Merkanti Reef
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.
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.
Nearest Dive Centres to Merkanti Reef
Dive shops near Merkanti Reef
SCUBA MALTA
Cresta Diving Center
Dive Systems
MALTA BLUE DIVING
Aquamarina
Subway Scuba Diving
Reviews for Merkanti Reef
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)
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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