St. Julian's
St. Julian's offers a unique blend of vibrant city life and convenient access to Malta's world-renowned diving. While the town itself has a limited number of dive sites, primarily accessible house reefs, its strategic location makes it an excellent base for exploring the wider Maltese archipelago. Divers can enjoy the clear, blue Mediterranean waters, which are famous for dramatic underwater topography including caves, tunnels, and swim-throughs. The main draw is the incredible collection of historical and purpose-sunk shipwrecks scattered around the islands, all within easy reach from this lively coastal hub.
Diving conditions in Malta are favorable for most of the year, characterized by outstanding visibility that often exceeds 30 meters and calm seas, especially during the summer months. This makes St. Julian's an ideal destination for divers of all levels, from beginners completing their first open water course to seasoned technical divers exploring deep wrecks. By staying in St. Julian's, visitors can combine thrilling underwater adventures with the plethora of restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions available on shore, creating a perfectly balanced dive holiday.
Top Sites
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most popular dive site in St. Julian's, Malta?
While St. Julian's, Malta, is more of a base, the most popular nearby site is often a local house reef used by dive centers, such as Merkanti Reef. Its popularity stems from its extreme convenience for training and introductory dives. However, most divers use St. Julian's to access famous sites just a short trip away, like the HMS Maori wreck in Valletta's Grand Harbour. Its true appeal is its accessibility to the broader range of Malta's premier dive locations.
What are the good and less popular dive sites in St. Julian's, Malta?
The main attraction of diving from St. Julian's, Malta, is the easy access to well-known sites around the island, such as the Um El Faroud wreck and the reefs at Cirkewwa. For a hidden gem, ask local dive shops about guided shore dives to less-frequented spots along the nearby coastline. These locations often reveal interesting macro life like octopus and nudibranchs, away from the more popular and crowded dive sites, offering a more tranquil experience.
What water temperature is it like throughout the year diving in St. Julian's, Malta?
Diving in St. Julian's, Malta, is possible year-round. In summer (June-October), water temperatures are warm, ranging from 23°C to 28°C (73-82°F). During the winter months (November-May), the temperature drops significantly, averaging between 15°C and 17°C (59-63°F). Spring and autumn offer a pleasant middle ground. Most diving activity occurs during the warmer summer season.
When is the best time to visit St. Julian's, Malta?
The best time for diving in St. Julian's, Malta, is from June to September when water temperatures are warmest and the weather is sunny and calm. The shoulder seasons of April-May and October offer a great alternative with fewer tourists, pleasant weather, and still excellent diving conditions. While diving is available year-round, winter brings colder water and a higher chance of rain and rougher seas.
What's the visibility like during the dive season in St. Julian's, Malta?
The waters around St. Julian's, Malta, boast exceptional visibility, which is a key attraction for divers. During the main dive season from spring through autumn, you can typically expect visibility ranging from 20 to 30 meters (65-100 feet). On calm, sunny days, it is not uncommon for visibility to exceed 40 meters (130+ feet), providing crystal-clear views of the wrecks and underwater landscapes.
Are there any seasonal migrations or special events (e.g., manta rays, whale sharks) in St. Julian's, Malta?
Diving in St. Julian's, Malta, is not characterized by large pelagic migrations like whale sharks or manta rays. The underwater spectacle focuses on resident marine life, stunning topography, and historic wrecks. However, during the warmer summer months, you are more likely to encounter larger schools of fish, such as barracuda and amberjacks, as they become more active in the coastal waters.
What marine life can I expect to see in St. Julian's, Malta?
When diving from St. Julian's, Malta, you can expect to see a rich variety of Mediterranean marine life. Common sightings include octopus, moray eels, cuttlefish, groupers, damselfish, parrotfish, and various species of wrasse. Macro enthusiasts will enjoy searching for nudibranchs, crabs, and shrimp. In some areas, you may also encounter schools of barracuda, amberjacks, and the occasional stingray resting on the sandy seabed.
What thickness wetsuit should I wear in St. Julian's, Malta?
For diving in St. Julian's, Malta, a 5mm full wetsuit is suitable for most of the year. In the peak of summer (July-September), when water is warmest, some divers are comfortable in a 3mm wetsuit or shorty. For winter diving (November-April), a 7mm semi-dry suit is highly recommended, and many local divers will opt for a dry suit to stay warm in the colder 15-17°C (59-63°F) water.
How do I get to St. Julian's, Malta?
To get to St. Julian's, Malta, you will fly into Malta International Airport (MLA), which is the only airport serving the islands. From the airport, St. Julian's is approximately a 20-30 minute drive away. You can easily take a taxi, use a ride-sharing app, or catch a direct public bus. Many dive centers and hotels can also arrange for an airport transfer upon request.
Should I book a liveaboard or stay on shore in St. Julian's, Malta?
You should stay on shore in St. Julian's, Malta. Liveaboards are not common or necessary for this destination because the Maltese islands are very small. A shore-based holiday allows you to easily access all the top dive sites in Malta, Gozo, and Comino through daily trips organized by local dive centers. This approach provides greater flexibility to enjoy the topside attractions, restaurants, and culture of St. Julian's.