Cathedral Cave – Xwejni Bay, Gozo
Dive Sites || Malta || Gozo and Comino || Book your excursion ||
🔹 Description
Located along the rugged northern coast of Gozo, Cathedral Cave is a spectacular underwater chamber accessible from the scenic bay of Xwejni. A dive that combines geological beauty with light play, where every bubble rises toward a cathedral-like vault, echoing in silence and awe. An immersive experience suitable for underwater photographers and lovers of sea caves.
🌊 Dive Type
Shore dive with entry from the rocky platform at Xwejni Bay.
The cave is reached after a swim along the wall at about 10–12 meters depth.
Also accessible by boat. Ideal for cave exploration and wide-angle photography.
🤿 Diver Level
Recommended for certified Open Water divers and above.
The cave offers plenty of space and air pockets but requires good buoyancy control.
Freediving is possible for experienced breath-hold divers, with caution.
📏 Depth
From 5 to 25 meters.
The entrance to the cave is around 12–15 meters deep, with the inner chamber reaching up to 25 meters.
There is also a large air pocket in the dome.
⚠️ Difficulty Level
Moderate.
Entry and exit from the shore can be tricky due to uneven rocks.
Inside the cave, low visibility can occur due to stirred silt—buoyancy skills are essential.
🐠 Marine Life & Flora
You can encounter dusky groupers, damselfish, moray eels, and the occasional amberjack outside the cave.
Inside the chamber, the walls host colourful sponges, fireworms, and shrimp.
The cave’s ceiling is often home to crustaceans and even small nudibranchs.
🌦️ Environmental Conditions & Safety
Visibility: good to excellent, except in the cave if stirred.
Water temperature: 16–25°C
Little to no current.
A torch is strongly recommended for cave entry.
Do not ascend directly in the cave’s air pocket—always follow your guide.
📅 Seasonality
Available year-round, but best from May to October for calmer seas and optimal light penetration inside the cave.
The best time for photography is midday, when sunlight enters the cave from the entrance.
🧭 Curiosities & History
Cathedral Cave gets its name from its vast internal chamber, where sound echoes as in a cathedral.
Its unique air dome has drawn divers for decades and continues to be a top site for underwater explorers.
The cave is part of a protected coastal area and is a key site for observing the ecological transition between rocky and sandy seabeds.
📌 Quick Summary
📍 Location: Xwejni Bay, Gozo – Malta
🚘 Access: Shore or boat
🔰 Certification: Open Water – Advanced
📏 Depth: 5 – 25 m
📸 Highlights: air dome, cavern exploration, light beams, sponge-covered walls
