P29 Patrol Boat
Site Overview
The P29 is a 52 m ex-East German Kondor-class patrol boat scuttled off Sliema in 2007 as an artificial reef. It rests upright and largely intact at 20-35 m, with a swim-through bridge, open deck and recognisable gun mounts. Schools of jack and barracuda hover above the hull, while nudibranchs, morays and bream colonise the structure. Its recent sinking means it is in excellent condition, making it one of Malta’s most popular and photogenic wreck dives close to the city. 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
"Sail a few minutes from Sliema to the mooring and descend along the shot line to the deck at about 22 m. Swim through the open bridge and along the hull, watching for jack and barracuda. Keep buoyancy control to avoid stirring the bottom, then ascend with a safety stop and watch for boat traffic near the surface. 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
Jack (Horse Mackerel)
Trachurus trachurus
Best: May, June, July
Barracuda
Sphyraena viridensis
Best: Year-round
Nudibranch
Chromodorididae
Best: Year-round
Mediterranean Moray
Muraena helena
Best: Year-round
Common Two-banded Bream
Diplodus vulgaris
Best: Year-round
Safety & Hazards
- Boat traffic in the harbour
- Occasional mild current
- Sharp metal edges
- Limited visibility after rain
- Entry via small boat
- Depth near 35 m
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Ideal for open-water and intermediate divers wanting an intact, penetrable wreck with rich fish life minutes from Valletta. It pairs perfectly with Rozi for a Sliema wreck double. 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: wide_angle, macro