ARIANNA PRIMA
Why dive here
ARIANNA PRIMA is a wreck dive where divers can encounter dolphins, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and sea turtles. Water ranges 15-28°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Arianna Prima, a stern trawler with a history stretching back to 1970, lies shallow in Gozo’s waters, making it an ideal wreck for less experienced divers or those looking for a relaxed second dive. At just 7 metres deep, we love how the sunlight still filters down, illuminating the vessel's structure. You can fin slowly over the deck, spotting the remnants of fishing gear and imagining its working life. We found plenty of little nudibranchs clinging to the metal, and small groups of damselfish flitting through the superstructure. It’s not a dramatic drop-off, but the wreck creates its own ecosystem, drawing in juvenile fish seeking shelter. Our pick for this site? Take your time. Look inside the wheelhouse if you can, peer into the holds. The Arianna Prima offers a gentle introduction to wreck diving, showing how quickly a sunken vessel can become part of the underwater landscape, providing homes for marine life.
Typical ARIANNA PRIMA 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.
ARIANNA PRIMA Wreck History
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
unknown
Built in 1970 as the Merrydale, the Arianna Prima was a hardworking stern trawler that spent decades plying the seas. After changing hands and names over its long career, the vessel eventually met its end in the clear waters off Gozo, Malta. The exact cause and date of its sinking are not well-documented, leaving an air of mystery around its final moments. Today, it sits upright on a sandy bottom at a shallow depth of just 7 meters, making it an excellent and safe dive for beginners, photographers, and anyone looking for a long, leisurely exploration. The wreck is small but intact, and its accessible structure has become a haven for a surprising amount of marine life, including octopus and moray eels seeking shelter in its nooks and crannies.
Reviews for ARIANNA PRIMA
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ARIANNA PRIMA
ARIANNA PRIMA Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for ARIANNA PRIMA, sourced from Copernicus Marine satellite data
August Averages
Sea Temperature
27.66°C
82°F
Current Speed
16.28 cm/s
Direction: SE (132.5°)
Chlorophyll-a
0.101 mg/m³
Clear water
Salinity
37.73 PSU
Data sources: Copernicus Marine Service (EU)
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