Black John

Black John is an offshore reef dive site located near Ghar Lapsi on the south coast of Malta. The site is characterized by its maximum depth of 23 meters near the reef, extending to 38 meters further away, making it the deepest dive of Ghar Lapsi sites. The site features an arch/overhang and intriguing rock formations near the entry/exit point, with large boulders, sea grass, and sandy areas deeper off the reef. A unique aspect of Black John is its proximity to a reverse osmosis plant, where the salty water falls into the sea, occasionally creating a clear halocline between sea water and salt water.

Access to Black John is more challenging, contributing to it being the least dived of Ghar Lapsi dive sites. Divers can park near the reverse osmosis plant and walk about 200 meters over uneven ground with diving gear to reach the site directly. Alternatively, divers can enter from Ghar Lapsi cove and swim approximately 400 meters to Black John. Underwater scooters can also be used. The site is recommended for advanced divers due to the potential for strong currents. The dive site type is a combination of a reef and wall.