Malta is the world’s hottest new dive spotMalta

Saltwater lovers, rejoice: Malta is having a seriously big moment beneath the waves.

The Maltese Islands just scored major bragging rights in the 2026 Scuba Diving Magazine Readers’ Choice Awards, a.k.a. the PADI community’s annual ceremony of “who’s absolutely nailing it underwater.” And Malta? Absolutely nailed it.

The Mediterranean country is now officially known to have the Best Cave, Cavern and Grotto Diving Destination on Earth. Not too shabby for three tiny islands better known for sunshine and rabbit stew.

But the accolades don’t stop there. Malta also grabbed second place for wreck diving (the seabed is stacked with WWII relics, scuttled ships and photographic gold) and second place for shore diving, because here, great dives are literally a few steps from your sun lounger.

Add a handful of “One of the Best” rankings, including Best Value, Best Overall, Best Beginner Diving, Best Advanced Diving, and Best Wall Diving, and you’ve got a destination collecting awards like they’re seashells.

MTA Chairman Dr Charles Mangion says the success reflects Malta’s commitment to sustainability, operator expertise and the serious effort going into protecting its marine environment. In other words: they’re earning every single shiny gold thing they get.

And with Scuba Diving Magazine splashing these results across print, digital, newsletters and social channels reaching millions of divers, Malta’s underwater fame is about to crank up even further.

So, grab your fins. Malta’s waters are waiting.

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