Snorkelling in malta

[Fishy Dave]

I mentioned it on someone elses post but then thought I should start my own.
I booked a last minute few days away to Malta (good old Teletext), leaving next Friday and wanted to know if any of you guys has Snorkelled there before. If so, what were your experiences?

We have 7mm wetsuits, will these be enough?

Dave

[edman]

I went there a few years ago,in June I think,water was a lot warmer,but your wetsuits will be fine.We saw barracuda,blennies octopus,and many others I can't remember.
Try to go to the blue lagoon,a very nice trip,that is if anyone does this out of season.
Have a great time.Cheers,Dave. http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[kenneth_halley]

I've dived Malta a few times.

7mm suit will be plenty warm enough any time of year. Water does get cooler in winter- starts cooling noticeably around September/October. But can be very warm in Summer in the 20's.

Very weather dependent Malta though- so you need to plan your days out carefully- depending on which way the wind blows and head for the lee shore.

There are plenty of dives round the Maltese mainland coast- highlights I suppose have to be the freighter that was sank at the blue grotto ( a long surface swim though so be warned) a few years back- and the Rosie near Mehellia Bay.

However the best dives are over in Gozo. Especially the Azure Window. But basically pick a bit of accessible coast and give it a go. there are a few good books about Malta available to guide you.

You can go on guided dives or on your own as long as you are at least Sport Diver. However there is a system of dive licensing- you need to buy a license- think this costs about £20- it used to be valid for 12 months but I think they changed it to 3 or 5 years the last time I was there. It not a big deal- make sure you have your papers with you- especially your medical cert or they will make you get a medical. Any dive centre should be able to help you out. Its best if you know who your going to dive through- as you can arrange your licence in advance of going and simply pick it up once you are there.

Obviously there is not the life you'd see in the red Sea- but its warm- in summer and the visibility can be tremendous. Some people absolutley rave about it- i would not go that far but then maybe I have been a bit spoilt over the years!

http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Fishy Dave]

Cheers guys,

Thanks Dave, I shall look out for the Blue Lagoon. Re-assured we might see some interesting things then.

Kenneth, Am glad our wetsuits are warm enough, I would have got grief from the girlfriend otherwise. Thanks for all of the info you gave, the only problem is that we're not divers, so far we only snorkel, so could do with some locations about where might be best for this in your experience.

We intend to cover basic scuba lessons in the summer in readiness for the Maldives in Nov.

Thanks again

[edman]

Ken is bang on...it's called the blue grotto!!! http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif
Well worth the trip though.Cheers,Dave. http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Must be a sign of old age........my memory ain't what it used to be!!!! http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rolleyes.gif http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.ultimatereef.com/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif