While diving in Gozo is spectacular, let’s dive into what snorkelling in Gozo has to offer. Nestled peacefully in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Gozo, the sister island of Malta, is a true gem worth visiting. Whether you visit during the hot summer or the milder fall and spring, the clear waters provide perfect snorkeling conditions throughout the vacation season. If you’re looking for a family-friendly destination that is serene by night, uncrowded by day, boasts superb beaches, and offers plenty of land attractions, Marsalforn, Gozo is the place to be.
Best Snorkeling Spots in Malta & Gozo
Malta & Gozo, built of limestone, are geological wonders with a rich history and vibrant marine life, making them ideal for a snorkelling adventure filled with tales from the past.
Snorkeling in Malta is perfect for beginners with its shallow waters, beautiful reefs, water-level caves, and natural pools. For the more experienced, there are plenty of thrilling spots with cliffs, underwater caverns, and abundant marine life to explore.
Here are some of the most fascinating snorkeling spots in Malta and Gozo:
The Blue Hole
Next to Gozo’s long-time iconic landmark, the Azure Window (now sadly collapsed), lies the impressive Blue Hole. This snorkelling spot remains intact and is a must-visit.
Anchor Bay
Known locally as Popeye Village, Anchor Bay was the set for the 1979 Popeye movie with Robin Williams. The bay, named after a large anchor, is home to various fish species, eels, octopus, and cuttlefish. It’s easily accessible via a steep slope and is also a great spot for shore diving.
Bahar Ic-Caghaq
Popular with locals, Bahar Ic-Caghaq offers sandy and rocky beaches ideal for snorkelling. In its shallow waters, you might spot Mediterranean fish, huge crabs, bullrays, moray eels, and flying gurnards. The beach is easily accessible with parking, toilets, and food options.
Ghar Lapsi
Ghar Lapsi is a remote, beautiful rocky cove with a small fishing village and three restaurants known for fresh fish. Its reefs, tunnels, and caves make it a great snorkelling spot, especially for families with kids or weak swimmers. The cove is home to fireworms, seahorses, eels, and rays. Watch out for jellyfish in the summer. Parking is available at the top, with steep steps leading down to the shore.
Hondoq Ir-Rummien
Hondoq ir-Rummien is a picturesque sandy beach with stunning Caribbean-like waters and views of Comino Island and the Blue Lagoon. This popular spot features water-level caves perfect for beginners. Marine life here includes jellyfish, stingrays, wide-eyed flounder, cuttlefish, lizardfish, common octopus, and flying gurnards. There are ladders to enter the sea, and the beach is accessible via a track from Qala Village.
Coral Gardens – Dwejra
Next to the Blue Hole, the Coral Gardens in Gozo offer a snorkelling area about 20m wide and only 4m deep. You can spot damselfish, thick-lip grey mullets, colourful wrasses, starfish, sea urchins, and jellyfish. The Coral Gardens can be easily accessed from the shore.
Xlendi Bay
Ix-Xlendi, on the southwest coast of Gozo, is easily reachable via public transport from Victoria or by car. Renowned for swimming and diving, Xlendi Bay features rocky seabeds along the cliffs and a sandy seabed in the middle. It has a beautiful reef and a colorful 2m deep, 70m long tunnel. Marine life includes golden zoanthids, red starfish, bristle worms, red and green algae, shoals of jacks and barracudas, pink flabellina, purple jellyfish, and posidonia seagrass. The bay is accessible from the shore, with cliffs, a concrete diving board, and ladders for water entry.
Some Safety Tips When Snorkeling
- Never snorkel alone.
- Take a buoy for easy spotting and resting.
- Watch out for cliff divers and boats.
- Wear a long-sleeve rash guard and long pants.
- Follow guidelines for jellyfish stings.
- Avoid areas not sheltered from the open sea.
- Don’t enter the water during swells.
- Use sunblock, as there’s little shade.
Best Time of Year For Snorkeling in Gozo
June marks the start of swimming season with really nice temperatures in July and August. Underwater visibility is at its best in October and November, but you’ll need a wetsuit for the cooler water.
What Equipment You Will Need
You can buy or rent equipment needed for snorkelling gear, which includes:
- A well-fitting mask.
- A high-flow, easy-to-breathe snorkel with:
- a wide-bore tube,
- a dry top,
- a comfortable, replaceable mouthpiece,
- a flexible tube.
- High-quality snorkelling fins – neoprene boots and strap fins are recommended for rocky entry/exit points.
Snorkelling around Gozo
We hope you enjoy your snorkelling experience around Gozo, Make sure to stop by and see us in Marsalforn and if you looking for Things to do In Gozo, remember you can explore the breathtaking waters of the Mediterranean With a Dive With Atlantis!
