrecks along the south coast. To the Southeast , the Blenheim Bomber near Marsaxlokk at a depth of 42m –136 ft is very popular. A submarine sea mount called the Hamrija Bank lies 19Km east of Valletta and rises to 30 m below the surface.Almost totally unexplored by divers , it is used by ocean going tankers which drop anchor in the area before berthing at Valletta.
Generally the diving is scenic with wonderful walls, spectacular natural archways , caves , caverns and wrecks contributing to the overall pleasure of the dive . Fish life is much more profuse than you move been led to beleive, with huge shoals of damselfish , bream , bogue and smelt to be encountered at most sites. Several areas are popular for fish feeding , and although there are reservations about the possible effect this may have on natural ecological processes , many snorkeling and diving tourists come to enjoy the spectacle of being surrounded by thousands of fish.
Valletta Area
1 MV ODILE2Star Location In kalkara Creek directly between Vittoriosa and Kalkara Access Dive via Vitoriosa Quay and tunnel to the creek. Park next to the swings , with entry from the wall . Swim out in line with the old lift shaft on the far side.- the wreck is mid channel. Conditions – Fairly sheltered in the inner creek of the Grand Harbour , though visibility will drop to zero if you disturb the fine layer of silt which lies over eveything. Average depth 20M – 66 feet Maximum depth 24 M –77 ft Average visibility – 6 m - 20feet
Originally thought to be the wreck of the HMS abdingdon, sunk on 4th Apr 1942, the wreck is actually that of Italian steam freighter MV Odile , which was bombed during World War II , then salvaged in the 1970s . Fairly well broken up –The bows and the propeller are still missing, facing northwest and lying on her port side, the wreck covers a large area and is difficult to find in poor visibility without local knowledge. Penetration of the wreck is possible but only for experienced divers with the proper equipment –icluding reels. You can swim the entire wreck in 40 minutes. This is a dive when the north westerly winds spoil the other side of the island.
2 HMS JERSEY2star Location –Entrance to the Grand Harbor Access Through Kalkara to the wartime buildings below Fort Ricasola –Reached via the foothpath from the car park at the fort. Conditions –Beware large passing ships and marine traffic. Then site is exposed to northeasterly swells and wind. Average depth- 13 to 15 m Maximum depth –18M Visibility – 6-10M
Enter the water near the buildings at the waters edge –swim to the near end of the breakwater on the surface , about 100m then submerge and follow the due north setting on your compass for about 30 minutes. The seabed is mainly flat sand and rubble though with some interesting boulders and marine life. The Jersey itself hit a mine and sank as she was entering the Grand Harbour ; the remains of the bow section are all that are left.
3 The Submarine Pen
Location On the corner of the fish market at Valletta, Grand Harbour. Access- From the steps in font of the fish market with a surface swim of around 90m Conditions Fairly sheltered with visibility variable over a rocky weed substrate. Average depth – 10m Maximum depth – 18m Average visibility – 6 m
During World War II a rough cutting in the rocks here was proposed as a submarine pen, but the project was abandoned. Torches are recommended on this dive to explore the cut and various crevices, now home to seahorses, shannies , triplefin blennies and various scorpionfish. The seabed is littered with war debris.
4 HMS MAORILocation – In front of the café at the entrance to the dockyard creek at St. Elmos Bay. Access- From the slippery steps and concrete waalkway in front of the cafe, 120 m north and 5min swim before descending onto the wreck at the edge of the drop. Conditions – Fairly sheltered , but visibility is a problem, especially during easterly storms. Average depth 13m Maximum depth 18m Average visibility – 6m
HMS Maori was launched in 1937 and saw considerable action in the Norwegian campaign, Atlantic convoys and the Mediterranean. She was ultimately responsible for sinking the Bismark and picked up a number of her survivors ; while en route from Gibraltar the Maori was also involved in a successful attack against the Italian flotilla. However , ships at berth in Malta s harbours were always at risk from aerial attacks launched from airfields in Libya. On the night of 12 February 1942 the Maori received a direct hit in her engine room and the ship slowly began to sink. Declared a hazard to navigation she was subsequently cleared , her guns being removed and the ship wrecked. The bows and the entire stem are gone , but part of the raised bridge is still there and from the rear , divers are able to gain relatively safe and easy access to her remains, with exits through the large holes in her starboard side. There are still live shells protruding from the wreckage and mud , which should not be touched. Although she is stilted up , the Maori is home to large numbers of fish , and the rocky slope has some interesting nudibranchs and octopus amongst the algae and tube worms.
5 BARGE CAROLITA –Coral Location – At the start of Lazzaretto creek and opposite the old hospital on Manoel island in Marsamxett harbour. Access- From the shore next to the dogs home or from the steps before you get to the Royal Malta Yacht Club. Conditions – Fairly sheltered in the Harbour , but suffers from easterly storms and high rainfall , reducing underwater visibility to almost all.
Average depth –12m Maximum depth – 22m Average visibility –6 m
Probably mistaken for a submarine , the carolita barge received a torpedo in her stern on the night of 21 April 1942. She sank immediately and now rests facing up the steep silty slope to the old naval hospital. Her bow is in 6m and the rear of the ship is found at 22 m.- there is no point exploring further as the barge and the seabed are covered in very fine and visibility drops steadily during your dive. The deck of the barge is flat and there are two hatches up front –with restricted access. Access to the engine room is from beneath the bridge or in through the damaged stern. Large friendly striped grouper are found at the stern. On the swim back to the exit point you will find further remnants from the war days, in the shape of old typwriters , beds and other oddities discarded from the nearby old hospital.
6 THE TENT PEG WRECKLocation Marsamxett harbour- southwest of the barge Carolita Access- Either by swimming southwest from the carolita or directly out from Ta Xbiex seafront. Conditions – Fairly sheltered but visibility is a problem Average depth – 20m The seabed is composed of indulating fine white silt and sand . The wreck , formerly a steel cargo steamer , lies in asmall valley and is very broken up – she was carrying a general cargo , including tent pegs. The general marine life in the area is surprisingly
7 The Swimming PoolLocation Off the sea water swimming pool at the club in front of the Preluna Hotel in Sliema Access- Permission must be obtained from the club . Access is from the left hand corner of the sea wall with a giant side entry. Conditions—Fairly exposed , but generally an easy dive, perfect for trainee divers. Average depth –8m Maximum depth- 12m Average visibility –12m
The reef gently slopes out to the north , with various shallow undercuts where small fish can be found. –Do not expect to see any large fish here. On the return to the outer wall of the swimming pool at the eastern corner you will come across a large natural arch , with a tangle of old steel re-enforcing cable and concrete in front of it. Exit is by climbing the rickety ladder on the outer wall of the pool.
NORTH MALTA
8 GHALLIS ROCKLocation Off the northern coast road between Sliema and Bugibba. Past the tower on Qrejten Point , the rocks are about 100m offshore. Access by boat but can also be done from the rocky shore Conditions – Quite exposed but sheltered from the northwesterly Boat traffic is intense in the shallower areas – so extra vigilance should be taken.
Average depth –8m Maximum depth –14m Average visibility –15m
This is an easy dive over and around some boulders with lots of Possidonia sea grass beds . The boulders are covered in algae , where striped mullet and two branded bream can be seen feeding, in addition to all the wrassie species.
9 QAWRA REEFLocation- 500m off the northwest tip of Qawra Point Access – By boat only and local knowledge is necessary Conditions- Very exposed , can be choppy with current Average depth –25m Maximum depth –50m Average visibility- beyond 30m
The dive boat is able to anchor on the reef lip in around 12m – As you drop over the algae covered rocks there are five big caves to explore – indented about 10-12 m into the rocky wall. The caverns are all safe for divers and the walls are covered in sea rose algae and sea lace. The marine goldfish considered quite rare around the islands can be found in these caverns.
10 MISTRA BAYLocation Western part of St.Pauls Bay Access- Off the beach Average depth – 5m Maximum depth-10m Visibility-6m
A beginners dive when bad weather spoils Marfa point, this is a shallow Posidonia bed inshore from a French owned commercial fish farm. Depth and conditions make it a perfect dive for beginners but the area is a little polluted due to the commercial activity and fish farming.
11 St.Pauls wreckLocation – On the inside of St. Pauls islands between the inner island and the shore. Access By Boat or from the shore although a four wheel drive vehicle is required to access the rough access road. Conditions –Fairly sheltered from the northwest winds but can be choppy with surge. Average depth- 6m Maximum depth –12m Average visibilty-12m
This is reputed to be the location where St.Paul was wrecked . Although nothing remains of his biblical wooden ship, there are several other remains, including some plates and ribs from an old destroyer in shallow water and a small ferry sunk by Captain Morgan in 1984 for his glass –bottomed boat trips. An algae –covered statue of Christ with outstretched arms is also to be found in the area, though it is rather difficult to locate . The seabed is covered in posidonia with sand patches in between.
12 Octopus s Garden- St.Pauls ReefLocation – 5min by boat from St.Pauls harbour , to the east of outer St.Pauls Island. Access-By boat Conditions- Fairly sheltered from the northwest winds, but otherwise rather exposed and can be choppy with surface surge. Average depth-7m Maximum depth-25m Average visibility 12m
This is an open water reef dive. The algae-covered bedrock and boulders create a mini –wall with a steep slope. Fish life is sparse as the area is popular with the local fishermen , but there are numbers of small sea urchins and fireworms. The fireworms are voracious predators and scavengers , cleaning up dead and decaying sea urchins , jellyfish , corals etc. 13 ST PAULS VALLEYLocation – Between the two St. Pauls islands and to the northwest part of the channelAccess- by boatConditions – Can be choppy with strong current running from the northwest between the islands.Average depth-12mMaximum depth-25mAverage visibility-12mThe boat anchors at the edge of the drop offin 6m and there is a short swim to the mini -wall, which drops another 3m to the white sandy seabed. This is interspersed with boulders and raised banks of posidonia where cuttlefish and numerous wrasse can be foun. Pay close attention to the sea grass as you should be able to find the broad snouted pipefish. Small gobies inhabit the interface between the algae and sand patches, where sand divers are also common.
14 SLUGS BAYLocation- Off the south facing shore just north of the Mellieha Bay Hotel in Mellieha. Access- from the shore Conditions – Fairly sheltered from northwesterly winds, but can be totally blown out with zero visibility when the wind is from the southeast. Average depth- 4m Maximum depth-8m Average visibility-15m This site is used mainly by Aquaventure for training purposes and is the first introduction many divers in the area to make this site attractive and also interesting at night The shallows are covered by stones and possidonia and there are large numbers of octopuse To the left –EAST is a small archway , continuing from here is a cavern which always has some interesting fish and invertibrates. Moray eels can be found as well as large numbers of chromis.
15 GURBEL REEFLocation –Directly out of Mellieha Bay , between Dahlet ix-Xilep and Ras il-Griebeg, about 5min by boat. Access by boat Conditions – Fairly exposed and can be choppy with surge present. Average depth- 15m Maximum depth 25m Average visibilty 15m
This offshore reef takes its name from the Maltese word for brown meagre which is found here in large numbers. There are some striking and unusual rock formations amidst a tumble of large and small boulders , all of which are covered in a profusion in a profusion of alga. Red scorpionfish are common, as are cardinalfish, striped mullet and salema.
16 THE WHITE REEF –HOOFERS REEFLocation-2.5Km northeast of Rdum L-Ahmar, the easterly side of Marfa Ridge, to a raised reef called Sikka l-Bajda- The White Reef. Access- By boat only Conditions-Exposed offshore reef , with surge and surface chop to be expected , along with light current.Rarely dived Average depth- 15m Maximum depth-25m , though over 70m beyond the drop off Average visibility-30m This offshore reef , which lies within 12m of the surface , is a massive rocky ridge that has hardly been explored. As it is located too far out for most of the smaller fishing boats to access, there are large numbers of amberjack, bream , parrotfish and grouper to be found here. The reef also has a profusion of spiny starfish and featherstarfish.
17 SMUGGLERS COVELocation Off the eastern point of the Marfa Ridge Access- By boat Conditions- Fairly sheltered from the northwesterly winds Average depth- 6m Maximum depth-15m Average visibilty 15m
Named by Aquaventure, this is a nice easy dive onto a flat sandy seabed interspersed with rocks and possidonia banks. As you swim further out to sea, the seabed becomes strewn with much larger algae covered boulders , with sea urchins, starfish and fireworms everywhere. On the inshore side , there is a large cavern at 3m , which opens out with a small swimthrough at the rear. There are lots of chromis all over this area, as well as species of bream, sand smelt and parrotfish.
18 RDUM L-AHMAR- RED CLIFFSLocation – near Ahrax point Access –Dive down Ahrax Bay, turning right and diving up the hill –Four wheel drive is recommended.Walk due east to a small patch of weedy rock after about 90m of needle sharp rocks and crevices. Conditions-Exposed location, but worth the effor. Be careful of local boat traffic in the summer months. Average depth 27m Maximum depth –36m Average visibilty- beyond 30m Very rarely dived due to difficult access, this site has large numbers of massive rock and boulders creating swimthroughs. Larger pelagic fish are often encountered here, including amberjacks and eagle rays. Grouper can be found in deeper waters where the boulders give way to rubble and sand.
19 DRAGONARA CAVE- CORAL GROTTO AHRAX POINTLocation- Off the northwest point of Marfa Ridge Access –By boat, but can be reached from the shore, although it is a long rough walk. Conditions-Fairly sheltered in the main cavern, but there can be strong surge when the weather is from the southeast Average depth- 7m Maximum depth –18m Average visibility- 30m
This is a popular dive with photographers as there are some lovely scenic views from inside the caverns , looking out to sea. The boat anchors in around 10m and then it is a short swim to the outside cavern. From here a tunnel at 5-7m opens up into a small inland grotto , open to daylight. As it is almost completely landlocked , the water temperature is often a few degrees higher than outside, allowing for increased coral growth with an abundance of golden cup corals , false coral and many different types of tube worm and starfish.
20 AHRAX BAYLocation- Off the northwestern shore Access- More popular as a short dive , but can also be done by boat Conditions-Fairly sheltered but can be choppy with some surge Average depth-9m Maximum depth 25m
This is a lovely bay with a variety of habitats to suit most tastes. There are numerous gullies cut into the limestone as you swim east to the right. Turning the corner you drop into a large cauldron shaped depression in the bedrock , with a blue hole on the inside where it is possible to surface. If you continue to the right , the wall starts to shelve steeply to over 30m. Back inside the shelter of the bay , the algae covered bedrock gives where it is possible to see the flying gumards and even stargazers. The usual large numbers of saddled breamand green wrasse amongst the algae.
21MARFA BAYLocation – Off the northern shore of the Marfa Ridge near some fishermens cottages and a slipway Access- From the shore to the right of the slipway and over some large boulders. Conditions – Sheltered from the worst of the weather and popular with the locals for swimming and snorkeling Average depth- 3m Maximum depth-6m Average visibility-12m
This is a very easy dive after a brief scramble over the rocks. Large possidonia banks result in dead grass debris. There are hundreds of snakelocks anemones all over these rocks and if you look closely you will see several species of goby as well as the spider crab found accompanying the anemones. Hermit crabs are common as are sea urchins and small starfish.
22CIRKEWWA ARCHLocation – Off the west side of the harbour wall at the Cirkewwa ferry terminal. Access- From the shore either at the old steel jetty or from the wall entrance and a jump into the water. Conditions- Sheltered from the southeast winds but can be choppy with current to be expected Average depth 15m Maximum depth 36m Average visibility-30m
The arch is located along the edge of the protective reef and is set back from the drop-off . It is essentially a cavern which has a large hole in the top, creating a narrow bridge of rock under which divers can easily gain access The arch is the highlight of the dive as the rest of the reef is made up of a thick algae fuzz and possidonia beds
23THE TUGBOAT ROZILocation – Approximately 120m directly out from the old steel jetty on a bearing of 280 degrees magnetic. Access – by jumping into the water next to the old steel pier and swimming out on the surface. Conditions- Fairly sheltered from the northwest winds but can be choppy with strong current. Average depth-30m Maximum depth –36m Average Visibility-30m The Rozi was sunk in 1992 as an underwater attraction for tourists on submarine tours. The submarine trips no longer operate, but this wonderfull little tugboat continues to sit perfectly upright on a sandy bottom within a rocky amphitheatre The ship is slowly being colonised and all areas are accesible Surrounding the ship are thousands of fish, with chromis , bream and sand smelt predominating You will also see amberjack and bonito which buzz the shoals of small fish. As you leave the wreck and swim back towards the shore , you can see a large anchor partially embedded in the sand. Continue past this to the sloping wall and you will find the first few small tunnels which lead eventually around to the Marfa Point entry.
24 MARFA POINT – THE MADONNALocation- Directly out from Marfa point entry and down the corner of the wall to 18m. Access- from the shore Conditions- Always busy and fairly sheltered from the northeast winds, but can be choppy Average depth-12m Maximum depth –18m Average visibility-18m A statue of the Madonna was placed here by the Amphibians Diving Club and sits in a small natural cavern in 18m of water. The rocks around this area are covered in large numbers of fireworms, all entwined as they eat small sea urchins and jelly fish. AS you continue out toward the point from the Madonna , there are a number of attractive overhangs covered in golden zoanthids. These lead to a largish swimthrough which goes all the way through the headland and can be negotiated by divers. The shallows are home to a few octopuses.
25 MARFA CENTRAL- THE TRAINING POOLLocation – Out from Marfa Point entry and to the left Access- From the shore Conditions- Very busy but fairly sheltered from the northeast winds Average depth 6m Maximum depth 18m Average visibilty- 18m One of several sites in the vicinity threatened by the port expansion, this site is by far the easiest shore diveing site in the area, allowing convenient access down a concrete ramp to the water. A short swim takes you into the first of two small valleys between the rocky reefs, where much of the dive training takes place.
26 PARADISE BAYLocation – Off the southwestern end of Marfa point and the headland in front of the south jetty. Access from the shore Conditions – Sheltered from the northeast winds , but there can be a surge on the entry point, so divers are encouraged to exit at the Marfa point entry. Average depth –6m Maximum depth-18m Average visibility –18m There is a hard walk over a sharp fossilized rock south of the car park. The rocky shoreline next to the harbour wall is rough , with pools of stagnant water, but once in the sea the rocky reef falls away amidst a tumble of boulders covered in possidonia. The dive continues around the headland to the right and follows the edge of the wall.
27 RDUM IL-QAWWI- ROUGH CLIFFSLocation –North of Qammieh Point Access- Along the road behind the Red Tower and park at the end at the top of the cliffs, with steps and foothpath for over 500m. Entry is from the slipway in the lagoon. Conditions –Fairly sheltered from the northeast winds, but blown out during northwesterlies. Average depth-6 to 40m Maximum depth-45m Average visibility-30m
This site features dozens of small swimthroughs under the masses of boulders that litter the shore.Here you will find golden zoanoids and various sponges while the Posidonia meadows are filled with small wrasse. This dive is worth the climb espescially for the arches and caves along the shoreline at 0 to 10m.
28 DEVILS REEFLocation –Off the southwestern point of Qammieh Point at the western end of Marfa. Access- By boat Conditions – Fairly sheltered from the northwest winds, but can be choppy with strong current. Average depth-30m Maximum depth- beyond 70m Average visibility-30m
This is an exiting dive off the reef that juts out southwest from Qammieh point to a couple of small islands just offshore. Similar in feel to Reqqa Point on Gozo this reef drops near vertically to the seabed 50m below and then slopes off to cery deep water. On the southern side of the wall is an ancient cave that clearly shows signs of stalectites, now completely submerged. This is a popular place for sightings of predatory fish such as barracuda, dentex, amberjack and even Creaville jacks.
29 ANCHOR BAYLocation –Off the southern edge of the new pier in Anchor Bay, opposite the Popeye Village. Access- From the shore Conditions- The bay is quite sheltered but has very poor visibility. However , the clarity improves near the entrance to the cave around the corner to your left –SOUTH Average depth- 6m Maximum depth-12m Average visibility-12m The bay itselfis rather dull, but once you head around the corner you come across a massive boulder next to the shoreline wall.This marks the entrance of the cave , which has a base of rounded stones. The right handed wall is pitted with thousands of small holes where fireworms, shrimps and sea urchins live. The cave is sizeable , and you can duck under a narrow lip and venture further into the cave and surface again before returning the same way. There are large numbers of brittle starfish and cave shrimps, and in the spring the nudibranch is also found here.
30 M TAHLEBLocation- Off the coast at the end of the road leading to rdum tas –Sarg north of Ras –id Dawwara Bay Access- by boat , but can also be done from the shore Conditions – A tough dive , with a long walk down from the only parking location at the top of the hill and entry and exit possible only in perfect sea conditions. Average depth- 30m Maximum depth- Beyond 70m Average visibility- beyond 30m
This has remained a relatively unspoiled dive site on account of its inaccesibility.- clambering down 300m of rugged headland may be manageable, but climbing back up after a deep dive is another matter. The site features vertical walls, ledges , caves and caverns with large numbers of wrasse, parotfish , chromis and smelt. The algae here is home to a variety of fireworms, tube worms , hermit crabs, starfish and shrimps.
31 MIGRAH FERHA - HAPPY WELCOME
Location –Off the dingli Cliffs on the southwestern coast. Access By boat or down a long and steep flight of steps and rocks. Ensure that exit is possible before entering the water, as tidal swells can render it impossible. Conditions- Exposed , but sheltered from easterly winds Average depth- 40-60 Maximum depth- beyond 60m Average visibility45m
This is another spectacular wall dive involving a climb that is difficult for the less fit. Entry is into 8m of water. , from where you head southeast . Along the wall there is an archway and cave at 12m which rises up inside to 4m , often with a layer of fresh water at the top. In the open water , you can see barracuda , jacks , tuna and eagle rays. Very rarely dived , the vertical walls plummet underwater as far as they soar above you. Large grouper are commonas are comber and all the species of wrasse and bream. At the end of the dive it is adviseable to climb back up very slowly. Count Roger and Norman had invaded Malta athis point and called it Happy Welcome , so the climb cannot be too bad.
31 GHAR LAPSILocation To the west of Ras Hanzir , off the south coast near Mnajdra Temples Access –Entry from the shore with a ladder and giant stride entry point. The slipway is covered in algae and very slippery, and divers should take care here. Conditions Fairly sheltered from the northwest winds. Average depth-6m Maximum depth 15m Average visibilty-12m
A popular site with trainees , who can enter a safe shallow cave that runs through the headland , starting in around 3m and coming out on a convoluted wall at 6m with a large pile of algae covered boulders at the entrance.
32 WRECK UM EL FAROUDLocation –140m Southwest of wied iz-zurrieq headland Access- From the shore by boat Conditions- Sheltered from Northeasterly winds, but exposed to other swells, current to be expected running from stern to bow. Average depth-25m Maximum depth –34m Average visibility-18m
Sunk in September 1998, the ill fated Um El Faroud had previously lain in Harbour at Valletta for three years following a terrible explosion on board that killed nine Maltese dockyard workers. Now , with a memorial brass plaque in place , the ship sits upright on a sandy seabed at 32m , the latest addition to Maltas artificial reef programme. At 10000 tonns and 110m long the Um el Faroud is an impressive sight. The depth to the bridge is 15m and the depth is 15m and the depth to deck 25m. The wreck is completely open for penetration but has not yet been made fully safe inside, and should only be attempted with proper training.
33 WIED IZ-ZURRIEQ – BLUE GROTTOLocation Off the ferry slip at wied iz-Zurrieq headland for trips to the Blue Grotto Access-From the shore or by boat Conditions – Fairly sheltered from the northeast winds. Care should be taken with the amount of boat traffic overhead. Average depth-9m Maximum depth –30m Average visibility 25m
Luzzus taking tourists around to the Blue Grotto ply this small bay. After a giant stride entry into the water , swim across and out to the mouth of the bay and turn to your right to follow the cliff wall. The first of the caves on the corner at 23m. It has large numbers of cardinalfish. The bigger cave – often called the Bell cave oor Chimney cave – is just around the corner at about the same depth. It has three small entrances one of which is fairly easy to negotiate. The interior walls are covered in sponges , tube worms bryozeans and a few larger peacock worms. The exit is by retracing your route into the bay.
35 FILFLA ISLANDLocation off the southern shore Access by boat Conditions –Fairly exposed from southerly swells. Expect the dive to be choppy with strong current. Average depth- 25m Maximum depth- Beyond 70m Average visibility- Beyond 30m This site can be divided into several dives around the island. Once used for target practice during World War II, Filfla is now a National Natural reserve and access is restricted. Diving can be done only with a special permit and numbers are limited , making this a dive that everyone wants to do. One or two dive centres , including the local BSAC branch , make regular visits. However , the waters surrounding the island are littered with armaments , and divers should exercise caution, making sure to stay well away from the munitions.
36 DELIMARA POINT
Location- Off the southeastern point of Delimara past Marsaxlokk Access- By Boat , but can be done from the old salt pans on the headland , although this is not recommended. Conditions-Exposed and can be choppy with current- can only be dived when conditions are near perfect. Average depth- 12m Maximum depth 25m Average visibility-18m
Visibility at Delimara Point is often the clearest around the islands. This exposed site is at the extreme southeast tip, around the flat wedge shaped rock off the headland. From here the wall drops down to around 12m where you should be able to find a vertical fissure that drops to the seabed amongst some huge algae covered boulders. Swimming from the base of the fissure to your left ,you will come to the entrance of a cave that leads all the way up through a chimney to the reef top.
37 BLENHEIM BOMBERLocation – 800m due east of xorb il-Ghajn, off the sotheast coast, in a depth of 42m Access- By boat Conditions- Fairly sheltered from the northeast winds , but can be choppy with strong current Average depth – 42m Maximum depth – 42m Average visibility – beyond 30m The wreck of this forgotten aircraft was located by Sport Diving Ltd. and now features on the Diving MUST SEE list. It is not known whether this World War II bomber was shot down or whether the three man crew had to ditch the aeroplane because of engine failure . The engine and wings are still intact , but the foresection of the fuselage has been smashed off and now lies several metres in front of the main part of the wreckeage . This is an exiting offshore dive and most Maltese operators visit the sitebut it is restricted to experienced divers because of the depth and the condition of the Bomber .
38 WRECKS AT ST.MICHAEL AND NUMBER 10 Location-Southeast of Zonqor point , at the mouth of Marsascala Harbour Access by boat – Conditions – Sheltered from the northeast winds Average depth 21m Maximum depth 21m Average visibilty 18m These two wrecks , both tugboats built in 1944, were scuttled in 1988 after having been given a full environmental clean up. The St. Michael is of Tanac type 20M long and built in Canada while the “Number 10” is 16m in length and of Melita type. Zonqor point was chosen as the site partly on account of its clean, sandy seabed and absence of possidoniasea grass meadows; the wrecks are expected to act as much needed artificial reefs. The imperial Eagle Underwater Marine Park Comitee have put together a monitoring programme to determine the speed of the marine growth and influx of fish to the area. |
