Top 5 Snorkeling sites in Malta & Gozo

Snorkeling, the poor man’s diving? No, not at all when it come to Malta, Gozo and Comino’s shorelines and especially if you pick the spots below (see map). These represent our favourites, and yours. Several of our Facebook fans chipped in with their recommended snorkel coastlines. Thanks guys.

The best of snorkeling is that it is cheap: you can pick up a mask and snorkel from most corner and village stores here in Malta, and while not the most robust equipment, they’ll last you a holiday here. If you want to invest in something more durable, dive and water sports set-ups usually have shops. Golden Bay for example, or Marsalforn, Gozo, have well stocked dive shops with snorkel gear. Snorkel in shoulder and winter months and you’ll need a wet suit. Go beyond the swimming areas designated in the popular bays, and we advise you get a buoy to indicate your whereabouts to passing boats. Also, if doing more than a very casual shallow snorkel in the safe swimming zones on major beaches and close to shore, never snorkel alone. Take a friend along for safety’s sake.

Snorkeling safety tips, click here.

Top Snorkeling Sites
Five plus one actually; we’re sure to be adding to it on your recommendations.

Ħondoq ir-Rummien, Gozo (beyond Qala) – is popular with snorkellers because of its deep and clear water and the small caves at water level. Access to the sea is from bathing ladders. Beautiful, natural spot down a long track from Qala village. Generally quiet. Sadly, the area is under threat from development, we believe. So go there now.

Fomm ir-Rih, Malta (beyond Bahrija – a little trek down a slope). The beach itself is very pebbly, so best to wear rubber shoes. Only swim here if the sea is calm. Very clear water, generally very quiet, and a lovely natural location.

Wied il-Għajn, Malta, (Marsascala) / Zonqor Point, Malta (beyond Marsascala town on the tip of the harbour below swimming pool). There is a reef that goes out in the sea, more or less across the harbour mouth. It is very beautiful. Just mind the currents and passing boats.

Ghar Lapsi, Malta (beyond Siggiewi): a local beauty spot which can get busy in summer. It’s a small inlet below an impressive, craggy coastline used by a few local fishermen. Swim out of the inlet and along the coast – it’s very deep here and excellent snorkeling. Easy road down to inlet, parking and cafes.

Comino – all the coast, if you can get to it. Blue Lagoon on summer day trips is too busy to enjoy.

Gnejna Bay, Malta – this is more rocky than the other two north-western bays. Go along the outer sides, past boathouses on the right after the so called Chicken rock, nearer to the bay.

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Photo: Canlasa