CARMELO MARULLO II - Tabarka

Carmelo Marullo II isn’t just another sunken boat. This fishing vessel, resting at 50 metres, holds a peculiar stillness, a kind of melancholic charm that we find truly compelling. Dropping down, the silence here is profound, broken only by your own bubbles, and the light quickly fades to a deep blue, adding to the atmosphere. We love the way the wreck has settled upright, its stern now a habitat for small groupers and even a few moray eels peeking from crevices. Exploring the deck, you’ll notice the fishing gear still somewhat intact, a ghost of its former purpose. The stern is our favourite part, with a slight list that creates interesting angles for photography. You’ll often find schools of damselfish flitting around the superstructure, and occasionally, a larger amberjack cruises by in the blue. It’s a dive that suits experienced deep divers who appreciate the quiet dignity of a well-preserved wreck rather than a frantic reef. Visibility here can vary, but on a good day, the sight of the Carmelo Marullo II emerging from the deep blue is genuinely striking. Just be mindful of your bottom time; 50 metres sneaks up on you quickly.

Location
Tabarka, Tunisia, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
37.824314, 10.918484
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
50m

Wreck History - CARMELO MARULLO II

Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
unknown

Resting in the deep blue off Tabarka, Tunisia, the Carmelo Marullo II offers a formidable challenge for technical divers. This fishing vessel sits upright on the seabed at 50 meters, placing it well beyond the limits of recreational diving. Its history and the cause of its sinking are not widely documented, adding a layer of mystery to the dive. Exploring this wreck requires specialized training, equipment, and meticulous planning, but the rewards are significant. Divers who make the descent can expect to find a largely intact vessel, complete with the ghostly outlines of its fishing gear, now serving as a deep-water artificial reef for marine species that thrive in the cooler, darker depths.

Best Time to Dive in Tabarka

The warmest water temperatures in Tabarka occur in January, averaging 16.7°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 16.7°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 16.7°C (air: 14.4°C)
  • February: 16.7°C (air: 14.5°C)
  • March: 16.7°C (air: 14.8°C)
  • April: 16.7°C (air: 16.1°C)
  • May: 16.7°C (air: 18.8°C)
  • June: 16.7°C (air: 22.7°C)
  • July: 16.7°C (air: 26.0°C)
  • August: 16.7°C (air: 26.7°C)
  • September: 16.7°C (air: 25.3°C)
  • October: 16.7°C (air: 22.6°C)
  • November: 16.7°C (air: 19.2°C)
  • December: 16.7°C (air: 16.1°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Tabarka

Nearest Dive Centres to CARMELO MARULLO II

Marine Life in Tabarka

Home to 162 recorded species including 104 reef fish, 20 sharks & rays, 7 octopus & squid, 6 other, 5 whales & dolphins, 4 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for CARMELO MARULLO II

Based on average water temperature of 16.7°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