Anchor Reef
Site Overview
Anchor Reef, next to Cirkewwa, is named for the huge 19th-century Admiralty anchor embedded in the limestone at 22 m, alongside a smaller anchor. The sloping reef is rich in macro life, with scorpionfish, morays, octopus and nudibranchs hiding among the rocks. Its easy shore access and clear water make it a favourite for photographers and a gentle follow-up to the nearby Cirkewwa Reef statues and arch. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Malta’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Malta’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Malta’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Malta’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Malta’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Malta’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Malta’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers.
Dive Briefing
"Enter from the Cirkewwa slipway and descend along the reef to the large anchor at 22 m. Scan the rocks for scorpionfish and octopus, then ascend with a safety stop, watching for boat traffic in the channel. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point."
Signature Marine Life
Mediterranean Moray
Muraena helena
Best: Year-round
Scorpionfish
Scorpaena porcus
Best: Year-round
Common Octopus
Octopus vulgaris
Best: Year-round
Two-banded Sea Bream
Diplodus vulgaris
Best: Year-round
Nudibranch
Chromodorididae
Best: Year-round
Safety & Hazards
- Shore entry over rocks
- Occasional mild current
- Boat traffic in the channel
- Limited visibility after rain
- Sea urchins on rocks
- Variable surge
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Ideal for open-water divers and macro photographers who enjoy historic artifacts and small critters. It pairs perfectly with the adjacent Cirkewwa Reef. It suits confident Mediterranean divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich marine life over tropical abundance. It suits confident Mediterranean divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich marine life over tropical abundance. It suits confident Mediterranean divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich marine life over tropical abundance. It suits confident Mediterranean divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich marine life over tropical abundance.
Quick Stats
Dive Logistics
- Dive Centre Cirkewwa
- Dive Deep Blue
Photography Info
Best for: wide_angle, macro