MV Karwela Diving
The MV Karwela is a former passenger and car 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 58 metres long. Its three decks, open sections and distinctive central staircase 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 Karwela: The Wreck
The top of the wreck begins at around 30 metres, with the seabed around 40–42 metres. The bow lies at approximately 39 metres and the stern around 41 metres. The vessel sits upright, making its original ferry shape particularly easy to recognise underwater.
Large openings were created before the sinking to allow divers to explore the interior. The famous staircase in the centre of the wreck is one of its most recognisable features and is particularly popular with underwater photographers.
MV Karwela: Entry & Access
The Karwela can be reached from shore at Xatt l-Aħmar. The entry is over the rocky shoreline, with ladders available to make exiting the water easier. The wreck is approximately 70–80 metres from the entry point, depending on the route taken.
The site can also be reached by boat. Shore access makes it possible to combine the wreck with the surrounding reef and other Xatt l-Aħmar wrecks, but the rocky entry and depth of the wreck mean that appropriate experience and equipment are important.
Dive Information
Three Decks
The upright ferry has three decks to explore, with numerous openings providing access to the interior and different perspectives on the wreck.
The Staircase
The central staircase is one of the Karwela’s most photographed features, with light entering through openings in the wreck.
Engine Room
The engine-room area provides a deeper section of the wreck for appropriately trained divers carrying suitable lighting and managing their gas carefully.
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 Karwela Diving Conditions
The Karwela is relatively sheltered from northerly winds, although sea conditions can change quickly 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 and upper deck, passenger areas, railings, staircase 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 Karwela
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. citeturn0search1turn0search5
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 Karwela and the Xatt l-Aħmar Wrecks
The Karwela is part of the famous Xatt l-Aħmar wreck area. The MV Cominoland and MV Xlendi are nearby, making the area particularly important for wreck diving in Gozo. The Karwela and Cominoland were both scuttled in 2006 to create artificial reefs. citeturn0search2
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 Karwela photograph.
Suggested filename: mv-karwela.jpg
Add an underwater MV Karwela photograph.
Suggested filename: mv-karwela-underwater.jpg
Photographs of the MV Karwela will be added as the site is documented.
Location
The MV Karwela 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 70–80 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 Karwela Gozo – Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the MV Karwela?
The MV Karwela lies off Xatt l-Aħmar on Gozo’s south-east coast, near Mġarr Harbour.
Can you dive the MV Karwela 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. citeturn0search5
How deep is the MV Karwela?
The upper deck begins at around 30 metres and the wreck reaches approximately 40–42 metres. Visit Gozo lists 30m average and 40m maximum. citeturn0search1
How long is the MV Karwela?
The former ferry is approximately 58 metres long.
When was the MV Karwela sunk?
The wreck was deliberately scuttled in August 2006 to create an artificial reef.
Can you enter the MV Karwela?
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 Karwela suitable for beginners?
No. The wreck is deep, with the upper deck around 30 metres and the seabed around 40–42 metres. It is generally regarded as an experienced or Advanced-level dive, with additional training appropriate for penetration.
Nearby Gozo Dive Sites
MV Cominoland
A second purpose-sunk wreck at Xatt l-Aħmar, lying close to the Karwela.
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.