BARGE 1
Protected Area
Il-Ġebla tal-Għallis, limiti tan-Naxxar
Why dive here
BARGE 1 is a wreck dive where divers can encounter dolphins, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and sea turtles. Water ranges 15-28°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Barge 1 sits upright on the seabed off Comino, a properly deep dive that rewards those with the right training. We’re talking 60 metres, so this isn't for a casual dip. What we love about this wreck is how intact it still feels. You can swim down the length of it, watching the light fade to a deep blue as you approach. The deck offers some fantastic penetration points, though always exercise caution and stay within your limits, of course. Our favourite spot is the stern, where groupers often hover in the deeper sections, wary of divers. Look closely at the hull and you'll find it covered in growth – some decent gorgonian corals have started to colonise the metal, and we’ve seen moray eels peeking from every crevice. Visibility here is usually excellent, often 30 metres plus, which makes the descent feel less like a drop into the abyss and more like a gentle glide. It’s a serious dive, but a seriously rewarding one for anyone comfortable at depth.
Typical BARGE 1 Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Maximum depth 60m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
BARGE 1 Wreck History
Vessel Type
barge
Cause
scuttled
While its specific name and history are lost to time, Barge 1 is believed to be a concrete barge, likely dating back to the Second World War. During both World Wars, steel shortages led Allied forces to construct vessels from reinforced concrete. These functional, if unglamorous, ships and barges were vital for transporting supplies and supporting military operations in theatres like the Mediterranean. This barge was likely brought to Malta to aid the war effort and was later scuttled off the coast of Comino.
This is a dive reserved for experienced technical divers. Resting at a depth of 60 meters, Barge 1 presents a unique underwater spectacle. Descending through the deep blue, divers will see the unusual, blocky form of the concrete structure emerge from the seabed. Unlike the rusting steel of most wrecks, its concrete hull has been colonized by marine life in a different way. The open hold is easy to explore, and the clear Maltese waters often provide excellent visibility, making this deep dive a memorable experience for those qualified to make the descent.
Nearest Dive Centres to BARGE 1
Dive shops near BARGE 1
Cresta Diving Center
SCUBA MALTA
Dive Systems
MALTA BLUE DIVING
Subway Scuba Diving
Corsair Diving Malta
Reviews for BARGE 1
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for BARGE 1
BARGE 1 Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for BARGE 1, sourced from Copernicus Marine satellite data
August Averages
Sea Temperature
28.15°C
83°F
Current Speed
3.61 cm/s
Direction: SE (123.7°)
Salinity
37.69 PSU
Data sources: Copernicus Marine Service (EU)
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