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Underwater image of a scuba diver ascending with vibrant fins in the deep blue ocean.
📷 Toon Van Dyck · Pexels

Um El Faroud

3.6 — based on 17 community signals
4.4 12 species 53 contributors

Um El Faroud is a Malta dive site offering year-round access to explore underwater features near the famous Blue Grotto sea caverns.

⭐ Best for beginners.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Beginner
Shore entryPhotoFriendly

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
beginner
Best months
Year-round

Top operators here

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Map

This spot Operators Airport Nearby spots
Um El Faroud location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
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Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
2.5 kn
Wave
0.4 m
Water
28.6°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: ESE (20%)
Now: SSW (203°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 0.25m

Today: High 03:00 (-0.38m), Low 09:00 (-0.38m)

+-0.3 m-0.6 m
▲ 03:00 · -0.38m ▲ 08:00 · -0.37m ▼ 09:00 · -0.38m ▼ 13:00 · -0.39m Now -0.4m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV2.6 · low Air PM2.57 · good 06:47 19:03
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 6.6 0.48 3 1mm
09-20 5.8 0.48 5 4mm
09-21 6 0.22 7 0mm
09-22 6.2 0.36 7 0mm
09-23 9.3 1.14 6 7mm
09-24 9.1 0.92 6 4mm
09-25 10.4 0.46 6 1mm

About this spot

Um El Faroud sits in Malta's waters as a compelling dive destination for those drawn to the island's unique underwater geology. The site is situated in the vicinity of the Blue Grotto, a series of dramatic sea caverns that define this region's character. While depth and visibility metrics aren't formally documented, the area's proximity to these natural formations suggests interesting terrain and varied bottom topography worth exploring. The site operates year-round, making it accessible whenever you plan a Malta diving trip. Local dive operators can provide current conditions and guide you through the underwater landscape. The marine environment here has been documented with 12 species observations on record, indicating healthy biodiversity typical of Maltese waters. Community contributions include three video submissions, offering insight into what divers encounter at this location. Um El Faroud isn't within a marine protected area, which reflects Malta's broader diving approach of balancing access with conservation. For divers interested in geology-focused dives or those wanting to experience Malta's famous Blue Grotto area from the water, this site offers a practical entry point. Verify current conditions and any local guidance before your dive.

📖 Guide: Diving in Malta: 40 Sites, Wrecks & Caves Year-Round

Best months

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Dive types

ShoreReef

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
  • 📔 Dive logbook
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type G · 230V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 48%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 2105km · ~484kg · €9

From your departure country

United States
Origin score: 77/100
  • Visa: Visa-free · 90 days max
  • Flight: 7h · direct
  • Jet-lag: 6h east · 4 days recovery

FAQ

Is Um El Faroud diveable year-round?

Yes, the site is accessible throughout the year. However, sea conditions vary seasonally, so check local forecasts before planning your dive.

What marine life have divers observed here?

The site has 12 recorded species observations. Community videos provide visual documentation of underwater life; review these to see what recent divers have encountered.

Does Um El Faroud require special permits or certifications?

The site is not within a marine protected area. Check with local dive operators for any current regulations or recommended experience levels.

How does Um El Faroud relate to the Blue Grotto?

Um El Faroud is located near Malta's famous Blue Grotto sea caverns, offering a perspective on this geologically significant area from the underwater vantage point.

Operators near this spot

Dive centres, kite & surf schools within 10 km, sourced from OpenStreetMap.

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Diving: Um El Faroud Wreck | EP: 10, part 2 | The Local Traveller with Clare Agius | Malta

The Local Traveller

Um El Faroud. Wreck Diving in Malta.

Channel Island Diving

Diving in Malta - Um El-Faroud

Diving in Malta
wind peaks Jan-Mar-Feb, calmest Jun-Aug-Jul, dry Jan-Dec.

5-year monthly climate

60 samples
0 5 10 15 20 25 JFMAMJJASOND
p25–p75 range Median Wind (kn) Air (°C)
Visibility (month-by-month)
Best: Jun (100/100) Worst: Jan (0/100) Now: Sep (92/100) NOAA MODIS Aqua · 5y mean

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