

Best for advanced divers, 30-42m, shore & boat entry, mild current.
The MV Karwela is a passenger ferry wreck resting upright on a sandy seabed at 42 metres depth. Located 70 metres from the shore near Xlendi, this artificial reef is suitable for advanced divers. The main deck sits at approximately 35 metres, offering penetration opportunities through multiple swim-throughs and interior spaces. Divers must possess overhead environment certification for internal exploration. Conditions feature mild currents and visibility ranging from 15 to 30 metres. Due to the depth, careful gas management is required, and nitrox is recommended to extend bottom time. Divers should remain vigilant for boat traffic when surfacing at this site.
36.01665, 14.28546
Plan your gas and bottom time before descending as the main deck sits around 35 metres and the seabed at 42 metres, leaving little margin for drift on air. Nitrox is available at the nearby dive shop and meaningfully extends your working time on the deeper sections of the hull.
Drive to Xatt l-Ahmar, gear up, and walk to ladders to descend from the rocky shore to the water.
Recorded at this site
Depth
30-42m
Visibility
15-30m
Skill Level
Advanced
Entry
Shore & Boat
Water Temp
15-21°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
40 min
No, this site is intended for advanced divers due to its depth of 30 to 42 metres and the presence of overhead environments.
The main deck of the MV Karwela sits at approximately 35 metres, with the vessel resting on the seabed at a maximum depth of 42 metres.
The site is accessible by both shore and boat, located 70 metres from the coast.
No, the wreck is located at depths of 30 to 42 metres, making it unsuitable for snorkelling.
The main hazards include the deep nature of the wreck, the overhead environment within the hull, and potential boat traffic at the surface.
Diving at Karwela in Gozo requires the following certifications: Advanced, Wreck, Deep, Nitrox. Always dive within your training limits.
Yes, equipment rental is available at or near Karwela in Gozo. Contact local dive operators for specific gear availability and prices.
A 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry is recommended for diving at Karwela in Gozo. Water temperatures range from 15°C to 21°C.
Karwela in Gozo typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Karwela in Gozo typically ranges from 15 metres to 30 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.