Malta Named World's Best Cave and Cavern Diving Destination

Malta has claimed the top honour as the Best Cave/Cavern/Grotto Diving Destination in the World, according to Scuba Diving Magazine's prestigious 2026 Readers' Choice Awards.

The accolade, awarded by the official publication of the PADI Diving Club in the United States, represents recognition from experienced divers worldwide who voted based on their real-world underwater experiences. The award reinforces Malta and Gozo's position as premier international diving destinations.

Beyond capturing first place for cave and cavern diving, Malta secured impressive second place finishes for both Wreck Diving and Shore Diving. The Mediterranean nation was also recognised as "One of the Best" across five additional categories: Best Value, Best Overall, Best Beginner Diving, Best Advanced Diving, and Best Wall Diving.

Maltese Tourism Authority Chairman Dr Charles Mangion celebrated the achievement as validation of ongoing efforts to enhance diving quality and sustainability. The recognition highlights the expertise of Malta's dive operators, the richness of its underwater environment, and investments in marine protection, he noted.

Malta's underwater attractions include the legendary Blue Hole in Gozo, featuring dramatic drop-offs and crystal-clear visibility, and the historic HMS Maori - a WWII destroyer accessible in shallow waters in St Elmo Bay. The versatile Ċirkewwa site offers the Madonna Statue, reef walls, and two fascinating wrecks, whilst the purpose sunk MV Karwela passenger ferry provides one of the Mediterranean's most photogenic wreck dives.

The Inland Sea and Tunnel in Gozo creates spectacular light effects through a 70-metre underwater passage, making it particularly popular with photographers and cinematographers.

The Readers' Choice Awards results will receive year-long promotion across Scuba Diving Magazine's print editions, website, newsletters, and social media channels, providing Malta with valuable visibility among millions of certified divers and underwater enthusiasts globally.

Malta's diverse dive sites cater to all experience levels, from beginners exploring shallow historic wrecks to technical divers tackling dramatic underwater formations, cementing the island's reputation as Europe's premier underwater playground.