Newwiela Point Diving
Newwiela Point (Ras in-Newwiela) is the southernmost point of Gozo and one of the island's deeper and more dramatic boat dives. The site lies west of Mġarr ix-Xini and east of the Ta' Ċenċ cliffs, beneath high coastal cliffs that plunge towards the Mediterranean.
The published dive-site position is 36.0116° N, 14.2636° E. Modern dive references give an average depth of around 25 metres and a maximum of 60m+, while the diving guide used for this page gives a wider profile of 6–70m+ because the dive includes the shallow plateau and much deeper routes.
Getting to Newwiela Point
Newwiela Point is a boat dive. The site is beneath the high southern cliffs, and there is no conventional shore entry. The boat normally anchors over the shallow reef/plateau, allowing divers to begin around 6 metres before moving towards the drop-off.
The guide describes the area as the most southerly point of Gozo, west of Mġarr ix-Xini and east of the Ta' Ċenċ cliffs. The cliffs above the site rise dramatically from the sea, while underwater the plateau quickly gives way to a steep wall.
The Shallow Plateau
The dive begins around a shallow plateau of approximately 6 metres. This area provides a useful place to settle into the dive and, later, to make a prolonged safety or decompression stop.
Close to the plateau are small caverns and about three small archways. The rocks contain numerous holes and cracks that provide shelter for marine life. The guide's map also shows a small inlet behind the rocks, patchy sand and grass, and several possible routes around the headland.
The Wall and Deep Drop-Off
From the wall, the seabed drops steeply south-westwards. Large boulders cover parts of the slope and create shelter for groupers and other predators. The guide describes the sandy bottom as beginning at approximately 45 metres, with the wall and deeper reef continuing beyond 60 metres.
The modern published maximum is 60m+, while the guide's site profile reaches 70m+. The book also shows a deeper area beyond 70 metres and describes a further drop-off suitable only for technical divers.
Southernmost Gozo
Newwiela Point is the most southerly point of Gozo, beneath spectacular high cliffs.
6m Plateau
The shallow plateau provides the starting point for the dive and a useful area for safety or decompression stops.
Deep Wall
A steep drop-off descends past large boulders, with sandy seabed around 45m and much deeper water beyond.
Caverns & Arches
Several small caverns and roughly three archways can be explored around the shallower reef.
Suggested Dive Route
The guide's route starts by moving south-west from the wall, following the steep undulating drop-off. Areas of boulders provide opportunities to look for groupers, octopus and moray eels.
After reaching the planned maximum depth, the route turns left/north-east along a rocky slope with a small patch of Posidonia seagrass. The slope eventually drops away to a plunging reef wall, with sandy bottom from around 45 metres and deeper water beyond.
On the return, ascending divers turn back south-west towards the waiting boat. The guide describes two small holes through a sliver of rock near the reef wall; one can be negotiated by divers, while the other is slightly too small. One of these formations was created by a large boulder leaning against the wall.
Marine Life
Newwiela Point offers good opportunities for observing larger reef animals. The guide specifically mentions octopus, moray eels and groupers, with shell and crab debris providing clues to their presence. Juvenile damselfish are found around the shallower rocks, while deeper overhanging rocks can hold larger groupers.
The rocky areas also support colourful algae, cnidarians and bryozoans. The combination of boulders, holes, wall and deeper overhangs provides a variety of habitats throughout the dive.
Visibility and Conditions
The diving guide describes visibility as usually very good, with 30–50 metres not uncommon. This can make the steep wall and large boulder formations particularly impressive, but the same exposure means conditions should be checked before committing to the site.
Current is an important consideration. The guide notes that Newwiela is sheltered from the north-west but can experience current from the east, sometimes becoming a strong westward-running flow. Local conditions should therefore determine the exact route and whether the dive goes ahead.
Depth & Dive Profile
The guide photographed for this page gives a broad profile of 6–70m+ and a dive duration of 40–60 minutes. It rates the site as an Easy Dive in the shallower areas, with Advanced and Technical diving on depth.
Current dive-site references give Newwiela Point an average depth of approximately 25 metres and a maximum of 60m+. The difference reflects the fact that the guide covers the full range of routes and deeper technical possibilities, rather than just the typical recreational profile.
Photography at Newwiela Point
The guide specifically describes Newwiela Point as offering excellent photographic opportunities. The clear water, dramatic vertical cliffs, steep wall, boulders, seagrass and abundant fish life provide a varied subject range from the shallow plateau to the deeper reef.
Photographs
Newwiela Point beneath the southern cliffs.
The steep wall, boulders and deeper reef at Newwiela Point.
Add an underwater Newwiela Point photograph.
Suggested filename: newwiela-point-3.jpg
More photographs of Newwiela Point will be added as the site is documented.
Location
Newwiela Point is on Gozo's southern coast, west of Mġarr ix-Xini and east of the Ta' Ċenċ cliffs. The published dive-site position used by e-Malta is 36.0116° N, 14.2636° E.
Location & Map
The published dive-site coordinates used by e-Malta are 36.0116° N, 14.2636° E.
Newwiela Point Gozo – Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Newwiela Point?
Newwiela Point, or Ras in-Newwiela, is on the southern coast of Gozo, west of Mġarr ix-Xini and east of the Ta' Ċenċ cliffs. The published dive-site coordinates are 36.0116° N, 14.2636° E.
Is Newwiela Point a shore or boat dive?
Newwiela Point is a boat-only dive. The site lies beneath high southern cliffs and has no conventional shore-entry route.
How deep is Newwiela Point?
The shallow plateau is around 6 metres. Modern dive references give an average depth of approximately 25m and a maximum of 60m+, while the guide gives a wider profile of 6–70m+ including deeper routes.
How long is a Newwiela Point dive?
The diving guide gives an indicative dive duration of 40–60 minutes. Actual duration depends on depth, gas consumption, current, route and the diver's planned profile.
What is there to see at Newwiela Point?
The site has a steep wall, huge boulders, small caverns, several archways, overhangs and holes containing marine life including groupers, octopus, moray eels and damselfish.
Is Newwiela Point suitable for beginners?
The guide describes the shallow portions as an easy dive, but rates deeper diving as advanced and technical. Current dive references classify the site as advanced. Divers should follow their certification, experience and current conditions.
What is the visibility like?
The guide says visibility is usually very good, with 30–50 metres not uncommon.
Can there be current at Newwiela Point?
Yes. The guide notes that current may come from the east and can sometimes run strongly towards the west. Conditions should be checked locally before diving.
Why is Newwiela Point good for photography?
The combination of clear water, high cliffs, a dramatic wall, boulders, seagrass, caverns and abundant fish life gives photographers a wide range of subjects.
Nearby Gozo Dive Sites
Ta' Ċenċ Cliffs
A nearby southern Gozo boat dive beneath the high Ta' Ċenċ cliffs, with a steep wall and large boulders.
Mġarr ix-Xini
A sheltered southern Gozo shore dive and one of the nearby coastal locations mentioned in the Newwiela guide.
Ras il-Ħobż
The dramatic Middle Finger reef lies further east along Gozo's southern coast and reaches very deep water.
Gozo Dive Sites
Explore the full e-Malta directory of Gozo's shore and boat dive sites.