Interest Reef Popularity Low Depth 10+m (avg), 20+m (max) Qualification Beginner Shore access Medium Location 35.9247°N 14.4972°E (Exact) Merkanti Reef is a shallow dive site off St. Julian’s on the northeastern coast of Malta. The dive can be done without going deeper than 10-12 metres, although it is possible to find depths over 20 metres. Merkanti Reef consists of two parts that are parallel to the shore and each other. The top of both is just reaching the surface and there is marker pole on the farther. Around the two parts of the reef and in the canyon between them are many small overhangs, crevices, nooks and crannies, where divers find a variety of marine life. Merkanti Reef is located about 150 metres from the nearest shore and approximately 300 metres from the entry/exit point. Diving this offshore reef can be done either by boat or from the shore, which requires quite long surface swim or underwater navigation. Entry/exit point for a shore dive is in a small bay between Westin Dragonara and Hilton Malta, near Merkanti Beach Club. When diving Merkanti Reef, beware of the boat traffic and carry a DSMB.