HMS Maori
Site Overview
HMS Maori was a WWII Tribal-class destroyer bombed and sunk in Valletta’s Grand Harbour in 1942. The wreck was later scuttled outside the harbour and now lies scattered at 12-18 m, still recognisable by its guns, boilers and hull plates. Large moray eels, octopus and a wealth of macro life inhabit the structure, and it is considered one of the best night dives in Malta. Its shallow depth makes it accessible to open-water divers with a respect for the war grave. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Malta’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Malta’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Malta’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Malta’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Malta’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Malta’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Malta’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers.
Dive Briefing
"Boat from Sliema or the harbour to the mooring and descend to the scattered plates at 12-18 m. Explore the recognisable bow and boiler sections, watching crevices for morays and octopus. A night dive reveals crustaceans and cuttlefish; ascend with a safety stop and watch for boat traffic. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point."
Signature Marine Life
Mediterranean Moray
Muraena helena
Best: Year-round
Common Octopus
Octopus vulgaris
Best: Year-round
Cuttlefish
Sepia officinalis
Best: April, May, June
Two-banded Sea Bream
Diplodus vulgaris
Best: Year-round
Nudibranch
Chromodorididae
Best: Year-round
Safety & Hazards
- Boat traffic in the harbour
- Scattered sharp metal
- Moderate surge at times
- Limited visibility after rain
- Entry via small boat
- War grave etiquette required
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Excellent for open-water divers and night-dive lovers who enjoy history and macro life over big structure. It is a relaxed, shallow wreck with plenty to see close to Valletta. It suits confident Mediterranean divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich marine life over tropical abundance. It suits confident Mediterranean divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich marine life over tropical abundance. It suits confident Mediterranean divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich marine life over tropical abundance. It suits confident Mediterranean divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich marine life over tropical abundance.
Quick Stats
Dive Logistics
- Dive Systems
- Hurricane Diving
Photography Info
Best for: macro, wide_angle