The best family-friendly diving destinations in Europe
Why Malta – and Gozo in particular – is number one
When dreaming of a diving holiday in Europe, there are many destinations to choose from: the Croatian islands, the Greek archipelago, Madeira, Cyprus, Italy, or Spain with the Canary Islands.
They all offer beautiful coastlines and exciting water experiences. But if you really want to experience the best the continent has to offer, there is one place that stands out time and time again: Malta – and especially its little sister island, Gozo.
Gozo isn't just a diving paradise for the experienced—it's also a place where families can find safety and shared experiences in the warm, crystal-clear waters that make the underwater world accessible to young and old alike.
That's exactly why we think Gozo is Europe's best destination for a family vacation with diving.
Mgarr harbor on Gozo – where boats, cliffs, and church spires meet in the soft Mediterranean sun.
Diving holidays in Europe – why choose the Mediterranean?
Europe is full of opportunities, but the Mediterranean has a special appeal:
Shorter travel time than exotic destinations in Asia or the Caribbean.
Stable temperatures and long summers.
Clear, warm water teeming with life – plenty of island life and Mediterranean charm.
This means that a diving/snorkeling vacation in Europe is not only easier to plan, but also more family-friendly. For most Danish families, it is important that the trip does not feel too long—especially when children are involved.
Why choose Malta/Gozo for a diving holiday?
A diving holiday in Gozo (Malta) is an experience in itself, attracting both beginners and seasoned divers. The water is warm most of the year, visibility is fantastic, the underwater life is varied, and there are plenty of easily accessible coastal dives and more advanced dive spots.
Advantages of Gozo (Malta) as a destination:
The flight time is only about 3 hours from Denmark.
The language is English – easy and safe.
Great conditions for beginners and snorkeling: in most places, you can literally walk straight out from the beach and dive in.
Malta's culture and history offer plenty to experience on land when you're not underwater.
There are plenty of culinary experiences to be had—and their ice cream is fantastic.
Although Malta is fantastic, there is one gem that trumps everything else: Gozo.
Everything is OK beneath the surface – diving in Gozo is calm, safe, and full of magical moments beneath the blue Mediterranean.
Gozo – Europe's secret diving paradise
Gozo is Malta's little sister – we often call Gozo Malta's Bornholm – a quieter, greener, and more authentic island. Here, the pace is slower, there is less traffic, and the atmosphere is more relaxed and laid-back.
For a family on a diving/snorkeling vacation, it is the perfect combination of fun, safety, and adventure.
Crystal clear water
Visibility around Gozo can often reach up to 30-40 meters. This means that even children with snorkels can get a sense of the magic of the underwater world – colorful fish, beautiful rock formations, and perhaps an octopus hiding among the rocks.
World-renowned diving sites
Gozo is renowned among divers worldwide. Some of the most iconic spots include:
Blue Hole – a natural underwater formation that has been named one of the world's best diving spots.
Inland Sea – a narrow tunnel under the cliffs that leads out to the open sea.
Caves and wrecks – for the more experienced, Gozo offers both cave systems and exciting shipwrecks, the latter of which are often accessible to newer divers as they are located in shallow water.
Perfect for families
The beauty of Gozo diving is that there is something for all levels. Children can start with snorkeling or Bubblemaker/Try Scuba programs while their parents take their first PADI or SSI certification—and experienced divers can explore deeper wrecks or technical spots and caves. It's all on one island.
Practical tips for your diving vacation with Boblerejser Gozo
-
May–October, when the water temperature is between 22–28 degrees Celsius.
-
Direct flight approx. 3 hours to Malta, followed by a short drive and a 20-minute ferry ride to Gozo.
-
Many choose a villa with a pool, but we also have lovely hotels and fantastic apartments with access to a shared pool – offering freedom and flexibility – perfect options for your family.
-
On Gozo, you can take all kinds of certification courses – choose the one that suits you best, whether it's Open Water, Advanced, Try Scuba, or Techdiver – everything is possible.
-
Bubblemaker and Try Scuba (ages 8–10) and snorkeling are great ways to get started.
-
Even when you are in the water, the sun can be strong. Remember reef-safe sunscreen, UV shirts for the children, and hats for breaks on land.
-
Try local Maltese dishes such as pastizzi (small pies) and freshly caught fish at the cozy family-run restaurants. The perfect end to a day under the water. If you prefer exclusive food and Michelin stars, you can get that too.
-
Gozo offers much more than diving: small beaches, charming towns, ancient churches, and, not least, the impressive citadel in Victoria. A break from the water provides variety for the whole family.
Family vacation with diving – security and shared memories
One of the biggest advantages of Gozo is that it feels safe and manageable. Everything is close by: charming towns, small hotels, villas with pools, or apartments with shared pools, as well as walking distance to diving centers and beaches where the whole family can swim and snorkel.
When talking about family diving vacations, it's not just the diving itself that counts. It's also everything that goes with it:
That the children/family can play in the pool after the day's adventures.
You can dine together at small local restaurants serving fresh fish and Maltese wine, or perhaps more international dishes and beverages, if you prefer.
You can take a day away from the sea and experience Gozo's beautiful nature, ancient churches, impressive citadel, or ancient temples.
Malta's capital, Valletta, is only a 45-minute boat ride from Gozo and is a wonderfully charming city to explore—feel the breath of history or shop in the many stores before dining at one of the many delicious restaurants with a wide variety of menus.
This way, the vacation becomes a combination of adventure and relaxation—exactly what many families long for.
Why Gozo beats other European destinations
Let's be honest: the Croatian islands, the Greek archipelago, Madeira, Cyprus, Italy, or Spain with the Canary Islands are also fantastic places. But Gozo has some clear advantages that make it unique:
Better visibility – crystal clear water that surpasses most other places in Europe.
Variety of dive spots – from beginner-friendly beach dives to spectacular caves and wrecks – Gozo alone has over 50 dive sites.
Manageable size – everything is close by, which is a boon for families – and it is easy and inexpensive to get around the island.
Authentic atmosphere – away from mass tourism, closer to authentic Mediterranean life – Gozo is the Maltese people's own favorite vacation spot.
Combine snorkeling, diving, and relaxation —all family members can join in, regardless of their skill level and vacation preferences.
Down into the blue – where calm descends and a new adventure begins beneath the surface.
A vacation that lasts
The special thing about a diving holiday in Malta – and especially in Gozo – is that the experiences don't stop when the holiday ends. They live on as memories that you share as a family. When you sit down one day and look at the photos of your family on a diving trip, or when your children proudly tell you that they have been snorkeling in the Mediterranean, you will understand why a diving vacation is more than just a vacation.
It is an investment in time together. A gift that grows in value year after year, and which you can build on during all your future vacations.
Gozo is Europe's best diving destination for families
If you are looking for the perfect diving holiday in Europe, where both children and adults can enjoy unforgettable experiences, then the answer is clear: Malta – and especially Gozo.
Here you get a unique combination of:
world-class diving sites
family-friendly environment
short travel time
an atmosphere that makes you feel at ease from day one.
Gozo isn't just a destination—it's a place where memories are made and families grow closer.
So next time you dream of sun, sea, and adventure, consider a family vacation with diving in Gozo (Malta). We dare to promise: It will be a trip you will never forget.
If you dream of a more exotic diving vacation outside Europe, Bali is an obvious choice. Here you will find over 4,000 species of marine life—far more than in the Mediterranean—and the ADVENTURE experience is turned up to the max.
“Thank you for an unforgettable experience in Gozo” - Ayla (mother of two boys)
Ready to take the leap?
At Boblerejser , we help you make your dream come true. We have hand-picked the best accommodations on Gozo so you can combine family fun, snorkeling, unforgettable diving experiences for the whole family, and, last but not least, fantastic trips and experiences on the water.
We take care of all the practicalities – flights, transfers, accommodation, and collaboration with reliable diving centers – so you can focus on what matters most: enjoying your diving vacation in Europe together.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can tailor your next adventure beneath the sea.
Read more about our fantastic destinations Gozo (Malta) and Bali or explore our other inspiring articles about diving and family adventures here.