Cirkewwa Reef
Site Overview
Cirkewwa Reef is one of Malta’s most iconic shore dives, combining two large underwater statues (the Madonna at 17 m and a Christ figure), a massive underwater archway, swim-throughs and the small scuttled ferry MV Cominoland at 12 m. Abundant fish, morays and excellent macro life fill the limestone, while the easy entry and sheltered setting suit all levels. It is a signature Maltese dive and a favourite for both fun dives and courses. 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 slipway and descend along the reef to the Madonna statue at 17 m. Swim through the arch and visit the MV Cominoland ferry, then explore the boulders for morays and nudibranchs. Ascend with a safety stop, watching for boat traffic in the busy 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."
Signature Marine Life
Mediterranean Moray
Muraena helena
Best: Year-round
Dusky Grouper
Epinephelus marginatus
Best: Year-round
Barracuda
Sphyraena viridensis
Best: Year-round
Common Two-banded 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?
Perfect for open-water divers and photographers who want statues, an arch and a wreck in one easy shore dive. It is also a great site for courses and night dives. 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