The Wrecks of Gozo and Comino - Ranked

1. MV Karwela (Xatt l-Ahmar, Gozo)

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Depth: 30m – 42m | Best for: Advanced Divers

The MV Karwela is one of the most iconic wreck dives in Malta & Gozo, and for good reason. Built in Germany in 1957, the Karwela came to Malta in 1986, where she was purchased by Captain Morgan Cruises and used as a passenger ferry taking tourists around the Grand Harbour in Valletta. Now located just off the south coast of Gozo, this 50-metre-long ferry was deliberately scuttled in 2006 as part of a reef creation project. Since then, it has become a popular dive site, offering divers the chance to explore its well-preserved structure and the rich marine life that has made it home.

A parrotfish passing the iconic staircase.

The wreck lies upright on a sandy bottom, with a maximum depth of 42m around the propeller. Although fairly deep, the Karwela is a relatively easy dive due to its accessibility, clear entry points, and generally forgiving conditions. The wreck can be entered through several large openings, and divers always have the option to exit through windows or side openings every few metres. The famed staircase on the main deck makes for an incredible photograph, and divers will be mesmerized by the shafts of light filtering through from above.

With schools of fish swirling around and an abundance of marine life taking shelter within the wreck, the MV Karwela offers a unique and unforgettable dive experience. It is not uncommon to encounter moray eels, scorpionfish, and nudibranchs while exploring the upper decks. Before your slow ascent, you can also enjoy plenty of time exploring the nearby drop-off and reef, both of which are teeming with marine life.

2. P31 Patrol Boat (Comino)

Difficulty: Easy | Depth: 15m – 20m | Best for: Open Water Divers +

The P31 is a shallow wreck scuttled just off the Crystal Lagoon, Comino. Thanks to its accessibility, manageable depth, and consistently good conditions, it has become one of the most popular dives in the Maltese Islands.

Before her time in Malta, the P31 was originally designed and built in East Germany as a Kondor-class boat. She was later recommissioned for use by the Maltese Navy as a patrol boat, beginning service in 1992. The vessel was finally scuttled as a dive site in 2009 and now rests on a sandy bottom at a depth of 20m. At 52m long and 7m wide, there is plenty of wreck to explore.

This is an enjoyable dive for all levels. The wreck is safe to penetrate, well lit, and home to a wide range of marine life. Divers can wind their way through the passageways on the main deck, searching for octopus and moray eels hiding in the many crevices formed by the twisted metal. Those comfortable in tighter spaces with lower light can even pass through the entire length of the hull.

Happy diver posing in front of the bow of the P31.

Now submerged for 16 years (as of 2025), the wreck has developed into a bustling artificial reef. Large schools of damselfish surround the upper portion, while lizardfish, blue runners, and amberjack often hunt nearby.

Overall, this is a fantastic and very enjoyable dive. Its shallow depth and ease of access make it perfect for beginner wreck divers, while more experienced divers will find plenty to explore.

3. MV Cominoland (Xatt l-Ahmar, Gozo)

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Depth: 30m – 40m | Best for: Advanced Divers

The MV Cominoland, a neighbour to the MV Karwela just off the south coast of Gozo at Xatt l-Ahmar, is another fantastic wreck dive, perfect for advanced divers. Originally built in England in 1942 for the Royal Navy as a minelayer, the Cominoland arrived in Malta by 1966 and finished her working life as a cruise boat. She was scuttled alongside the Karwela in 2006 to create an artificial reef and diving attraction.

The wreck lies parallel to the reef wall on a sandy bottom, with a maximum depth of just over 40m at the propeller. At 34m long and 8m wide, there is plenty to explore. Divers looking to penetrate the wreck can swim the full length from bow to stern, marvelling at the impressive winch once used to lay mines. This is a great penetration dive, as even inside, visibility is usually excellent, with ample light and space.

After 19 years underwater (as of 2025), the Cominoland has become home to a rich variety of marine life, making this an interesting and rewarding dive all around. The adventure can also be extended along the adjacent reef, where even more life awaits.

For wreck enthusiasts or those looking to begin exploring this fascinating aspect of diving, the Cominoland is not to be missed.

4. MT Hephaestus (Xatt l-Ahmar, Gozo)

Difficulty: Moderate | Depth: 30m – 50m | Best for: Deep Divers / Technical Divers

The MT Hephaestus is the most recent of the four wrecks to be scuttled off the coast of Gozo. This 62m-long, 8m-wide tanker ran aground on the north side of Qawra Point, Malta, in February 2018. After being made environmentally safe, the ship was scuttled in 2022 as a diving attraction, not far from her neighbours the Karwela and Cominoland, just off Xatt l-Ahmar Bay.

To be honest, the only reason this wreck isn’t higher on the list is that it’s less accessible than the other nearby dive sites. Reaching it from shore requires a lengthy surface swim, and the depth and placement of the wreck make it a more challenging site overall. However, technical divers looking to spend time at depth will thoroughly enjoy this dive.

The wreck itself is extremely impressive due to its sheer scale — and there’s a huge amount to explore. The engine room, the overhang at the bow, and the many compartments making up the stern section are all open for exploration by divers with the necessary training and experience.

After only a few years on the sloping sandy seabed, the wreck has already begun to be encrusted with marine vegetation, and with every dive, more life can be found inhabiting the ship. Predatory fish now patrol the lengthy deck, while stingrays are not uncommon on the surrounding sand.

The Hephaestus as seen from the bow.

For technical and deep divers seeking a more adventurous experience, the MT Hephaestus is a dive not to be missed.

5. MV Xlendi (Xatt l-Ahmar, Gozo)

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Depth: 30m – 42m | Best for: Advanced Divers

The MV Xlendi was the first of the wrecks to be scuttled off Gozo, in 1999. This former Gozo Channel ferry remains the largest of the four wrecks at an impressive 77 metres long. Unfortunately, during the scuttling process, the ship caught on the reef and flipped upside down. As a result, divers are unable to enter the wreck, and only the hull and large propellers are visible.

Don’t be deterred by the fact that most of the would-be accessible areas of the ship are now beneath the sand. The wreck’s sheer size still inspires awe and makes it well worth a visit. Divers can explore the two massive propellers — one on each side of the hull — and even catch a glimpse of a car wreck that lies halfway along this huge ferry on the reef side.

You can finish the dive by cruising along the western side of the reef at Xatt l-Ahmar, which is usually teeming with life.

Overall, for those with a lust for rust, this dive is a perfect addition to any Gozo diving itinerary.