BLACK PEARL - Comino

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.

Location
Comino, Malta, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
35.841667, 14.546667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Wreck History - BLACK PEARL

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.

Marine Protected Area: It-Taqtiegħa u t-Taqtiegħa ta\' Delimara, limiti ta\' Marsaxlokk

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 BLACK PEARL

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 BLACK PEARL

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