Christmas in Malta

Greetings,

It's never too early to think about those Christmas vacation plans.

First let me say, a Mediterranean cruise is not the way I'd ever choose to spend my holiday. That said, it is the way I'm going to spend this holiday. I won't bore you with details but someone is paying for me to go and who am I to argue?

We're going to be spending a little time in Malta. So, I thought, why not take a day and do a dive there? However, we're probably going to be there on December 26th or 27th. What are my chances of finding a place open for business on those days?

Better yet, what are my chances of meeting someone on this board who is going to be in Malta at the same time and wanting to dive?

Since I'll be arriving via big tacky Costa Cruise ship, I suspect I'll be at port in Valletta.

So what do you think? Is it hopeless? Should I give up?

LeFlaneur:

So what do you think? Is it hopeless? Should I give up?

Click to expand...

Zero replies.... that sounds like a resounding "yes."

Hi, I've been to Malta several times. Judging from the norm on cruises, you have to pre arrange a pick up. The time spent in Malta is usually very very limited. Yes you are right - you would land in Valletta.

This is what I would do =
- Take your own suite BC and regs, etc.
- Just rent the tanks and the lead.
- Contact a dive operation and tell them about the plan.
- You might have to fill out a health questionare. Ask them to email it.
- Give them the time and date of arrival and call them / email them a few days before to confirm. You can do this while at sea.
- Arrange for them to pick you up right outside customs (don't waste time: the days are shorter in winter and you don't have too much time).

- I recommend the HMS Maori and the Carolita. These are right around the other side of Valletta at Marsmxett / Slima side of the Harbour. Usually quite sheltered. You're looking at 22M and about 18M. And the drive is very short from where you land.

There is much more to see, but based on the available time you have to make the best out of it.

Some info
HMS Maori -
Quite broken down, WW2 destroyer that contributed to the sinking of the Bismarck but later in the war she got nailed in port. Depth <>18m shore dive.

The Carolita -
Taught to be a WW2 barge sunk by a torpedo because she was moored among British Subs. Last week (Fresh News) a UK archeologist stated that the Carolita isn't what we taught she was. Infact a WW1 "landing vessel, used in the Turkish conflict and left in Malta afterwards. Depth about 22M.

Dive Centers and websites -

Sports diving / aqua bubbles ask for Ray
http://www.digigate.net/sportdiving/default.htm

Strand diving ask for Lawrence
http://www.digigate.net/strand/

Generic site
http://www.searchmalta.com/dir/Sports_And_Recreation/Scuba_Diving/

If you get stuck email me

Good luck

Lawrence Debono