Cirkewwa is perhaps most famous as the embarkation point for Malta’s car ferries, however it is also an excellent place to consider when planning a dive holiday that’s far from the crowds that are typically associated with areas where the diving is as fantastic as it is on the west side of Malta. Here, we’ll take a look at just a few of the many sites – including caves, wrecks, and scenic reefs – this part of Malta has to offer.
Scorpion Cave
Located just off a small jetty and accessible via shore, Scorpion Cave is actually a group of small caverns and swim-throughs where large boulders add even more interest to the underwater topography. You’ll find the entrance to the main cave at a depth of 6 meters; after swimming for a few meters, you’ll find yourself in a large chamber with an air pocket overhead which is supplied from outside; if you want to chat with your dive buddy in here, you can. You can sometimes spot little scorpions along the cave’s walls and ceilings; thus the site’s name! Maximum depth is just 8 meters.
Madonna
If you’re looking for a great site to encounter large fish such as barracuda or tuna, you’ll enjoy all Madonna has to offer. This fantastic reef can be accessed from shore; besides the larger fish, it is home to a wide array of reef species, including sea urchins, colorful shoals of little fish, large scorpionfish, and fireworms. Caves, swim-throughs, and ledges add even more interest to the site, and some time ago, divers added a statue of the Virgin Mary, which makes an interesting focal point for photographs. Concrete pathways and metal handrails make entry and egress simple, and though maximum depth is 30 meters, there is plenty to see in much shallower water. Visibility is usually 30 meters or so.
Rozi Wreck
A 40-meter tugboat that sits at depths between 25 and 35 meters, the Rozi has been on her final mission since 1991, when she was deployed as an artificial reef. Covered in sponge and coral, the wreck is teeming with a wide array of marine life, including colorful cardinalfish, lots of wrasse, and tons of macro life. Penetration is possible, and the wreck sits along a section of reef where swim-throughs and ledges hold even more life. This is another great shore dive; the wreck is marked with a yellow buoy. Visibility is usually between 25 and 30 meters.
Lighthouse Point
A chimney, a cave, a wall, and a swim-through: You’ll find all four of these fantastic features at lighthouse point. With depths between 6 and 34 meters, the site is home to shoaling barracuda, lots of wrasse, and loads of other marine life; along the shallow sections, you’ll find juvenile octopus sharing nursery space with baby moray eels! This site is located about 20 minutes offshore; as it does have some challenges, it is best for divers with experience. Visibility is usually 15 meters or so.
Paradise Bay
A beautiful site with intriguing rock formations and a reef that’s teeming with life including fish large and small alike, Paradise Bay is home to shoaling chromis, big barracuda, and loads of brightly colored scorpionfish. This site can be accessed by boat or from shore; use extreme caution if you decide to do it as a shore dive as the rock are extremely slippery and sharp. Divers have suffered head injuries getting in and out of the site, so use appropriate precautions to avoid spoiling your holiday.
Mgarr is located just a short distance away from Cirkewwa, and it is an excellent place to spend some topside time between dives, particularly if you’ve got non-divers in your group. This area is of particular significance as it features two prehistoric sites; Ta Hagrat and Ta Skorba, which are megalithic temples that are counted among the earth’s most ancient sites. Above and below the surface, this part of Malta excites the imagination while providing a peek deep into ancient history. If you’re like many who journey to this region, you may never want to leave it behind.