

Best for beginner divers, 12-25m, shore entry, mild current.
El Arco in Xlendi, Malta, offers a combination of open reef and cave diving. The reef topography ranges from 12 to 25 metres, with an average depth of 14 metres, making it accessible for beginners. Shore entry is standard, and the site features mild currents and visibility between 10 and 30 metres. As the cave is an overhead environment, divers without specific cavern training should remain near the entrance. Facilities at the site include parking, toilets, showers, and a rinse station. Species recorded around this area include Mediterranean Moray, Common Octopus, European Common Cuttlefish, Flying Gurnard, Cratena Slug, Turkish Wrasse, Scorpionfish, European Parrotfish, various wrasses, Splendid Elysia, Rock Cod, Fried Egg Jellyfish, Mediterranean Violet Aeolid, and Slipper Lobster.
35.99065, 14.32786
The cave is an overhead environment, so even though the site is rated for beginners, stay close to the entrance unless you have specific cave or cavern training. Good facilities on site including parking, toilets, showers, and a rinse station mean you can travel light.
Directly accessible from the rocky beach of Sliema, requiring about 12 minutes of swimming.
Recorded at this site
Depth
12-25m
Visibility
10-30m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
16-26°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
45 min
While not confirmed at this exact site, species recorded around this area include Mediterranean Moray, Common Octopus, European Common Cuttlefish, Scorpionfish, and various wrasses.
Yes, El Arco is rated for beginners, though the cave is an overhead environment and requires caution.
The reef ranges from 12 to 25 metres deep, with an average depth of 14 metres.
Yes, El Arco is a shore entry site.
Yes, the site is suitable for both diving and snorkelling.
Diving at El Arco in Sliema requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 5mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at El Arco in Sliema. Water temperatures range from 16°C to 26°C.
El Arco in Sliema typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at El Arco in Sliema typically ranges from 10 metres to 30 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.