Dawra tas-Sanap Diving
Dawra tas-Sanap is the first sheltered inlet to the south of Xlendi Bay, on the south coast of Gozo. The site is accessed by boat and combines a shallow reef with a natural arch, a cavern, steep walls and large boulders.
The dive begins on the shallower reef before following the wall and rocky formations towards the arch. The underwater terrain changes considerably as the site deepens, making the area interesting for both shallower exploration and deeper diving.
The average depth is around 15 metres, while the deeper drop-offs, caverns and boulders can extend beyond 65 metres. Divers should plan the dive according to their certification, experience, gas plan and the conditions on the day.
Dawra tas-Sanap: Access & Entry
Dawra tas-Sanap is a boat-only dive site. Boats can anchor inside the sheltered inlet, allowing divers to descend onto the shallow reef before following the underwater route around the headland.
The site is relatively sheltered from some wind directions, but surge can still occur against the cliff face and around the cave. Divers should follow the instructions of their dive centre or qualified guide and assess conditions before entering the water.
Dive Information
Natural Arch
A large natural arch is the defining feature of the site and becomes visible at around 15 metres, with the open blue sea beyond it.
Cave & Cavern
A large semi-circular cavern lies beneath the arch, with rocky formations and marine growth around the walls and floor.
Wall & Drop-off
The dive starts on a shallow reef before the terrain falls away along steep walls and deeper drop-offs.
Boulders & Reef
Large boulders and reef formations provide shelter and structure, with colourful sponges, anemones and other marine life.
Dawra tas-Sanap Diving Conditions
The inlet provides some shelter and can offer good diving conditions when the sea is suitable. Wind direction still matters, and surge may be felt against the cliffs and around the cave.
Divers should check the current marine conditions before the dive and take local advice. The deeper sections require appropriate training and planning, particularly where the wall and seabed continue beyond recreational depths.
What You Can See
The natural arch and cavern are the main attractions, with clear blue water providing a dramatic backdrop. The reef and walls are covered with colourful sponges, anemones and coral growth.
Divers may also encounter nudibranchs, spiny lobsters and larger fish around the boulders and deeper sections. Shoals of fish can be seen around the arch and reef, while deeper water may attract larger predatory fish.
Diving Dawra tas-Sanap
From the boat, the dive begins by descending gradually onto the reef and wall. A corridor between a large boulder and the cliff leads towards the cavern, followed by rocky terrain and deeper sections below.
The route can then continue towards the natural arch. The arch and its surrounding walls are particularly photogenic, with marine growth covering the rock. After exploring the area, divers follow the wall back towards the sheltered inlet and the boat.
The site offers a range of depths, but the deeper drop-offs should only be attempted within the diver’s training and planned limits.
The Natural Arch and Cavern
The large natural arch is the highlight of Dawra tas-Sanap. Its floor is shallower than the surrounding deeper sections, while the walls and rock around it are covered with marine growth.
A large cavern beneath the arch adds another dimension to the dive. The combination of the arch, cavern, boulders and vertical walls creates a varied underwater landscape within a relatively compact area.
Photographs
Your photograph — to be added.
Your photograph — to be added.
Your photograph — to be added.Photographs of Dawra tas-Sanap will be added as the site is documented.
Location
Dawra tas-Sanap is located on the south coast of Gozo, in the first sheltered inlet south of Xlendi Bay.
Location & Map
Dawra tas-Sanap is on the south coast of Gozo, south of Xlendi Bay. The published dive-site position used by e-Malta is 36.0236° N, 14.2165° E.
Dawra tas-Sanap Gozo – Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Dawra tas-Sanap in Gozo?
Dawra tas-Sanap is on the south coast of Gozo, in the first sheltered inlet south of Xlendi Bay.
How do you access Dawra tas-Sanap?
Dawra tas-Sanap is normally accessed by boat. Boats can anchor inside the sheltered inlet.
How deep is Dawra tas-Sanap?
The site has an average depth of around 15 metres, with deeper drop-offs, caverns and boulders extending beyond 65 metres in some areas.
What can you see at Dawra tas-Sanap?
The main features are a natural arch, a large cavern, reef, steep walls and large boulders. The rocks support colourful sponges, anemones and other marine life.
Is Dawra tas-Sanap suitable for beginners?
The site is listed as suitable for beginners in several dive-site references, particularly in its shallower sections. Deeper parts require appropriate training, experience and planning.
Can conditions affect diving at Dawra tas-Sanap?
Yes. The inlet provides some shelter, but surge can occur against the cliffs and cave. Wind, waves and sea conditions should be assessed before the dive.
What is the position of Dawra tas-Sanap?
The published dive-site position used by e-Malta is 36.0236° N, 14.2165° E.
Nearby Gozo Dive Sites
Xlendi Cave & Reef
A shallow cave and reef dive at Xlendi Bay.
Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs
A south Gozo wall and reef dive along the Ta’ Ċenċ coast.
Mġarr ix-Xini
A sheltered southern inlet with varied underwater terrain.