Diving Xwejni Bay
Xwejni Bay is a sheltered inlet on the northern coast of Gozo, immediately west of Marsalforn. The bay is particularly well suited to divers looking for an easy shore entry and a relatively shallow underwater environment.
The site is regularly used for beginner dives, training and skills practice. Its sheltered character and straightforward access also make it a useful location for divers returning to the water or looking for a relaxed reef dive.
The famous Xwejni Salt Pans stretch along the coast beside the bay, giving the site a distinctive setting that combines Gozo's traditional salt-making landscape with its underwater environment.
The shore entry
Entry to Xwejni Bay is relatively easy. A slipway used by small fishing boats provides convenient access to the water and is one of the reasons the site is popular for training and introductory dives.
Once underwater, the initial section is very shallow. The seabed consists of banks of Neptune grass, rock and small stones before gradually becoming deeper towards the outer part of the bay.
The shallow reef
Xwejni Bay is characterised by a gently sloping rocky seabed with small valleys, channels and rocky passages. These features make the site interesting even though the main bay dive is relatively shallow.
Divers can follow the rocky formations and explore the small passageways while remaining within comfortable recreational depths. The sheltered environment also provides a good place for students to become familiar with buoyancy, navigation and underwater observation.
Marine life
The rocks and seagrass provide shelter for a variety of Mediterranean marine life. Octopus and moray eels can be found hiding among cracks and rocks, while scorpionfish can be seen resting on the seabed.
Posidonia seagrass adds another habitat to the site and helps support smaller marine organisms. Schools of fish can sometimes be encountered around the rocky sections of the bay.
The Washing Machine
One of the recognisable features of the Xwejni coastline is known locally as the Washing Machine. This rocky feature forms part of the underwater landscape around the bay.
The area around the Washing Machine can attract marine life, including fish moving through the rocky habitat. Its location also provides an interesting feature for divers exploring beyond the shallowest part of the bay.
Diving beyond the bay
Xwejni Bay is also the access area for more demanding dive sites in the wider Xwejni coastline. These include Double Arch, where the underwater reef and natural arches descend considerably deeper than the main bay.
Double Arch is a separate, advanced dive site. The upper reef is around 15β18 metres, while the arches and deeper sections descend to approximately 34 metres and beyond, reaching about 45 metres at the end of the reef.
The longer swim from Xwejni Bay means Double Arch should not be confused with the shallow Xwejni Bay dive itself.
Night diving
Xwejni Bay can also make an interesting night dive. The easy shore access and shallow rocky environment allow divers to explore a familiar site in very different conditions.
Night diving reveals smaller marine life that may be less visible during daylight, making the bay useful for experienced divers as well as training groups.
Photographs
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Location
Xwejni Bay is on Gozo's northern coast, just beyond Marsalforn and beside the famous Xwejni Salt Pans. The dive site is accessed directly from the shore.
Location & map
Xwejni Bay is located on Gozo's northern coast near Marsalforn and the Xwejni Salt Pans. The map shows the general Xwejni Bay dive area.
Xwejni Bay diving FAQ
Where is Xwejni Bay?
Xwejni Bay is on the northern coast of Gozo, just west of Marsalforn and beside the famous Xwejni Salt Pans.
Is Xwejni Bay suitable for beginner divers?
Yes. Xwejni Bay is sheltered, shallow and has an easy shore entry, making it particularly suitable for beginner divers, training dives and skills practice.
How deep is Xwejni Bay?
The main Xwejni Bay dive is relatively shallow, with commonly reported depths around 10 to 15 metres. Deeper sites in the wider Xwejni area reach considerably greater depths.
How do you enter Xwejni Bay?
The bay has an easy shore entry, including access via a slipway used by small fishing boats.
What marine life can be seen at Xwejni Bay?
Divers may encounter octopus, moray eels, scorpionfish and other Mediterranean species among the rocks and Posidonia seagrass.
Is Xwejni Bay suitable for a night dive?
Yes. Its easy shore access and relatively shallow underwater environment make Xwejni Bay suitable for night diving when conditions are appropriate.
Is Double Arch part of Xwejni Bay?
Double Arch is a separate dive site in the wider Xwejni area. It can be reached from Xwejni Bay by a longer swim, but it is a considerably deeper and more advanced dive.