BLACK PEARL
Protected Area
It-Taqtiegħa u t-Taqtiegħa ta\' Delimara, limiti ta\' Marsaxlokk
Why dive here
BLACK PEARL 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 Black Pearl. Honestly, when we first heard "wreck" and "2 metres deep," we raised an eyebrow. Visions of a muddy mess usually follow that kind of intel. But Comino’s Black Pearl? It’s completely different. This isn't some deep, dark mystery wreck. It’s an old Maltese barque, scuttled deliberately in 1979 after foundering in Marsamxett Harbour. It rests in a shallow, sandy lagoon, making it a dream for snorkelers and divers who just want to spend ages poking around without worrying about bottom time or narcosis. We love how the sunlight just drenches the wreck, illuminating every crevice. You can fin right over the deck, peer into what’s left of the holds, and even get a sense of its original shape. For a shallow wreck, it's surprisingly intact in places. Schools of damselfish shimmer around the masts, their tiny bodies catching the light, while gobies dart in and out of the wooden planks. Look closely and you might spot a moray eel peeking from a dark corner or an octopus trying its best to blend into the shadows. It’s our favourite spot for a relaxed afternoon dive, especially if you’ve got newer divers in the group or just fancy a long, easy explore. The lack of current usually means calm water, too.
Typical BLACK PEARL Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
BLACK PEARL Wreck History
Year Sunk
1977
Vessel Type
unknown
Cause
unknown
While its name might evoke images of swashbuckling pirates, the "Black Pearl" of Malta has a history rooted in cinema rather than seafaring. This two-masted barque was not a historic vessel but a movie set, famously used in the 1980 Robert Altman film "Popeye," starring Robin Williams. After its time in the spotlight, the ship was moored in Marsamxett Harbour, where it eventually foundered and sank during a storm on September 30, 1977.
The remains were later moved to their current location just off the coast of Comino, where the wreck now serves as a unique underwater attraction. Lying in a mere 2 meters of water, the Black Pearl is exceptionally accessible, making it a perfect site for snorkelers, freedivers, and first-time scuba divers. Exploring the skeletal remains of this cinematic prop offers a surreal experience, allowing visitors to swim through a piece of film history while enjoying the clear, calm waters of the Mediterranean.
Nearest Dive Centres to BLACK PEARL
Dive shops near BLACK PEARL
Dive Med
Aquamarina
MALTA BLUE DIVING
Dive Systems
SCUBA MALTA
Cresta Diving Center
Reviews for BLACK PEARL
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for BLACK PEARL
BLACK PEARL Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for BLACK PEARL, 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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