Comino, Malta
    Għadajjar ta\' l-ilma ħelu fil-Qaliet (l/ta\' San Ġiljan)

    Merkanti Reef

    Best months: Jul–Sep

    Protected Area

    Għadajjar ta\' l-ilma ħelu fil-Qaliet (l/ta\' San Ġiljan)

    Why dive here

    Merkanti Reef is a reef dive where divers can encounter dolphins, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and sea turtles. Water ranges 16-28°C, warmest July, August, September.

    Best timeJul–Sep
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeDolphins, Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) and Sea Turtles
    Water16-28°C · warmest July, August, September
    CharacterReef dive

    Merkanti Reef, tucked away off Comino, often gets overshadowed by its flashier neighbours, but we think that’s a mistake. This isn't a deep dive, typically hovering around 15-20 metres, making it perfect for a leisurely hour underwater. The main draw is a series of rocky outcrops, covered in a surprising density of Mediterranean coral, something we always appreciate in these waters. What we really love here is the sheer number of nooks and crannies to explore. Keep an eye out for octopus tucked into crevices – we’ve had some fantastic encounters with them here. The rockfish are plentiful, and on a good day, you'll spot painted combers darting between the calcareous green algae. If you're patient, you might even catch a glimpse of a sea horse, though they’re masters of camouflage. We’d suggest going in the late morning, after any early boat traffic has settled, when the light really plays well on the reef structures. It’s a wonderfully relaxed dive, well-suited for anyone who enjoys pottering around a vibrant reef without the pressure of deep walls or strong currents.

    Today06:0617:3311h 28m daylightGolden hour 16:59

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Merkanti Reef

    Merkanti Reef Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Merkanti Reef, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (35.92, 14.5) (0km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    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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