Wreck of the Cominoland - Gozo

The Cominoland wreck, scuttled purposefully off Xatt l-Aħmar in Gozo, is one of our absolute favourite dives in Malta. It sits upright, relatively intact, a ferryboat now home to a surprising array of Mediterranean life. Drop down the line and you’re immediately into the superstructure, often with schools of salema swirling past the bridge deck. We always find ourselves drawn to the engine room, a properly dark penetration that opens up into the bow. Visibility here is usually excellent, letting you appreciate the sheer size of the vessel. Look closely for the blush of scarlet coral on the deeper plates and keep an eye out for a dusky grouper lurking in the shadows. We’ve seen some hefty conger eels poking out from behind bulkheads and, if you’re lucky, a loggerhead turtle might glide by on the deeper sandy patches. For divers who love a good exploration, especially those keen on getting inside, the Cominoland is a winner. The way the light plays through the upper decks on a sunny day is just mesmerising.

Location
Gozo, Malta, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
36.017075, 14.287154
Type
wreck

Wreck History - Wreck of the Cominoland

Year Sunk
2006
Vessel Type
ferry
Cause
scuttled
Tonnage
395 GRT

The MV Cominoland had a varied career before becoming one of Gozo's premier wreck dives. Originally launched in 1942 as the British minesweeper HMS Miner VI, she served her duty before being sold to a Maltese company. She was converted and renamed, spending her final years as a beloved tourist ferry, carrying countless visitors on the scenic route between Malta and the island of Comino, from which she took her name.

In 2006, after being decommissioned, the Cominoland was scuttled as part of an ambitious project to create an underwater park for divers off Xatt l-Ahmar on the south coast of Gozo. She was sunk alongside another ferry, the MV Karwela, creating a spectacular dual-wreck dive site. The Cominoland now sits perfectly upright on the sandy seabed at a depth of around 40 meters, with her main deck at a more accessible 35 meters. Divers can explore her two decks, penetrate the spacious dining area, and swim up the iconic staircase to the bridge. The wreck is a magnificent sight, often surrounded by schools of damselfish and barracuda, offering an unforgettable deep dive experience.

Marine Protected Area: Ġebla Fessej

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 Wreck of the Cominoland

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 Wreck of the Cominoland

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