Valletta
HMS Maori

Maximum depth
Maximum depth
13 metres
Access
Access
Shore
Underwater Topography
Underwater Topography
Sandy
Experience Level
Experience Level
Beginner
Wreck name
Wreck name
HMS Mauri
Swimthroughs
Swimthroughs
Yes

How to get there

Valletta is located in the south-eastern region of the island, between Marsamxett Harbour to the west and the Grand Harbour to the east. Malta’s roads are filled with signs directing traffic to the capital, so if you’re heading there with your own transport, simply follow the signs. If you are staying in Gozo, we can offer you transport to and from the dive site.

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Explore HMS Maori

One of the most popular wrecks from the World War II era, the HMS Maori is situated just below fort St. Elmo, an area also known as Il-Fossa or Jews’ Sally Port. The ship was a Tribal-class destroyer built by Fairfield Shipbuilding & Engineering Co. Ltd, in Govan, Scotland and named after the Maori indigenous people. Launched in 1937, the steam turbine powered steel vessel was serving with the UK Mediterranean Fleet during World War II when in 1942 the engine room received a direct hit from a German air raid while docked in Malta. After catching fire, the aft magazine exploded and the destroyer sank right in the middle of harbour traffic, blocking Dockyard Creek’s entrance. Three years later the ship was moved and scuttled just outside Grand Harbour.

At 35 metres long, the shipwreck lies on the south side of the entrance to Marsamxett Harbour at a maximum depth of around 16-18 metres and lies upright with a slight tilt onto her side.

What to look out for

With several swim-throughs and holes for divers to explore, the HMS Maori is easy to penetrate and makes for a highly interesting dive. Half buried in sand, the guns, bows and stern were removed just before the ship was scuttled, however, these were remounted at Fort Ricasoli and were eventually used as shore battery guns during the War.

Apart from the wreck itself, freedivers can also marvel at the various fish swimming in the area and other marine creatures which have made the ship their home. Scorpion fish, sea breams and cardinal fish are easily spotted here, while closer to the sandy parts of the wreck, you’ll also be able to see some seahorses, flatfish, red mullets, moray eels and cuttlefish. The shipwreck is covered with green seaweed and tube worms, whereas her many cracks and crevasses are often inhabited by octopuses.

What to look out for

How to dive this site

This is a shallow dive that can be easily done from the shore. A well-known entry and exit point is near the bars at the bottom of concrete steps and over a platform and some rocks. The depth here is less than 2 metres, while the Maori can be found some 120 metres out at sea. Alternatively, you may walk down the footpath over the rocks to the most northerly point and use the ladders to enter the water.

Due to the shallow water in which the wreck lies, the Maori has been battered by storms, but whatever remains of the wreckage makes for a fascinating dive. There are plenty of things to discover both in and around the wreck, such as torpedoes, some of the anchor chains, as well as twin bollards at deck level on both sides of the vessel. The sides are well rusted through and thanks to the portholes and missing side panels, light penetrates the ship.

Once you’re done visiting the wreck, swim to the bay where you can see a motorbike wreck, old tyres and barrels.

Bonus tip: Sheltered from the winds, you can dive both St. Elmo Bay and HMS Maori throughout the year, however, beware of any boat traffic.

How to dive this site

About Valletta

The capital of the Maltese Islands, Valletta is a gem of a city, brimming with history and culture. Named after its founder, the Grand Master of the Order of St. John, Jean Parisot de la Vallette, the fortress city was built on the arid rock of the Mount Sciberras peninsula, which is flanked by two deep harbours, Marsamxett and Grand Harbour. Amongst the most concentrated historic areas across the globe, Valletta has been dubbed a Baroque masterpiece, European Art City and a World Heritage City, amongst other things.

Rich in sites to explore, be it churches and cathedrals, palaces and museums, no visit to Valletta would be complete without exploring St. John’s co-Cathedral and museum, the Grand Master’s Palace, the Saluting Battery, the National Museum of Archeology, Castille Palace and the many squares like St. George’s Square, as well as fountains such as Triton’s Fountain, situated just before City Gate, Valletta’s main entrance.

If shopping is your thing, linger along Republic street or the narrow side streets where you’ll find shops for fashion and accessories, jewellery and so much more. There are also several restaurants, snack bars, cafes and bars, while you can seek refuge from the crowds in one of the beautiful gardens like the Upper Barrakka Gardens, the Lower Barrakka Gardens or Hastings Gardens.

About Valletta

Ready to explore this dive location?

Book this freediving adventure to visit HMS Mauri. Just bring your towel and swimwear and we’ll take care of the rest.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is the HMS Mauri easy to find?

    This wreck is very easy to find. As you jump in the water and swim towards the middle of the bay it’s right there. During the summer months it is marked and there are plenty of SCUBA divers.

  • Is it safe to enter this wreck whilst freediving?

    Depending on your level, this shallow wreck is perfectly safe for beginners, however be careful of the sharp metal protruding from the wreck. Avoid entering the wreck if you are using a smooth-skin wetsuit. If you need safety or someone to guide you, take a look at our excrusions.

  • What is the best wind direction for this wreck?

    Because this wreck is situated in a harbour all wind directions are good apart from north-easterly and easterly winds.

  • How is the visibility at this dive site?

    Generally it’s not great. This wreck sits in a harbour which is busy with lots of boats coming in and out whilst the seabed is not the best.

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