BARGE 2 - Malta Island

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.

Location
Malta Island, Malta, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
35.978065, 14.478917
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
60m

Wreck History - BARGE 2

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.

Marine Protected Area: Il-Ġebla tal-Għallis, limiti tan-Naxxar

Best Time to Dive in Malta Island

The warmest water temperatures in Malta Island occur in January, averaging 16.8°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 16.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 16.8°C (air: 13.8°C)
  • February: 16.8°C (air: 13.8°C)
  • March: 16.8°C (air: 14.3°C)
  • April: 16.8°C (air: 16.2°C)
  • May: 16.8°C (air: 19.8°C)
  • June: 16.8°C (air: 24.1°C)
  • July: 16.8°C (air: 27.2°C)
  • August: 16.8°C (air: 27.7°C)
  • September: 16.8°C (air: 25.6°C)
  • October: 16.8°C (air: 22.3°C)
  • November: 16.8°C (air: 19.1°C)
  • December: 16.8°C (air: 15.8°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Malta Island

Nearest Dive Centres to BARGE 2

Marine Life in Malta Island

Home to 62 recorded species including 39 reef fish, 4 hard corals, 4 whales & dolphins, 3 seagrass & algae, 2 other, 2 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for BARGE 2

Based on average water temperature of 16.8°C.

  • Wetsuit (5-7mm) - recommended for 17°C water
  • Hood & Gloves (3-5mm) - helps retain warmth
  • 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