BARGE 2
Protected Area
Il-Ġebla tal-Għallis, limiti tan-Naxxar
Why dive here
With 59+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, octopuses, sea turtles and cuttlefish - BARGE 2 offers some of Malta Island's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 16-28°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Barge 2 wreck, sitting at 60 metres, isn't one for casual divers, but for those with the training, it’s a seriously rewarding deep dive. We love the feeling of descending into that blue, knowing you’re heading for something really substantial. It’s a genuine barge, not some flimsy fishing boat, and its size allows for proper exploration. You can spend a good chunk of your bottom time traversing its length, feeling the weight of the structure around you. What makes it standout, beyond the depth, is how well it's settled. The deck is home to scorpionfish, perfectly camouflaged, and we often spot decent-sized groupers hovering in the shadows underneath overhangs. The low light really makes your torch beam pop, highlighting the sponges and anemones that have started to colonise the metalwork. Our favourite part? Nosing around the stern, where you get a real sense of its scale. Just remember, this one demands good gas planning and solid buoyancy skills. We'd suggest going early in the morning for the calmest conditions before any surface chop picks up.
Typical BARGE 2 Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Maximum depth 60m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
BARGE 2 Wreck History
Vessel Type
barge
Cause
scuttled
Similar to other historic barges found in Maltese waters, Barge 2 is most likely a relic of the World War II era. Constructed from reinforced concrete as a response to wartime steel shortages, these barges played a crucial logistical role. Malta's strategic importance as an Allied naval base meant countless tons of supplies were moved on vessels just like this one. After its service life ended, it was intentionally sunk, finding a new purpose as an artificial reef.
Located off Malta Island, this wreck lies at a challenging depth of 60 meters, placing it firmly in the realm of technical diving. The descent to the seabed is a journey back in time, culminating in the discovery of this piece of wartime history. Divers can circumnavigate the simple, robust structure, observing how the marine environment has claimed the man-made object. For certified tech divers, exploring this concrete barge offers a unique alternative to the more famous military wrecks in the area and a chance to connect with a different aspect of Malta's maritime past.
Nearest Dive Centres to BARGE 2
Dive shops near BARGE 2
FRENCH TOUCH DIVING - Malta
Subway Scuba Diving
Maltaqua Scuba Diving
New Dimension Scuba
ABC Diving
DUNE MALTA
Reviews for BARGE 2
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for BARGE 2
BARGE 2 Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for BARGE 2, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (35.95, 14.4) (2km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
24°C
76°F · Range: 22.2–26.3°C
Air Temperature
22°C
72°F
Wind Speed
5.92 m/s
11.5 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1018.2 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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