

Best for intermediate divers, 30-42m, shore & boat entry, moderate current.
The MV Karwela is a 50-metre-long former tourist ferry resting in an upright position off Xlendi, Malta. Sunk in 2006 as an artificial reef, the wreck sits at depths between 30 and 42 metres, making it suitable for intermediate divers. The vessel features accessible swim-throughs and internal passageways. Divers can encounter Mediterranean Moray, Common Octopus, European Common Cuttlefish, and various wrasses, alongside nudibranchs like the Mediterranean Violet Aeolid. A nearby reef provides an ideal location for safety stops. The site is accessible by both boat and shore, located 70 metres from the coast, with visibility ranging from 15 to 35 metres and moderate currents.
36.01708, 14.28740
To find the wreck from the shore entry point, follow a bearing of 160 degrees for approximately 4 minutes, or swim perpendicular to the reef after passing the crack in the wall known as the finger.
Access is possible from shore or boat. Shore access involves walking down ladders from the rocky coast at Xatt l-Ahmar.
Recorded at this site
Depth
30-42m
Visibility
15-35m
Skill Level
Intermediate
Entry
Shore & Boat
Water Temp
15-21°C
Current
Moderate
Typical Dive
45 min
Best Time
May, Oct
Divers can observe Mediterranean Moray, Common Octopus, European Common Cuttlefish, Scorpionfish, and various species of wrasse and nudibranchs.
No, this site is rated for intermediate divers due to the depth of 30 to 42 metres and potential hazards such as decompression and overhead environments.
The upper deck sits at 30 metres, with the wreck extending down to 42 metres, averaging a depth of 35 metres.
Yes, the MV Karwela is accessible by both shore and boat, located approximately 70 metres from the coast.
The best months to visit the MV Karwela are May and October.
Diving at MV Karwela in Għajnsielem requires the following certifications: Open Water, Deep, Advanced, Wreck. Always dive within your training limits.
Yes, equipment rental is available at or near MV Karwela in Għajnsielem. Contact local dive operators for specific gear availability and prices.
A 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry is recommended for diving at MV Karwela in Għajnsielem. Water temperatures range from 15°C to 21°C.
Expect moderate currents at MV Karwela in Għajnsielem. Good buoyancy control and some drift diving experience is helpful.
Visibility at MV Karwela in Għajnsielem typically ranges from 15 metres to 35 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.