Picture this. You jump off a small boat near Malta and open your eyes under water. The sea is clear like anything. Fish move in all directions. Rocks and arches rise from the sand. This is not a cartoon. It is daily life around Malta, Comino and Gozo. Under water. With more than 300 sunny days each year, these islands welcome snorkelers and divers from all over the world.
Who lives here?
- Painted Comber – A striped fish that follows big hunters and eats the crumbs they drop. Two combers close together often mean an octopus or moray is hiding nearby.
- Cardinal Fish – Dad keeps all the eggs in his mouth. He cannot talk, so please give him space.
- Seahorse (Hippocampus) – The male carries the babies in a pouch. They blend with plants and move slowly.
- Sarpa Salpa – A gold-lined fish. People who eat it can see strange dreams for days. Better to watch than to eat.
- Pyrosome – Looks like a glowing tube. It is a moving city made of tiny animals working as one.
- Cuttlefish (Sepia) – A cousin of the octopus. It changes color in a flash. Blue skin means calm; raised arms? You better leave.
- Wrasse – The sea cleaner. It picks parasites from bigger fish like a free spa.
- Parrotfish – Bright scales and strong teeth. It bites hard coral and turns it into sand.
- Mullet – A bottom feeder with a funny name. It vacuums algae and keeps the ground tidy.
- Amberjack – A fast hunter that likes open water. Blink and it is gone.
- Barracuda – Long, slim and always hungry. Often hunts in packs.
- Albacore & Skipjack Tuna – Long-distance racers. You may meet them in blue water off the drop-off.
- Dentex – A strong predator with big teeth, king of the reef edge.
- Grouper (called “Bear” by locals) – Large head, calm eyes. Loves caves and shady overhangs.
- Shark – Rare here, but vital. They keep smaller hunters in check and balance the food chain.
Why snorkel or dive here?
- Clear water – On many days you can see forty meters. That feels like flying. It’s magic.
- Three islands, three styles
- Malta has wrecks from World War II. Perfect for history fans.
- Comino has the Blue Lagoon; shallow water in bright light.
- Gozo has deep chimneys, arches and caves that test your torch skills.
- Easy entry – Most sites start right off the shore. Walk, jump, swim. Done.
- Mild sea – In summer the water feels like a warm pool. A thin suit or just swimwear is fine.
- Safe set-up – Local dive shops run daily trips, rent good gear and share tips for snacks after you surface.