This substantial draft was written in 2023, recovered from Blogger and published as part of the 2026 heritage restoration. Obsolete signatures and formatting were removed.
Malta is a small island nation located in the Mediterranean Sea, and it is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and rich history. Among the many activities to do in Malta, scuba diving is one of the most popular and rewarding. As a certified scuba diving instructor, I can confidently say that the Blue Hole in Gozo and Um El Faroud are my two favourite diving spots in Malta.
The Blue Hole is a natural sinkhole that is located in the town of Dwerja, on the island of Gozo. This spot is particularly popular among divers because of its crystal clear waters, which allow for excellent visibility. The Blue Hole is about 40 meters deep and it is home to a variety of marine life, such as octopus, moray eels, amberjacks and schools of fish. Another reason the Blue Hole is a popular diving spot is the variety of dive sites it offers, making it suitable for divers of all levels. Beginner divers can explore the shallower areas, while more experienced divers can venture into the deeper parts of the sinkhole. The Blue Hole also offers divers a unique experience as it's surrounded by beautiful rock formations, making it a great spot for photography.
Um El Faroud, on the other hand, is an artificial reef located off the coast of the island of Malta, specifically in the area of Zurrieq. It is a former Libyan tanker that was purposely sunk in 1998 as an artificial reef to create a new dive site. The wreck is over 110 meters long, and it's situated at a depth of around 35 meters which makes it suitable for advanced divers. The wreck is well preserved, and divers can explore the engine room, the bridge and the accommodation area. One of the most interesting aspects of diving in Um El Faroud is the rich marine life that has colonized the wreck, such as schools of barracudas, octopus, moray eels, and many different species of fish.
Both diving spots offer a unique and exciting experience. The Blue Hole offers beautiful reef diving while Um El Faroud offers an exciting shipwreck diving experience. The Blue Hole is perfect for divers of all levels while Um El Faroud is ideal for experienced divers.
In conclusion, Malta is a scuba diver's paradise and the Blue Hole in Gozo and Um El Faroud are two of the top diving spots on the island. Whether you're looking for beautiful reef diving or an exciting shipwreck diving experience, these two spots will not disappoint.
