Double Arch Reef Diving
Double Arch Reef is one of Gozo's most spectacular underwater geological sites. The rocky headland lies offshore from Xwejni Bay and is famous for two natural arches formed one above the other.
The site combines a deep reef, dramatic rock formations, swim-throughs and prolific marine life. With an average depth of around 30 metres and a maximum of 45 metres or more, it is an advanced dive best planned carefully around depth, conditions and the long shore approach.
Double Arch Reef: The Arches
The two arches are the defining feature of the dive. The upper part of the reef lies at roughly 15–18 metres, while the arches begin deeper down. The smaller upper arch starts at about 20–27 metres, with the larger lower arch extending towards the seabed at approximately 36 metres.
Swimming beneath the arches gives a dramatic view back through the openings towards the surrounding blue water. The shaded rock surfaces and numerous crevices also provide habitat for sponges, corals and small marine life.
Double Arch Reef: Entry & Access
Double Arch Reef can be reached from shore or by boat. From shore, divers normally enter near the rocky inlet known locally as the Washing Machine and make a long surface swim of roughly 200 metres before reaching the drop-off and reef.
Boat access places divers directly over the reef and avoids the long surface swim. The shore route crosses the salt-pan area, so divers should use the rocky ridges and take care not to damage the salt pans.
Dive Information
Double Arches
Two large natural arches are stacked one above the other, creating the signature formation that gives the site its name.
Deep Reef
The rocky headland falls from a shallow upper reef into deeper water, reaching around 45 metres or more at the outer end.
Wall & Swim-throughs
The reef includes steep faces, boulders, crevices and swim-throughs around the arches, giving experienced divers several routes to explore.
Marine Life
Large shoals of barracuda are regularly associated with the site, while grouper, octopus, nudibranchs and other reef species may also be seen.
Double Arch Reef Diving Conditions
The site is exposed to northerly winds and is best attempted when the sea is calm. Conditions at the shore entry can become difficult, and the long surface swim makes a careful weather and sea-state assessment particularly important.
Boat diving avoids the long swim but the site remains deep and should be planned as an advanced dive. Divers should monitor current, visibility, surface conditions and boat traffic, and use an SMB as appropriate.
What You Can See
The twin arches are the main attraction, but the surrounding reef is also rich in marine life. Large shoals of barracuda are frequently reported around the outer reef, with grouper and other larger fish possible in the deeper sections.
The boulders and crevices provide shelter for octopus, blennies, nudibranchs, anemones and sea urchins. Seahorses and cuttlefish may also be encountered around the surrounding Posidonia and rocky seabed.
Diving the Double Arch Reef
Visit Gozo lists Double Arch Reef as an advanced dive with an average depth of 30 metres and a maximum depth of 45 metres or more. The official listing places the site approximately 200 metres offshore and describes the smaller arch beginning at 27 metres, with the larger arch extending to about 36 metres.
From the shore, the dive commonly begins with a surface swim before descending onto the reef. Divers then follow the drop-off towards the arches, exploring the boulders and rock formations before gradually returning towards the shallower reef and shoreline.
Double Arch Reef and Xwejni
Double Arch Reef lies offshore from the Xwejni area on Gozo's north coast, close to the salt pans and the wider Xwejni Bay diving area. It is distinct from the shallower Xwejni Bay reef and from the nearby Calypso Tunnel.
The combination of the long rocky headland, deep wall, twin arches and rich marine life makes Double Arch one of the most recognisable advanced dive sites in northern Gozo.
Photographs
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Photographs of Double Arch Reef will be added as the site is documented.
Location
Double Arch Reef lies offshore from Xwejni on Gozo's north coast, west of Xwejni Bay and beyond the salt pans.
Location & Map
The reef is approximately 200 metres offshore from the Xwejni area. The long surface swim is one reason many divers prefer to visit the site by boat.
Double Arch Reef Gozo – Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Double Arch Reef?
Double Arch Reef lies offshore from Xwejni on Gozo's north coast, beyond the salt pans and roughly 200 metres from the shoreline.
Can you dive Double Arch Reef from shore?
Yes. The site is commonly reached from shore, although it involves a long surface swim of roughly 200 metres. It can also be reached by boat.
How deep is Double Arch Reef?
The site has an average depth of around 30 metres and reaches approximately 45 metres or more. The upper reef is shallower, while the arches and outer reef descend considerably deeper.
Why is it called Double Arch?
The site is named for two large natural underwater arches formed one above the other in the rocky reef.
What are the other names for Double Arch?
The site is also known as Double Arch, Double Arches, Twin Arches and Qbajjar Arch.
What marine life can you see?
Barracuda are frequently seen around the reef, while grouper, octopus, blennies, nudibranchs, anemones and other Mediterranean reef life may also be encountered.
Is Double Arch Reef suitable for beginners?
No. The site is an advanced dive because of its depth, the long shore swim and the exposed nature of the entry. Good buoyancy and careful gas and decompression planning are important.
Nearby Gozo Dive Sites
Xwejni Bay
A shallower north Gozo shore dive with reef, boulders, seagrass and rocky passageways.
Reqqa Point
A dramatic north Gozo wall and reef dive with chimneys, caves and deeper water.
Calypso Tunnel
An advanced north Gozo cave and wall dive near the Xwejni area.
Qbajjar Bay
A much shallower beginner shore dive with reef, sand and Neptune grass.