Snorkeling Malta is one of the easiest ways to discover the islands from the water without booking a technical activity. You do not need a certificate or diving experience: a mask, a snorkel, clear water, and you can already explore turquoise lagoons, rocky coves and lively seabeds.
Malta, Comino and Gozo are perfect for it. Distances are short, the water is often incredibly clear, and every spot has its own vibe: Blue Lagoon for the postcard setting, St Peter's Pool for rocks and wild swimming, Blue Grotto for cliffs, Għar Lapsi for a local feel, and Wied il-Għasri for Gozo’s raw scenery.
In this guide, you will find the 5 best snorkeling spots in Malta, the best time to go, the gear to bring, the mistakes to avoid and the easiest ways to turn a swim into a proper sea day.
5 spots
Top picks
June-October
Best season
Beginner +
Recommended level
The 5 best snorkeling Malta spots in 2026
The most iconic
Blue Lagoon on Comino is the best-known spot for one simple reason: the water is turquoise, shallow in places, and spectacular from the first minutes.
The wildest
Wied il-Għasri on Gozo has a rawer atmosphere, tucked between cliffs, perfect if you want to avoid the most obvious spots.
Blue Lagoon
Malta’s most famous turquoise lagoon — easy, spectacular, but best early
Blue Lagoon is the image most people have in mind when they think about snorkeling in Malta: almost unreal pale-blue water, a bright seabed, and the raw island of Comino behind you. For a first session, it is the easiest spot to understand: get in the water, stay close to the calmer areas, and you can already see small fish around the rocks.
The real issue is the crowd. In July and August, Blue Lagoon can get very busy from late morning through the afternoon. The best plan is to leave early, or choose a trip that also includes Crystal Lagoon, Comino’s caves and quieter swim stops.
St Peter's Pool
Natural pool, flat rocks and deep water near Marsaxlokk
St Peter's Pool is one of the most photogenic spots in southern Malta. There is no sandy beach here: you lay your towel on pale rock, then climb down into a natural pool carved by the sea. The water is deep, often intensely blue, and the rocky edges attract plenty of small fish.
It is a great spot if you want to combine snorkeling, swimming and a slightly more adventurous atmosphere. Many travelers also come to jump from the rocks, but be careful: always check the depth, sea conditions and how you will climb back out. For pure snorkeling, follow the rocky walls rather than the center of the pool.
Blue Grotto
Cliffs, blue reflections and a boat ride on the south-west coast
Blue Grotto is best known for its sea caves and striking blue reflections. The spot is usually visited by small boat from Wied iż-Żurrieq, passing through several natural cavities. For snorkeling, the interest comes from the rocky areas around the coast, the depth and the visibility when the sea is calm.
It is not always the easiest place to get into the water, because conditions depend heavily on wind and waves. For a smoother experience, aim for a calm morning or a trip that combines Blue Grotto with other swim stops. It is also a strong choice if you want a more visual half-day, with cliffs, open sea and photos.
Għar Lapsi
A local, rocky and quieter cove in the south-west of the island
Għar Lapsi is less famous than Blue Lagoon, and that is exactly what makes it appealing. This small rocky cove attracts many locals, especially in the late afternoon or on weekends. The water is clear, often protected by the rocks, and the seabed is interesting to explore with a mask and snorkel.
The atmosphere is simpler, more Maltese, less of a tourist excursion. You come with your own gear, climb down onto the rocks, get into the water and follow the underwater relief. It is a good spot if you have rented a car or want to explore south-west Malta after Dingli Cliffs or Blue Grotto.
Wied il-Għasri
A natural canyon dropping into the sea — narrow, calm and beautiful
Wied il-Għasri is one of Gozo’s most impressive places. A narrow gorge runs down to the sea, framed by high rock walls, with a small bathing area at the bottom. When the sea is calm, it is a superb snorkeling spot: the water is clear, the atmosphere is wild, and you really feel far from the classic circuits.
The spot requires a little more effort than Blue Lagoon. You need to go down steps, bring proper shoes, and avoid rough-sea days completely. But if you spend a day in Gozo, Wied il-Għasri is clearly worth the stop, especially combined with Ramla Bay, Victoria or a quad excursion.
Which spot should you choose for your snorkeling style in Malta?
For a first time
Blue Lagoon is the simplest: clear water, spectacular scenery, easy access by boat trip and calm areas if you stay close to the shore.
To avoid crowds
Għar Lapsi and Wied il-Għasri are better if you want a less packed atmosphere, especially outside weekends and early in the morning.
For photos
Blue Grotto, St Peter's Pool and Wied il-Għasri offer the most visual settings: cliffs, pale rock, arches, canyon and deep blue water.
Best time to go snorkeling in Malta
The best time for snorkeling in Malta runs from June to October. The water is warmer, the days are long, and boat trips operate at full pace. July and August have the strongest summer feel, but also the biggest crowds, especially at Blue Lagoon, St Peter's Pool and easy-access spots.
June and September are often the best months if you want balance: pleasant sea, warm weather, solid visibility and more manageable crowds. October can still be excellent, with water that keeps the heat of summer, although some days depend more on wind. In May and November, it is possible, but you need more flexibility and should expect cooler water.
For the weather
July and August are the hottest months, ideal for spending time in the water, but the famous spots are very busy.
To avoid crowds
June, September and early October are often the best choices: pleasant sea, calmer atmosphere and beautiful light.
What gear do you need for snorkeling Malta?
For snorkeling in Malta, the gear is simple: a comfortable mask, a snorkel, possibly short fins, and above all water shoes. Many spots are rocky, with entries that can be slippery or uneven. Water shoes really change the experience, especially at St Peter's Pool, Għar Lapsi or Wied il-Għasri.
Also bring a light towel, water, ocean-friendly sunscreen, a cap, and a waterproof pouch if you want to keep your phone with you. If you join a boat trip, check whether mask and snorkel are included. Some tours provide them, others ask you to bring your own equipment.
Essential
Mask, snorkel, swimsuit, towel, water, sun protection and water shoes for the rocks.
Useful bonus
Waterproof pouch, small camera, short fins and a light bag if you combine snorkeling, walking and boat.
Safety tips before getting in the water
Snorkeling in Malta is accessible, but not every spot is supervised and the coast is often rocky. Before entering the water, always check the sea state, wind, waves and how easy it is to get back out. Calm-looking water can become tricky if you need to climb onto slippery rocks or if a current pushes you offshore.
Do not go alone on isolated spots, avoid swimming too far from shore, and keep enough energy to come back. At Blue Lagoon or St Peter's Pool, also watch out for boats and crossing zones. If you are not very confident in the water, choose an organized trip, shallow areas and spots with other people around.
Where to stay to enjoy the snorkeling spots?
To explore Malta’s snorkeling spots without overcomplicating your trip, the easiest bases are St Julian's, Sliema or Valletta if you want to combine sea, nightlife and simple transport. You will be well placed for boat departures to Comino, a day in the south or a trip to Gozo.
For a calmer atmosphere, Mellieħa is interesting: you are closer to the Gozo ferry and departures to Comino. If you really want to enjoy Wied il-Għasri, Ramla Bay, Dwejra Bay and wild coves, spending one night in Gozo can be a great idea.
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Blue Lagoon, Comino, Gozo, sea caves and wild coves: choose your sea trip and discover the most beautiful snorkeling spots in the archipelago.
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