Gozo is one of the few remaining unspoilt Mediterranean islands and a haven for divers, with its simple, rural charm. Gozo offers a variety of spectacular dive sites (approximately 50 sites) within a short distance, most sites are accessible from shore and are suitable for beginners as well as experienced divers. It is the spectacular underwater scenery that draws divers back to the island of Gozo on a regular basis. Arches and tunnels have been carved out of the coastline and offer divers endless points of interest around its 27 mile coastline of natural rugged beauty.
The clear visibility of the azure water and its breathtaking topography of drop offs combined with tunnels, swim throughs, caves and caverns is just stunning. Also, wrecks, which lie in sand at a depth of 40 metres are a great dive for experienced divers.
The warm climate, crystal clear blue waters, virtually no tides or currents, and a prolific marine life are the right ingredients to make Gozo the perfect holidays diving destination which keep divers coming back year after year. A visit to Dwejra is a must in your holidays diving. Famous for Fungus Rock, and the spectacular Azure Window, this location also features other prominent and unique sites such as the Blue Hole, Inland Sea and Crocodile Rock. On Gozo's south coast you can dive during your holidays diving on the wrecks of Karwela , Cominoland and the MV Xlendi purposely scuttled for divers. Should you fancy a night dive, the picturesque cove of Mgarr ix Xini is perfect is perfect for night dives where sea conditions are ideal.
The combination of sheer cliffs, caves, wrecks, shelves and sandy and rocky sea beds, means there is a large variety of fauna and flora to see in the Maltese waters. It would be too difficult to list them all. Wrecks, as artificial reef habitats, have provided a home for a greater number of species in recent years and make excellent dive sites.
Species you are likely to see include groupers, amberjack, various bream, octopi, squid, flying fish, gurnard, stingrays, meagre, bogue, red mullet, parrot fish and the occasional moray eel. Although the rocky structures and underwater coast seem ideal living conditions for eel, you tend to see them mostly during night dives.
The chance of meeting a big game fish is almost non-existent. Rare sights include tuna, dolphins and bonitos, though there is more chance of seeing these large fish in winter when they come closer to shore, attracted by the warmer waters.
John Dory are also occasionally spotted, mostly during wintertime, since they normally live a greater depths. Corals are also found on arches, reefs and caves. They glow a wonderful orange to pink colour and are particularly excellent to photograph at night.
There are a few sea animals to watch but not handle as they have vicious or poisonous bristles and spines. Keep your eyes open for the scorpion fish, bristleworms, sea urchins and the stingray. If you do step on or touch one of these fish, seek medical attention as your reaction to the injury will depend on your general medical condition and age.
Gozo Diving Sites
Before you dive
Regulations covering diving were introduced to ensure the maximum safety for divers.
Any person wishing to dive needs to register at a dive centre prior to diving. Registration includes filling out a form of personal details and showing proof of qualifications (except for persons attending a PADI open-water course or equivalent; or a taster dive). In the case of minors, a written consent of parent or legal guardian is required.
All persons registering at a dive centre are required to fill out a medical questionnaire to show that they are medically fit to dive. Notwithstanding the answers in the medical statement, in any case of doubt or at the discretion of the director of diving, persons may be requested to undergo a full medical examination by a physician who shall give his approval in writing before diving.
Surface Marker Buoys
Speedboat and ferry traffic can be quite heavy especially in peak summer months and in the Gozo Channel area. Divers are required to fly the code-A flag or use a Surface Marker Buoy. This is for your own protection.Divers visiting the Maltese Islands will find visibility of up to 50 metres even at depths of 30 metres. There is little land surface run off to disturb visibility. However, while conditions are generally favourable, please be careful. Keep within your limitations and avoid over confidence.
Recompression Chamber - Hyperbaric Unit
Divers should be aware that there is a decompression chamber within Gozo General Hospital, Victoria, Gozo and another one at Mater Dei Hospital, Malta. Staff there can be contacted for any diving incidents requiring medical attention on: 356 21561600 or by dialling the emergency telephone number 112.
There should be no attempt to perform 'in water' recompression. In case of decompression sickness, do not delay contacting the highly competent diving specialists available.
Spear- and other fishing
Spearfishing is tightly controlled, and forbidden without a license. Fishing, from boats and trawlers, is strictly forbidden over designated dive sites.