Forna Point Diving
Forna Point, also known as Ras il-Forna, is a relatively rarely dived site on the north-west coast of Gozo. The dive begins at about 5 metres on a shallow plateau a short distance from the reef wall.
The reef wall extends approximately 150 metres to the east. From the plateau, divers have two main choices: follow the wall east while staying relatively shallow, or drop down and follow the deeper wall. The deeper route leads to a seabed scattered with boulders and towards two caverns east of Forna Point.
The Forna Point Reef
The shallow start makes the site quite different from a deep wall dive. The plateau provides a route along the edge of the drop-off, while the wall gives the option of descending progressively into deeper water.
The published dive description gives a depth range of 10–40 metres and a typical duration of 40–60 minutes. The accompanying Gozo diving guide classifies it as an easy dive, although other current dive references classify Forna Point as an advanced boat dive because of its depth and exposed coastal setting.
Two Ways to Dive Forna Point
Stay Shallow
Remain on top of the plateau and follow the reef wall east. This is the easier option described in the dive guide.
Follow the Wall
Drop down from the plateau and follow the steep reef wall east towards the deeper boulder-covered seabed.
Explore the Caverns
The deeper route reaches two caverns east of Forna Point, including Għar taz-Zokkor, the Cave of Sugar.
Rocky Seabed
Large boulders cover parts of the deeper seabed and create shelter and structure for marine life.
Għar taz-Zokkor – Cave of Sugar
One of the two larger caverns to the east of Forna Point is called Għar taz-Zokkor, meaning Cave of Sugar. The book describes this cavern together with a number of smaller caverns further south.
The caverns are reached on the deeper route after following the reef wall east. They form one of the main attractions of the Forna Point dive.
Depth & Dive Profile
The dive guide gives a profile of 10–40 metres, with the dive starting at approximately 5 metres on the plateau. The deeper option follows the steep drop-off towards the boulder-covered seabed and caverns.
The book gives an estimated dive time of 40–60 minutes. Actual duration will depend on the route, depth, gas supply, current and individual breathing rate.
Marine Life
Forna Point is not described as a heavily dived site, which can make it interesting for divers hoping to encounter larger Mediterranean species. The rocky wall, boulders and caverns provide habitat and shelter for reef fish and other marine life.
Current dive references list species including dusky grouper, common octopus, tuna, damselfish, cardinalfish, dentex and saddled bream.
Why Forna Point is Different
Forna Point offers a choice between a relatively relaxed shallow reef-wall route and a deeper exploration towards caverns and boulder fields. This makes it more varied than a straightforward wall dive.
Its north-west location also places it among a group of Gozo's less frequently visited offshore dive sites, with other major sites such as Cathedral Cave, Wied il-Mielaħ, Reqqa Point and Anchor Reef further along the coast.
Photographs
Forna Point above the water.
The reef wall and shallow plateau.
Add an underwater Forna Point photograph.
Suggested filename: forna-point-3.jpg
More photographs of Forna Point will be added as the site is documented.
Location
Forna Point is on the north-west coast of Gozo and is accessed as a boat dive. The published position used by e-Malta is 36.0829° N, 14.2229° E.
Location & Map
The published position used by e-Malta for Forna Point is 36.0829° N, 14.2229° E.
Forna Point Gozo – Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Forna Point in Gozo?
Forna Point, also known as Ras il-Forna, is on the north-west coast of Gozo. The published position is approximately 36.0829° N, 14.2229° E.
Is Forna Point a shore dive?
No. Forna Point is described as a boat dive. The site is offshore from the north-west coast.
How deep is Forna Point?
The book gives a dive range of 10–40 metres. The dive starts at about 5 metres on the plateau before the deeper route follows the reef wall down towards the boulder-covered seabed.
How long does the Forna Point dive take?
The dive guide gives approximately 40–60 minutes, depending on the route, depth, gas supply and conditions.
What are the two dive options at Forna Point?
Divers can remain shallower on the plateau and follow the reef wall east, or take the deeper route down the wall towards the boulders and caverns east of the point.
What is Għar taz-Zokkor?
Għar taz-Zokkor, meaning Cave of Sugar, is one of the two caverns east of Forna Point described in the Gozo diving guide.
Is Forna Point suitable for beginners?
The book labels the dive as an easy dive, particularly with its shallow plateau option. However, current dive references classify Forna Point as an advanced boat dive. Divers should follow their training and the advice of their dive leader, especially if taking the deeper route towards 40 metres.
What marine life can be seen at Forna Point?
The rocky wall, boulders and caverns can shelter Mediterranean reef life. Species reported for the site include grouper, octopus, tuna, dentex, damselfish, cardinalfish and saddled bream.
What are the coordinates for Forna Point?
The published coordinates used by e-Malta are 36.0829° N, 14.2229° E.
Nearby Gozo Dive Sites
Cathedral Cave
A spectacular cave and reef dive at the mouth of Wied il-Għasri, further east along the north coast.
Wied il-Mielaħ
A north-west Gozo boat dive with caves, reef and a dramatic cliff setting.
Billinghurst Cave
A large, dark cave and advanced dive on the north-west Gozo coast.
Anchor Reef
Anchor Reef / Landslide Reef lies further east along the north coast.