MV Cominoland Diving
The MV Cominoland is a former passenger ferry that was deliberately scuttled at Xatt l-Aħmar in August 2006 to create an artificial reef. The wreck now lies upright on a sandy seabed and is one of the best-known wreck dives around Gozo.
The wreck is approximately 39 metres long. Its two decks and open sections provide a variety of routes for experienced divers, while the surrounding Xatt l-Aħmar reef offers a shallower area for the end of the dive.
MV Cominoland: The Wreck
The wreck starts at around 32 metres, with the deck at approximately 35 metres and the bow reaching about 39 metres. The maximum depth is around 40 metres. The vessel sits perfectly upright on a sandy seabed, making its original ferry shape easy to recognise underwater.
Openings were created before the sinking to allow divers to explore the two decks. The interior offers sheltered sections and different perspectives on the wreck, but penetration should only be undertaken by appropriately trained divers with suitable equipment and experience.
MV Cominoland: Entry & Access
The Cominoland can be reached from shore at Xatt l-Aħmar and is approximately 80 metres from the entry point. The rocky shore entry requires care, and the depth of the wreck makes this an experienced-level dive.
The site can also be reached by boat. Boat access removes the surface swim and can be useful when combining Cominoland with the nearby Karwela and the wider Xatt l-Aħmar wreck area.
Dive Information
Two Decks
The upright ferry has two decks to explore, with numerous openings providing access to the interior and different perspectives on the wreck.
Upright Wreck
The Cominoland rests upright on a sandy seabed, making its compact ferry structure easy to recognise and photograph.
Wreck Penetration
Openings prepared before scuttling allow appropriately trained divers to explore parts of the two-deck interior with suitable lighting and buoyancy control.
Artificial Reef
The wreck is now heavily colonised by marine life, while the surrounding Xatt l-Aħmar reef provides a shallower continuation to the dive.
MV Cominoland Diving Conditions
The Cominoland is relatively sheltered from northerly winds, although sea conditions can change around the Gozo–Comino channel. The shore entry should be assessed before entering, particularly when waves make the rocky shoreline more difficult.
Current is usually light, but divers should still check conditions locally. Boat traffic can be significant during busy periods, so an SMB should be used appropriately and divers should follow local guidance for ascent and exit.
What You Can See
The wreck itself is the main attraction, with the bridge, superstructure, decks, railings and lower sections all offering different photographic opportunities. Large openings allow natural light into parts of the wreck.
The artificial reef supports a range of Mediterranean marine life. Moray eels, octopus, grouper, scorpionfish, nudibranchs and other reef species may be encountered, while the surrounding reef can provide opportunities for seahorse sightings.
Diving the MV Cominoland
Visit Gozo lists the site as an experienced dive, with an average depth of about 30 metres and a maximum of 40 metres. PADI also lists the wreck as suitable for experienced divers and gives a maximum depth around 42 metres.
Divers planning to enter the wreck should have appropriate wreck-diving training, good buoyancy control and a suitable torch. The deeper sections require careful gas and no-decompression planning, particularly if spending extended time inside the wreck.
MV Cominoland and the Xatt l-Aħmar Wrecks
The Cominoland is part of the famous Xatt l-Aħmar wreck area. The MV Karwela and MV Xlendi are nearby, making the area particularly important for wreck diving in Gozo. The Cominoland and Karwela were both scuttled in 2006 to create artificial reefs.
The nearby shallow reef also provides a useful transition towards the end of the dive, allowing divers to ascend progressively before returning to the shore exit.
Photographs
Add your Xatt l-Aħmar / MV Cominoland photograph.
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Add an underwater MV Cominoland photograph.
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Photographs of the MV Cominoland will be added as the site is documented.
Location
The MV Cominoland lies off Xatt l-Aħmar on Gozo’s south-east coast, close to the other wrecks in the area.
Location & Map
The wreck is approximately 80 metres from the Xatt l-Aħmar shore entry. The surrounding reef and nearby wrecks make this one of Gozo’s most concentrated diving areas.
MV Cominoland Gozo – Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the MV Cominoland?
The MV Cominoland lies off Xatt l-Aħmar on Gozo’s south-east coast, near Mġarr Harbour.
Can you dive the MV Cominoland from shore?
Yes. The wreck is accessible from the Xatt l-Aħmar shore entry, although the rocky shoreline requires care. It can also be reached by boat.
How deep is the MV Cominoland?
The wreck starts at around 32 metres, with the deck at approximately 35 metres and the maximum depth around 40 metres. Visit Gozo lists 30m average and 40m maximum.
How long is the MV Cominoland?
The former ferry is approximately 39 metres long.
When was the MV Cominoland sunk?
The wreck was deliberately scuttled in August 2006 to create an artificial reef.
Can you enter the MV Cominoland?
There are large openings created before the sinking, allowing appropriately trained divers to explore parts of the interior. Wreck penetration should only be undertaken within suitable training and experience.
What marine life can you see?
The wreck has become an artificial reef supporting fish and invertebrates including grouper, moray eels, octopus, scorpionfish and nudibranchs. Seahorses may also be encountered around the surrounding reef.
Is the MV Cominoland suitable for beginners?
No. The wreck is deep, with the upper deck around 30 metres and the seabed around 40 metres. It is generally regarded as an experienced or Advanced-level dive, with additional training appropriate for penetration.
Nearby Gozo Dive Sites
MV Karwela
A second purpose-sunk wreck at Xatt l-Aħmar, lying close to the Cominoland.
Xatt l-Aħmar
The wider reef and wreck area, with walls, reef and several artificial-reef wrecks.
MV Xlendi
A nearby former ferry wreck in the Xatt l-Aħmar wreck area.
Ta' Ċenċ Cliffs
A dramatic south Gozo wall dive with a shallow platform and deeper reef.