The Ultimate Guide to Wreck Diving in Malta and Gozo
Malta and Gozo are home to some of the Mediterranean’s most spectacular shipwreck dives, attracting divers from all over the world. With clear waters, fascinating history, and a range of wrecks for different experience levels, Malta and Gozo offer an unforgettable diving adventure. In this guide, we explore some of the best wrecks, their history, depth, points of interest, hazards, and required experience levels.
1. HMS Maori (Valletta, Malta)
History: The HMS Maori was a British Tribal-class destroyer that played a key role in World War II. It was bombed by German aircraft in 1942 while in the Grand Harbour of Valletta and was later scuttled off Fort St. Elmo.
Location & Depth: Resting at 14m in St. Elmo Bay, Valletta.
What to See: The wreck is broken but still provides an exciting dive with plenty of marine life, including octopuses, moray eels, and scorpionfish. The bow section is particularly interesting, and the wreckage is covered in sponges and algae.
Hidden Dangers: Limited visibility due to silt disturbance; care needed in tight spaces.
Experience Level: Suitable for Open Water Divers and above.
2. Um El Faroud (Wied iz-Zurrieq, Malta)
History: The Um El Faroud was a Libyan oil tanker that suffered an explosion in the Grand Harbour in 1995. The wreck was deliberately scuttled in 1998 to create an artificial reef.
Location & Depth: Resting at 36m off Wied iz-Zurrieq, close to the Blue Grotto.
What to See: The wreck is huge (110m long), with swim-throughs, large open decks, and plenty of marine life, including barracuda, groupers, and nudibranchs.
Hidden Dangers: Depth considerations and potential strong currents.
Experience Level: Advanced Open Water Diver with Deep Diver training recommended.
3. MV Karwela (Gozo)
History: The MV Karwela was a former German-built passenger ferry that was scuttled in 2006 to serve as an artificial reef.
Location & Depth: Resting at 42m near Xatt l-Ahmar, Gozo.
What to See: The wreck is well-preserved, with a photogenic staircase and swim-throughs. It is covered in marine life, including large schools of fish and the occasional barracuda.
Hidden Dangers: Strong currents and depth require excellent buoyancy control.
Experience Level: Advanced Open Water Diver with Deep Diver certification.
4. MV Rozi (Cirkewwa, Malta)
History: The MV Rozi was a tugboat scuttled in 1992 as an artificial reef for divers.
Location & Depth: Resting at 36m near Cirkewwa, Malta.
What to See: The wreck remains int3. MV Karwela (Gozo)
History: The MV Karwela was a former German-built passenger ferry that was scuttled in 2006 to serve as an artificial reef.
Location & Depth: Resting at 42m near Xatt l-Ahmar, Gozo.
What to See: The wreck is well-preserved, with a photogenic staircase and swim-throughs. It is covered in marine life, including large schools of fish and the occasional barracuda.
Hidden Dangers: Strong currents and depth require excellent buoyancy control.
Experience Level: Advanced Open Water Diver with Deep Diver certification.
5. P29 Patrol Boat (Cirkewwa, Malta)
History: A former East German Kondor-class patrol boat, decommissioned and scuttled in 2007 to form an artificial reef.
Location & Depth: Resting at 34m near Cirkewwa.
What to See: The wreck is in great condition, offering swim-throughs, deck exploration, and an array of marine life, including amberjacks and groupers.
Hidden Dangers: Depth-related risks and occasional currents.
Experience Level: Advanced Open Water Diver.
Malta and Gozo offer some of the best wreck diving in Europe, with sites catering to both novice and experienced divers. Whether you’re interested in WWII history, artificial reefs, or exploring wrecks teeming with marine life, these islands have something for you. If you’re planning a wreck diving trip, make sure to get the right training and experience to dive safely. Looking for a diving course or guided wreck dives?
Check out our Malta Diving Holidays and book your wreck diving adventure!
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