Learn to Dive in Malta and Gozo | Europe

If you’d like to learn to dive but don’t want to commit to flying halfway across the world, the tiny Mediterranean island of Gozo is just the ticket.

When we mention learning to dive in Europe, images of cold dives in murky water undoubtedly spring to mind (for us Brits, anyway). Unless, of course, you learn to dive in Malta and Gozo. Decamp to Gozo, the relaxed, unassuming (yet no less impressive) neighbouring island to Malta which enjoys shore access to some of the best dive sites of the Mediterranean, if not Europe.

The conditions in Gozo couldn't be better for beginner divers with calm, warm waters, crystal clear visibility and a fantastic array of shallow sites. Novices are spoilt for choice with an incredible variety of marine environments to explore, from reefs to wrecks, arches and swim-throughs and a whole heap of fascinating critters, including octopus, triggerfish, lizard fish, scorpionfish, schools of barracuda and even nudibranch. Surface intervals are just as varied, with a huge array of experiences for every interest; history buffs will love uncovering Gozo's ancient ruins (some of which pre-date Stonehenge) while thrill seekers can go abseiling, rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking and sailing to explore the hidden coves surrounding the island. For Oenophiles, Gozo has some beautiful vineyards to explore, and of course, sample the local wines (albeit after your dive course).

Whether you learn to dive in Malta or Gozo, we're confident you'll be hooked for life.