Mgarr ix-Xini
Site Overview
Mgarr ix-Xini is a beautiful fjord-like inlet on Gozo’s south coast, with shallow, calm water, walls and gorgonians at the mouth. Cuttlefish, pipefish and octopus inhabit the canyon, and the sheltered setting makes it ideal for training, macro photography and relaxed fun dives. Its unique scenery is a highlight of the Gozo south. 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
"Enter from the small beach and descend into the inlet, controlling buoyancy along the walls. Search for cuttlefish and pipefish, then ascend with a safety stop, mindful of boat traffic in the narrow inlet. 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
Cuttlefish
Sepia officinalis
Best: April, May, June
Pipefish
Syngnathus typhle
Best: Year-round
Common Octopus
Octopus vulgaris
Best: Year-round
Two-banded Sea Bream
Diplodus vulgaris
Best: Year-round
Nudibranch
Chromodorididae
Best: Year-round
Safety & Hazards
- Narrow inlet entry
- Occasional mild current
- Boat traffic in the inlet
- Limited visibility after rain
- Sea urchins on rocks
- Depth to 25 m
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Ideal for open-water divers and macro photographers who want a unique fjord-like inlet close to Xlendi. It is also a good training and night-dive site. 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: macro, wide_angle