Mgarr ix-Xini

Divesite Image
© Lutz P. (#1586597)
Divesite Image
© Islands Tec Dive, MFN 1516 Marsalforn
Divesite Image
© Gert L. (#4919823)

Mgarr ix-Xini

★★★★☆ (2,761)

Mgarr Ix Xini is a shallow and easy bay in the south of Gozo. It’s perfect for training dives as well as night dives with maximum depth of 15m. There’s also a small and safe cavern perfect for those beginning their adventures with caves and caverns.

Lots of lizardfish, octopuses, flying gurnards, schools of sea breams and parrot fish, In the cave small crabs and tubeworms.

Dive Activity

Courses and Events

Try Scuba

Try Scuba

The SSI Try Scuba program is the best way to try scuba diving for the first time. You will be in confined water and well looked after by your instructor, so you can enjoy those first unforgettable breaths underwater and experience the magic of scuba diving. At the end of this short course, you will have earned your SSI Try Scuba recognition card and undoubtedly want to go diving again. Endless scuba diving adventures are waiting for you and this course is where it all begins. Start today!

September 27, 2026 +94 More
$113.99
€100.00

Potential Wildlife Sightings

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 300

Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus

Octopus
350 Sightings
J
0
F
2
M
7
A
16
M
30
J
46
J
106
A
58
S
42
O
24
N
15
D
4

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 200

Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel

Moray Eel
130 Sightings
J
0
F
5
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
15
J
33
A
24
S
22
O
20
N
11
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 600

iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse

Wrasse
10 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
10
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 120

AdobeStock-Composer.
Flounder

Flounder
293 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
9
A
20
M
33
J
36
J
77
A
33
S
33
O
34
N
10
D
6

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 125

SSI-Peter-Schinck
Gurnards

Gurnards
188 Sightings
J
0
F
2
M
10
A
17
M
18
J
12
J
54
A
26
S
17
O
23
N
6
D
3

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 120

SSI-Peter-Schinck
Cuttlefish

Cuttlefish
158 Sightings
J
1
F
2
M
5
A
14
M
16
J
21
J
26
A
23
S
15
O
22
N
9
D
4
Alamy-WaterFrame
Common Seahorse

Common Seahorse
133 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
12
J
29
A
49
S
22
O
13
N
5
D
2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 80

iStock/Extreme-Photographer
Stingrays

Stingrays
108 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
11
J
51
A
26
S
20
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 250

iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.
Scorpionfish

Scorpionfish
105 Sightings
J
0
F
2
M
0
A
0
M
17
J
0
J
36
A
12
S
15
O
15
N
8
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 250

Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
Grouper/Basslets

Grouper/Basslets
61 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
35
A
0
S
10
O
10
N
5
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 350

Alamy-Andre Seal
Damselfish

Damselfish
47 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
21
A
10
S
16
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 100

iStock-burnsboxco
Parrotfish

Parrotfish
45 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
34
A
11
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 7000

iStock-Michael Zeigler
Crab

Crab
39 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
17
A
10
S
12
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 30

Shutterstock-s_a_j
Sand Eel

Sand Eel
30 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
14
A
15
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 90

Shutterstock-Levent Konuk
Goatfish

Goatfish
27 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
11
J
0
J
13
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

Shutterstock-Vladimir Wrangel
Sole

Sole
13 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
13
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 40

iStock-Hoatzinexp
Jackfish

Jackfish
11 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
11
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 150

Shutterstock-aquapix
Sweetlips and Grunts

Sweetlips and Grunts
11 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
11
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

Dive Centers Catering This Dive Site

Bubbles Dive Centre

Bubbles Dive Centre

Bubbles in Gozo Limited, 17 Triq Il-Forn, MFN 1303 Marsalforn, Gozo, Malta
SCUBA MALTA

SCUBA MALTA

Portomaso Marina, STJ4011 St. Julians, Malta
MALTA BLUE DIVING

MALTA BLUE DIVING

Preluna Hotel Beachclub, SLM 1605 Sliema, Malta
Islands Tec Dive

Islands Tec Dive

Alex Flats, MFN 1516 Marsalforn, Malta

Dive Systems

Tower Point - Exiles, SLM1601 Sliema, Malta

AQUATICA DIVING CENTRE

MOSTA ROAD, SPB 3418 ST PAUL’S BAY, Malta

Octopus Garden Diving Center, Octopus Garden Ltd.

Gillieru Harbour Hotel, SPB 3256 St. Paul’s Bay, Malta, Malta

RITUAL DIVE

Block Hotel / Ulysses Aparthotel, XLN1404 Xlendi / Gozo, Malta

Overland Underwater

Dalton Terrace, YO24 4DD York, United Kingdom

WATERCOLOURS DIVE CENTRE

Sliema Aquatic Sports Club, Tower Road., SLM 1606 Sliema, Malta

Gozo Dive - St Andrews

St. Simon Street, XLN1302 Gozo, Malta

Family Diving Gozo, FAMILY DIVING GOZO

Waterside Apartments Triq id-Duluri, MFN1011 Marsalforn, Gozo, Malta

CALYPSO DIVING CENTRE

THE SEAFRONT, MFN 1013 MARSALFORN BAY, GOZO, Malta

Dive Sites Nearby

Mares, Janez Kranjc
Fessej Rock (★4.1)

Fessej Rock (★4.1)

Fessej Rock is a large rock, a pinnacle, 100 meters off-shore, on the south side of Gozo. It rises 15 meters above the water and has its base at 60 meters depth. Marine life such as dusky groupers, barracudas, amberjacks, tube worms, lobsters, octopus, tuna, dentex, and saddled breams can be seen here.
Islands Tec Dive, MFN 1516 Marsalforn
Middle Finger (★4.3)

Middle Finger (★4.3)

A rock needle that rises from the depths to about 16 m below the surface. Beautiful wall and an impressive view over the wall into the blue water.
Mares, Predrag Vuckovic
Ta Cenc (★4.1)

Ta Cenc (★4.1)

Ta Cenc is a small inlet neighboring with Mgarr ix-Xini Bay in the south. It is mostly a wall dive leading to some deeper boulders and a small cavern at the end. The shallow inlet is full of natural light and beautiful colors. The depths vary between 6m and 25m. Perfect for all levels.
Islands Tec Dive, MFN 1516 Marsalforn
Ras il-Hobz (★4.3)

Ras il-Hobz (★4.3)

Ras il Hobz or the “Middlefinger“ is one of most interesting dives in the south. It is a huge pinnacle going from 9 up to 40+ m. You can dive the pinnacle either from a wall or starting from a shallow bay. The dive site offers breathtaking views but one needs a good buoyancy skills to dive in the blue.
Sascha K. (#2838630)
MV Xlendi (Wreck) (★4.4)

MV Xlendi (Wreck) (★4.4)

Xlendi was a former Gozo Channel Line double-ended cargo ferry between Malta and Gozo. She was scuttled in November 1999 to form an artificial reef and an attraction for scuba divers. MV Xlendi wreck is around 80 m long and lies on a sandy slope about 44 m deep. Xlendi is a great site for experienced divers.
Rolf S. (#49929)
MV Karwela (Wreck) (★4.6)

MV Karwela (Wreck) (★4.6)

MV Karwela is the most popular wreck here on Gozo. It is an old German-built ferry used as excursion boat around Malta scuttled in 2006 for divers. It is easy and safe to enter and penetrate the wreck. It has fantastic staircase, 2 decks to explore with a dark engine room underneath. For experienced divers. 32-40m
Miriam V. (#2952708)
MV Cominoland (Wreck) (★4.5)

MV Cominoland (Wreck) (★4.5)

Cominoland is one of three wrecks scuttled in Xatt l’Ahmar in the south of Gozo. It is an old excursion boat to Comino that was scuttled in August 2006 together with nearby Karwela wreck. Cominoland is 35m long and lies at 40m. It has two decks and offers lot to explore. For advanced divers.
Mares, Predrag Vuckovic
Xatt L'Ahmar Reef (★4.2)

Xatt L'Ahmar Reef (★4.2)

Xatt l’Ahmar reef is a shallow reef near the drop off leading to the wrecks. It is a wall dive with the depth between 4 to 30 m. In the shallows you can find lots of colourful fish as well as seahorses. Going down the wall you’ll get to the huge boulders hiding slipper lobsters and giant scorpionfish. All levels.
Emeline B. (#2993230)
Hephaestus (★4.4)

Hephaestus (★4.4)

Hephaestus is an oil tanker that was scuttled to Xatt l-Ahmar on 29.8.2022 as an underwater attraction. This is a a shore/boat dive for experienced divers. Max depht 42m.
Islands Tec Dive, MFN 1516 Marsalforn
Xatt L'Ahmar Bay (★4.2)

Xatt L'Ahmar Bay (★4.2)

Xatt l’Ahmar or Red bay is an easy and shallow bay perfect for introduction dives, training dives and for less experienced divers. The depths vary between 3 m to 15 m on the outside above the fields of Posidonia. There is a shallow reef, a sandy bottom and huge boulders. Full of natural light and colours.
Islands Tec Dive, MFN 1516 Marsalforn
Hondoq Bay (★4.1)

Hondoq Bay (★4.1)

Hondoq Bay is a shallow bay on the southeast of Gozo and is ideal for courses and introduction dives. A suitable dive for inexperienced divers. You will find a sandy bottom, water pipeline, and arches to the east. There is a hidden inlet with a small cave to the west. Depth ranges from 5 to 12m.
Aqualung
Hondoq Reef (★4.2)

Hondoq Reef (★4.2)

One of the hidden gems of Gozo, Hondoq Reef is the perfect second dive of the day. Shallow, with plenty of light and life, the reef has a myriad of arches, overhangs, and swim-throughs for divers to explore. This reef is a photographer’s dream due to the lighting, different textures, and ample life found here.
Sascha K. (#2838630)
Xlendi Bay (★3.9)

Xlendi Bay (★3.9)

Xlendi Bay is a small and picturesque bay in the south western part of the island. In the middle of the bay there’s fanstastic tunnel starting at only 3 m, going down to 8m. It’s safe and suitable for all levels, great as your first experience with caves and caverns. Depths between 3 and 18m outside the tunnel.
Islands Tec Dive, MFN 1516 Marsalforn
Crocodile Rock (★4.4)

Crocodile Rock (★4.4)

Crocodile Rock is a boat dive site located in Dwejra south from the Blue Hole. It combines a wall dive, going down to 30+ metres with a shallow, 7m deep plateau with a nice reef. This dive site is suitable even for less experienced divers.
Islands Tec Dive, MFN 1516 Marsalforn
Coral Cave (★4.4)

Coral Cave (★4.4)

Coral Cave is a huge cave on the drop off below Coral Gardens (next to the Blue Hole) between 20 and 30m with lots of beautiful sponges on its walls. It’s suitable for more experienced divers.
IMAGE © iStock-danilovi
Blue Hole (★4.6)

Blue Hole (★4.6)

Blue Hole is the most famous dive site in Gozo with spectacular underwater landscapes and amazing light effects. Look for the remains of the Azure Window (“Azure Alps“), the cavern, and a fun chimney and swim-throughs.
FRENCH TOUCH DIVING, SPB 1283 SAN PAWL IL-BAHAR
Azure Boulders (★4.4)

Azure Boulders (★4.4)

Azure Boulders is the most famous dive site in Gozo, spectacular underwater landscape and light effects. What to look for: the remains of the Azure Window (“Azure Alps“), cavern, chimney and, swim-throughs​. This site is 5-30 metres. This site is great for all levels.
FRENCH TOUCH DIVING, SPB 1283 SAN PAWL IL-BAHAR
Inland Sea (★4.4)

Inland Sea (★4.4)

Inland Sea is another dive site in Dwejra, close to the famous Blue Hole. It is an 80m long open tunnel leading to an open sea. It offers stunning light inside and outisde the tunnel as well as the drop off full of fish. Perfect more more experienced divers. Depths between 5 and 30+ metres.
Islands Tec Dive, MFN 1516 Marsalforn
Marsalforn Bay (Il-Bajja ta’ Marsalforn) (★4.1)

Marsalforn Bay (Il-Bajja ta’ Marsalforn) (★4.1)

Marsalforn Bay lies right in front of our Dive Shop. It is a shallow bay ideal for training and night dives with a maximum depth of 11 m. Underwater you will find fields of Posidonia sea grass as well as a sandy bottom. Both hiding different types of sea creatures.
Bubbles Dive Centre & Gozo Diving Academy, MFN 1303 Marsalforn, Gozo
Bubbles Bay (★4.3)

Bubbles Bay (★4.3)

Popular dive site on Gozo, Malta, known for its clear, azure waters and diverse marine life. It’s a great location for divers of all skill levels, from beginners to experts, and is also suitable for snorkeling. The bay’s underwater landscape features vibrant reefs and interesting rock formations.
Scubapro
San Dimitri Point (★4.1)

San Dimitri Point (★4.1)

San Dimitri Point is a boat dive to the westernmost point of Gozo. It is a site with a beautiful reef and interesting swim throughs. The drop off leads to some huge boulders. This site is best suited for more experienced divers. The depths range from 5m to 30m.
Mares
Gudja Cave (★4.5)

Gudja Cave (★4.5)

Gudja Cave is located in the north of Gozo. It is a boat dive to corridor-like cave with freshwater source in the back. Inside the cave look for a phenomenon of the milky mix of fresh- and seawater and stunning light effects. It’s suitable for advanced divers. Depths 20 - 35m
Mares
Wied il-Mielah (★4.3)

Wied il-Mielah (★4.3)

Wied il Mielah is a fantastic boat dive to the hidden northern Azure Window. There are 3 caverns with fantastic light, the famous Swiss Cheese swim through and a labirynth between the boulders. All between 9 and 25 m making it a perfect dive for even less experienced divers.
Robert B. (#2823994)
Xwejni Bay (★4.1)

Xwejni Bay (★4.1)

Xwejni Bay is a picturesque, shallow bay, ideal for intro dives, training and night dives. It also provides easy entry and exit point.It’s well known for its posidonia fields hiding lots of different fish and peculiar underwater landscape with canyons.