Oceanatik logo
Oceanatik logo
HomeDestinationsDive SmartContact Us
Dornier Wal XI

Dornier Wal XI

Malta, Malta

Depth
Depth Icon

6m

Visibility
Visibility Icon

- - -

Entry
Shore Entry Icon

Shore

Experience Level

Beginner


About Dornier Wal XI

The Dornier Wal XI seaplane wreckage is a unique dive site located in Gnejna Bay on the northwest coast of Malta. The wreckage lies at a depth of 5-6 metres on a sandy seabed and consists of part of the fuselage, the sponsons, and some cockpit controls including the rudder pedal. This German-designed seaplane, built in Italy between the World Wars, was forced to land in the sea near Malta due to an engine fire in 1932 and was subsequently towed to Malta. The wreckage, initially thought to be a CANT Z.506B floatplane, was positively identified as a Dornier Wal flying boat by the Malta Aviation Museum in collaboration with the Dornier Museum in Germany.

The Dornier Wal XI wreck is an excellent dive site for beginners and freedivers due to its shallow depth. For scuba divers interested in airplane wrecks, Malta offers several other dive sites with plane wrecks lying between 30 and 42 m deep. The Dornier Wal XI wreck, with its historical significance and easy accessibility, offers a unique diving experience in the beautiful waters of Malta.

Dornier Wal XI Dive Info

Terrain & Features

Wreck

Entry Type

Shore

Max Depth

6m

Visibility Range

Experience Level

Beginner

Best Gas

21%

O2
Marine Life

No marine life details available.

Weather Conditions

Water Temperature
Dive Operators near Dornier Wal XI

View all operators in Malta
Location

Dive Site Hazards

Hazards data unavailable.

Discover More

Discover Malta

North America - Cuba

Scuba diving in Cuba offers a rare mix of untouched reefs, historic wrecks, and thrilling marine encounters—all set in a country rich with culture and character. Whether you’re exploring the coral gardens of Playa Girón or diving with sharks in the remote Jardines de la Reina, Cuba’s waters are surprisingly pristine and uncrowded. Add in shore dives for beginners, deep wall drops for seasoned pros, and the rhythm of Cuban life topside, and you’ve got one of the Caribbean’s most underrated dive destinations.

Learn More

Europe - Greece

Scuba diving in Greece offers a unique blend of underwater exploration and cultural discovery. From submerged ancient ruins and WWII wrecks to vibrant reefs and underwater caves, Greece delivers a dive experience that’s as rich in history as it is in marine life. With excellent visibility, a long dive season, and dive sites scattered across islands like Crete, Zakynthos, and Santorini, it's a Mediterranean gem for divers of all levels.

Oceania - French Polynesia

Dive into the heart of the South Pacific with unforgettable scuba adventures in French Polynesia. From the shark-filled passes of Fakarava to manta encounters in Bora Bora, this diving paradise offers crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and thrilling drift dives. Whether you're a beginner exploring shallow lagoons or an advanced diver chasing pelagics through ocean channels, French Polynesia delivers world-class diving year-round—all set against the backdrop of remote atolls and rich Polynesian culture.