Diving atCirkewwa - Susie's Pool (Malta)
Susie's Pool at Cirkewwa serves as an accessible entry point, framing the initial challenge for divers in Malta. It's often the foundational stop for those beginning a dive holiday or for skill refinement. While ideal for open water students, its purpose extends beyond training. The site offers a gentle introduction before exploring Cirkewwa's more expansive and deeper reef structures and shipwrecks, setting the stage for advanced exploration.
As evening covers Cirkewwa - Susie's Pool, the local air temperature is measured at 16.6°C. The current wave height at the surface is recorded at 0.36m. These late-day readings characterize the surface conditions for the night.
Dive Site Coordinates
35.9888, 14.3275
Key Dive Site Facts
Dive Site Overview
Susie's Pool presents divers with a distinctive underwater landscape, structured around a sheltered alcove. Sunlight often filters through, creating a captivating display against the rocks and numerous fish.
The site begins with a shallow, rocky plateau, generally around 6 m (20 ft) deep, which is frequently utilized for skill practice and as a warm-up area. Beyond this beginner-friendly section, a vibrant reef extends, creating a steep drop-off to deeper sections that reach a maximum recreational depth of around 30 meters. Divers following this reef can discover various points of interest along the wall.
At approximately 18 meters, a small cave houses a statue of Our Lady, also known as Madonna, placed there by the Amphibians Diving Club in 1987. Commemorative plaques and a small crib, added in later years, further enhance the site's unique character and offer moments for reflection.
Exploring further reveals plenty of small swim-throughs, perfect for experienced divers to navigate, and a gnome garden nestled on the sandy bottom, providing charming details for keen observers. The main attraction for many is the remnants of a collapsed cavern, now forming a picturesque natural archway, adding a dramatic structural element to the dive.
Best Time to Dive
Optimal diving conditions at Susie's Pool are generally observed from March through November, when dive scores consistently rank as "Good." During these months, the primary advantage for divers is the improved visibility often associated with calmer conditions. Wind speeds typically decrease, averaging between 17.9 km/h (11.1 mph) in August and 25.8 km/h (16.0 mph) in April, which helps minimize surface chop and suspended sediment. Wave heights are also significantly lower, often dropping to around 0.7-1.5 m (2-5 ft), particularly during the summer. Air temperatures during this period are quite comfortable, ranging from 15.8°C (60.4°F) in March to a peak of 27.9°C (82.2°F) in July, with very low rainfall. Water temperatures reported in log entries vary, but typically fall within 19-24°C (66-75°F), making for enjoyable diving. Winter months, while still offering "Moderate" dive scores, tend to see increased wind and wave activity, potentially reducing overall visibility.
Climate Historical Averages
Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.
Dive Experience & Conditions
An easy shore entry characterizes the start of a dive at Susie's Pool, leading via a sloping walkway into calm, sheltered waters. Upon initial descent, divers typically encounter a rocky plateau at about 6 meters, ideal for orientation and buoyancy checks. Moving deeper, the reef transitions into a significant drop-off, reaching depths up to 30 meters along the reef wall. Water temperatures vary depending on the season, with log reports indicating ranges from 19-24°C (66-75°F). Visibility at the site is generally good, though it can fluctuate with local weather and diver activity, especially in shallower, more trafficked areas. Exploring this underwater landscape reveals a mix of reef sections, small caves, and swim-throughs, offering a dynamic environment. The Madonna statue, nestled in a cave at around 18 meters, is a key waypoint.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Approaching Susie's Pool, divers should be aware of the sloping walkway used for entry, which can become slippery when wet. While generally an easy access point, strong swell conditions might make exiting the water more challenging. Always evaluate current conditions before entry. It's also advisable to display your diving certificate visibly on your dashboard, as this is a common local practice for designated diver parking areas. The site is frequented by various skill levels, including Open Water Diver training, so maintaining situational awareness, especially in shallower zones, is crucial. Respect for the underwater environment, including the Madonna statue and gnome garden, ensures their preservation for future divers. Overall, a calm and measured approach to this popular site will contribute to a safe and enjoyable dive.
Recommended Equipment
No verified equipment items yet.
Verified equipment recommendations for this dive site are being reviewed and may be added as additional source checks are completed.
Recommended Dive Suit
With water temperatures around 18°C (64°F), many divers find a 5mm wetsuit provides comfortable protection.
Divers performing multiple dives may appreciate slightly warmer protection later in the day.
Surface conditions are expected to warm up slightly in the coming days. A warming trend is expected over the next few days.
Conditions last reviewed: 18:00 using the latest environmental data.
Dive Logistics & Preparation
Hyperbaric Chamber
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Entry Requirements
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Currency
EUR
Nearest Airports
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Marine Life at Cirkewwa - Susie's Pool
Exploring the vibrant underwater landscape of Susie's Pool reveals a diverse array of marine life along its reef structure. Among the common sightings are cuttlefish, often observed camouflaged against the rocky contours, and schools of parrotfish grazing on the algae-covered surfaces. Divers can also spot delicate nudibranchs, adding splashes of color to the scenery. During certain times, 'egg fried jellyfish' might drift by, adding an unusual element to the dive. Keep an eye out for the occasional octopus, cleverly hidden within crevices or on the sand, particularly in the deeper sections where the reef meets the bottom. This active reef environment provides ample opportunities for observation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Susie's Pool suitable for beginner divers?
Yes, Susie's Pool is considered ideal for beginners. It features a shallow, rocky plateau around 6 meters deep, commonly used for skill practice and as a warm-up dive.
What is the maximum depth at Susie's Pool?
While the initial plateau is shallow, the reef wall at Susie's Pool drops off significantly. Divers can explore deeper sections of the reef down to approximately 30 meters.
What marine life can I expect to see?
Divers frequently encounter cuttlefish, parrotfish, and various nudibranchs along the reef. You might also spot 'egg fried jellyfish' and the occasional octopus.
Are there any unique features to explore underwater?
Absolutely. The site features a Madonna statue in a small cave at about 18 meters, alongside commemorative plaques and a small crib. There are also several swim-throughs and a gnome garden on the sandy bottom.
What are the entry and exit conditions like?
Entry is typically easy via a sloping walkway with a railing. However, the walkway can be slippery when wet, and strong swell might make exiting the water more challenging.
When is the best time of year to dive here?
The period from March to November offers the best conditions for diving, characterized by "Good" dive scores. Lower wind speeds and wave heights contribute to better visibility during these months.
What is the typical water temperature?
Reported water temperatures at Susie's Pool vary seasonally. Log entries indicate a range typically between 19-24°C (66-75°F).
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