P31 (Sliema)
Site Overview
The P31 is a 23 m ex-East German Kondor-class minesweeper scuttled off Sliema in 2009 as an artificial reef. It lies at 18-25 m, intact and accessible, with open holds that divers can penetrate and a recognisable deck layout. Resident groupers, lionfish and morays now call it home, while barracuda and bream patrol the surrounding water. Its shallow depth and easy access make it one of the most beginner-friendly wreck dives on the Malta east coast. 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
"A short boat ride from Sliema brings you to the mooring. Descend to the deck at about 18 m and explore the open holds and superstructure, keeping buoyancy off the bottom. Watch for groupers inside the wreck and ascend with a safety stop, watching 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
Dusky Grouper
Epinephelus marginatus
Best: Year-round
Red Lionfish
Pterois miles
Best: Year-round
Mediterranean Moray
Muraena helena
Best: Year-round
Barracuda
Sphyraena viridensis
Best: May, June, July
Common Bream
Boops boops
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 25 m
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Great for open-water divers and those new to wreck diving, thanks to its shallow depth and intact, easy layout. It is also a relaxed dive for more experienced divers wanting fish life close to the city. 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