Anchor Reef Diving
Anchor Reef is a submerged rocky plateau on the north coast of Gozo, between Reqqa Point and Double Arch. It is also known as Landslide Reef or Reqqa Anchor Reef. The reef begins very shallow and extends eastwards for roughly 200 metres towards Double Arch.
The reef top starts at approximately 2–3 metres and gradually drops to around 15–17 metres. At the reef wall the seabed falls away in stages to approximately 30–40 metres, with deeper water continuing to around 60 metres over sand and boulders.
This makes Anchor Reef unusually flexible as a dive site. The shallow plateau can provide a relaxed reef dive, while the wall and deeper sections offer a much more demanding dive for experienced divers. The exact route and maximum depth should always match the diver’s training, experience and the conditions on the day.
Access & Dive Routes
Anchor Reef is a shore-accessed dive on Gozo’s north coast. The shore approach is around the Xwejni and Reqqa Point area, and the route can be planned in several ways depending on the diver’s objectives.
The traditional dive guide describes three main options:
- Stay shallow: follow the top of the plateau eastwards, keeping to the shallower reef.
- Follow the drop-off: swim over the edge of the reef to gain depth, then turn back towards the entry area.
- Continue towards Xwejni Bay: follow the reef in the direction of Xwejni Bay. The dive guide places Xwejni approximately 600 metres away and notes that this longer route can take an hour or more.
The north coast is exposed to changing sea conditions. Current, swell and wind should be assessed before entering, and divers should follow local dive-centre advice.
Anchor Reef at a Glance
Rocky Plateau
The reef begins in only about 2–3 metres of water before gradually deepening towards the reef edge.
Reef Wall
The plateau drops through approximately 15–17 metres and then continues down in stages into deeper water.
Double Arch
The submerged reef extends eastwards for roughly 200 metres towards Double Arch.
Xwejni Route
A longer route can follow the reef towards Xwejni Bay, approximately 600 metres away.
Depth & Dive Profile
Anchor Reef offers a wide depth range. The shallowest part of the plateau is only around 2–3 metres. The reef top then drops to approximately 15–17 metres, where the wall and deeper reef begin.
Beyond the wall, the seabed descends progressively through approximately 30–40 metres and can continue to around 60 metres over sand and boulders. Divers planning the deeper sections should use an appropriate depth and gas plan and remain within their certification and experience.
Marine Life
The rocky ridge and boulder fields provide habitat for Mediterranean reef life. The dive guide notes fish including damselfish, groupers and wrasse along the reef, while other descriptions of the area report a variety of reef fish and invertebrates.
The shallow ridge is particularly useful for observing life without immediately committing to the deeper wall. Conditions and visibility can change the character of the site considerably.
Anchor Reef, Landslide Reef and Reqqa Point
Anchor Reef should not be confused with Reqqa Point itself. Reqqa Point is the nearby headland and a major Gozo dive site in its own right. Anchor Reef is the separate submerged reef and plateau between the Reqqa Point area and Double Arch.
The names Anchor Reef and Landslide Reef refer to this reef. Double Arch, Reqqa Point and Xwejni Bay are nearby locations or dive areas, not alternative names for Anchor Reef.
Photographs
Anchor Reef / Landslide Reef on Gozo's north coast.
Anchor Reef reef and drop-off near the north coast of Gozo.
Add an underwater Anchor Reef photograph.
Suggested filename: anchor-reef-3.jpg
More photographs of Anchor Reef will be added as the site is documented.
Location
Anchor Reef is on the north coast of Gozo, between the Reqqa Point area and Double Arch, close to the Xwejni salt pans.
Location & Map
The published position used by e-Malta for Anchor Reef is 36.0806° N, 14.2420° E.
Anchor Reef Gozo – Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Anchor Reef in Gozo?
Anchor Reef is on Gozo’s north coast, between the Reqqa Point area and Double Arch, close to the Xwejni salt pans.
What is Anchor Reef also called?
Anchor Reef is also known as Landslide Reef and Reqqa Anchor Reef. Reqqa Point and Double Arch are nearby sites, not alternative names for the reef.
Is Anchor Reef a shore dive?
Yes. Anchor Reef is accessible from the shore. The entry area is on Gozo’s exposed north coast, so the condition of the sea should be checked before diving.
How deep is Anchor Reef?
The rocky plateau starts at approximately 2–3 metres and drops to around 15–17 metres. Beyond the reef wall, the seabed descends through 30–40 metres and can continue to around 60 metres over sand and boulders.
Is Anchor Reef suitable for beginners?
The shallow plateau is described in dive guides as an easy section, but the site also includes a much deeper wall. Divers should choose the route and depth appropriate to their training and experience, rather than treating the whole site as a beginner dive.
How far is Anchor Reef from Double Arch?
The submerged rocky plateau extends eastwards for approximately 200 metres towards Double Arch.
How far is Anchor Reef from Xwejni Bay?
The dive guide places Xwejni Bay approximately 600 metres from Anchor Reef. A long dive can follow the reef in that direction, depending on conditions and the planned route.
What can you see at Anchor Reef?
The site features a shallow rocky plateau, a reef wall, boulders and deeper sand-and-rock seabed. Marine life recorded for the site and surrounding reef includes damselfish, groupers, wrasse and other Mediterranean species.
What are the coordinates for Anchor Reef?
The published coordinates used by e-Malta are 36.0806° N, 14.2420° E.
Nearby Gozo Dive Sites
Reqqa Point
The nearby north-coast headland and one of Gozo’s best-known reef and wall dives.
Double Arch
The submerged reef continues eastwards towards Double Arch, approximately 200 metres from Anchor Reef.
Billinghurst Cave
A nearby north-coast cave site in the Reqqa Point and Xwejni area.
Xwejni Bay
The reef route can continue towards Xwejni Bay, around 600 metres from Anchor Reef.