Gozo – South Coast (Xlendi, Mgarr ix-Xini)

About Gozo – South Coast (Xlendi, Mgarr ix-Xini)

Gozo’s south coast centres on the pretty bay of Xlendi and the fjord-like inlet of Mgarr ix-Xini. Both are sheltered, calm and excellent for training, night dives and macro photography, with seahorses, octopus and pipefish. The outer mouth of each inlet drops to walls with gorgonians, while Ta’ Ċenċ cliffs and Il-Kantra offer dramatic depth for advanced drift divers. It is a gentle, scenic corner of Gozo perfect for relaxed diving. The area rewards careful planning and respects Maltese marine-protection rules, offering rewarding diving for a range of Mediterranean experience levels. The area rewards careful planning and respects Maltese marine-protection rules, offering rewarding diving for a range of Mediterranean experience levels.

Highlights

• ✓Xlendi Bay: a sheltered bay with a small patrol-boat wreck and abundant macro life.
• ✓Mgarr ix-Xini: a fjord-like inlet, calm and clear, ideal for training and cuttlefish.
• ✓Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs: a sheer wall from 10 to 60+ m with barracuda and tuna.
• ✓Il-Kantra Bay: a secluded cove with shallow reefs, great for beginners.
• ✓Xlendi Wreck: a small patrol boat scuttled at 20-25 m with lionfish and morays.

Getting There

Drive from the Gozo ferry to Xlendi (about 20 minutes) via Victoria, or to Mgarr ix-Xini (about 15 minutes). Both are sheltered shore entries; the outer walls and Ta’ Ċenċ are short boat or shore dives with a guide.