CAROLINA
Protected Area
Fortifikazzjonijiet tal-Port
Why dive here
CAROLINA is a wreck dive where divers can encounter dolphins, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and sea turtles. Water ranges 16-28°C, warmest July, August, September.
Carolina is one of those wrecks we keep coming back to. Sunk in 1999, this 15-meter fishing vessel sits upright in just 11 meters, making it an ideal spot for extended bottom times and a favourite for those new to wreck diving, or anyone wanting a relaxed second dive. We particularly love how accessible the wheelhouse is, and finning through the open cargo hold feels like you’re entering a secret room. What makes Carolina special is how quickly marine life has adopted it. The deck is a carpet of colourful sponges and ascidians, and we’ve often found scorpionfish tucked into crevices near the mast. Keep an eye out for octopus peeking from under the hull plates, especially if you visit early morning before other divers stir things up. Its shallow depth means light penetrates beautifully, giving the wreck a bright, inviting glow. We'd suggest going on a calm day; even a slight swell can make the boat rock a bit, and calm conditions really let you appreciate the details.
Typical CAROLINA 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.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
CAROLINA Wreck History
Year Sunk
1996
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
unknown
The Carolina is a 15-metre fishing vessel that sank on May 5, 1996, in the clear blue waters off the island of Comino, Malta. While the specific cause of its sinking isn't officially recorded, its location near other popular scuttled wrecks suggests it may have been intentionally placed to create an artificial reef. Today, it rests upright on a sandy seabed, offering an excellent introduction to wreck diving for novices.
Lying at a maximum depth of just 11 metres, the Carolina is a highly accessible and rewarding dive. The wreck is small enough to be explored in a single, relaxed dive, allowing ample time to peer into its holds and examine the wheelhouse. After decades on the seafloor, it has become a thriving habitat for a variety of Mediterranean marine life, including moray eels, octopus, and schools of damselfish. Its shallow depth ensures plenty of natural light, making it a fantastic site for underwater photography.
Nearest Dive Centres to CAROLINA
Dive shops near CAROLINA
Aquamarina
MALTA BLUE DIVING
Dive Systems
SCUBA MALTA
Cresta Diving Center
Dive Med
Reviews for CAROLINA
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for CAROLINA
CAROLINA Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for CAROLINA, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (35.92, 14.5) (0km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
24°C
75°F · Range: 22.1–26.4°C
Current Speed
2.24 cm/s
Direction: SE (116.6°)
Salinity
37.95 PSU
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)
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