Best Snorkelling Spots in Malta (2026 Edition)

Malta, Gozo, and Comino offer some of the clearest water in Europe and are home to incredible marine life, dramatic underwater landscapes, and shallow reefs ideal for snorkelling. Whether you want calm family-friendly snorkelling or strong-current drift areas for experienced swimmers, this 2026 guide covers the top locations and essential safety notes.

Here are the top five snorkelling spots in Malta for 2026, based on visibility, fish life, reef structure, and overall underwater experience.

1. Kissing Elephants (Comino) — Best Overall Snorkelling in Malta (2026 Winner)

The Kissing Elephants on the west side of Comino is arguably the best snorkelling location in Malta for 2026.

Why it’s the best:

• exceptionally clear turquoise water
• shallow reef structure ideal for long snorkels
• abundant reef fish
• excellent visibility even on windy days
• very quiet, no crowds
• protected from boat traffic

This area is only accessible by private boat or jet ski, making it one of the most preserved underwater environments in Malta. Its mix of sand, rock, and small reef formations attracts a wide range of fish.

Difficulty: Easy
Ideal for: Families, beginners, photographers

2. North Gozo Reef (Qbajjar to Xwejni) — Best for Pelagic Fish & Advanced Snorkellers

Between Qbajjar and Xwejni Bay lies one of Malta’s least-known underwater treasures: a shallow reef system full of marine life and pelagic species.

Highlights:

• pelagic fish sightings (tuna juveniles, amberjack, barracuda)
• reef fish breeding grounds
• bright, shallow plateau perfect for long snorkels
• extremely rich biodiversity

Important Safety Tip:

This is a high boat-traffic zone, so snorkellers must:

• tow a snorkel marker buoy
• remain aware of passing vessels
• avoid deep or exposed sections in strong winds

Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
Ideal for: Experienced snorkellers, marine-life enthusiasts

 3. Ghar Lapsi (South Malta) — Best Shore Snorkelling Spot

Ghar Lapsi offers some of the clearest water in south Malta thanks to its protected natural lagoon and open-sea access.

Why it’s great:

• calm, sheltered entry point
• excellent visibility
• underwater caves and caverns
• mix of sand patches and rocky reef
• plenty of small reef fish

It is one of the best snorkelling locations accessible without a boat and is ideal for families or beginners, as the protected pool area is calm even when the outside sea is rough.

Difficulty: Easy
Ideal for: Families, beginners, freedivers

4. Cominotto Reef (Comino) — Best for Octopus & Drift Snorkels

Cominotto Reef lies on the western side of Blue Lagoon and is one of the richest octopus habitats in Malta.

Highlights:

• strong chance of spotting octopus
• excellent reef fish numbers
• dramatic underwater rock formations
• vibrant colours due to white sand

Safety Tip:

Cominotto Reef has strong currents, especially mid-channel.
For this reason:

• fins are essential
• a support boat is strongly recommended
• beginners should stay close to the shallow sections

Difficulty: Moderate to Advanced
Ideal for: Confident snorkellers, underwater photographers, octopus lovers

5. Zriezaq Bay to Halfa Rock (Gozo) — Pristine Reefs & Octopus Habitat

This stretch between Zriezaq Bay and Halfa Rock is one of Gozo’s most unspoiled underwater environments.

Why it’s special:

• high chance of seeing octopus
• quiet location with very few people
• beautiful reef formations
• extremely clear water
• ideal depth for long snorkels

Safety Tip:

Because this area also has currents, snorkellers should:

• use fins
• snorkel with a buddy
• ideally have a support boat nearby

Difficulty: Intermediate
Ideal for: Adventure snorkellers, Gozo explorers

Summary — The Best Snorkelling Spots in Malta (2026)

Comino takes the top positions due to its combination of clear water, low traffic, and excellent marine life. Gozo’s northern reef remains a favourite for more advanced snorkellers, while Ghar Lapsi is the best family-friendly shore snorkel in Malta.

Want to Snorkel at the Best Spots Safely?

Many of the top snorkelling locations — including Kissing Elephants, Cominotto Reef, Zriezaq Bay, and Halfa Rock — are best accessed by private boat, especially in 2026 due to currents and boat traffic.

Private boat tours include:

• snorkelling equipment
• floats
• shade
• safe entry ladders
• experienced skippers who choose the calmest spots

Book your snorkelling-friendly private boat tour at:
https://www.imaltaboattrips.com/

Use promo code BOAT26 for €20 off in 2026.