Malta – South Coast (Wied iz-Zurrieq, Ghar Lapsi, Marsascala)

About Malta – South Coast (Wied iz-Zurrieq, Ghar Lapsi, Marsascala)

The wild south coast of Malta is the kingdom of big wrecks and dramatic limestone. Wied iz-Zurrieq is home to the legendary Um El Faroud oil tanker and the Blue Grotto sea cave, while Ghar Lapsi offers a sheltered pool and cave ideal for training and macro. Marsascala and Xrobb l-Għaġin add deeper WWII aircraft and steamer wrecks for advanced divers. The cliffs, walls and offshore reefs make this a favourite for experienced Mediterranean divers. The area rewards careful planning and respects Maltese marine-protection rules, offering rewarding diving for a range of Mediterranean experience levels. The area rewards careful planning and respects Maltese marine-protection rules, offering rewarding diving for a range of Mediterranean experience levels.

Highlights

• ✓Um El Faroud: a 115 m Libyan oil tanker, one of Malta’s premier wreck dives at 18-36 m.
• ✓Blue Grotto: a spectacular sea cave with intense blue light and outer reef swim-throughs.
• ✓Ghar Lapsi: a natural rock pool and cave, 5-20 m, excellent for macro and training.
• ✓Blenheim Bomber: a WWII aircraft at 40 m, largely intact and an advanced dive.
• ✓SS Polynesia: a 1920s steamer at 28-35 m, upright with conger eels and bream.

Getting There

The south is about 30-40 minutes by bus or car from Malta International Airport. Wied iz-Zurrieq and Ghar Lapsi are cliffside entries; Marsascala and the wrecks are reached by shore or short boat trips from the fishing harbours.