Double Arch – Xwejni, Gozo
Dive Sites || Malta || Gozo and Comino || Book your excursion ||
🔹 Description
Located off the northwestern coast of Gozo near Marsalforn, the Double Arch dive is one of the island’s most iconic sites. This twin natural underwater arch carved from limestone sits at around 36 meters and offers a majestic experience with unique geological formations and abundant marine life. It’s a must-see for experienced divers and underwater photographers.
🌊 Type of Dive
Shore dive with a ~10-minute surface swim or accessible by boat.
Ideal for deep diving, underwater photography, technical diving, and scenic exploration.
🤿 Required Experience Level
Recommended for divers certified as Advanced Open Water or higher.
Good buoyancy control, deep diving comfort, and proper dive planning are essential.
📏 Depth
Ranges from 20 to over 40 meters.
The Double Arch is found at approximately 36 m, with the upper arch above the second, extending toward a sandy bottom rich in marine life.
⚠️ Difficulty Level
High.
A deep, exposed dive far from the entry point, subject to current and open water conditions.
Excellent preparation and air management are crucial. Avoid in rough seas.
🐟 Marine Life
Expect to see barracuda, dentex, groupers, moray eels, and nudibranchs.
The arches often host schools of pelagic fish. The rock walls are covered with sponges and calcareous algae, with occasional sightings of eagle rays.
🌦️ Environmental Conditions & Safety
- Visibility: excellent (20–30 m)
- Water temperature: 16–25°C
- Currents: moderate to none, but can change unexpectedly
- A local guide and proper gas planning are highly recommended.
📅 Seasonality
Accessible year-round, but best from May to October for optimal visibility and sea conditions.
🧭 Curiosities & History
The Double Arch is a natural structure formed over millennia through marine erosion and partial collapses. Famous among photographers for its striking twin arches that resemble a submerged cathedral, the site is also part of ongoing biological monitoring due to the presence of rare benthic species.
📌 At a Glance
📍 Location: Xwejni – Gozo, Malta
🚘 Access: Shore (surface swim) or boat
🔰 Required level: Advanced – Deep Diver
📏 Depth: 20 – 40+ m
📸 Highlights: twin underwater arches, pelagic fauna, scenic structures
