MV Karwela

Malta is a world-renowned destination for wreck diving, attracting many of us who love nothing more than to explore these magical, sometimes eerie sites. Divers in Gozo have the choice of four great wreck dives accessible immediately from the shore. On the south coast of the island, Xatt l-Ahmar hosts the MV Karwela, perhaps the most popular of the four wrecks lining this beautiful part of the Gozitan coastline.

The Karwela was scuttled, along with the MV Cominoland, in 2006 as an artificial reef for divers. Since then, it has become one of the island's top dive sites. This is no surprise, as the wreck is home to an abundance of marine life, is extremely photogenic, and is suitable for both hardened wreck enthusiasts and those looking for an introduction to wreck diving.

The dive begins by entering from a small ladder on the coast. There are options to swim out on the surface to the buoy marking the wreck, then descend on the line, or to swim out underwater after spending a short time on a shallow plateau. Upon arriving at the wreck, one can penetrate and explore the main level inside. Here, divers can find moray eels and lobsters hiding among the metal. There is also access to the engine room below for more experienced wreck divers, as well as the famous staircase leading to the upper deck. The effect of light bursting down the steps is stunning. Others may enjoy a trip around the wreck on the outside, which may increase bottom time and provide a more relaxed introduction to this exhilarating aspect of diving.

It is also great to explore the plateau for a nice long, slow ascent on the way back to the safety stop, which can be made directly underneath the ladder. On this plateau, there are plenty of places for animals to hide. You will be looking for octopuses, cuttlefish, various reef fish, and, in some parts of the year, the elusive seahorse!