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The aim of snorkel trails is to develop ecological awareness and thereby increase the public’s involvement in the conservation of marine biodiversity and related management processes.

Snorkel trails are considered an effective tool for awareness raising on sensitive habitats within the coastal Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), as described in the document ‘Conservation Objectives & Measures for Malta’s Marine Natura 2000 sites’ under the conservation measure CM_R_4 – Awareness raising on the importance of reefs.

The Environment & Resources Authority (ERA), Ambjent Malta and Nature Trust Malta have collaborated to update Malta’s existing snorkel trails which are found at Ir-Ramla tal-Mixquqa (Golden Bay) and Għajn Tuffieħa (known colloquially as Riviera bay), both found in the locality of Mġarr Malta.  These snorkel trails were originally set up in 2013 as part of the MEDPAN NORTH project (2G-MED09-270 MEDPAN NORTH).

The trails found in these two locations provide an opportunity for the public to gain a better understanding of the diversity of habitats and species associated with the marine environment in the Marine Protected Area ‘Żona fil-baħar bejn Rdum Majjiesa u Għar Lapsi’ – MT0000101 – and thus raise awareness on the need for marine conservation.

ERA encourages the public to download the digital guides, which are available in both Maltese and English from the below links, and visit these trails.

Snorkel trail guides:

• Ramla tal-Mixquqa (Golden bay) – ( Guide in Maltese  /  Guide in English )
• Għajn Tuffieħa Bay  – ( Guide in Maltese  /  Guide in English)

Guided snorkelling tours along these trails are being organised during the summer months. Participation is strictly by pre-booking.