Mellieha Bay: A safe haven in most wind directions and often with incredible visibility, this sandy bay makes for easy snorkelling. Although it may not offer as much topographical interest as rockier locales, chances are you’ ll see thornback rays and blue crabs aplenty. Blue Hole: Arguably the most famous dive in Malta, although it’ s actually on the island of Gozo. It may seem a restrictively small pool for surface-dwelling snorkellers but the 360 degree walls offer plenty of wildlife and you can peer down the shaft to the archway at 6m even if a duck dive there is a bit too much.
Malta’ s heritage
On our land-based excursions we restricted ourselves to the main island( the country of Malta is made of up the islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino) but we were fortunate to be hosted by an official guide, who had to undertake three years of study to attain a Guide Licence. Malta, boasting three World UNESCO Heritage sites is a phenomenal
PHOTO: MALTA TOURIST BOARD
Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua, The Three Cities
Snorkelling gave us access to cave-rock-pool hideaways
A family that duck dives together stays together country for lovers of the past. Here’ s a sample of what we packed in. Valetta: This UNESCO-listed medieval stronghold is the capital of Malta. Built by The Knights of St John, its original streets and architecture transport you back through Centuries. Within the walls are the Upper Barrakka Gardens, with their midday cannon firing. Also worth a visit is is the Church of St John, housing two beautiful Caravagios, The Grandmaster Palace and more. The Three Cities: Three fingers of land jut out into the heavily fortified harbour. Each developed into distinct cities hundreds of years ago, retaining their individual heritage and character. Mdina – The Silent City. High-walled and built to repel invaders, the ancient capital
of Malta was never developed beyond its medieval walls. It seems like one, large, open-air museum where the exhibit is the narrow streets, intriguing buildings and architectural details that tell the stories across centuries. It also has the distinction of housing perhaps the greatest café in the world – Fontenella, with views across the whole of Malta and a long and impressive list of magnificent cakes. An opportunity to refuel for the next dive! �
For more information on snorkelling with BSAC go to bsac. com / snorkelling Looking to introduce snokelling into your club? Find out more at bsac. com / snorkellinginstructor
Our brilliant guide Stanley walking us through Fort Elmo
Mdina, the ancient capital of Malta
PHOTO: MALTA TOURIST BOARD
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