The statistics are staggering. The ocean covers 71 per cent of the Earth’s surface and contains 97 per cent of the planet’s water. Moreover, 95 per cent of the underwater world remains unexplored.

It’s the same with Malta. The island may only stretch for a few hundred square kilometres – however, underneath the ancient rock lie layers of turquoise, green and dark blue just waiting to be discovered. So slip beneath the warm water and experience a calm, colourful, unforgettable world.

Anchor Bay, Mellieħa

The bottom of the bay slopes gradually to reach a depth of around 28 metres. The seabed is covered with a scattering of large boulders, the ideal habitat for octopus. Some 150 metres from the bay is a large cave with a dome-shaped ceiling that is rich in red algae. Common sightings include parrotfish and groupers.

Għar Lapsi, limits of Qrendi

The approach to Għar Lapsi may be along a pot-holed road which will shudder your car’s suspensions and your backbone. Nonetheless, it is spectacular, with a savagely beautiful sea glaring at you from behind fearsome cliffs. Underneath the shouting and screaming of swimmers – the bay is popular in summer – is a quiet world. Explore the underwater caves, which lie at a depth of 15 to 20 metres and are easily accessible.

Dragonara Cave, limits of Mellieħa

The northeastern part of Malta is an enchanting dive site with various caves and several tunnels. A few strokes from entry point, a choice presents itself: to the left is a reef rich in marine life and to the right is the entrance to a large underwater cave. This is not a trick choice because both options are spectacular.

Crocodile Rock, Dwejra

Just offshore between Dwejra Point and Fungus Rock is a crocodile-shaped rock that can be reached by boat or from the rocky shore. Taking a westerly direction is a steep cliff which drops down to some 38 metres. Here, the seabed is covered in boulders. Keep the cliff face to the right and you will reach a coral cave, home to rare marine goldfish and coral sponges.

Ċirkewwa

We consider Ċirkewwa to be the gateway to our sister island. However, Ċirkewwa is also very popular with divers, thanks to its network of caves and a spectacular arch, which in reality is a cavern with a large opening at the top.

Għasri Valley

Located between Reqqa and Forna points is this spectacular valley which opens up the further you swim out. Also known as Cathedral Cave or Blue Dome, Għasri Valley is very popular with divers since it caters for all levels. It reaches a depth of around 30 metres. The cave itself is only five metres below surface and leads to a domed vault.

The Blue Hole, Dwejra

Located in front of the Azure Window, the Blue Hole can be reached by walk. Steps have also been carved, leading down to the Blue Hole, which is a natural rock formation that reaches a maximum depth of 26 metres. The hole itself is pretty small – no more than 10 metres wide and five metres across – yet it gives you access to a larger cave at the bottom.

St Paul’s Islands

The only way to reach these islands is by boat. But the effort is well worth it because this area offers various dives, including an open water reef dive and a small ferry sunk in 1984. Another dive is St Paul’s valley, located between the two islands. Here, the seabed is an enchanting white and covered in posidonia.

Mġarr ix-Xini

True, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt may have left, yet Mġarr ix-Xini is still staggeringly beautiful. On the surface, the contrast between the jagged rocks and impossibly blue water is enchanting. Underneath the surface, the cliff continues underwater to a depth of about 30 metres where large boulders are home to various species of fish, including gurnard and seahorses.

San Dimitri Point, Għarb

The most westerly point in Gozo, this site is only accessible by boat. The start to this dive is gentle but will become increasingly challenging as you go deeper. Common sightings include grouper, dentex and large shoals of barracuda.

Lantern Point, Cominotto

Starting from a shallow rocky shelf at a depth of six metres, this dive drops down to 16 metres along an almost vertical tunnel. This is a veritable maze of swim-throughs, tunnels and boulders.

Fungus Rock, Dwejra

This massive rock on the western coast of Gozo has a hole running through its northern part. The scenery is impressive, with caverns, vertical walls and fissures. The rock walls are covered in algae, sea urchins and brilliant red sea potatoes. This is also an excellent habitat for large groupers, tuna and barracuda.

Billinghurst Cave, Għasri

Located in the northern part of Gozo, Billinghurst Cave is a breathtaking dive site. The cave entrance is just above the surface and you then reach a depth of about 27 metres. A long tunnel leads to another cave where you can surface.