Id-Dawra Diving
Id-Dawra is a boat dive situated to the left of Xlendi Bay on the south-west coast of Gozo. It is a more varied site than the shallow dives inside Xlendi Bay, with a drop-off, boulder slope, cave and tunnel.
One of the site's distinctive features is a long and narrow swim-through. The passage can provide shelter for moray and conger eels, while the changing light inside the tunnel adds to the character of the dive.
The site offers several different underwater features within a relatively compact area. Divers can explore the boulder slope and drop-off before moving towards the cave and tunnel sections.
Id-Dawra: Access & Entry
Id-Dawra is accessed by boat. The site is described as being to the left of Xlendi Bay, rather than being one of the shore dives inside the bay itself.
As with any boat dive around the exposed Gozo coast, the skipper and dive guide should assess wind, swell, visibility and sea conditions before committing to the site.
Dive Information
Drop-off
The site includes a drop-off where the rocky underwater terrain falls away from the shallower boulder slope.
Boulder Slope
Large boulders form part of the underwater landscape and provide shelter and structure for marine life.
Cave & Tunnel
A cave and tunnel add overhead features to the dive and create a more varied route than the open reef.
Swim-through
A long, narrow swim-through is one of the site's notable features and may contain moray or conger eels.
Id-Dawra Diving Conditions
Id-Dawra is an exposed coastal boat dive, so conditions at sea are important when deciding whether to visit the site. Wind and swell can affect the boat trip, descent and ascent as well as visibility around the rock formations.
The cave and tunnel also make local conditions important. Divers should follow the advice of their dive centre or qualified guide and avoid entering any overhead section unless they have the appropriate training and equipment.
What You Can See
The underwater scenery includes a rocky drop-off, boulders, a cave and tunnel. The narrow swim-through is particularly interesting for divers looking for enclosed rock formations and marine life.
Moray and conger eels are specifically associated with the long narrow passage described for Id-Dawra. Other reef life can be found around the rocks, ledges and boulders.
Diving Id-Dawra
A typical dive can begin from the boat over the shallower rocky area before moving towards the drop-off and boulder slope. From there, the route can continue towards the cave and tunnel features.
The long narrow swim-through is one of the highlights of the site. Light entering the passage creates changing colours and patterns on the rock, while the confined environment can provide shelter for eels.
Divers should treat the cave and tunnel as overhead environments and only enter passages appropriate to their training, experience and equipment. The open-water sections can be explored without entering the more confined areas.
The Tunnel and Swim-through
The tunnel is one of the features that distinguishes Id-Dawra from the shallower dives in Xlendi Bay. Its narrow passage creates a different atmosphere from the open reef, with natural light producing changing colours inside.
The passage is also noted for moray and conger eels. Divers should allow space for marine life and avoid touching the rock or disturbing animals while moving through the area.
Photographs
Your photograph — to be added.
Your photograph — to be added.
Your photograph — to be added.Photographs of Id-Dawra will be added as the site is documented.
Location
Id-Dawra is described as being to the left of Xlendi Bay on the south-west coast of Gozo. The e-Malta map position is currently set just outside the bay rather than in the centre of Xlendi.
Location & Map
Id-Dawra is a boat dive to the left of Xlendi Bay. The map marker is placed outside the bay to represent the dive site's coastal position rather than the centre of Xlendi.
Id-Dawra Gozo – Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Id-Dawra in Gozo?
Id-Dawra is described as being to the left of Xlendi Bay on the south-west coast of Gozo.
How do you access Id-Dawra?
Id-Dawra is a boat-accessed dive site.
What type of dive is Id-Dawra?
The site combines a drop-off, boulder slope, cave and tunnel, with a long narrow swim-through.
What marine life can be seen at Id-Dawra?
The long narrow swim-through is noted for moray and conger eels. Other reef life can be found around the boulders, rocks and drop-off.
Is Id-Dawra suitable for beginners?
Because the site includes a cave, tunnel and narrow swim-through, divers should use appropriate training, experience and equipment for the route they plan to undertake.
Can conditions affect Id-Dawra?
Yes. As a boat dive outside Xlendi Bay, sea state, wind, swell and visibility should be assessed before the dive.
Where is the e-Malta map marker?
The current e-Malta marker is set at 36.0290° N, 14.2115° E, outside Xlendi Bay, as a practical representation of the site's coastal position.
Nearby Gozo Dive Sites
Xlendi Cave & Reef
A shallow shore dive inside Xlendi Bay with a tunnel and reef.
Dawra tas-Sanap
A boat dive farther south with an arch, cavern, reef and deep drop-offs.
Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs
A deeper south Gozo boat dive along the Ta’ Ċenċ coastline.