Double Arch (Xwejni)
Site Overview
The Double Arch at Xwejni Bay is one of Gozo’s signature dives, two magnificent limestone arches at 12-25 m linked by swim-throughs and stunning light effects. Glassfish shimmer in the openings, morays and octopus hide in the rocks, and the clear water makes it a photographer’s dream. Its accessible depth and beauty suit a range of experience levels. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Malta’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Malta’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Malta’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Malta’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Malta’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Malta’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Malta’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Malta’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers.
Dive Briefing
"Boat from Xwejni and descend to the first arch at 12 m, swimming through both arches and watching for glassfish and morays. Ascend with a safety stop, mindful of boat traffic in the bay. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point."
Signature Marine Life
Glassfish
Ambassis keyensis
Best: Year-round
Mediterranean Moray
Muraena helena
Best: Year-round
Common Octopus
Octopus vulgaris
Best: Year-round
Two-banded Sea Bream
Diplodus vulgaris
Best: Year-round
Barracuda
Sphyraena viridensis
Best: Year-round
Safety & Hazards
- Boat traffic in the bay
- Occasional mild current
- Arch disorientation
- Limited visibility after rain
- Rocky entry by boat
- Depth near 25 m
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Perfect for open-water and intermediate divers who love arches, light and photography. It is a must-do Gozo dive and a highlight for visitors of all levels. It suits confident Mediterranean divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich marine life over tropical abundance. It suits confident Mediterranean divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich marine life over tropical abundance. It suits confident Mediterranean divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich marine life over tropical abundance. It suits confident Mediterranean divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich marine life over tropical abundance.
Quick Stats
Dive Logistics
- Dive Gozo
- St. Andrew’s Divers Cove
Photography Info
Best for: wide_angle, macro