Water Sports in Malta

Malta offers a large number of water sports activities for vacationers and sports enthusiasts seeking adventure and stimulating experiences. Apart from being the typical sun, sea and sand destination, there’s more to indulge in then just being dazzled with lazing on the beach. Here is a list of water sports activities you can get your adrenalin pumping through;

1: Diving

With their natural harbors, bays, sheltered creeks, cliffs, reefs and wrecks, Malta invites you to explore. The possibilities are endless.  With dive sites just a stone’s throw away from each other, you will be able to explore a variety of underwater worlds. Malta and Gozo are ideal for diving and the costs are reasonable by European standards. A full range of PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) and BSAC (British Sub-Aqua Club) courses is offered, as well as taster sessions for the total beginner. Diving takes place either from the shore or from boats. For any diving course you need a medical certificate of physical fitness. This can be arranged locally for a fee (but sometimes the fee will be included in the price of a course).

All necessary equipment can be hired on the spot. Any experienced diver wishing to dive independently of a diving Scholl must obtain a Malta Government Dive Permit or present a certificate to the authorities’ equivalent to at least the CMAS (Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques) 2-star certificate.

2: Fishing

No fishing license is required and fishing is permitted from the rocks anywhere around the islands. It is possible to go out to sea if you arrange it with a local fisherman, but you are likely to pay a great deal for the privilege. Ask at the village of Marsaxlokk and be prepared to bargain.

3: Sailing and Yachting Regattas are held from April to November, many of them starting from the Royal Malta Yatch Club. The principal events are the Comino Regatta in June, the Malta to Syracuse (Sicily) race for keelboats in July and the Rimini / Malta / Rimini race held in August. Malta has exceptionally good boating facilities.

The main yachting center focuses on Msida Marina and Whitehall Quay, both on Msida Creek, which together provide around 7,000 berths. Facilities such as electricity, water, showers, IDD telephones and 24-hour security are provided.

4: Snorkeling
The clear Maltese waters are excellent for snorkeling. Equipment can be bought or hired locally.

5: Water polo

The Maltese are mad about water polo and special pools have been constructed in some of the main centers. The national pitch is at Ta-Qroqq in Msida.

6: Water-skiing

Facilities are available on the main beaches. The most popular are to be found at Malta’s Mellieha beach and Golden Bay. Water-skiing trips and tuition are available from Divewise Services, Westin Dragonara Resort, St Julian’s.

7: Windsurfing

Windsurfing boards can be hired at the main beaches in Malta. Mellieha is particularly good. The Sicily-Malta Windsurfing Race, held in May, and the International Open Class Boardsailing Championships held in September and October, both attract competitors at international level.

Source: www.malta.cc