Anchor Bay and the Scotscraig wreck. A film prop turned dive site: the MV Scotscraig served on the 1980 Popeye set before settling on a sandy seabed at 21m. Alongside it, one of Malta's most approachable shore reef dives.
Both West Malta sites sit in the same bay below the Popeye Village film set at Mellieha. Shore reef from 3m and a genuine wreck at 21m. Calm, clear, and rarely crowded.
Malta's most approachable northwest shore dive. Rocky reef from 3m, a cavern introduction, a genuine Victorian anchor at 3m, and swim-throughs suited to any cert level.
The MV Scotscraig: 22m patrol boat that served on the 1980 Popeye film set. Now resting upright in the sheltered bay at 21m. One of Malta's most characterful wreck dives.
West Malta sites are compact. Maximum 5 divers per guide keeps the Scotscraig wreck an experience rather than a queue.
Both West Malta sites are within Open Water depth limits. They're well-suited for divers who completed their OW course and want a real site before committing to a full dive day.
West Malta pairs well with Cirkewwa for a two-site day trip along the northwest coast. diveshack organises combined itineraries on request.
West Malta has two sites at Anchor Bay in Mellieha: Anchor Bay reef from 3-12m with a cavern and Victorian anchor, and the Scotscraig wreck — a 22m patrol boat that served as a film prop on the 1980 Popeye set, now resting upright at 21m.
The MV Scotscraig is a 22-metre patrol boat used as a prop vessel during filming of the 1980 Popeye movie in Anchor Bay, Mellieha. The vessel settled on the seabed at 21m and is now one of Malta's most characterful wreck dives, accessible to Open Water Divers.
Yes. Anchor Bay is one of Malta's most approachable shore dives. Rocky reef from 3-12m with swim-throughs and cavern sections work for any certification level. The Scotscraig at 21m is within Open Water depth limits and clearly navigated.
Anchor Bay is in Mellieha, approximately 40 minutes from Sliema on the northwest coast of Malta. Shore entry is from the beach below the Popeye Village. diveshack organises guided day trips with transport from Sliema. The Scotscraig requires a short boat transfer from the bay.
Anchor Bay is a sheltered bay with typical visibility of 10-20m in summer. The bay is calm and clear in warm months but can be affected by northwest swell in winter. Even in reduced conditions the sites are suitable for shallow recreational diving.
Yes. West Malta pairs naturally with North Malta for a northwest coast day. Anchor Bay and the Scotscraig in the morning, Cirkewwa or L'Ahrax in the afternoon. diveshack organises combined itineraries on request. Message us on WhatsApp with your dates and cert level.
Message us on WhatsApp with your cert level and dates. We'll arrange the guided dive and transport from Sliema.
20 Qui Si Sana Seafront, Sliema · +356 9999 3483 · info@divemalta.com
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