Diving at Anchor Bay, Malta: Complete Guide to Scorpion Cave and Popeye Village

Dive Site Information

Site name: Anchor Bay (Popeye Village)
Dive type: Shore dive, Cavern, PADI Training

Historical note:

The seabed is home to a large iron anchor used during the filming of the 1980 movie “Popeye”; the barge that transported it, the MV Scotscraig, lies offshore at a depth of around 25 meters.

Seabed type:

A mix of sandy seabed, Posidonia seagrass meadows, and impressive rocky boulders.
Depth: From 4 meters (bay entrance) to 12 meters (main area), up to 28 meters for more advanced profiles outside the bay.
Suitable for experienced divers: PADI Open Water Diver (or equivalent certification).
Recommended time of year: All year round, particularly recommended when North-East winds are blowing.

Average water temperature:

Surface 16°C – 26°C; Maximum depth 15°C – 24°C

Technical suggestions:

To fully enjoy the exploration of Anchor Bay, it is essential to choose the right thermal protection according to the season. During the summer months, a 5mm wetsuit is perfect for enjoying Scorpion Cave in complete comfort, while during winter or spring it is recommended to switch to a semi-dry suit or dry suit to better manage bottom times during training sessions.
Visibility is usually excellent, but the use of a dive torch is highly recommended to illuminate the vibrant colors inside the cave and spot crustaceans hidden in the crevices.
Given the moderate average depth, air is the ideal standard choice; however, divers attending the PADI Enriched Air Nitrox course can take advantage of this site to safely test the benefits of an enriched oxygen mix.

PADI Experiences and Training in Malta:

Anchor Bay is not only a scenic dive site but also the perfect training ground for anyone wishing to start or continue their diving journey during a holiday in Malta. For those who have never breathed underwater, the PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience finds here a protected and safe environment thanks to the shallow sandy seabed that makes first exercises easier.
Tourists who want to obtain an international certification can complete the PADI Open Water Diver course, taking advantage of the bay’s clear waters for confined water sessions.
For already certified divers, the site is excellent for the PADI Cavern Diver specialty or the PADI Advanced Open Water course, improving buoyancy control among rocky passages and inside Scorpion Cave.
Freediving enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy with PADI Freediver courses that allow exploration of the bay’s inlets in a silent and natural way.

Do you want to discover the underwater secrets of Anchor Bay or start your next PADI course in Malta? Contact us now through the form for a personalized quote!

FAQs ( Diving at Anchor Bay and Scorpion Cave )

I have never been scuba diving before, can I try it at Anchor Bay?

First Scuba Diving Experience at Anchor Bay Malta | PADI Discover Scuba Diving

Absolutely yes, the bay is the ideal place for PADI Discover Scuba Diving, a guided experience that allows you to breathe underwater for the first time in complete safety.

Dive Sites in Malta, Gozo e Comino

PADI Discover Scuba Diving

Is it possible to obtain the Open Water certification during a one-week holiday?

PADI Open Water Course in Malta | Anchor Bay Certification Guide

Certainly, the PADI Open Water Diver course usually lasts between 3 and 4 days, and Anchor Bay is one of the best logistical sites to complete the training dives.

Dive Sites in Malta, Gozo e Comino

PADI Open Water Diver Course

Which marine species can I photograph during the dive?

Marine Life at Anchor Bay Malta | What You Can See While Diving

The site is extremely rich in biodiversity; you may spot octopuses, moray eels, parrotfish and, inside Scorpion Cave, different types of shrimp and sciaphilous organisms.

Dive Sites in Malta, Gozo e Comino

PADI Programs and Experiences

Is Scorpion Cave dangerous for beginners?

Is Scorpion Cave Safe for Beginner Divers in Malta?

The cave is very spacious, free from restrictions, and allows divers to surface inside an air dome, making it an exciting yet safe experience even for beginners under the supervision of a guide.

Dive Sites in Malta, Gozo e Comino

PADI Specialty Courses in Malta

Can I take a Nitrox specialty course at Anchor Bay?

PADI Nitrox Course at Anchor Bay Malta | Enriched Air Diving

Yes, it is possible to combine recreational diving with the PADI Enriched Air Diver course, learning how to manage breathing gas mixes to increase the safety of your dive profiles.