Malta has earned a major international honour for its world-class diving. Scuba Diving Magazine, the official publication of the PADI Diving Club in the US and one of the most respected voices in the global diving community, has named Malta the Best Cave, Cavern and Grotto Diving Destination in the World in its prestigious 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards.Malta and Gozo also placed second globally for both Wreck Diving and Shore Diving, while being listed as “One of the Best” across five more categories: Best Value, Best Overall, Best Beginner Diving, Best Advanced Diving and Best Wall Diving. The results further strengthen the Maltese Islands’ position among the top diving destinations worldwide.Emily Hartwig from The Bradford Group, Malta’s PR representatives in the US, accepted the awards on behalf of the Malta Tourism Authority during the DEMA Show in Orlando, Florida, one of the diving industry’s biggest annual events. This recognition boosts Malta’s visibility in a key long-haul market known for travellers seeking high-quality, experience-driven adventures. With more than 30 PADI Dive Centres across Malta and Gozo, the sector continues to grow in expertise and international appeal. View this post on InstagramA post shared by Lovin Malta (@lovinmalta)MTA Chairman Dr Charles Mangion welcomed the achievement, saying it reflects Malta’s commitment to quality and sustainability in the diving sector. “It recognises the expertise of our dive operators, the richness of our underwater environment and the investments being made to protect it,” he said.“Achievements like this strengthen Malta’s reputation among high-value travellers while creating lasting benefits for our communities and economy.”The Scuba Diving Readers’ Choice Awards are based on verified feedback from divers around the world, and the 2026 results will be featured throughout next year across the magazine’s print editions, digital platforms, newsletters and social channels, reaching millions of divers and underwater enthusiasts globally and offering the Maltese Islands significant international exposure.Have you ever been diving in Malta?•