divemalta.com · Operator
Technical dive page with trimix, DSMB, current, and seasonal visibility guidance.
Dive Spot Guide•
HMS Southwold
Protected WWII destroyer wreck for experienced technical divers.
Scuba DivingBoatAdvanced
DeepWreck
Local operator required
Authorised operators are required for permits, boat logistics, current checks, and technical surface support.
Boat-only split wreck off Marsaskala with authorised access, a technical depth profile, and rich marine growth.
About HMS Southwold
HMS Southwold is a protected WWII destroyer wreck off Marsaskala for experienced technical divers. It is a boat-only site split into two sections on a sandy slope, with permit-controlled access, a war-grave setting, and rich marine growth.
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Research Estimate At HMS Southwold
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 20m
AccessDifficult access
CoralHealthy coral
Aquatic LifeGreat variety
FacilitiesLimited facilities
Crowd / PopularityModerate
CurrentStrong current
SurgeModerate surge
Where Is HMS Southwold?
This spotNearby spots
Community sourced coordinates.
HMS Southwold Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
68m - 73m
Depth Note
Heritage Malta lists a 73m maximum; directory and operator sources place the bow around 68m and the stern around 72 to 73m.
Best Season
July to September, when visibility and conditions are usually best.
Typical Conditions
Open water in Marsaskala Bay with a two-section wreck, a slope between bow and stern, and current checks before departure.
Safety & Access At HMS Southwold
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Restricted accessStrong currentSurgeWaves
Safety Notes
Trimix is strongly recommended, DSMBs are mandatory, and a full navigation and decompression plan is needed before entering the water.
Access Restrictions
Special permit required; access through registered dive centres and clubs only.
Legal Notes
Protected heritage wreck, war grave, and unexploded ordnance site managed by Heritage Malta; diving must follow permit conditions.
Local Intel For HMS Southwold
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Trimix strongly recommended at 70m+. Use a boat-only technical setup with staged decompression gas, two DSMBs per buddy pair, and a planned turn pressure for the return from stern to bow.
Freediving
Not suitable.
Snorkeling
Not suitable.
HMS Southwold Dive Conditions Planner
Use the planner to scan this week, inspect today in local time, and understand how exposure shapes conditions at HMS Southwold.
Current Snapshot
No data
🌥️Variable
Sunrise
No data
Time
No data
Sunset
No data
Surface / Entry
Wind No data · Tide No data
Sea State
Swell No data · Period unavailable
Visibility Outlook
Rain chance No data
Wind
No data
Swell
No data
Exposure Profile at HMS Southwold
Directional shelter context for incoming swell.
Exposure Note
Hourly forecast data is not available yet.
Wildlife at HMS Southwold
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At HMS Southwold
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
No Dive Logs Yet
Be the first to log a dive at this spot and share your experience!
Dive Spot Log Averages At HMS Southwold
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility20m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
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HMS Southwold Guide - Frequently Asked Questions
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
HMS Southwold Guide - Sources and Updates
Last Updated
Research Sources
diveprism2.eu · Operator
Technical guide citing rich marine life, coral and sponge growth, and 20 to 30m visibility.
heritagemalta.mt · Official
Protected heritage wreck with special-permit access and a 73m maximum depth.
maltadives.com · Directory
Medium-popularity technical wreck with bow/stern sections and permit-controlled access.
www.divers-guide.com · Directory
Open-sea technical wreck listing with strong current warnings and boat facilities.
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