Dive Site Card
Collect the card.
An 80-metre upturned ferry lying capsized in Xatt l'Ahmar, scuttled in 1999 as Gozo's first purpose-sunk dive site. Two propellers sit at 32m, the deepest sections reach 44m, and the hull stretches across 23m of water column. This is a deep dive that demands planning and a solid depth profile.
The MV Xlendi's most striking feature is its orientation: lying entirely on its starboard side, the port hull faces upward like a wall, while the open deck faces sideways. Divers first encounter the upper hull at around 25m, then descend along the hull side to the keel at 45m. Penetration is possible through multiple open hatches and companionways, revealing the engine room, hold spaces, and passenger areas. All penetration routes allow light entry from each end, minimising disorientation risk. The interior is densely colonised with tubeworms, sponges, and juvenile fish. Mature grouper hold position in the shaded cavities. The flat sandy seabed around the wreck yields stingrays and occasionally Comino's amberjack.
The MV Xlendi was built as a train ferry and fitted with a propeller at each end. Both sit at around 32m, making them the shallowest accessible feature on the wreck. The blades are large and photogenic, with significant encrustation from 25 years on the seabed.
Scuttled upside down, the hull now forms a broad overhead landscape with the keel rising toward 32m and the sandy slope extending to 42m on the shore side and 44m seaward. The structure is unstable in sections; penetration is not recommended.
The wreck hosts dense fish life across its full length. Large groupers are resident year-round, cuttlefish patrol the hull edges in spring, and octopus are visible in crevices between the wreck sections. Amberjack school above the keel during summer months.
A small car wreck lies on the sandy bottom to the shore side of the Xlendi, providing an additional point of interest for divers at depth. The sand slopes down steadily from both sides, giving a clear visual reference for depth management throughout the dive.
| Period | Water Temp | Visibility | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan-Mar | 14-16°C | 20-30m | Clear water; cold dive, 7mm suit recommended |
| Apr-Jun | 17-22°C | 20-25m | Good conditions; visibility settles as season opens |
| Jul-Sep | 25-28°C | 15-25m | Peak season; warmest water, occasional thermoclines at depth |
| Oct-Dec | 18-23°C | 20-30m | Excellent visibility; conditions stabilise post-summer |
Currents in Xatt l'Ahmar are generally mild and manageable. On exposed days, a light directional current may run along the hull. Check conditions before committing to the full depth profile.
Shore entry from Xatt l'Ahmar is rated medium difficulty. Boat entry is available and preferred for managing bottom time at depth. The wreck is approximately 60m west of the MV Karwela, making a twin-wreck dive feasible by boat.
A torch is useful for examining hull features and crevices. An SMB is mandatory for boat dives. At 40m+ sections, plan gas reserves carefully. A 5mm wetsuit covers summer; 7mm or semi-dry for winter months.
Advanced Open Water or equivalent certification is required. Significant sections of the wreck lie below 30m; a deep dive specialty or equivalent logged experience is strongly recommended before attempting the deeper hull sections.
The MV Xlendi is lying capsized and upside down. The deck structure has been crushed and the wreck is structurally unstable. Penetration diving inside the hull is not recommended under any circumstances.
Plan your bottom time before entry. The deepest sandy slopes reach 44m on the seaward side. At these depths, NDL time is short and gas consumption increases. Ascend before reaching 50% of your gas reserve at depth.
A surface marker buoy is mandatory for all boat dives at this site. Deploy your SMB at your safety stop depth (5m, 3 minutes minimum). Boat traffic operates in Xatt l'Ahmar; a visible SMB is essential for surface cover.
Dive in buddy pairs or small groups with a maximum of five divers per guide. At 40m+ sections, maintaining visual contact with your buddy is critical. Agree on a maximum depth and turn pressure before entering the water.
The first dive on the Xlendi should be conducted with a local guide. The wreck orientation is disorienting given its capsized position. A guide will route you efficiently through the hull circuit and manage time at depth.
diveshack runs guided dives to the MV Xlendi by boat from Xatt l'Ahmar or as part of a Gozo wreck day combining the Xlendi and MV Karwela. All dives include a full briefing, guided descent, and surface cover. Equipment rental is available. Group size is a maximum of five divers per guide.
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