BARGE 1 - Comino

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.

Location
Comino, Malta, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
35.979050, 14.493433
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
60m

Wreck History - BARGE 1

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.

Marine Protected Area: Il-Ġebla tal-Għallis, limiti tan-Naxxar

Best Time to Dive in Comino

The warmest water temperatures in Comino occur in August, averaging 28.1°C. The coolest conditions are in March at 15.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 16.4°C
  • February: 15.5°C
  • March: 15.3°C
  • April: 16.2°C
  • May: 18.7°C
  • June: 22.9°C
  • July: 26.9°C
  • August: 28.1°C
  • September: 27.3°C
  • October: 24.9°C
  • November: 22.2°C
  • December: 19.3°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Comino

Nearest Dive Centres to BARGE 1

Marine Life in Comino

Home to 24 recorded species including 12 reef fish, 4 sharks & rays, 2 whales & dolphins, 2 seagrass & algae, 2 hard corals, 1 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for BARGE 1

Based on average water temperature of 21.1°C, currents 2 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 21°C water
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories