MV Karwela
Protected Area
Ġebla Fessej
Why dive here
MV Karwela is a wreck dive where divers can encounter dolphins, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and sea turtles. Water ranges 16-28°C, warmest July, August, September.
The MV Karwela in Gozo feels like it was put there just for us divers. Not some ancient relic, but a purpose-sunk ferry, and honestly, it’s one of our favourite wreck dives in the Mediterranean. Sitting upright, it makes for a surprisingly comfortable dive. We love the easy penetration – the stairs on all four decks are still there, wide open and inviting. You can pop into the wheelhouse, check out the engine room, or just explore the passenger decks. Light streams in through the windows, illuminating the scarlet coral and colourful sponges that have started to colonise the steel. Outside, you’ll find plenty of painted combers and wrasse flitting around, and if you look closely, slender seagrass grows in patches. Head down to the stern for the best light on a sunny afternoon; it really brings out the colours of the sunset cup coral. We’d suggest a dive light even during the day to appreciate the detail inside, especially if you want to spot a shy Mediterranean slipper lobster tucked away. It's an excellent dive for those new to wreck penetration, or for experienced divers looking for a relaxed exploration.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
MV Karwela Wreck History
Year Sunk
2006
Vessel Type
ferry
Cause
scuttled
Tonnage
497 GRT
Before its life as a premier dive site, the MV Karwela served as a passenger ferry, taking tourists on scenic tours around Valletta's magnificent Grand Harbour for Captain Morgan Cruises. Built in West Germany in 1957, the vessel enjoyed a long and peaceful career, becoming a familiar sight to locals and visitors alike. When she was retired from service in the early 2000s, she was chosen to become an artificial reef, part of a project to enhance Gozo's reputation as a top-tier diving destination.
On August 12, 2006, the Karwela was carefully cleaned, made environmentally safe, and scuttled off the coast of Xatt l-Ahmar in Gozo. She now sits perfectly upright on the sandy seabed at a depth of around 40 meters, making her a spectacular sight for advanced divers. The wreck is renowned for its photogenic features, particularly the wide, sweeping staircase in the main saloon that offers a classic wreck photography shot. With multiple decks to explore and easy penetration for certified divers, the Karwela is a must-do dive in Gozo, forming an artificial reef park alongside the nearby MV Cominoland and MV Xlendi wrecks.
Nearest Dive Centres to MV Karwela
Dive shops near MV Karwela
Extra Divers Gozo
Technical Diving Malta Ltd.
Blue Waters Dive Cove
MEDITERRANEAN ADVENTURES LTD
Utina Diving College
Calypso Diving
Reviews for MV Karwela
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for MV Karwela
MV Karwela Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for MV Karwela, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (36.08, 14.25) (15km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
24°C
76°F · Range: 22.1–26.6°C
Current Speed
13.6 cm/s
Direction: SE (126°)
Chlorophyll-a
0.114 mg/m³
Clear water
Salinity
37.92 PSU
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)
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