If you are looking for unusual things to do in Malta, it is easy to end up with the same shortlist everyone else gets: boat trips, old cities, beaches, bars, maybe a dive day if you are certified. All good options. But some visitors want one part of the trip to feel a little more real than that.
That is one reason Żibel is worth knowing about. The Maltese environmental NGO runs regular clean-ups on land and underwater, and visitors can join too. If you want to meet people, spend time by the coast, and do something useful while you are here, this is one of the more meaningful ways to do it.
Below is a feature built from answers sent to ManicMalta by the Żibel team.
What is Żibel?
The team described Żibel as a homegrown Maltese environmental NGO and registered voluntary organisation focused on reducing marine litter and restoring natural environments.
In their words:
Żibel is a homegrown Maltese environmental NGO and a registered Voluntary Organisation dedicated to reducing marine litter and restoring natural environments to their original states. We organise regular land and underwater clean-ups, record the waste we collect and our projects are designed to make a positive impact on the environment, local lifestyles, and improve civic pride in Malta.
The name itself means “rubbish” in Maltese.
That may sound blunt, but it suits the work. This is not vague awareness-raising. It is practical. People turn up, get briefed, collect litter, sort waste, and leave the coast a little better than they found it.
The team also put the tourist angle very simply:
We want visitors to understand that Malta’s coastline is beautiful but fragile. Every piece of litter removed makes a difference, especially on a small island where the sea is central to life, tourism, and biodiversity.
Can tourists really join for just half an hour?
Yes. That is one of the most appealing parts.
Of course! Even 30 minutes makes an impact. Our clean-ups are flexible so participants can join for as long as they’d like.
That makes Żibel easier to fit into a normal holiday. You do not need to commit to a full day or turn the whole trip into a volunteer programme. If you have an hour free in the morning and want to do something different before lunch, that is enough.
If you are staying around the seafront in Gżira or Sliema, it is the kind of activity that can sit naturally inside a wider day by the water. For area planning, these may help:
where to stay in Malta and
how to choose the right holiday rental in Malta.
A good fit for divers and snorkellers
Żibel is especially relevant for visitors who came to Malta for the sea.
Yes (as long as they have an Advanced Open Water (AOW) certification! Malta is renowned for diving and snorkelling, and underwater litter is a serious issue. Divers and snorkellers often see firsthand what ends up beneath the surface. Joining a clean-up is a meaningful way to protect the dive sites and reefs you came to enjoy.
That is a strong point, and not just as a nice sentiment. If you came to Malta because of the water, helping protect the same coastline and dive sites you are using makes sense.
If diving is part of your trip, you can pair this with:
scuba diving in Malta and
Malta shipwreck diving guide.
What should first-time participants expect?
Here too, Żibel’s answers were refreshingly direct. They said they want first-time participants to find a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere, and added that people are often surprised by how much can be collected in a short time.
A typical clean-up morning includes:
- a short briefing with instructions and safety guidance
- gloves and collection bags
- hands-on clean-up work
- a small snack at the end
That combination matters. It means the clean-up is structured enough for first-timers, but still informal enough that you do not feel like you are signing up for a seminar.
A good option if you want to meet people in Malta
One reason this may appeal to visitors is that it solves a familiar travel problem. A lot of people want to meet others while away, but do not necessarily want another bar, app, or formal networking event. A clean-up is different. You are doing something together from the start, which makes conversation easier.
That makes Żibel especially interesting for solo travellers, remote workers, and longer-stay visitors who want something more grounded than a standard tourist activity. If that sounds like you, you may also want to read:
how travellers meet people while travelling and
our digital nomad guide to Malta.
What should you bring?
Żibel says they usually provide the essentials, but recommend bringing:
- a water bottle
- a hat
- adequate clothes and shoes that you do not mind getting dirty
That is part of the appeal too. This is simple. You do not need to overprepare.
What does Żibel want visitors to do, even if they do not join?
This was probably the most useful answer in the whole exchange because it was so practical.
Take care of your trash. Throw away accordingly. If a bin is full, find another one. Don’t litter cigarettes on the ground or leave them in the sand or in between rocks. Avoid single-use plastics where you can. If you want to go one step further, spend even a few minutes picking up litter during your beach day.
There is nothing performative about that. It is just sensible advice for anyone enjoying Malta’s coastline.
How to follow Żibel
The team said the best place to stay updated is through:
- Żibel’s official website
- Żibel’s social channels on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok: @zibelofficial
That is the best place to check for clean-ups, collaborations, and future events while you are in Malta.
Final thoughts
There is no shortage of things to do in Malta. The harder question is what you will remember afterwards.
A Żibel clean-up is not a big-ticket attraction, and that is exactly why it stands out. It gives you a different view of the islands, puts you in contact with people who care about the place, and lets you leave behind something better than photos.
If you are the kind of traveller who likes to mix beaches, diving, walking, and local culture with something more useful, this is worth a look. Even if you only have 30 minutes, Żibel’s view is simple: it still counts.
You may also want to explore:
Malta travel guide,
Malta in March 2026,
and
Inside Eco Pjazza.
FAQ
Can tourists volunteer in Malta with Żibel?
Yes. Visitors can join Żibel clean-ups, and the time commitment can be very flexible.
Can I join for only 30 minutes?
Yes. Żibel told ManicMalta that even 30 minutes makes an impact.
Can divers join Żibel clean-ups?
Yes, but Żibel says underwater participation requires an Advanced Open Water certification.
What should I bring to a Żibel clean-up?
A water bottle, a hat, and clothes and shoes you do not mind getting dirty.
