Diving Ras il-Ħobż
Ras il-Ħobż, also known as Middle Finger, is a remarkable underwater pinnacle on the south coast of Gozo. The rock rises dramatically from deep water, with its upper section reaching to around 8–10 metres below the surface.
The site is particularly interesting because of the enormous change in depth around the pinnacle. The narrow channel between the rock and the shore reaches approximately 35 metres, while the seaward side drops dramatically into much deeper water.
This video shows the Ras il-Ħobż diving area in its entirety, including the coastline, reef, Middle Finger pinnacle and surrounding waters. It provides an overview of the full dive site and its different access areas.
The Middle Finger Pinnacle
The distinctive feature of Ras il-Ħobż is the large underwater pinnacle known as the Middle Finger. The formation rises steeply from deep water and its upper section reaches to approximately 9 metres below the surface.
The pinnacle can be explored from several directions, with the underwater landscape changing considerably between the shallow reef, the channel between the pinnacle and shore and the deeper seaward wall. The rock formations provide numerous overhangs, cracks and recesses where marine life can be found.
The Channel
The narrow channel between the pinnacle and the shore is one of the defining features of the site. It reaches approximately 34–35 metres and provides a very different environment from the deeper seaward side of the pinnacle.
Shallow Reef
A nearby shallow plateau reaches only around 5 metres and provides a useful area for training, safety stops and decompression. It also offers a very different environment from the deep walls surrounding the main pinnacle.
The shallow reef can be particularly interesting when light levels are good, with cracks, rocks and seagrass providing shelter for smaller marine life.
Marine life
Ras il-Ħobż is known for its rich marine life. Divers may encounter groupers, dentex, amberjack, moray eels, octopus, lobsters and other Mediterranean reef species around the pinnacle and its surrounding rocks.
The deeper open-water environment also provides opportunities for encounters with larger pelagic species. Marine-life sightings are never guaranteed, but the combination of deep water, rock formations and sheltered cracks makes the site particularly productive.
Depth and dive planning
The published depth figures for Ras il-Ħobż vary because different descriptions include different parts of the pinnacle, channel and surrounding deep-water wall.
The top of the pinnacle is around 8–10 metres below the surface, while the channel between the pinnacle and shore reaches approximately 35 metres. The seaward side continues to depths exceeding 100 metres.
Entry Points
Ras il-Ħobż has two principal shore entry points for the Middle Finger dive. Entry E1 is on the eastern side of the headland, while E2 is on the western side. A third access point, E3, is used for the Fessej Rock route and involves a surface swim to the offshore rock.
E1 — Eastern Entry
The eastern shore entry provides direct access to the reef and the route towards the Middle Finger pinnacle. The local diving guide describes E1 as the usually preferred entry point.
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E2 — Western Entry
The western shore entry provides an alternative route to the Middle Finger. From this side the reef drops relatively quickly, giving access to deeper water.
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E3 — Fessej Rock Access
E3 is the westernmost access point shown for this area. The dive guide describes this entry as the shore access for a surface swim to Fessej Rock.
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Alternative Middle Finger Entry
A further access point provides an alternative route to the Middle Finger area. The approach involves walking along the rocky shoreline before reaching the water entry shown below.
Photographs
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Location
Ras il-Ħobż is on the southern coast of Gozo near Għajnsielem, close to the Mġarr ix-Xini area. The dive is accessed from the shore and centres on the large underwater pinnacle known as Middle Finger.
Location & map
Ras il-Ħobż is on Gozo's southern coast near Għajnsielem and Mġarr ix-Xini. The dive site is centred on the distinctive underwater pinnacle known as Middle Finger.
Ras il-Ħobż diving FAQ
Where is Ras il-Ħobż?
Ras il-Ħobż is on the southern coast of Gozo near Għajnsielem and the Mġarr ix-Xini area. The dive site is also known as Middle Finger.
Why is Ras il-Ħobż called Middle Finger?
The site is known as Middle Finger because its large underwater pinnacle rises dramatically from the surrounding deep water, creating the distinctive shape from which the English nickname is derived.
How deep is Ras il-Ħobż?
The top of the pinnacle is approximately 8–10 metres below the surface. The channel between the pinnacle and shore reaches around 35 metres, while the seaward side drops to much greater depths.
What level of diver is recommended?
The site can be explored at different depths, but Advanced-level experience is recommended for the deeper channel and wall sections. Technical divers can explore considerably deeper water around the pinnacle.
What marine life can be seen at Ras il-Ħobż?
Divers may encounter groupers, dentex, amberjack, moray eels, octopus, lobsters, barracuda and many other Mediterranean reef species.
Is Ras il-Ħobż suitable for shore diving?
Yes. Ras il-Ħobż is accessed from the shore. Entry conditions, sea state and currents should always be assessed before entering the water.