From Morocco and Egypt in Africa to Spain and Italy in Europe, the Mediterranean presents a collection of countries and coastlines offering countless opportunities for underwater adventure for both novice and experienced divers. Its crystal clear waters, crowds of marine life, caves, and ship wrecks provide a year round attraction for enthusiastic divers from around the world. Given the plethora of diving sites in the various destinations, which are the best diving spots in the Mediterranean? Here at https://atlantisgozo.com, we present you the top 5.
MS Zenobia, Cyprus
The wreck of MS Zenobia in Cyprus has repeatedly been named as the top diving site in the world. The ferry capsized on its maiden voyage from Sweden to the Middle East in June 1980 carrying 104 tractor trailers. The wreck lies on its side in the Mediterranean floor on the Larnaca Bay. Newly qualified divers can dive 42 feet along the starboard side of the ship while more experienced ones can explore the more challenging accommodation block and the engine room. They can even sit in the cabin of a truck in the underwater fleet of vehicles.
The Maltese archipelago comprising of Malta, Gozo, and Comino islands offer some of the best diving locations in the Mediterranean. The islands have beautiful underwater scenery, excellent visibility and year round sunshine making them perfect for a diving adventure. Located in Dwerja in Gozo, the Blue Hole is the Maltese islands’ most popular diving site. It is a 26m tunnel made of rock formations which at one point opens out to sea through an archway. Going further into the tunnel, one passes a diverse marine life that includes parrot fish, eel, lobster, octopus and much more. Close to the Blue Hole, is the Coral Gardens a multi-level sea bed that is abundant in sea life. Divers are most likely to spot wrasses, starfishes, sea urchins and jellyfishes.
Island of Ustica, Italy
The Island of Ustica which lies 50km north of Sicily in Italy came about as a result of a submerged volcano. As a result, the surrounding waters are a feast of fish and black coral which are ideal for snorkelling and diving. The best dive site in Ustica is the Secca della Columbara, a 43-metre dive featuring a steep wall covered in sponges. It is a haven for vast schools of barracuda, amberjacks, crayfish and white bream.
Chios Island, Greece
The Greek Islands are known to be excellent diving spots in Europe. Given their popularity, it is interesting to learn that up until 2005, divers were given access to just 620 miles of the 10,000 miles of Greek coastline. With the change of legislation, there has been an influx in the number of divers who visit the islands. While you may have heard of Santorini and Mykonos, the small island of Chios with its colourful reefs, vertical walls, and small shipwrecks, is the undisputed number one diving location in Greece. The waters are a clear electric blue and are a wonderland of tunnies, perches, and combers.
Medes Island Marine Reserve, Spain
When the father of diving, Jacques Cousteau visited the Medes Islands in 1955 to document the marine life, he noted that the rich ecosystem needed to be protected. Years of preservation has seen the Medes Island Marine Reserve become one of the most important marine flora and fauna reserves in the western Mediterranean as well as being a popular diving destination. The flora has grown so tall meaning divers float through vast sea grass meadows. There are underwater statues, caves, and tunnels to explore and plenty of rare fishes to discover.