Scuba Diving in Gozo – Beyond the Blue Hole

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Diving, Europe, Malta

written by: Steph Kloeckener

The Blue Hole might be the most popular dive site of the island, but there are many more fantastic dive sites. Here is what you need to know about scuba diving in Gozo.

I loved diving in Gozo – therefore it more than surprises me that many people overlook it when planning a diving trip to Malta or only do a day trip so they can dive the famous Blue Hole. It is unfortunate, as this island has many amazing dive sites that should not be overlooked.

There are natural formations, small caves, and now even four recreational wrecks, so there is no denying that Gozo on its own is a worthwhile diving destination. Having spent three weeks on the island, I got to explore its best recreational dive sites and I could not help but love it – maybe even more than the main island. 

I did ten dives while in Gozo, and would have been happy to spend more time there so I could log more dives. Therefore, I can only encourage you to spend several days diving in Gozo. And while there, you should certainly also check out what the island has to offer above the surface.

Gozo Diving
When diving in Gozo, the Blue Hole is usually the dive site every diver wants to explore.

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At a Glance: Diving in Gozo

Best Dive Center: St. Andrew’s Divers Cove

Best Place to Stay: Saint Patrick’s Hotel, Xlendi

Recommended Diving Trip Duration: 7 days

About Scuba Diving in Gozo

Just like diving on the main island, diving in Gozo is mostly shore diving. And while there are dive sites that are freely accessible, others have more challenging entries like the 100-step staircase of Cathedral Cave or the mini adventure of getting to the edge of the Blue Hole. That aside, the diving is slightly less sporty, as the swim out to the dive sites is usually on the short side.

Given that there are dive sites all around the island, there is always a good side of Gozo for diving. If the wind is coming from the north-west, you might not be able to dive the Blue Hole and Inland Sea, but the four wrecks of Xatt L-Aħmar and southern dive sites like Mgarr ix-Xini and Ras il-Hobz are ideal.

St Andrews Divers Cove Gozo Truck

The dive centers tend to have a fleet of trucks so they can take you to whichever dive site is suitable that day. The roads there are sometimes bumpy and curvy, so take precautionary measures if you get motion sickness in cars.

Based on the dive sites I have seen, diving in Gozo is more suitable for newbie divers than the main island. Especially, as many of the diving highlights are within the OWD limits.

I expected to be using my wide-angle lens none-stop, but unexpectedly, it was nudibranch galore at many dive sites (in May). As a result, I spent a fair amount of time on macro photography. Therefore, I highly recommend bringing underwater camera gear for both.

The Best Time to Dive in Gozo

While it is a great diving destination year-round, the best time to dive in Gozo is from June to September, as these months see the warmest water temperatures and best visibility. If you want to boat dive, the diving season is restrained to the months during which the dive boats are in the water, so you can only shore dive in the winter months.

With a water temperature of around 14°C, the winter months see the lowest temperature, before the water starts to heat up around 1°C in April.

By the end of May, the water temperature is usually around 20°C, but storms and heavy rain can impact it. While diving there, I noticed a drop of 2°C after two stormy days.

By July, the water temperature usually exceeds 24°C, before reaching its peak of 26 to 27°C near the end of August. After that, the temperature slowly drops, but even in October, you can dive in 22°C warm water.

Underwater Wied Il Ghasri

Please note that the water temperature listed above is only the temperature down to a depth of 10 to 20 meters and that it can drop up to 3 to 4°C at a depth of 30 meters in the warmest months. The difference is not as severe in colder months, but in May I noticed a drop of 1.5°C.

The Best Dive Sites in Gozo

Gozo has many dive sites spread all over the island, but based on my own experience, I recommend the following dive sites for recreational divers:

1. Blue Hole & Azure Reef

dive data: 16.5 meters — 54 minutes

When it comes to diving in Gozo, there is no way around the Blue Hole. And while I initially thought that it was overhyped, diving there showed me I was wrong. This dive site in Gozo is popular for a good reason and is not to be missed.

However, getting to the dive site is somewhat challenging as it includes a longer walk over very uneven terrain. The trek to the Blue Hole consists of walking down two stairs, through a small valley where you have to walk over rocks with manmade steps, followed by a very slippery section that is especially tricky to traverse when there are waves. But all the effort is worth it once you have reached the dive site.

Blue Hole Dive Site Gozo
Arch Blue Hole Gozo
Azure Reef Dive Gozo

Before diving in Gozo, my dive buddy described it to me as a “fireplace with an exhaust pipe”, and I can only say it is a perfect description. With its arch at a depth of 7 meters, the Blue Hole looks like a fireplace once you have dived out of it, and the cavern at the bottom feels like an exhaust pipe.

And while all of that already makes it a great dive site, the collapse of the Azure Window in 2017 has expanded it. After diving through the arch, divers can now swim in between massive blocks of the collapsed natural arch.

These rocks form swim throughs and are overgrown with seaweed thanks to which they are a good spot for macro photography. Given that this part of the dive site which came to be known as Azure Reef is deeper than the Blue Hole, it is best to explore it first.

Corals Blue Hole Gozo
Blue Hole Gozo Covern
Cavern Blue Hole Gozo

I spent around 15 minutes looking for nudibranchs, before diving back into the Blue Hole and into the cavern. While small, the cavern is worth exploring as it offers a great view of the arch of the Blue Hole arch and is furthermore the habitat of orange fish.

Afterward, you should have a closer look at the arch itself as it is encrusted by yellow cluster anemone. If you dive in Gozo on a sunny day, this area is illuminated by light rays.

2. Cathedral Cave

dive data: 20.1 meters — 80 minutes

There are several interesting small diveable caves in Gozo, but Cathedral Cave is particularly interesting. After all, it has an air pocket, and due to a small opening through which fresh air enters the cave, it is safe to take out one’s regulator.

And you certainly should, as the cave has an amazing acoustic. So be goofy for a moment and make the cave your concert hall. The soft light entering the cave through the wider opening underwater is your spotlight. The cave is only accessible to divers, so you do not have to worry about disturbing anyone while doing so. 

iPhone Image Cathedral Cave

To have a swimming time of around 10 minutes, it is best to start the dive in Wied il-Ghasri. But this also makes the rather easy dive sporty, as there are around 100 steps leading down to the beach.

While it is okay to walk down, you also have to walk back up with all of your gear at the end of the dive. Therefore, one has to be in good physical condition to do it.

I recommend taking breaks while walking up and storing a water bottle in a bag near the bottom of the steps so you can drink something while walking up on hot summer days.

The dive starts with a short surface swim before descending to a depth of 7 meters. After reaching the end of the valley, one has to turn right to reach Cathedral Cave.

Funnily enough, this swim took us significantly longer than intended, as we spotted nudibranchs along the way. I recommend doing so on the way back instead as I was feeling rather cold by the time we finally reached the cave.

This dive site in Gozo is on the northern side of the island, so the weather can be problematic. If there are a lot of waves, there is zero visibility inside the valley. Due to this, we ended up canceling our first dive to the cave.

Giant Doris Diving Gozo
Diving Gozo Blenny
Diving to Cathedral Cave Gozo

3. Xlendi Tunnel

dive data: 10.1 meters — 65 minutes

Located only a short walk across the street and past restaurants from St. Andrew’s Divers Cove, Xlendi Bay is easily accessible. And while the sheltered, shallow bay might be known as the ideal dive site for new divers, it is also a highlight for nudibranch lovers diving in Gozo.

And while that fact alone already made me love the dive, this dive site also has a 30-meter-long tunnel. To reach it, divers have to cross the bay after entering the water via one of the stone stairs on the west side of the bay. It is not a long swim, and as you dive over sandy patches and sea grass, you can often see flying gurnards.

The entrance of the tunnel is at a depth of 5 meters, and generally speaking, the tunnel is also suitable for less experienced divers. However, this is only the case when there are no waves as the current inside the tunnel can be rough. 

The tunnel walls are covered by sponges and algae and when as you look towards the exit, you can see light enter the Xlendi Tunnel from two areas – the triangle-shaped tunnel exit and an opening at the roof of the tunnel.

It is a fun swim through, but if you are like me, you will love what lies beyond the tunnel.

iPhone image Xlendi Tunnel
Xlendi Tunnel, a dive site in Gozo that is not to be missed

Situated at a depth of around 10 meters, the exit of the tunnel is right at the nudibranch hotspot. The overgrown rocks are full of uncommon nudibranchs, and at one point the dive guide started pointing them out faster than I could turn on my camera.

Among others, Thuridilla hopei (or as I call it ‘Taco nudibranch’) were all over the place and I also spotted a pink flatworm (prostheceraeus rosens).

Xlendi Bay Diving Gozo
Diving Gozo Pink Flatworm Xlendi Tunnel
Diving Gozo Thuridilla hopei

Do not discount a dive site just because it is shallow when diving in Gozo. Especially, when the visibility is usually great. However, there might be some run-off into the bay if there is a lot of rain and it takes three to four days to clear up again.

4. Inland Sea

When diving in Gozo, Island Sea is a dive site not to be missed.  It consists of an 80-meter-long tunnel connecting a small inlet to the open ocean.

With a maximum depth of 28 meters, it is an advanced dive site even if it is possible to stay around 15 meters. Boats frequently drive through it, so it is not possible to traverse it at a shallow depth. To my dismay, this is why I had to call the dive when I could not equalize below 6 meters.

The dive starts with a short surface swim to black buoy where divers descend before swimming towards the tunnel while staying as close to the ground as possible.

Inland Sea Dive Gozo

There are some bigger rocks at the beginning of the tunnel and once you have crossed them, you can dive deeper. The visibility inside the tunnel tends to be good, even if it is bad in the inlet. 

Inside the tunnel, Myriapora truncata (false coral) can be found in some places and as you reach its end, you can see light penetrating the long crack in a mesmerizing way.

Once out of the tunnel, divers can swim along the wall on either side while diving to depths greater than 40 meters. It is possible to dive to a cave on the left, but it takes around 15 minutes to reach it.

5. Ras Il-Hobz

dive data: 24.1 meters — 42 minutes

Ras il-Hobz is also known as the ‘Middle Finger’ dive site due to a hand-shaped rock formation, and it turned out to be another dive site that is ideal for macro photography.

There are two entry ramps divers can use, and I recommend entering the water via the right one, as the dive to the rock formation is more interesting. After swimming over a shallow area until one reaches Gozo’s internet cable, one has to follow the wall to the left until the ‘middle finger’ formation emerges from the depth. I recommend looking underneath the cable on the way back, as it is a preferred hiding spot for scorpionfish.

The top of the formation is at a depth of 10 meters, but the bottom is below 40 meters. Overall, the most interesting part is between 15 and 25 meters.

Ras il Hobz Nudibranch
Ras il Hobz Dive Site Gozo
Diving Ras il Hobz Gozo
Diving Gozo Scorpionfish

dive data: 17.7 meters — 60 minutes

I spent my first dive swimming around the ‘Middle Finger’ and noticed that one side always had the right current to see critters. Therefore, I spent my second dive looking for nudibranchs, flatworms, and black-faced blennies. In addition to macro life, you can also see dentex hunting around the rocks and moray eels. I spotted a fancy tooth moray that is not common in Malta.

If you place your wet gear on the ground after diving, it will likely need a good wash afterward, as there is a lot of clay and salt on the ground. Therefore, I recommend placing everything in the box as you take off your gear.

Tip: Grab some food at Ta’ Pulla Kiosk if you dive at Mgarr ix-Xini next. The Chicken Ftira is delicious and an ideal surface interval meal!

6. Double Arch

dive data: 32.9 meters — 51 minutes

Because of its depth, Double Arch is a dive site for experienced divers. And because it cannot be seen from above, it requires excellent navigation skills and knowledge of the dive site.

After assembling the gear right at the Xwenji Salt Pans, one has to walk down a boat ramp followed by a long surface swim. And because battling the waves for ten minutes is not enough, one also has to use the kiosk window and a red door to triangulate where you should descend.

After that, one has to cross a seagrass meadow until encountering a drop-off. It is at this point, where one has to check one’s depth: if the drop-off is at 17 m, go left and if the drop-off is at 14 m, go right. The upper arch is at a depth of 27 meters, while the lower arch is at 36 meters.

There can be rough swell and dangerous waves only a short swim right of the dive site at the White Ball, so be careful if there is a current pushing you that way when you make your way back to the shore.

Surface Swimming to Double Arch Gozo
Surface swim at Double Arch dive site in Gozo

Due to bad visibility and swell, we were unable to find the double arch, so this dive was a case of “Indiana Gozo: Divers of the Missing Arches”. And yet, I loved my Double Arch dive despite never getting to see the actual formation because it ended up being more challenging than anticipated.

But because it is difficult to find it, I also cannot rank it higher on this list of the best dive sites Gozo. After all, some divers would be more than disappointed if they expected to see the arches only to see nothing but the drop-off. And I cannot blame anyone who has limited time in Gozo for feeling that way. Especially, when you do not get a second go at this dive – be it timing constraints (or in my case a severe case of motion sickness).

7. Mgarr ix-Xini

dive data: 14.3 meters — 72 minutes

Mgarr ix-Xini is a picturesque, sheltered bay, with plenty of space to assemble one’s gear. The dive site is suitable for new divers as it is a rather shallow dive site that combines sandy ground, seagrass meadows, and two small, but wide caverns. Given that the sheltered bay gently slopes down, divers can choose how deep they want to go, but the most interesting parts are no deeper than 12 to 15 meters.

There is also a seahorse nursery between the two caverns, but there is no guarantee that you will see one. I usually tend to be incredibly lucky, but did not spot one while diving in Gozo.

While diving at this dive site, you will likely see fan worms, cuttlefish, and flying gurnards. I spotted six of the latter at once while diving there in May.

Lightrays in Cavern Mgarr ix Xini Gozo
Fan Worm Diving Gozo
Diving Mgarr ix Xini

Wreck Diving in Gozo

For me, the main appeals of diving in Gozo are the natural formations, but there are also four scuttled wrecks at Xatt L-Aħmar. They are in the depth range of 35 to 45 meters, and as such, they are only suitable for advanced divers.

The four wreck dives are in close proximity and share the same entry point. Stone steps lead from the parking area to the lower level and then you have to do a giant stride or use a metal ladder. Given that I was diving with camera gear, I opted for the ladder.

While the visibility at these wrecks tends to be great, clay runs from the cliffs into the ocean when it rains a lot. Therefore, I encourage you to bring a compass and to know the bearing of the wrecks from the entry point.

Facilities: There are plenty of parking spaces on-site, and there is a great gear assembly area with tables.

1. Karwela Wreck

1st dive data: 35.4 meters — 34 minutes

The MV Karwela is a 43 m long, 8,5 m wide ship and is the most photographed wreck in Gozo. Originally named “MSS Frisia II”, the ship was launched in 1957 and was brought to Malta in 1986. Until 2002, it was used to transport tourists around the Maltese islands, before being scuttled on August 12, 2006.

Diving Gozo Karwella

The Karwela has a wooden deck and still has some paint, unlike the Cominoland where the paint was stripped. In April and May, divers might find squid eggs near the highest pasts of the wreck such as the mast.

2nd dive data: 33.2 meters — 34 minutes

To reach the wreck, divers have to swim 6 minutes, and usually, the wreck can be seen from far away. However, I experienced this to not be the case after a few stormy days with wind from the southwest. In fact, the visibility was only 5 to 10 meters.

It is best known for its staircase but said staircase is significantly smaller than it looks in photos as they were taken with a wide-angle lens. The bottom of the staircase is at a depth of 36 meters.

In addition to the staircase, divers can also look at the engine room and the propeller which sits at a depth of 42 m.

2. MV Xlendi

dive data: 35.7 meters — 49 minutes

The MV Xlendi was the first ship to be scuttled in Gozo, but due to strong winds, something went wrong when it was scuttled on November 12, 1999. As a result, the ship is upside down and cannot be entered as the superstructure has been crushed. However, it is still worth a dive, as it is interesting to see the propeller at the top of the wreck.

The ship is a decommissioned Gozo Channel Ferry that originally served as a train ferry, and as such, it is 80 meters long. And it feels even longer if you have to fight against currents to get to the propeller.

Due to this, your dive might be a decompression dive. I ended up with a 10-minute-long deco stop, during which I saw an octopus.

MV Xlendi Wreck

Other Xatt l-Aħmar Wrecks

3. MV Cominoland — Scuttled on the same day as Karwela, the MV Cominoland is a former WWII Royal Navy Minelayer that later served as a ferry between Valletta and Mgarr. It is 34,58 m long, 8.8 m wide, and has a maximum depth of 42 m. Divers can explore its passageways and some swim throughs, and check out the large winch for mine laying at the stern.

Xatt l Ahmar Wrecks Gozo Map

4. M/T Hephaestus — This 61 m long oil tanker ran aground on rocks in St. Paul’s Bay in February 2018 after which it was declared as a write-off. It was scuttled on August 29, 2022, which makes the Hephaestus the newest wreck in Gozo and Malta. It now rests 30 m away from the coast at a maximum depth of 44,5 m at the stern. Its bow is at a depth of 42 m and the top deck is at 32 m. As it is not yet overgrown, one can clearly see ‘no smoking’ and ‘safety first’ painted on the hull

Historical Wrecks

Unlike the main island, Gozo is not known for its historical wrecks, but it is home to Malta’s oldest diveable wreck site. Due to its location at a depth of 105 meters, the ‘Tower Wreck‘ is a dive site I will never explore, but if you are a TEC diver interested in ancient history, you will love it. While the wood of the Phoenician ship that dates back to the 7th century BC is long gone, grinding stones and different amphorae cover the sea floor.

It was discovered just outside of Xlendi Bay in 2007 and was designated as the world’s first deep-water archaeological park in 2020. It was only made accessible to divers recently in late summer of 2023. If you cannot dive there you can see some amphorae that are now exhibited in the newly restored Xlendi Tower.

If you are a recreational diver and love the idea of diving into history and seeing amphorae, the Peristera wreck in Alonnisos, Greece is the perfect dive site for you.

Dive Centers in Gozo

Just like on the main island, there are plenty of dive centers, so you might find yourself wondering which dive center to choose in Gozo. And while I cannot compare them all, I can promise that you will have a fantastic time if you dive with St. Andrew’s Divers Cove in Xlendi. I did all of my dives in Gozo with this dive center and loved the team.

St. Andrew’s Divers Cove, Xlendi

Since opened over 30 years ago, St. Andrew’s Divers Cove has been a longstanding part of Gozo’s diving history. Located in a prime location right across the street from Xlendi Bay, the nearest dive site is only a minute away.

The dive center boasts a multifunctional space, including a classroom and servicing center, along with a dedicated gear storage room and shop section. While small, this shop section offers a wide selection of gear, so you can easily buy whatever you need while diving in Gozo.

The dive center owner Mark and his wife Nathalie, employ a fantastic international team that always includes English and French instructors. Depending on the time of the year, there are also instructors who speak other languages like German and Spanish.

Hereby, you will quickly notice that every single one of them has a specific interest or strength like Simon who is undeniably the nudibranch spotting champion.

St Andrews Divers Cove Team Gozo

While diving with St. Andrew’s Divers Cove, divers can store their gear in dedicated boxes or let it dry on racks, so all there is to do in the morning is to load the box into one of the many dive center’s trucks. The first diving trip of the day starts at 8:45 AM, while the second dive starts no later than 1 PM.

Every day, dive sites are selected based on wind and weather, and divers are grouped based on qualification and which available dive site they want to see. It rarely takes more than 20 minutes to reach a dive site from Xlendi.

St Andrews Divers Cove Instructor
St Andrews Divers Cove Dive Center
Diving Gozo Briefing

St. Andrew’s Divers Cove is open year-round, and from April to November they also offer boat dives. They are one of the few dive centers in Gozo with a dive boat. Recently, the dive center has expanded and now offers technical dives and training including CCR courses.

Marine Life

Gozo is not the place to go if one wants to see vibrant coral reefs or sharks. For a long time, even large schools of fish were a rare sight as the Maltese water used to be overfished. But based on what I have seen, the marine life is slowly recovering.

Marine Life in Gozo

Nowadays, there are schools of Mediterranean damselfish, amberjacks, breams, and parrot fish. But to the dismay of divers, the most common sight at some dive sites like the Blue Hole are fireworms.

Ensure that you do not touch them as touching their venom-filled bristles is incredibly painful.

Common sights

Groupers

Mediterranean Fan Worm

Peacock Fan Worm

Flying Gurnards

Yellow Black-Faced Blenny

Red Scorpionfish

Common Cuttlefish

Common Octopus

Mediterranean Moray Eel

 

nudibranchs, Flatworms, etc:

Pink Flabellina

Pilgrim Hervia

Thuridilla Hopei

Okenia Picoensis

Tricolor Doris

Giant Doris

Prostheceraeus Roseus

Packing List

While you could just rent gear at the dive center, I recommend bringing your own diving gear. Your standard setup is mostly suitable for Gozo, but there are a few things to keep in mind when packing for your diving trip.

Given that diving in Gozo is usually shore diving and that some approaches to the dive sites are on uneven terrain, you should bring boots with thick soles. In terms of exposure gear, you need a 5mm or 7mm wetsuit depending on the time of the year, and given the amount of fireworms, a hood and gloves are recommended.

If you want to dive the Xatt l-Aħmar wrecks, you need fins with which you can frog kick and if you want to explore the caverns and caves of Gozo, you should pack your diving torch.

How much does it cost to dive in Gozo?

When compared to the costs of diving on the main island, diving in Gozo is slightly cheaper.

The base fee for two guided dives is between 70 and 80€. If you book a package, you can get a discount of up to 30%. To give an instance, 10 dives with St. Andrew’s Divers Cove cost 280€, while each additional dive costs 25€. There is a gear rental supplement and a nitrox tank tends to cost an additional 5€.

Divers who know the dive sites also have the option to only rent tanks and weights.

In Gozo, a boat diving trip comes with an upcharge between 15€ and 30€ per day. Hereby, there is sometimes an additional fee for long-distance boat rides.

Gozo Diving Essentials

Where to stay while diving in Gozo?

Gozo is a small island, so you could technically stay anywhere on the island while diving. However, it is significantly more convenient if you stay close to the dive center you are diving with. I spent most of my time in Gozo in Xlendi and can only encourage you to do the same if you dive with St. Andrew’s Divers Cove. The village itself is quite nice and you can choose between hotels and apartments.

Saint Patrick’s Hotel, Xlendi

While I lived in a rental apartment above the dive center’s compressor room for most of my time in Xlendi, I initially stayed at the Saint Patrick’s Hotel. It is located right at Xlendi Bay and therefore only one minute away from St. Andrew’s Divers Cove.

St Patricks Hotel Xlendi Gozo

The hotel is in a historic building with an internal courtyard, and the outward-facing rooms either offer a fantastic view of the bay or a sunrise view of the valley. Please note that some rooms only face the courtyard, so be sure to book your room according to the view you want.

While I stayed at the hotel, the room design was rustic, but renovations were about to start, so my photo may no longer reflect who the rooms look like.

The hotel’s rooftop offers a nice view of the bay and has some sunbeds. And while the pool on the roof is very small, it does not matter as you can swim right in the sheltered Xlendi Bay.

Other Accommodations in Xlendi

If you do not care about having a great view from your hotel’s balcony and are traveling on a budget, the small, stylish double rooms of ApartHotel Ulysses are ideal.

Meanwhile, divers who prefer a more luxurious accommodation and want the charm of a traditional farmhouse will love Cesca’s Boutique Hotel. This charming hotel has an elegant design and has a pool. Located a short walk up the hill toward Victoria, it is within walking distance of the dive center. And if you do not want to carry your gear, you can use UBER on your first diving day and then when you pick your gear up once it has dried.

Sunny Villa, Nadur

At the end of my time on the island, I stayed in a traditional Gozitan farmhouse in Nadur and loved it, but it is not ideal to stay there while diving in Gozo. After all, you would have to catch two buses (with a transfer in Victoria) or rent a car so you can drive to the dive center.

If you do not mind the inconvenience in the morning and have a mixed itinerary while in Gozo or if diving is not the main objective of your trip, the ‘Sunny Villa’ is a fantastic place to stay.

It is a charming old farmhouse that has been turned into a small boutique accommodation that can be rented as a whole or on a room-by-room basis. Hereby, you have to book months in advance if you want to rent the entire property.

Sunny Villa Farmhouse Nadur

The room design embraces the historic building but gives it a homely touch. It also has a pool and is located next to the best bakery in Gozo.

How long to stay in Gozo?

Given the number of dive sites listed in this article, you already know that it is more than worth it to spend quite a while in Gozo so you can explore the diversity of local dive sites. Therefore, I recommend planning at least three diving days if you want to see the most interesting dive sites with natural formations and another day of diving if you want to dive some of the Xatt l-Aħmar wrecks.

White Ball Gozo

Hereby, I recommend the following dive sites if you only have three diving days: Ras il-Hobz & Xlendi Tunnel, Blue Hole & Inland Sea, and Double Arch & Cathedral Cave.

The underwater world of Gozo is intriguing and so is the island itself. Therefore, I highly encourage you to extend your time there beyond your diving trip so you can explore some of what Gozo has to offer. Check out this Gozo itinerary that lists what you can do for up to five days.

If you want to see the best Gozo has to offer above and below the surface, you need at least one week.

FAQ

Is Gozo good for diving?

When it comes to diving, Gozo is mainly known for the Blue Hole, but there is significantly more to diving in Gozo. After all, there are many other great dive sites with natural features such as caves and arches, as well as four wrecks. Combined with usually great visibility, this means Gozo offers excellent diving for recreational and TEC divers alike.

Is diving in Gozo suitable for new divers?

While some of Gozo’s dive sites are deep and have a sporty approach, others like Xlendi Bay and Mgarr ix-Xini are very beginner-friendly. Due to this, Gozo is a great place to learn to dive and improve your skills by doing deeper dives and tackling more challenging approaches. In fact, I would recommend Gozo over the main island of Malta if you want to do your OWD course.

Extend your Diving Trip

Diving in Malta (Main Island)

Chances are that you are already planning a few dives on the main island before you head to Gozo, and you certainly should. After all, there are plenty of incredible wreck dives within the recreational diving limits. Hereby, the oil tanker wreck Um Ul-Faroud is a real highlight, and the two Cirkewwa wrecks P29 and Rozi are not to be missed either.

In addition to wreck dives, there are also some dive sites like Għar Lapsi that have natural features. However, I do not think they can compare with the dive sites in Gozo.

Like in Gozo, dives on the main island are usually shore dives and require swimming out to the wrecks for up to 10 minutes.

Read everything about diving in Malta.

P29 Wreck Malta

Diving in Comino

While it is the third largest Maltese island, it is rather small, but it has several interesting dive sites. As there are no dive centers on Comino, all dives there are boat dives from Gozo or the main island.

Diving in Comino Malta

While there are more dive sites, two of them are more popular than others. The P31 wreck is the sister ship of the P29 on the main island, and thanks to its shallower depth, it is a suitable wreck dive for OWDs. It is also a good place for macro photography.

The other dive site that should not be missed is the Santa Maria Caves. On sunny days, divers can see light rays and there is a Z-shaped cut in the rock nearby.

More about diving in Comino

Are you planning a trip?

Check out these useful websites and resources I use to plan my adventures around the world.

Wanderlust A Nomads Passport

Is Diving in Gozo worth it?

If you love natural formations like small caves, arches, and blue holes, you will love diving in Gozo. And of course, Gozo also turned out to be a fantastic place for macro photography lovers who want to dive in the Mediterranean.

The dive sites are very diverse and there is a great selection for every level of diver. Combined with the usually great visibility, diving in Gozo is more than worth it. So be sure to spend at least a part of your Malta diving trip on this island or even plan a trip that is solely dedicated to exploring Gozo’s dive sites.

I said it at the very beginning of this article, but it is worth mentioning again: I loved diving in Gozo, and those who skip the underwater world of this island or who just do the Blue Hole are more than missing out on a fantastic experience.

More about Diving

If you love diving, you might also be interested in these scuba diving guides:
Diving in Gran Canaria
iPhone Diving Case Review

Did any information about Scuba Diving in Gozo surprise you?

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Diving in Gozo
Scuba Diving Gozo

This post about diving in Gozo is based on a collaboration with a dive center. As always, all opinions expressed in this post are my own and not influenced in any way.

I am the founder of A Nomad's Passport and a semi-nomadic photographer and writer. Originally from Germany, I have lived in several countries including Australia, Mexico, and Malta.

As an outdoor lover and culture enthusiast, I love writing about all forms of adventure travel ranging from outdoor activities like scuba diving and hiking to cultural experiences, alongside road trips and itineraries that combine these elements.

A Nomad's Passport is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

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