Dive site · access from Malta & Gozo
MV Karwela
Gozo's most photographed wreck, best known for a staircase down through the ferry lit by portholes.
- Depth
- 30–42m
- Current
- Mild
- Minimum level
- Tech required
- Access
- Boat
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The case for it
Why dive here
- 50m passenger ferry scuttled off Gozo's Xatt l-Ahmar in 2006 with the MV Cominoland
- Upright on sand: top deck about 30m, bow 39m, stern 41m
- Photogenic internal staircase lit by portholes; safe-to-penetrate cut openings
Check before booking
What may rule it out
- Tech required certification is the stated minimum.
Access and timing
Plan this through Malta & Gozo
Best overall months: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct. Check the destination planner for operating season, wildlife and other matching sites.
Wildlife
Seen around Malta & Gozo
rareoccasionalcommonly seenpeak seasondestination closed
These are destination-level records, not confirmed sightings at MV Karwela.
European cuttlefish
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | commonly seen |
| April | commonly seen |
| May | commonly seen |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Mediterranean barracuda
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | commonly seen |
| July | commonly seen |
| August | commonly seen |
| September | commonly seen |
| October | commonly seen |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Greater amberjack
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | commonly seen |
| July | commonly seen |
| August | commonly seen |
| September | commonly seen |
| October | commonly seen |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Loggerhead turtle
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | rare |
| February | rare |
| March | rare |
| April | rare |
| May | rare |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | rare |
| November | rare |
| December | rare |
Short-snouted seahorse
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | rare |
| February | rare |
| March | rare |
| April | rare |
| May | rare |
| June | rare |
| July | rare |
| August | rare |
| September | rare |
| October | rare |
| November | rare |
| December | rare |
Nearby alternatives
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Sources & last checked
Checked July 2026
Research is source-backed, but conditions and fees should still be confirmed locally.
View 2 sources and checking notes
- MV Karwela wreck - Xatt l-Ahmar, Malta Dive Sites
- MV Karwela - Gozo Wrecks, Techwise Malta
Note on the data: Coordinates are approximate; not surveyed dive-site GPS.