Staff Reporter
MALTA is a top spot for divers from all over the world. Its clear blue waters hold many secrets. Many of these secrets are shipwrecks resting on the seabed. These wrecks offer amazing underwater adventures.
Why Malta for Wreck Diving?
Malta sits in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. This location has made it important throughout history. During World War II, Malta was a key naval base. Many ships and planes sank nearby during battles. Some historical wrecks include warships like HMS Maori and aircraft like the Bristol Beaufighter.
More recently, Malta has added more wrecks on purpose. Old ships like tugboats and ferries have been cleaned and sunk. These create artificial reefs. They attract marine life and give divers more sites to explore. The clear water, often with visibility over 30 meters, makes diving here special. Many wrecks are easy to reach from the shore.
Iconic Wrecks for Experienced Divers
Malta offers thrilling dives for those with more experience. Many wrecks lie deeper than 30 meters.
- Um El Faroud: This huge Libyan oil tanker is one of Malta’s most famous wrecks. It sank after an explosion in the harbour in 1995. It was later moved and scuttled near Wied iz-Zurrieq in 1998. The wreck is 110 meters long and sits upright at about 36 meters deep. It’s so big, you might need several dives to see it all. A storm broke it in two, adding to the exploration.
- MV Karwela: Located off Gozo, this former passenger ferry was sunk in 2006. It rests upright at around 40 meters. Divers love exploring its decks and the famous staircase inside. It’s near two other wrecks, the MV Cominoland and MV Xlendi, making the area rich for diving.
- Le Polynesien: For history lovers, this French ocean liner is a must-see. It sank in 1918 after being hit by a torpedo. It lies at a depth starting around 50 meters, so it’s a dive for technical divers. It’s a large, historical wreck offering a glimpse into the past.
Wrecks for Newer Divers
You don’t need to be a deep diver to enjoy Malta’s wrecks. Several sites are shallower and great for those newer to diving or wanting a more relaxed dive.
- HMS Maori: This World War II destroyer sank in 1942 in Valletta’s Grand Harbour. The front part of the wreck now lies in Marsamxett Harbour at a shallow depth of about 14 meters. It’s broken up but still fascinating. Being shallow, it’s perfect for entry-level divers and often has lots of marine life.
- P29 Patrol Boat: This former East German minesweeper served with the Maltese forces. It was scuttled off Cirkewwa in 2007. It sits upright at a maximum depth of 34 meters, but the top parts are shallower. It’s close to the Tugboat Rozi wreck, another popular site.
- Tugboat Rozi: Also at Cirkewwa, the Rozi was sunk in 1992. This 40-meter long tugboat sits upright at 34 meters. It’s fully intact and easy to explore. Its location near the P29 and Cirkewwa Arch makes the area a fantastic dive spot.
- P31 Patrol Boat: Off the coast of Comino Island lies the P31. It was scuttled in 2009. This wreck is quite shallow, around 18-20 meters deep. This makes it very accessible for Open Water divers. It’s the only wreck around Comino and offers easy penetration for exploration.
The Thrill of Discovery
Exploring these underwater time capsules is exciting. Each wreck has its own story. You can swim through bridges, engine rooms, and cargo holds. Marine life quickly makes these wrecks home. You might see schools of fish, octopus, moray eels, and colourful sponges. The combination of history and marine life makes scuba diving in Malta truly special. Some wrecks, like the Imperial Eagle near Qawra, even have nearby underwater statues, like the statue of Jesus Christ, adding another point of interest.
Explore Malta’s Underwater Heritage
Malta offers an incredible variety of wreck dives. There are historical warships, planes, and submarines. There are also many vessels sunk deliberately to create dive sites. Whether you are a new diver or an experienced technical diver, Malta has wrecks for you. The clear waters and easy access make it a world-class diving destination. Discovering these underwater museums is an unforgettable experience.
