Diving Xatt l-Aħmar
Xatt l-Aħmar is one of Gozo's best-known shore-entry diving areas. Located on the southeastern coast near Għajnsielem and Mġarr Harbour, the site combines a shallow reef plateau, a descending wall, rocky formations and deeper wreck dives.
What makes Xatt l-Aħmar particularly useful to divers is the variety available from the same entry point. A dive can remain on the shallower reef and wall or continue towards the deeper artificial reefs and shipwrecks offshore.
The reef and wall
The dive begins on a broad shallow reef plateau, with published descriptions placing the initial reef at approximately 5–8 metres. From here the rocky ledge descends towards the deeper wall.
The wall and surrounding boulders provide numerous cracks, ledges and swim-throughs. Neptune grass and rocky habitats support a variety of Mediterranean marine life.
The four wrecks
Xatt l-Aħmar is especially famous for its wrecks: MV Karwela, MV Cominoland, MV Xlendi and, since 2022, MV Hephaestus. They were deliberately scuttled to create artificial reefs and diving attractions.
The wrecks lie offshore from the main entry area and are reached by swimming out from the reef. Their depth makes them substantially more demanding than the shallow reef and wall sections.
MV Karwela
The MV Karwela was a former passenger ferry and was scuttled in August 2006 together with MV Cominoland. The wreck lies upright on the sandy seabed and has several decks to explore.
The top deck is around 30 metres deep, while the seabed is approximately 40 metres or slightly deeper. The wreck has openings that allow suitably trained divers to explore its interior.
The Karwela is one of the most recognisable wreck dives around Gozo and is particularly attractive because of its upright position and large structure.
MV Cominoland
The MV Cominoland was formerly used for tourist excursions around Comino. It was scuttled in August 2006 to create an artificial reef at Xatt l-Aħmar.
Like the Karwela, Cominoland is a deep wreck dive. Its position close to the Karwela allows experienced divers to combine the wrecks during an appropriately planned dive.
MV Xlendi
The MV Xlendi was a former Gozo Channel Line ferry and was scuttled in November 1999. It is approximately 80 metres long and lies upside down on the seabed.
The wreck rests at approximately 42–44 metres, with its propellers around 32 metres. Because of the condition and instability of the overturned structure, penetration of the Xlendi is not recommended.
MV Hephaestus
The MV Hephaestus is the newest wreck at Xatt l-Aħmar. The approximately 60-metre tanker was deliberately scuttled at Xatt l-Aħmar in August 2022 to create a new artificial reef and diving attraction.
The Hephaestus lies in deeper water than the main reef sections of Xatt l-Aħmar, making it a dive for suitably qualified and experienced divers. Its position and depth add a fourth major wreck to the collection of artificial reefs at Xatt l-Aħmar.
Marine life
The combination of reef, wall, boulders, seagrass and wrecks creates a wide range of habitats. Divers may encounter groupers, moray eels, octopus, bream, goatfish and numerous smaller reef species.
The wrecks themselves have become artificial reefs, supporting algae, sponges, sea firs and other marine organisms. The surrounding rocks also provide shelter for smaller Mediterranean species.
Multi-level diving
One of the advantages of Xatt l-Aħmar is the ability to combine different depths during a dive. The shallow reef and wall provide shallower sections before and after visiting the deeper wrecks.
This makes the site particularly interesting for experienced divers planning a multi-level profile, provided the dive remains within the diver's training, equipment and decompression plan.
Photographs
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Location
Xatt l-Aħmar is on the southeastern coast of Gozo near Għajnsielem and Mġarr Harbour. The dive site is reached from the shore and provides access to the reef, wall, caves and offshore wrecks.
Location & map
Xatt l-Aħmar is on Gozo's southeastern coast, close to Għajnsielem and Mġarr Harbour. The visible map shows the general Xatt l-Aħmar dive area rather than the position of any individual wreck.
Xatt l-Aħmar diving FAQ
Where is Xatt l-Aħmar?
Xatt l-Aħmar is on the southeastern coast of Gozo near Għajnsielem and Mġarr Harbour. It is a shore-entry diving area with a reef, wall and three offshore wrecks.
Is Xatt l-Aħmar suitable for shore diving?
Yes. The site is accessed from the shore. The shallow reef and wall provide shallower diving, while the deeper wrecks require appropriate training and experience.
What wrecks are at Xatt l-Aħmar?
There are now four major wrecks at Xatt l-Aħmar: MV Karwela, MV Cominoland, MV Xlendi and MV Hephaestus. Karwela and Cominoland were scuttled in 2006, Xlendi was scuttled in 1999, and the Hephaestus was added in 2022.
How deep are the Xatt l-Aħmar wrecks?
The wrecks are deep dives. The Karwela reaches approximately 40 metres, while Cominoland reaches around 40 metres or more. The Xlendi lies at approximately 42–44 metres, with its propellers around 32 metres. The newer Hephaestus is also a deep wreck and lies at approximately 32–42 metres.
What level of diver is recommended?
The shallow reef can be suitable for less experienced divers, but the deeper wrecks require appropriate deep and wreck-diving training and experience.
Can the MV Xlendi be entered?
Wreck penetration of the MV Xlendi is not recommended because the vessel is overturned and considered unstable.
What marine life can be seen at Xatt l-Aħmar?
The reef and wrecks support a variety of Mediterranean marine life, including groupers, moray eels, octopus, bream, goatfish, nudibranchs and other reef species.