Location of Site: In front of Xlendi Watchtower, Gozo, south from the entrance to Xlendi Bay.
Type of Dive: Boat Reef/Wall Dive
Conditions:
The water is usually clear but the site is exposed to the North West and southerly winds.
Average Depth: 15 metres
Maximum Depth: 60+ metres
Certification Required:
BSAC Sports Diver, PADI Advanced Open Water or equivalent
The Dive:
The Boat stops on the edge of shallow reef in front of the Watchtower. One may dive on the reef, trying to stay deeper than 10m due to passing boat traffic, or dive along the reef wall which drops down to a silty seabed when heading inside the bay (depth gradually decreases from 50+ to 25m within a reasonable distance from stopping).
One needs to take care to use DSMB if surfacing or staying shallow on the reef as boats leaving/arriving at Xlendi bay from the South may pass close. The area is also popular for fishing using lines, pots and nets. Be careful of nets which may have a buoy to indicate them. Do not mess with fishermen’s equipment.
Visibility may be excellent if there has been no recent rain or heavy storms as the water outside of the reef drops down significantly.
Multiple archaeological sites are near, but very much deeper (60+ metres). If any pottery or other artefacts are noted in shallower areas, these must be left untouched and in place. Take note of depth/location + photographs if possible and send details to UCHU / Superintendence of Cultural Heritage.
