| The Maltese Archipelago is a real paradise for | | | | surface of the Maltese sea is full of secrets to be |
| divers and snorkelers. In the case of wreck diving, | | | | discovered and revealed by the ardent snorkeler. |
| for many it is a dream come true. The islands | | | | As one explores this world he soon learns more |
| have fortunately retained their natural state due, | | | | about its inhabitants and the rich life to be found |
| to a large extent, to the sea and its fauna. | | | | there. It is easy to see why people can become |
| The attraction of Malta and Gozo for the diver, | | | | passionate about the underwater world |
| however, is based on their unique topographic | | | | surrounding Malta and Gozo. |
| structure, the healthy water situation which offers | | | | As an activity, snorkeling is within the reach of |
| a visibility of over 25 meters at most dive sites, | | | | practically everyone. It does not ask for |
| the rich fauna and the large amount of wrecks. | | | | expensive or complicated equipment, and the |
| The combination of sheer cliffs, caves, wrecks, | | | | basics are easy to learn. Most snorkelers take |
| shelves and sandy and rocky sea beds, means | | | | their holidays in areas that are ideal for snorkeling |
| there is a large variety of fauna and flora to see | | | | and for people of practically all age groups, which |
| and explore in Maltese waters. | | | | is why Malta has been regularly attracting more of |
| Wrecks, as artificial reef habitats, have provided a | | | | them. |
| home for a great number of species in recent | | | | Snorkeling is the practice of swimming at the |
| years and make excellent dive sites. Even more | | | | surface of a body of water while equipped with a |
| exciting for both the beginner and the | | | | diving mask, a shaped tube called a snorkel, and |
| experienced diver, there is also a large amount of | | | | usually flippers. In cooler waters or in winter time, |
| wrecks from the First and Second World Wars. | | | | a wetsuit may also be worn. Combining these |
| They are wrecks of all shapes and dimensions | | | | tools allows the snorkeler to observe underwater |
| that make Malta and Gozo a clear cut ahead for | | | | attractions for extended periods of time with |
| wreck diving in the Mediterranean. | | | | relatively little effort. |
| Some wrecks have also been scuttled as artificial | | | | Snorkeling is an increasingly popular recreational |
| reefs and all offer perfect living conditions for fish | | | | activity for visitors to Malta and Gozo, with hotels |
| and marine organisms. Dives on offer in Malta are | | | | and holiday resorts offering lessons and snorkeling |
| either from land or from a boat, depending on the | | | | activities throughout the summer months. They |
| level of experience and the dive sites selected. | | | | give you the opportunity to observe underwater |
| Maltese diving schools and clubs have highly | | | | life in a natural setting. This may include some |
| qualified and experienced professional instructors | | | | fascinating reefs and their denizens, such as fish, |
| running courses under the world's largest diver | | | | cephalopods, starfish, sea urchins, and mollusks. |
| training organization, PADI (the Professional | | | | Snorkeling in the sandy areas may allow sightings |
| Association of Diving Instructors). | | | | of rays and various flatfish. |
| The best amongst Malta's diving schools have | | | | Other organisms that can be seen while snorkeling |
| their own dedicated top grade scuba equipment | | | | in Malta include various forms of seaweed, |
| as well as all necessary support materials. | | | | jellyfish, shrimp, and very rarely, sea turtles and |
| Academic instruction and practical training can be | | | | other colorful species. It is a world inviting you in. |
| carried out in English, German, French, Dutch, | | | | Don't hesitate. If the idea of scuba diving is a bit |
| Italian, Russian and Arabic. | | | | too scary, but you still want to connect with the |
| For the less daring - snorkeling | | | | world under water then snorkeling is the perfect |
| The active, colorful world that lies beneath the | | | | compromise. |