Malta’s stunning underwater world beckons adventurous scuba divers, offering a captivating journey through its historic wrecks and vibrant coral gardens. Aboard a specially equipped dive boat, thrill-seekers can explore the depths, marveling at the Bristol Beaufighter and P2V Neptune wrecks, as well as the breathtaking Coral Gardens. With comfortable amenities and expert guidance, this scuba expedition promises an unforgettable experience for both seasoned divers and those seeking to unlock the mysteries of the Maltese seas. Prepare to be captivated by the allure of this unique underwater adventure.
Key Points
- The scuba diving expedition lasts 6 hours and includes speedboat transfers to three unique dive sites: Dragutt Shoal, Madalena Shoals, and Coral Gardens.
- The expedition features two shipwreck dives, including the Bristol Beaufighter at 40 meters and the P2V Neptune at 32 meters, offering historical exploration and diverse marine life.
- The boat is equipped with a dry saloon, kitchen, and toilet, providing comfort and convenience for divers between dives.
- The small-group diving experience is suitable for both novice and experienced divers, with an emphasis on safety and enjoyment throughout the expedition.
- The Coral Gardens dive site offers a shallow reef dive with depths ranging from 5 to 15 meters, providing an immersive and colorful underwater experience.
Activity Overview
This scuba diving expedition offers an immersive 6-hour adventure, inviting intrepid divers to explore the captivating underwater landscapes around Kalkara Marina.
Priced from €464 per group of up to 2 people, the activity provides speedboat transfers to and from three unique dive sites, with English-speaking drivers.
Reservations can be made now and paid for later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Divers can expect world-class amenities, including a dry saloon, kitchen, and toilet on the specially equipped boat, as well as safety briefings, light refreshments, and the guidance of certified dive instructors.
Itinerary Details
The scuba diving expedition incorporates speedboat transfers that whisk participants from the Kalkara Marina to the first dive site, Dragutt Shoal, in just 40 minutes. After an hour of scuba diving at Dragutt Shoal, the group then travels 20 minutes to the Madalena Shoals for another hour-long dive. The final leg of the journey returns the group to the Kalkara Marina in 40 minutes.
| Destination | Travel Time |
|---|---|
| Kalkara Marina to Dragutt Shoal | 40 minutes |
| Dragutt Shoal diving | 1 hour |
| Dragutt Shoal to Madalena Shoals | 20 minutes |
| Madalena Shoals diving | 1 hour |
The tour’s itinerary is subject to change, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience for the scuba diving enthusiasts.
Speedboat Transfers
Aboard the specially equipped dive boat, participants embark on a series of speedboat transfers that whisk them between the three premier dive sites of the tour.
First, they’ll cruise for 40 minutes from Kalkara Marina to the Dragutt Shoal, where they’ll spend an hour underwater exploring the wreck of a Bristol Beaufighter aircraft from World War II.
After this initial dive, the boat zips off to the Madalena Shoals, a 20-minute journey. Here, divers will have another hour to enjoy the vibrant Coral Gardens, home to a diverse array of marine life.
Bristol Beaufighter Wreck
Lying at a depth of around 40 meters, the Bristol Beaufighter wreck presents divers with a captivating glimpse into the past. Its weathered aircraft remnants, including engines and wheels, create an excellent backdrop for underwater photography.
This WWII plane wreck offers a unique opportunity to explore a piece of history submerged beneath the waves. Divers can expect to encounter:
- Remnants of the aircraft’s fuselage and wings
- Partially intact engines and wheels
- An abundance of marine life, including schools of fish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates
- Excellent visibility, allowing for clear and detailed shots for photography enthusiasts
The Bristol Beaufighter wreck is a must-see destination for any diver seeking an adventure that combines history, marine life, and the thrill of exploring the unknown.
P2V Neptune Wreck
Located 500 meters off Bag̀ar iċ-Ċaġ̀aq, at a depth of 32 meters, the P2V Neptune wreck impresses divers with its well-preserved parts of fuselage and wings. This American patrol bomber, retired in the 1960s, now serves as an underwater playground for adventurous scuba enthusiasts. Diving amongst the wreckage, one can spot various marine creatures that have made this their home, from schools of curious fish to the occasional octopus or lobster.
| Marine Life | Visibility | Difficulty | Depth | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amberjacks, Lobsters, Octopuses | 10-30 meters | Intermediate | 32 meters | 1 hour |
The P2V Neptune dive offers a unique glimpse into Malta’s aviation history while providing an exciting underwater exploration experience.
Coral Gardens
Divers revel in the vibrant beauty of the Coral Gardens, a shallow reef dive site with an average depth of 5 meters and a maximum of 15 meters, offering excellent visibility ranging from 10 to 30 meters.
This premier diving location is a haven for a diverse array of marine life, including:
- Crabs and lobsters scuttling among the corals
- Schooling amberjacks and damselfishes darting through the waters
- Curious octopuses and painted combers exploring the reef
- Dazzling flying gurnards and dotted seaslugs adding pops of color
The Coral Gardens’ shallow, protected environment makes it suitable for divers of all skill levels, providing an immersive and unforgettable underwater experience.
Boat Features
The boat is specially equipped to cater to the unique needs of scuba divers, boasting a dry saloon, a kitchen, and a toilet, ensuring a comfortable and convenient diving experience.
Divers can relax in the dry saloon between dives, staying warm and dry while enjoying light refreshments, water, coffee, or tea.
The onboard kitchen allows the crew to prepare and serve these refreshments, catering to the group’s needs.
The presence of a toilet on board is a welcome feature, providing privacy and convenience for the divers.
These thoughtful amenities make the boat an ideal platform for scuba diving excursions, enhancing the overall enjoyment and comfort of the activity.
Additional Information
Exclusive small-group diving expeditions grant participants three dives in a single tour, allowing them to explore a diverse array of underwater sites teeming with captivating marine life.
The Coral Gardens, for instance, offer a stunning glimpse into the underwater realm, where divers can spot crabs, amberjacks, lobsters, octopuses, and a variety of vibrant fish species.
This tour provides an exceptional opportunity for both novice and experienced divers to enjoy Malta’s rich marine ecosystem.
Notable highlights include:
- Exploring the remnants of a WWII aircraft, the Bristol Beaufighter Wreck.
- Discovering the P2V Neptune Wreck, situated at a depth of 32 meters.
- Marveling at the shallow, high-visibility Coral Gardens.
- Enjoying the comfort and amenities of the specially-equipped dive boat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Maximum Number of Participants Allowed on the Boat?
The boat can accommodate up to 2 participants per group. The activity is an exclusive small-group diving experience, allowing divers to explore the underwater sites in an intimate setting.
Do Participants Need to Bring Their Own Snacks and Drinks?
No, participants don’t need to bring their own snacks and drinks. The tour includes light refreshments, water, coffee, and tea throughout the day. All food and beverages are provided as part of the package.
Is the Boat Equipped With Emergency Equipment Like Life Jackets?
The boat is equipped with all necessary safety equipment, including life jackets and emergency gear, ensuring a secure and enjoyable diving experience for participants. The skipper provides a comprehensive safety briefing prior to departure.
Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for Participating?
The activity has no age restrictions, but participants must be certified scuba divers. Minors must be accompanied by a guardian. There are no special physical requirements, though divers should be in good health and able to swim.
Can the Dive Sites Be Changed Based on Weather Conditions or Other Factors?
The dive sites can be changed based on weather conditions or other factors. The operator is flexible and give you the best possible diving experience for participants, ensuring safety and maximizing their enjoyment.
Recap
The scuba diving expedition offers an unforgettable adventure, with thrilling boat transfers to historic wrecks and vibrant coral gardens.
Divers can enjoy the comfort of a specially equipped dive boat, exploring Malta’s rich marine life and underwater beauty for an hour at a time.
Whether a novice or experienced, this expedition promises an exciting and immersive scuba diving experience.
