Snorkelling in Malta — Best Spots and How to Reach Them

Malta sits in the middle of the Mediterranean with water visibility that regularly exceeds 30 metres. The sea floor is a mix of limestone rock, posidonia meadows, and dramatic drop-offs, and the marine life — while not tropical — is varied and genuinely interesting. For snorkellers, it's one of the best destinations in Europe. The catch: the best spots are almost all accessible only by boat.

1. Comino's Sea Caves

The caves and crevices along Comino's north coast are the best snorkelling in the archipelago. The rock formations create channels and archways that funnel clean, clear Atlantic-influenced water. Below the surface: octopus tucked into crevices, parrotfish, wrasse, and sea urchins on every limestone shelf. The light filtering through the cave entrances creates extraordinary effects on the seabed.

2. Crystal Lagoon, Comino

The Crystal Lagoon is shallower than the Blue Lagoon and has a sandy, light-coloured bottom that makes the water appear an almost fluorescent turquoise. Visibility here is exceptional — on a calm day you can see every detail of the seabed from the surface. Small fish gather around the rocky edges and the snorkelling is relaxed and beginner-friendly.

3. Dahlet Qorrot, Gozo

This small fishing bay on Gozo's northeast coast is one of the most underrated snorkelling spots in Malta. The water is sheltered, clear, and rich with marine life around the rocky edges. Traditional Gozitan fishing boats bob on the surface while below, the rock formations drop away into deeper channels. Octopus, moray eels, and colourful wrasse are regular sightings.

4. St Peter's Pool, Malta South

The natural rock pools at St Peter's Pool create a uniquely sheltered snorkelling environment. The flat limestone platforms drop into clear, deep channels where the current brings in fresh water regularly. The visibility is consistently good and the underwater topography — ledges, overhangs, and crevices — makes for interesting exploration.

5. Blue Grotto, Malta South

The Blue Grotto area is famous for its caves and arches, but the snorkelling around the base of the cliffs is outstanding. The bioluminescent algae that give the caves their blue glow also attract fish, and the rocky seabed is home to sea urchins, starfish, and nudibranchs. A private charter lets you anchor here and snorkel at your own pace — impossible on the short commercial grotto tours.

6. Imgiebah Bay, Malta Northwest

One of Malta's most remote and least visited bays. The water here is exceptionally clean and the rocky edges drop into deeper water faster than most bays on the island. Larger fish — sea bream, grouper, and occasionally barracuda — patrol the deeper sections. Reachable only by boat or a demanding hike.

What to Bring for Snorkelling in Malta

• Your own mask and snorkel — a well-fitting mask makes a huge difference to the experience

• Fins — optional but useful for covering more ground in deeper bays

• Reef-safe sunscreen — important for protecting Malta's marine environment

• A rash vest or wetsuit top for longer sessions, especially in May and October

• An underwater camera if you have one — the visibility makes for exceptional photos

The Best Way to Access Malta's Top Snorkelling Spots

With the exception of St Peter's Pool, all the spots above are best (or exclusively) reached by boat. A private charter with Nautiful lets you build a snorkelling-focused itinerary — combining two or three spots in a single day, with time to really explore each one rather than the rushed swim-and-move-on approach of group tours.

Tell us when you book that snorkelling is a priority and your skipper will plan the day around the best conditions and spots for the time of year.