Mġarr ix-Xini Diving
Mġarr ix-Xini is a sheltered inlet on the south coast of Gozo and one of the island's most accessible shallow shore dives. The bay slopes gently from the shore over sand, small boulders and areas of Neptune grass, making it suitable for relaxed dives and training.
Along the rocky sides of the bay divers can explore two small caverns. The combination of shallow water, sheltered conditions and varied marine life makes Mġarr ix-Xini especially popular with beginners, photographers and divers looking for a comfortable night dive.
Mġarr ix-Xini Gozo Diving
The dive begins from the shore and follows the gently sloping seabed towards the mouth of the bay. The typical dive reaches around 15 to 16 metres, although deeper water is available outside the sheltered bay for appropriately qualified divers.
The two caverns are found along the rocky western side of the bay. A dive can be kept shallow and relaxed, or extended along the reef and towards the mouth of the inlet depending on the diver's experience, certification, conditions and dive plan.
Mġarr ix-Xini: Entry & Access
Mġarr ix-Xini is a shore-entry dive. The sheltered inlet has a shallow beginning and a gently sloping seabed, making entry comparatively straightforward when conditions are suitable.
Even sheltered sites can be affected by wind, swell and local sea conditions. Divers should assess the entry and exit before entering the water and follow the advice of their dive centre or qualified local guide.
Dive Information
Shallow Reef
The bay has a gently sloping seabed of sand, small boulders, rocky reef and areas of Neptune grass.
Two Caverns
Two interesting caverns can be explored along the rocky western side of the bay, adding variety to the shallow dive.
Marine Life
Look for octopus, gurnards, seahorses, pipefish, nudibranchs and a wide variety of Mediterranean reef fish.
Night Diving
The sheltered location and relatively shallow profile make Mġarr ix-Xini one of Gozo's popular night-dive sites.
Mġarr ix-Xini Diving Conditions
Mġarr ix-Xini is more sheltered than many of Gozo's exposed coastal dive sites, but conditions can still change. Wind, swell and water movement should be considered before entering.
Check the current marine conditions above and take local advice before diving. If the entry or exit is unsuitable, the dive should be postponed or moved to a more sheltered site.
What You Can See
Mġarr ix-Xini is particularly interesting for divers who enjoy looking closely at the seabed rather than simply covering distance. Sandy patches and seagrass provide habitat for smaller creatures, while the rocky edges and caverns hold additional marine life.
Possible sightings include octopus, flying gurnards, seahorses, pipefish, sea hares, nudibranchs, scorpionfish, bream and other Mediterranean species. Sightings naturally vary with season, visibility and conditions.
Diving Mġarr ix-Xini
A typical dive starts in shallow water and follows the contours of the bay. Divers can explore the reef and caverns before continuing towards the mouth of the inlet or returning through the shallows.
The site is well suited to longer, slower dives because much of the bay is shallow. It is also a useful location for underwater photography and for divers who want to spend time searching the reef for small marine life.
Mġarr ix-Xini Above and Below Water
The inlet is enclosed by high rocky sides and has a distinctive sheltered character above and below the water. A historic watchtower overlooks the entrance, while the bay itself is now popular for swimming, snorkelling and diving as well as walking and sightseeing.
Mġarr ix-Xini was also used as a filming location for the 2015 film By the Sea, adding another layer of interest to the landscape surrounding the dive site.
Photographs
Add your Mġarr ix-Xini shore photograph.
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Add an underwater Mġarr ix-Xini dive photograph.
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Photographs taken at Mġarr ix-Xini will be added to this page as the site is documented.
Location
Mġarr ix-Xini is on the south coast of Gozo, in a narrow, sheltered inlet between the villages of Xewkija and Sannat.
Location & Map
The dive site is at Mġarr ix-Xini on the southern side of Gozo. The sheltered bay is reached by road down into the inlet.
Mġarr ix-Xini Gozo – Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Mġarr ix-Xini?
Mġarr ix-Xini is a sheltered inlet on the south coast of Gozo, between the villages of Xewkija and Sannat.
Is Mġarr ix-Xini a shore dive?
Yes. Mġarr ix-Xini is accessed from the shore and the bay begins very shallow before gradually deepening towards its mouth.
How deep is Mġarr ix-Xini?
The typical dive reaches around 15 to 16 metres. Deeper water can be found farther outside the sheltered bay, depending on the route and diver qualification.
Is Mġarr ix-Xini suitable for beginners?
Yes. The sheltered bay, gradual depth and easy shore access make it a popular site for beginners and training, provided conditions are suitable.
What are the main features of the dive?
The site features shallow reef, sandy seabed, Neptune grass and two caverns along the rocky side of the bay.
Is Mġarr ix-Xini good for night diving?
Yes. Its sheltered position and shallow profile make Mġarr ix-Xini a particularly popular location for night dives.
What marine life can you see?
Divers may encounter octopus, gurnards, seahorses, pipefish, nudibranchs, sea hares and many other Mediterranean species. Sightings vary with season and conditions.
Can you dive Mġarr ix-Xini when the sea is rough?
The bay is sheltered, but conditions can still affect the entrance and exit. Check the current marine conditions and take local advice before entering the water.
Nearby Gozo Dive Sites
Xatt l-Aħmar
A popular south-east Gozo shore-diving area with reefs, walls and wrecks.
Ras il-Ħobż
A dramatic Gozo dive site known for its reef and deeper underwater terrain.