HMS KINGSTON - Malta Island

The HMS Kingston in Malta is a strange one, and we love it for being exactly that. You’re not diving a fully intact destroyer; you’re diving the bow section, separated from the rest of the ship after it took a hammering in Grand Harbour during WWII. It was later moved and scuttled to act as a breakwater, now resting in about 5 metres of water. We’d suggest a calm day to really appreciate the details here, as the shallowness can make it feel a bit like a washing machine if there’s any swell. What you get is a fantastic playground for history buffs and photographers. The bow section is still substantial, with clear evidence of its destroyer past, even if it's been through a lot. Our favourite part is swimming through the mangled metal, seeing how the light plays on the rusted plates and how schools of juvenile fish have made these tight spaces their home. We’ve even spotted moray eels tucked into the more protected crevices. It’s an easy, rewarding dive, perfect for extending a surface interval or for divers who appreciate a wreck with a story, even if it’s a broken one.

Location
Malta Island, Malta, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
35.963550, 14.398050
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Marine Protected Area: Il-Gżejjer ta\' San Pawl / Selmunett

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 HMS KINGSTON

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 HMS KINGSTON

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving the HMS Kingston wreck in Malta?
The HMS Kingston wreck in Malta is found at a shallow depth of 5 meters. This makes it an accessible dive for many, situated within the Malta Island area.
What kind of marine life and wreck remnants can divers expect to see at the HMS Kingston dive site?
Divers exploring the HMS Kingston can expect to encounter the remnants of a destroyer vessel, originally built in 1939. The wreck features elements such as 3-drum boilers, six 4.7-inch guns, and six smaller guns, offering a glimpse into its wartime history. The hull, measuring 106.1m x 10.7m, was sunk in 1942 by aircraft bombs and later moved to act as a block-ship.
How challenging is the HMS Kingston dive site, and is it suitable for all experience levels?
The HMS Kingston dive site is classified as an intermediate difficulty wreck. Due to its classification as a "Dangerous wreck," it is not suitable for all experience levels and requires divers to have appropriate training and experience for such sites.
When is the best time of year to dive the HMS Kingston for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the HMS Kingston for optimal conditions and visibility. For general guidance on diving seasons in Malta, please refer to our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific diving certifications or experience levels required to dive the HMS Kingston?
Diving the HMS Kingston is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive. Given its classification as a "Dangerous wreck," specific certifications or a suitable level of experience in wreck diving are highly recommended to ensure diver safety.
What are the typical current conditions and average visibility at the HMS Kingston dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the typical current conditions or average visibility at the HMS Kingston dive site. Divers should consult local dive operators in Malta Island for the most up-to-date site conditions before planning their dive.