Diving atImperial Eagle and Statue of Christ (Malta)
Beneath the waters off Qawra Point, the Imperial Eagle ferry rests as a substantial artificial reef, accompanied by the striking Kristu tal-Bahhara. This site combines a maritime wreck with a monumental statue, creating a unique underwater landscape. Divers navigate between the vessel's sturdy structure and the serene, outstretched arms of the Christ statue, set against a natural amphitheatre of rock and an ancient anchor. It's an expansive layout for exploration.
Early observations for Imperial Eagle and Statue of Christ report a surface air temperature of 22°C. The water surface is currently presenting wave heights of 0.5 m. Consider these environmental metrics before beginning your descent.
Dive Site Location & Key Facts
Everything you need to know about this dive site.
Dive Site Overview
Once a bustling ferry and cargo vessel connecting Malta and Gozo, the Imperial Eagle embarked on its new role as a dive attraction when scuttled in July 1999 within a Marine Conservation Area. This 45 m (148 ft) long ship, with a beam of 10 m (33 ft), offers numerous entry and exit points for those qualified for penetration.
Divers approaching the site via a shotline will first encounter the wreck, which has its deck at a depth of 32 m (105 ft) and extends to a maximum depth of 45 m (148 ft). A short swim of approximately 30 m (100 ft) from the bow leads to the Kristu tal-Bahhara, a 3 m (10 ft) tall statue of Jesus Christ. This statue, originally placed near St. Paul’s Island in 1990, was later relocated in 2000 to its current position near the Imperial Eagle, resting at 35 m (115 ft).
An underwater valley connects these two distinct points of interest, also revealing a natural rock arch and a large anchor dating back to the 1600s, adding further historical depth to the dive.
Imperial Eagle and Statue of Christ
Conditions are Excellent
Best Dive Window
07:00 - 14:00
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near Imperial Eagle and Statue of Christ show 22° air, 24° sea temperature, 0.6 m waves, and 19 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.
Best Time to Dive
Planning a dive at Imperial Eagle and Kristu tal-Bahhara for optimal visibility often aligns with Malta’s calmer weather periods. The months from June through September consistently yield "Good" dive scores, benefiting from the lowest wave heights, averaging 0.6 to 0.8 m (2.0-2.6 ft), and minimal wind speeds around 17.9 to 18.9 km/h (11-12 mph). Rain is nearly absent during this summer span, often less than 1 mm (0.04 inches). Air temperatures are also at their warmest, ranging from 24.5 to 28°C (76-82°F), enhancing surface comfort. Spring and autumn, specifically March to May and October to November, also provide "Good" conditions, with air temperatures progressively warming from 16°C (61°F) in March to 23°C (73°F) in October, accompanied by reduced rainfall compared to winter. These periods generally offer clearer underwater conditions, making them suitable for exploring the wreck and statue.
PEAK SEASON SCORE
Scores combine air & water temps, waves, wind & rainfall for overall conditions.
BEST MONTHS TO DIVE
Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.
Dive Experience & Conditions
A boat-only dive, it reveals a distinct depth profile, primarily catering to advanced divers. Descending the fixed shotline places divers directly onto the Imperial Eagle wreck, its main deck resting at 32 m (105 ft). From this position, the wreck descends to a maximum depth of 45 m (148 ft), necessitating appropriate deep diving certification. An underwater valley guides explorers from the wreck's bow toward the Kristu tal-Bahhara statue, found at 35 m (115 ft). Exploring both the impressive ship and the iconic statue during a single dive is feasible. Given the depth range, careful air management and decompression planning are essential for a safe excursion. Water temperatures, while not always consistently reported, generally align with regional patterns, typically ranging from 22-27°C (72-81°F) during warmer months.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Diving the Imperial Eagle and Kristu tal-Bahhara requires adherence to specific certifications due to the site's characteristics. Recreational divers aiming to reach the maximum depth of 45 m (148 ft) must hold a PADI Deep Diver certification or equivalent. For those intending to venture inside the Imperial Eagle wreck, a PADI Wreck Diver certification is mandatory, ensuring the necessary skills for navigating overhead environments. It's highly recommended to utilize Nitrox to manage no-decompression limits effectively, given the dive's depth and the desire to explore both the wreck and the statue. Always plan your dive thoroughly, considering gas consumption and bottom time for the dual points of interest.
Recommended Equipment
Overhead / entanglement risk. Wreck penetration requires proper training.
- Dive Computer
- DSMB
- Primary & Backup Lights
- Wreck Reel
- Cutting Tool
This gear list is based on verified equipment signals for Imperial Eagle and Statue of Christ, Malta. Always confirm final gear choices with your dive operator, guide, or liveaboard.
Recommended Dive Suit
Divers who spend more time observing marine life often prefer slightly warmer gear.
Environmental readings suggest that the waters surrounding Imperial Eagle and Statue of Christ are about 24°C (76°F) at the moment. Surface air temperatures are resting at 22°C (72°F). Water temperatures in this range are often well suited to diving with 3mm wetsuit. A hood or vest is suggested for sensitive divers due to surface winds. Surface intervals may feel cooler.
A warming trend is expected over the next few days. A warming trend is expected over the next few days.
Emergency & Medical Support
Essential information to help you plan your dive trip to Imperial Eagle And Statue Of Christ.
Hyperbaric chambers are a critical part of dive safety infrastructure. Availability varies significantly by region, and not all dive areas have immediate access.
Before diving, it's recommended to:
- confirm nearest medical facilities
- check emergency procedures with local dive operators
- ensure dive insurance covers evacuation if required
Divers Alert Network
Diving emergency assistance available through DAN Europe.
+39 0642115685- 24/7 emergency hotline
- Diving medical assistance
- Evacuation coordination
Emergency contacts are provided for reference. Always verify local emergency services before diving.
Closest Listed Hyperbaric Chambers
Showing listed hyperbaric chamber facilities within 200 km of this dive site.
Distances are approximate straight-line distances and may not reflect emergency travel time.
Hyperbaric Unit - Mater Dei Hospital
24/7 ListedICU CapableMsida, Malta•Approx. 10 km straight-line
Hyperbaric Unit - Mater Dei Hospital
24/7 ListedICU CapableFacility Details
Information is provided for reference and planning purposes only. Dive Navigator does not verify operational status, staffing, availability, or quality of care at listed facilities. In an emergency, contact local emergency services, DAN, your dive operator, or the chamber directly. Do not travel to a facility without calling ahead.
Gozo
24/7 ListedICU CapableVictoria, Malta•Approx. 19 km straight-line
Gozo
24/7 ListedICU CapableFacility Details
Information is provided for reference and planning purposes only. Dive Navigator does not verify operational status, staffing, availability, or quality of care at listed facilities. In an emergency, contact local emergency services, DAN, your dive operator, or the chamber directly. Do not travel to a facility without calling ahead.
Azienda Ospedaliera per l' Emergenza Cannizzaro
24/7 ListedICU CapableCatania, Italy•Approx. 184 km straight-line
Azienda Ospedaliera per l' Emergenza Cannizzaro
24/7 ListedICU CapableFacility Details
Information is provided for reference and planning purposes only. Dive Navigator does not verify operational status, staffing, availability, or quality of care at listed facilities. In an emergency, contact local emergency services, DAN, your dive operator, or the chamber directly. Do not travel to a facility without calling ahead.
Marine Life at Imperial Eagle and Statue of Christ
A diverse array of marine inhabitants thrives around the Imperial Eagle and its associated reef. Divers frequently spot nudibranchs, groupers, barracuda, and moray eels navigating the wreck's structure and adjacent reef sections. Abundant fish populations, along with corals and soft sponges, find shelter here. These creatures utilize the wreck’s crevices and natural rock formations, including the area around the 1600s anchor, as foraging grounds. It provides a robust habitat supporting considerable biodiversity despite its depth.
Dive Sites Near Imperial Eagle and Statue of Christ
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Dive Centers Near Imperial Eagle and Statue of Christ
Working Hours
Today: 08:00 - 17:00
Apnea Total Malta
Starfish Diving Malta
Maltaqua
Dawn Diving
Aida Freediving Malta
Mad Shark Diving Malta
Plongée Malte Club Francophone
Nearest Airports
Nearest airports to help plan travel to this dive area.
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Search Flights on ExpediaFrequently Asked Questions
What certifications are required to dive this site?
You must be certified to a depth of 40 m (130 ft) or 45 m (148 ft), typically requiring a PADI Deep Diver certification. If you plan to penetrate the wreck, a PADI Wreck Diver certification is also mandatory.
What is Kristu tal-Bahhara?
Kristu tal-Bahhara is the Maltese name for the Statue of Jesus Christ, also known as Christ of the Sailors. It's a 3 m (10 ft) tall underwater statue located near the Imperial Eagle wreck.
How deep are the Imperial Eagle wreck and the statue?
Imperial Eagle's deck rests at 32 m (105 ft), with the wreck extending to a maximum depth of 45 m (148 ft). Kristu tal-Bahhara, the statue, is positioned at 35 m (115 ft).
Can I penetrate the Imperial Eagle wreck?
Yes, the Imperial Eagle provides ample entry and exit points for penetration. However, a PADI Wreck Diver certification or equivalent is mandatory to do so safely.
How far apart are the Imperial Eagle wreck and the Statue of Christ?
Kristu tal-Bahhara stands approximately 30 m (100 ft) from the Imperial Eagle wreck's bow. It's a short swim between the two main attractions.
Is this a shore or boat dive?
Access to this site is exclusively by boat. Operators typically drop a shotline between the wreck and the statue for your descent.
When was the Imperial Eagle scuttled?
The vessel was scuttled in July 1999. It became an artificial reef and dive attraction.
What marine life might I see here?
Divers commonly spot nudibranchs, groupers, barracuda, and moray eels. Reef sections here also host a variety of fish, corals, and soft sponges.
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Imperial Eagle and Statue of Christ
Conditions are Excellent
Best Dive Window
07:00 - 14:00
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near Imperial Eagle and Statue of Christ show 22° air, 24° sea temperature, 0.6 m waves, and 19 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.