Fomm ir-Rih Bay
Site Overview
Fomm ir-Rih is a remote, undeveloped bay on Malta’s west coast with spectacular underwater topography: steep cliffs, massive boulders and caves dropping into clear water. Groupers, morays and lobsters inhabit the rocks, with gorgonians on the deeper sections. Its difficult cliff entry and depth make it an advanced shore dive best done with a guide and careful planning. 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. 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
"Carry gear down the cliff path and enter carefully, then descend along the boulders and walls, controlling buoyancy. Explore the caves for groupers and lobsters, then plan your exit back up the slipway. A guide is essential given the remoteness. 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
Dusky Grouper
Epinephelus marginatus
Best: Year-round
Mediterranean Moray
Muraena helena
Best: Year-round
Barracuda
Sphyraena viridensis
Best: Year-round
Red Gorgonian
Paramuricea clavata
Best: Year-round
European Lobster
Homarus gammarus
Best: Year-round
Safety & Hazards
- Remote cliff entry and exit
- Steep boulders
- Moderate current and surge
- Depth to 50 m
- No nearby facilities
- Reduced visibility after swell
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Suited to advanced divers who want dramatic, unspoiled topography away from the crowds. It rewards careful planning with pristine walls and big fish. 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 Systems
- Hurricane Diving
Photography Info
Best for: wide_angle, macro