CHIOS REEFER - Gozo

The Chios Reefer, resting at 26 metres, is a proper Gozo classic, and we’d say it’s our favourite deep wreck on the island. It’s an impressive chunk of metal, 134 metres long, and lies on its port side, mostly intact, which is key. You can swim through the main cargo holds, which are surprisingly open and bright thanks to the deck having mostly collapsed. Light filters in, showing off the huge schools of damselfish that now call the holds home. We love just hovering in the middle of a hold, watching them swirl around you. The engine room is accessible for those with the right training, a tighter squeeze but worth it for the sense of history. Look out for the resident moray eels tucked into crevices, their heads poking out with that perpetually grumpy expression. Because it’s been down since 1983, the wreck has been well and truly colonised; expect to see nudibranchs on the superstructure and scorpionfish camouflaged on the hull. It’s a dive that rewards multiple visits, revealing more of its secrets each time. Dive it early to avoid any crowds.

Location
Gozo, Malta, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
36.784817, 14.469400
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
26m

Best Time to Dive in Gozo

The warmest water temperatures in Gozo occur in August, averaging 27.7°C. The coolest conditions are in March at 15.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 16.4°C
  • February: 15.3°C
  • March: 15.3°C
  • April: 16.1°C
  • May: 18.5°C
  • June: 22.6°C
  • July: 26.3°C
  • August: 27.7°C
  • September: 27.1°C
  • October: 24.5°C
  • November: 22.0°C
  • December: 18.9°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Gozo

Nearest Dive Centres to CHIOS REEFER

Marine Life in Gozo

Home to 24 recorded species including 12 reef fish, 3 hard corals, 2 whales & dolphins, 2 seagrass & algae, 2 sharks & rays, 1 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for CHIOS REEFER

Based on average water temperature of 20.9°C, currents 9 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