Reef Dive, Cirkewwa, Malta
Cirkewwa Right Arch is a beautiful natural underwater archway. The arch was originally a large cavern whose roof has long since collapsed, leaving the arch as a result.
Entry to the sea for the arch dive is from the lighthouse giant stride entry point (the same entry point used for the Tugboat Rozi wreck). When diving along the reef it is a fairly shallow dive between 10 and 18 metres. Diving the arch can also be combined with the Tugboat Rozi dive, depending on gas consumption.
The reef continues well beyond the arch at around 15–20m depth, and further on the seabed next to the reef reaches depths of over 40 metres. The wall offers many small swim-throughs which make for exciting new adventures for beginners.
Cirkewwa Arch is also known as the Right Arch or Green Arch. There is another, less well-known arch in Cirkewwa at the Paradise Bay reef called Ben's Arch, Left Arch or White Arch.
The arch
The arch starts at 12 metres and descends to 19 metres at the seabed. On your way to the arch, there are many swim-throughs which make this dive more exciting and adventurous.
Below the arch is a large seagrass bowl where you may find moray eels, octopuses, and occasional stingrays resting in the grass. Be sure to take your camera, as the archway makes for a stunning background for underwater photos.
Experience needed
The maximum depth on this dive is 18m, making it ideal for divers with Open Water certification or above. Currents can sometimes be strong near the arch, so some experience with currents is advised.
Dive site specification: Cirkewwa Right Arch
- Location: Cirkewwa, Malta
- Type of dive: Shore Dive
- Max depth: 18m
- Minimum certification: PADI Open Water Diver
- Recommended: PADI Nitrox Diver