“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” — Jacques Cousteau
If the thought of snorkeling brings to mind images of flailing limbs, fogged-up masks, and an intense battle with a wayward snorkel, then you, my friend, are not alone. But fear not—snorkeling in Malta is nothing like the tragic comedy that often unfolds in crowded tourist spots. Here, the Mediterranean beckons with crystal-clear waters, hidden underwater treasures, and a marine life so vibrant that even the fish seem to be posing for Instagram.
The best part? You don’t have to wrestle your way through beach crowds to get a prime spot. Some of Malta’s most spectacular snorkeling sites are only accessible by boat, which means fewer people, more marine magic, and the distinct possibility that a curious octopus might come over to inspect your fins. So, grab your snorkel, summon your inner Cousteau, and let’s set sail to Malta’s underwater wonderland
The Blue Lagoon, Comino – Where the Water is So Clear, It’s Almost Cheating
If you haven’t heard of the Blue Lagoon, you’ve either been living under a rock or have the remarkable ability to ignore every single travel brochure about Malta. This place is famous for a reason. The water is so unnaturally clear that it feels like someone went a little overboard with the saturation tool in Photoshop.
The lagoon is a dazzling display of blues, from deep cobalt to electric turquoise, and the visibility is so good that even the fish seem surprised when you swim by. Underwater, expect to find a lively cast of characters, from darting parrotfish to lazy sea bream. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a moray eel peeking out of the rocks, looking as if it disapproves of your life choices.
Pro tip: Get here early or late in the afternoon if you prefer your snorkeling experience to feel more like a serene nature documentary and less like a theme park water ride.
Santa Maria Caves, Comino – For the Fish That Think They’re in a Music Video
Just a short boat ride from the Blue Lagoon, the Santa Maria Caves are an entirely different beast. These aren’t just caves; they’re underwater theaters where shafts of light create an otherworldly blue glow, and schools of fish move like synchronized swimmers in a particularly well-choreographed performance.
The caves themselves are a labyrinth of tunnels, archways, and shadowy crevices, offering the perfect hideout for groupers, nudibranchs, and the occasional octopus trying to mind its own business. The way the sunlight filters through the openings creates an ethereal effect, as if the fish have somehow arranged for their own dramatic lighting.
It’s an unmissable spot for anyone who enjoys a bit of mystery with their snorkeling. And let’s be honest—there’s something deeply satisfying about gliding through a sea cave and pretending you’re in an adventure film.
Anchor Bay – Popeye’s Secret Snorkeling Haven
Anchor Bay is mostly famous for being home to the set of the 1980 Robin Williams Popeye movie, a fun and slightly bizarre relic that still stands today. But beyond the cinematic nostalgia, the real star here is the water. It’s a dazzling mix of blues and greens, framed by dramatic cliffs that seem tailor-made for epic holiday photos.
Snorkeling here is an absolute treat. The underwater world is a riot of color, with sea urchins clinging to the rocks, starfish lazing about as if they own the place, and entire schools of silver fish darting through the water like a synchronized army on a mission. If you swim out a little further, you’ll find deeper rock formations teeming with marine life that seems entirely unbothered by your presence.
After your underwater adventure, you can climb aboard your boat, rinse off the salt, and bask in the sun while contemplating whether Popeye really did need all that spinach or if he was just trying to set unrealistic dietary goals.
Ghar Lapsi – The Snorkeling Spot You’ll Want to Keep a Secret
Ghar Lapsi is what you might call a “locals’ favorite.” While the main beach area can get a bit crowded, the real magic happens offshore, where boats can anchor in spots that feel like a private slice of the Mediterranean.
Once in the water, you’ll be greeted by a stunning underwater world. The seabed here is a mix of rocky formations and seagrass meadows, where fish dart between the fronds like tiny aquatic commuters. The occasional sea turtle has been known to make an appearance, and there’s always the chance of spotting a cuttlefish doing its mesmerizing color-changing trick, just to show off.
The best part? The water here has an almost otherworldly shade of blue, as if nature itself decided to create the ultimate snorkeling backdrop. Just don’t tell too many people about it—we wouldn’t want the secret getting out.
Mgarr ix-Xini, Gozo – Where Snorkeling Feels Like Time Travel
Gozo, Malta’s quieter and arguably more dramatic sibling, is home to Mgarr ix-Xini, a secluded bay that feels like it was plucked straight from an old explorer’s map. It’s a narrow, fjord-like inlet framed by limestone cliffs, and if you arrive by boat, you’ll feel like you’ve just discovered a hidden paradise.
Below the surface, it’s equally enchanting. The seabed is dotted with boulders and underwater caves, providing the perfect hiding spots for an array of marine creatures. Expect to see cuttlefish hovering like miniature UFOs, colorful wrasses weaving through the rocks, and—if fortune favors you—a shy seahorse clinging to the seagrass.
The water here is warm, clear, and irresistibly inviting. It’s the kind of place that makes you lose track of time, floating lazily while the marine life goes about its business around you.
The Final Splash
Snorkeling in Malta is more than just a pastime; it’s an invitation to explore a world where the fish have front-row seats to nature’s most breathtaking show. Whether you’re weaving through sea caves, swimming alongside curious marine life, or simply floating in impossibly blue waters, every spot offers a different kind of magic.
So, grab your snorkel, hop on a boat, and dive into an adventure that will leave you salty, sun-kissed, and grinning from ear to ear.
The Mediterranean is waiting—will you answer the call?