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Diving around Gozo
Gozo is easy to grasp, a “small” yellow limestone rock reaching up to 176 m out of the sea. The rugged coastlines with many sheer cliffs that drop vertically from 160 m to almost 40 m below sea level are the main characteristics of this 15 km by 7 km island. In between, there are areas where the land slopes gently down to the sea. The 7 miniature “table mountains” are predominant on the landscape and lend Gozo the nickname “the island of the seven hills”.
In the centre of the island is Victoria (in Maltese: Rabat) the island’s capital with a large fortress (Citadel) that dominates the town. A network of narrow bumpy roads head out in all directions to the surrounding villages that are either exposed on the hills or hidden in the small bays along the 43 km coastline. Further characteristic landmarks are the domes of the numerous churches.
In contrast to other Mediterranean islands it is common on Gozo to dive from the shore. There are many sites along the coastline that can be easily reached by car. Diving at these sites can be done either independently or with the assistance of one of the local diving schools.
[ -> press on a “diver” to see the dive site]
Xwieni Bay
A small picturesque bay approximately 2 km west of Marsalforn. A shallow sandy seabed increasing in depth far out into the bay. Covered with small channels, boulders and banks of sea-grass. Easy access even during bad weather. Suitable for beginner exercises and also enjoyable night dives.
[ <- Map ]
Double Arch: an impressive rock wall with two openings which give this dive site its name
Reqqa Point
The most northerly point of Gozo is situated 3 km north-west of Marsalforn. The point stretches further north beneath the surface. This diving site is characterised by drop-offs, shelves, small caves, chimneys and, of course, an abundance of fish and may be dived at various depths.
You can find many fish along the walls of Reqqa Point [ <-Map ] 
Ghasri Valley
This is a fantastic (and easy) dive into a narrow - nearly 500 m long - canyon to the open sea. At the exit one encounter on the eastern side a cave entrance that opens into the spectacular “Blue Dome”. The diver can glide into the dimly illuminated dome and surface to find a splendid colourful panorama, especially in the afternoon when the Cathedral is lit by direct sunlight.
It is a wonderful feeling to surface into the Cathedral (Blue Dome) [ <-Map ]
Dwejra Point
Dwejra Point is the most famous diving site on Gozo that boasts a beautiful landscape both above and beneath the surface. The Blue Hole is the best starting-point for various dive combinations. Other well known dive sites in this area:
Inland Sea, Blue Hole, Azure Window, Coral Cave, Crocodile Rock and Fungus Rock .
  
[ <-Map ] [more pics in UW-Galery]
Xlendi Bay
On the northwest coast of Gozo is a small tourist village called Xlendi. A collection of hotels, bars, restaurants and diving schools are huddled together along the seafront of the fjord like bay. In earlier times the Roman used the bay as a winter harbour.
These days it is dominated by tourists pursuing all kinds of water sports. Divers are more interested in the small reef and a tunnel which are located in the mouth of the bay. Especially the shallow water makes this site suitable for beginners. [ <- Map ]
Ta´ Cenc
The Ta’Cenc cliffs are situated on the south coast west of the entrance to the canyon of Mgarr Ix-Xini. This popular site is protected from north-west winds, which regularly inhibit diving along the western and northern coastline. It offers a lot of possibilities for both beginners and advanced divers: a sandy seabed that is teeming with marine life, drop-offs, small caves and the mighty Fessej Rock that reaches down to almost 50 m.. [ <- Map ]
 
A sandy seabed and huge rocks dominate the area of Ta´Cenc and Mgarr l-Xini.
Mgarr l-Xini
In former times pirates used this gorge-like canyon as a hideaway. Later it became a protected harbour for the knights of Malta. Today, the bay with its sandy seabed and steep walls is very convenient for night dives. During daytime it is particularly attractive for beginners. A great number of species can be observed, living on or below the sandy bottom. [ <- Map ]
Xatt l-Ahmar
Close to the harbour of Mgarr is the idyllic Mellieha Bay directly beneath Fort Chambray. This bay offers easy entrance to shallow water. Various other entrances are located along the shoreline to the west. This area is suitable for both beginners and experienced divers and offers an alternative to Ta’Cenc in case of north-west winds. [ <- Map ]
Since 1999 an additional attraction for advanced divers is to dive the “Xlendi”, a car ferry that was intentionally sunk to offer Gozo its first official wreck site. Unfortunately the “sinking” of the ferry did not go as planned as it drifted away from the designated site and sank funnel down in 40 m of water. Many superstructures are now stuck in the sand or have simply been destroyed by the weight of the ferry.
[ <- Map ]
Hondoq Bay
The south-east coast of Gozo is not very attractive for divers; however under certain weather conditions (wind from north or west) this bay is protected and offers an alternative to Mellieha Bay or Mgarr lx-Xixi. One dives in a small sandy bay directly opposite Comino. The site is especially popular with beginners to gain their first diving experiences and likewise for night dives.
[ <- Map ]
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