The MV Karwela wreck near the island of Gozo is one of Malta’s most famous and exciting dive sites. MV Karwela is a sunken passenger and cargo ferry that formerly sailed to the island of Comino. The wreck is at a depth of about 40 meters, making it suitable for experienced divers.
The MV Karwela wreck near the island of Gozo is one of Malta’s most famous and exciting dive sites. MV Karwela is a sunken passenger and cargo ferry that formerly sailed to the island of Comino. The wreck is at a depth of about 40 meters, making it suitable for experienced divers.
MV Karwela was a former Captain Morgan Cruises passenger vessel that was intentionally scuttled on August 12, 2006 off the coast of Gozo, Malta, to create an artificial reef and dive site.
MV Karwela wreck is well preserved and provides divers with many opportunities for exploration. You can wander through different parts of the wreck, such as the passenger compartments, cabins and cargo hold. You can also see the remains of the infrastructure, such as the famous stairs and ramps, and the engines. We swim to the wreck for about 5-6 minutes from the shore, at small depths to save air. We first admire the beauty of the entire ship from above and only then dove in. We recommend diving on nitrox 28 to extend bottom time on the wreck. If you don’t yet have a nitrox diving certificate, you can compleate a course with us in one day, or you can dive on air.
While diving on MV Karwela wreck, you can admire the impressive structure of the ship, which is home to a rich diversity of marine flora and fauna. Here we encounter a variety of fish species, such as moray eels, sargus and sometimes even barracuda. Around the wreck, you can also see beautiful tube worms and other colorful organisms.
The MV Karwela was a former passenger ferry that operated between Malta and Gozo. It was scuttled in 2006 as an artificial reef and dive attraction.
The wreck is located off the coast of Xatt l-Aħmar, on the southern side of Gozo, near Mgarr harbor.
The MV Karwela wreck has a maximum depth of around 40 meters and is around 50 meters long. The bow lies at 39 meters and the stern rests at 41 meters. The top deck with the captains cabin begins at a depth of 30 meters.
No, due to the depth, the MV Karwela is more suited for divers with deep diving training and experience. It is also a good divesite for decompression and technical dives.
Yes, the wreck has been prepared for safe penetration. The most famous feature is the grand staircase inside the wreck, which is accessible to divers. However, due to the deph, it is recommended that only divers with proper training and experience penetrate the wreck.
Deep diving certification is required due to the depth of the wreck. A Wreck Diver specialty or decompression diving certification is recommended for penetration.
The grand staircase is the most famous feature of the wreck and is a popular spot for underwater photographers. It provides a unique and photogenic interior structure for divers.
Three other wrecks, the MV Cominoland, the MV Xlendi and the MT Hephaestus wreck, are also located nearby in the Xatt l-Aħmar area, offering divers the opportunity to explore multiple wrecks in a single trip.
Yes, the MV Karwela is largely intact, with most of the structure, including the bridge, deck, and staircase, in good condition, though marine growth is gradually covering the wreck.
The MV Karwela is a top destination for diving enthusiasts in Gozo. It offers a blend of accessible penetration opportunities, stunning underwater photography spots like the grand staircase, and diverse marine life.
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