Gozo’s Top Dive Sites: P31 Patrol Boat

The P31 Patrol Boat is a shallow wreck which was scuttled just outside the Crystal Lagoon in Comino, Gozo’s sister island. Since it was sunk for divers in 2009 it has been one of the most popular dive sites in Malta and Gozo.

The P31 served the Malta Maritime Squadron for 13 years, patrolling Maltese waters up to 2004. She was then made environmentally safe and eventually scuttled in August of 2009 as an artificial reef and attraction for divers visiting the Maltese islands.
Before its time in Malta, the P31 was a German Kondor-class vessel, designed primarily for minesweeping.
This wreck is extremely popular with divers of all levels due to its manageable depth and size, interesting features and varied marine life. At only 20m deep to the sandy bottom on which it rests, the site allows even entry level divers the opportunity to begin exploring the world of wreck diving, whilst also providing enough interest for more experienced wreck diving enthusiasts to enjoy.

The wreck is 52 metres long, 7m wide and weighing around 360 tons. There is plenty of wreck here to explore, with a decent number of areas to explore. Penetration is also relatively safe and simple as the wreck was prepared well with diving tourism in mind.

Here at Blue Waters, we start the dive by entering the boat at nearby Hondoq bay. The journey is only around 5 minutes, and those on board will enjoy the view of Comino en-route. The boat can moor on the buoy for the wreck itself, or anchor nearby.
You will enjoy a smooth descent to 18-20m to the sandy sea bed which surrounds the wreck. I always love to make a nice slow tour around the outside, which should take around 10 minutes. It is worth to take a look out on the sandy bottom as flying gurnard and small stingray can often be found.
Looking up to the bridge is beautiful as large shoals of damselfish surround the artificial reef, light reflecting through the metal, dancing as it does.

Once you have completed your tour there are many ways to penetrate the P31. Divers looking to explore the full extent of the wreck can enter through one of two large holes cut into the deck near the stern. You can then swim almost the entire length of the wreck, passing through various passageways inside the hull. Just be careful for sharp edges and be aware that some of these passageways require a little squeezing through.

Then you have the deck, with each portion of this incredible underwater playground open for exploration. There are many holes and crevices which have become home to Lobster, Octopus, and Moray Eel. If you take time to explore the outer railings there is also usually no shortage of Nudibranchs to see. After almost 15 years underwater the P31 has become home to a wide variety of marine life, making this dive even more satisfying.

The bridge is shallow, at only 12m, still has much to offer. Here there is space to explore the captains are and enjoy a different perspective of the patrol boat before making your way to the safety stop point and finally ascending.
There are many points of interest here that will satisfy the biggest wreck diving enthusiast, so it is definitely worth a visit. The shallow depth in comparison to some of Gozo’s wrecks mean that you can take your time and really explore the entirety of the dive site without too much concern for No Deco time or air consumption, making for a relaxing experience.
It also allows almost all qualified divers the change to enjoy wreck diving in a safe environment, which can be exhilarating.

Get in touch with us at Blue Waters to discuss options for your next dive trip!