CAROLINA - Comino

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.

Location
Comino, Malta, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
35.884777, 14.497841
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
11m

Wreck History - CAROLINA

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.

Marine Protected Area: Fortifikazzjonijiet tal-Port

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 CAROLINA

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 CAROLINA

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