Snorkeling in Gozo: the complete guide

This time, I’m back to share one of Gozo’s best activities with you: snorkeling in Gozo. After exploring the island, I can tell you there are plenty of places to snorkel in clear, often shallow water. Beautiful bays such as Xlendi and Dwejra are excellent examples.

I was lucky enough to visit several spots entirely on my own. If you forget your mask and snorkel—or simply do not want to take up valuable suitcase space—you can easily buy them in shops near the beaches or in seaside towns such as Marsalforn. What I especially loved about Gozo is how different each spot feels. Each cove has its own atmosphere and its own shades of blue, from turquoise and crystal-clear water to deeper navy tones. It makes you want to explore underwater even more, although the sea was still fairly cold in April, at around 17–18 °C.

Snorkeling is, of course, one of the things to do in Gozo, and I’ve written a comprehensive guide about it! My goal is to help you get to know Gozo better and, above all, convince you to spend more than a single day there. Many travelers only visit for the day, which is why I mention it. Personally, I loved Gozo. It is a well-preserved, rugged island where it is easy to slow down. It is the kind of place where you can genuinely unplug. I have wonderful memories of the five days I spent there, and writing these first lines already makes me want to return.

Back to snorkeling in Gozo: I had originally booked a guided snorkeling tour on the Manawa website. Unfortunately, the instructor had to cancel because he was ill, and the tour was fully booked for the rest of my stay. I was disappointed, but these things happen. At least it showed how popular the activity is. I was not entirely surprised, since the tour is listed on Manawa, a platform we have worked with for years. Still, it was not a major setback: I went snorkeling independently and had a great time. Once I am floating at the surface with my head underwater, I quickly lose track of time following schools of fish. I also had the opportunity to do some when I discovered Comino Island.

If you prefer to explore Gozo’s waters independently, this list of the island’s best snorkeling spots should help. As usual, these are places I visited myself, including several where I snorkeled. My goal is to share practical advice so you can choose the right spot for the experience you want. Let me show you some of these beautiful corners of the island.

Dwejra Bay is one of the snorkeling spots I recommend most on Gozo. The atmosphere is peaceful, and it felt uncrowded when I visited. Its sheltered, enclosed setting also gives it a secluded feel. The Inland Sea is enclosed by cliffs and connected to the Mediterranean through a natural tunnel. Dwejra is worth visiting in its own right. I first discovered it during my quad tour. I later returned by car specifically to go snorkeling.

The water was extremely clear, revealing small rock formations, boulders, sandy patches, and shifting patterns of light below me. Its sheltered setting often keeps the water calmer than more exposed coastal spots. You can still stand in the water surprisingly far from shore, which is reassuring if you are not fully comfortable swimming but still want to observe marine life. I was lucky enough to see fish that were mostly gray and black.

The water is clear enough to spot fish from shore, although following them in the water is much more enjoyable. I also saw sea urchins, so take care if you are not wearing fins or water shoes. Overall, Dwejra Bay is a reliable snorkeling option thanks to its relatively sheltered water. One practical tip: if you do not have fins, wear water shoes to protect your feet from sharp rocks and sea urchins.

Right next to Dwejra Bay lies the famous Blue Hole. It resembles a natural pool carved into the rock, with an opening to the sea. It is best known as one of Gozo’s leading scuba-diving sites, but it is also rewarding for snorkeling. Once again, the water is clear and the light underwater can be beautiful. Even from the surface, you may spot several fish species and even anemones.

Do not let the surrounding rock walls give you a false sense of security: because the site opens directly to the sea, it is best avoided in windy or rough conditions. The entry point can be particularly intimidating when waves are breaking. If you feel unsure, remain close to the sides and do not venture farther than your ability allows. What’s really convenient about this spot is that it’s right next to Dwejra Bay. A short dirt path connects the two sites. Wear sturdy shoes, as some sections can be slippery; flip-flops are not ideal.

In good weather, it is easy to combine Dwejra Bay and the Blue Hole in the same outing.

Mgarr ix-Xini is another bay framed by cliffs. The bay is well sheltered, so conditions may remain calmer here even when other parts of the island are windy. Several fish species can often be found by following the rocky edges. You may also spot anemones and even octopuses, which often hide beneath rocks.

The water can be exceptionally clear, especially in the morning when the light hits the bay directly. Even if you don’t want to swim very far, since the bay is narrow, you’ll immediately see beautiful things.

The main drawback is the access road, which is very narrow and can be awkward when two cars meet. Once you arrive, however, the setting makes the drive worthwhile. If you really want to avoid the crowds, you’ll be happy to discover Mgarr ix-Xini for snorkeling!

Arriving at Wied il-Għasri feels a little like entering a Maltese fjord—or at least that was my impression. The water is sheltered by high cliffs on both sides and can be very calm. You have to go down quite a few steps to get there. At the bottom, you feel almost cut off from the rest of the world. It is an inviting place to put on a mask and snorkel. Although it is a known attraction, only one other person was there when I visited. You can also stand in the shallows for some distance, which makes the spot feel reassuring for less confident swimmers. For snorkeling, know that small fish like to hide near the rock walls.

I had not brought my mask that day, which was a mistake. Judging by the water’s clarity and the fish visible from the surface, there was clearly plenty to discover below. Do not forget your mask and snorkel when you visit. Even by staying near the shore, you’ll already see pretty things. As you move farther out while remaining within your comfort zone, you can explore increasingly clear water rich in marine life. In my opinion, this secluded little spot is ideal for peaceful snorkeling.

Hondoq Bay is one of my favorite beaches on Gozo, but I was unlucky with the snorkeling conditions because the current was strong that day. I did not feel comfortable snorkeling or even swimming, especially because the water deepens quickly. Visibility also seemed likely to be poor in those conditions. I was disappointed, but I still enjoyed the beach and it remains one of my favorite places on Gozo. I have to say the water is beautiful! To me, the water is almost the same shade as the Blue Lagoon. In calmer conditions, I imagine there is plenty of marine life to discover.

By the way, during my boat trip around Comino and Gozo, we had a one-hour stop at the Blue Lagoon. It was a memorable stop. I stayed near the boat rather than heading to the crowded shore and food stalls. That left me with plenty of space in the middle of the turquoise lagoon. The skipper provided masks and snorkels, so I took full advantage. Simply putting my head underwater in such vivid blue surroundings was a memorable experience. I could see clearly, following different fish (orange, gray, black).

In short, Hondoq Bay may be excellent for snorkeling on a calm, windless day. The area can experience strong currents, as the warning signs indicate, so only enter when conditions are safe and preferably when lifeguards or local guidance support it. Your experience may be very different from mine on a calm day.

If you’re curious to learn more about Gozo’s beaches, I invite you to read our guide!

Xlendi Bay was another place I particularly loved on Gozo. Xlendi Bay is well suited to several water activities, including snorkeling and diving. Since I was staying right next to it, I often saw divers or people with snorkels. The water is turquoise and clear enough to spot both large and small fish from shore. That was all the encouragement I needed to get in. I was not disappointed and spent time following several schools of fish. It was also where I saw the largest fish of my entire trip to Malta. Best of all, I completely lost track of time.

The bay is large enough that you may still find room even during peak season. You can choose to stay on the surface or go several meters deep (if you prefer scuba diving). The only thing that eventually drove me out of the water was the temperature. Even while moving, the cold became tiring after a while compared with swimming in water above 22 °C. That didn’t stop me from spending about forty minutes there!

For an easy snorkeling entry point, take the stairs in Xlendi toward Caroline Cave, which is easy to locate. From there, watch out for slippery rocks and begin by following the cliff edge, where marine life is often easiest to spot. The stairs are a much easier way to reach this area than swimming all the way from the main shore. My only regret was not bringing an underwater camera to record what I saw.

As you can see, many of Gozo’s best snorkeling locations are also excellent scuba-diving sites. Besides fish, rays also live in the waters around Gozo, so you may be lucky enough to spot one.

If you would rather explore Gozo’s underwater world with professional support, consider booking a guided snorkeling tour. Several well-reviewed options are listed on Manawa. Depending on the operator, pickup may be available from your hotel or vacation rental, followed by transport to a suitable snorkeling or diving site. The location is selected on the day according to the weather and sea conditions. Local guides know the island well and choose the site offering the best available conditions. All essential equipment is normally provided, including a mask, snorkel, and fins. The instructor will contact you a few days before to ask your height and shoe size for the wetsuit and shoes. By the way, we’ve written a comprehensive guide to hotels in Gozo if you want to know our top recommendations.

During the session, depending on the spot chosen, they’ll show you all the nooks and crannies where you have the best chances of seeing marine species. All you need to do is follow the guide and enjoy the experience. Often, they’ll take you into small caves; there are plenty of them in Gozo. Snorkeling can still feel like a real adventure. Plus, you’ll leave with memories of your snorkeling session: the instructor will take photos and videos for you. That makes for a useful souvenir of the experience. Some providers even go further: they offer extras like an aperitif or even a picnic to extend the experience. It is a convenient way to enjoy the activity without dealing with logistics yourself.

The provider currently listed for this activity on Manawa is:

• Freediver Malta: this is the company I booked with, although my instructor was unfortunately ill on the day. They have a strong reputation on the island. They specialize in snorkeling and scuba diving outings. The advantage with them is that they adapt the excursion based on your level and comfort in the water, and choose the spot on the day according to the weather. All their equipment is high quality, and they take care of capturing your underwater memories with their GoPro. It is a solid option for a more personalized experience.

Here are two other well-reviewed centers:

• Atlantis Diving Centre: this Marsalforn-based center is well known across the island. It offers snorkeling and scuba diving. It organizes small-group excursions, generally to Xlendi Bay or Wied il-Għasri. In addition to complete equipment, they sometimes offer snorkeling + cave discovery tours, depending on the weather.
• St. Andrew’s Divers Cove: also located in Marsalforn, this is another reputable center. A key advantage is the range of packages, from relaxed snorkeling sessions to more active outings in less developed locations. The guidance is designed to make you feel comfortable. Equipment is also provided, and you’ll even get some extras on the way back, like an aperitif (it’s a nice bonus, I think).

Getting to Gozo is straightforward. You’ll need to fly to Malta International Airport. Once you’ve arrived in the archipelago, you’ll mainly have two options. Two passenger ferry services connect Malta and Gozo throughout the year. Schedules may vary by season.
The first and most convenient departs from Cirkewwa, at the northern tip of Malta, facing Gozo. That’s the one I took. The crossing takes approximately 25 minutes, and rented cars can travel on this service.

The second ferry runs between Valletta and Mġarr, Gozo, with a journey time of under 45 minutes. It is still a convenient option. This is a passenger-only service, and it can be busy in summer.

For more info on how to get to Gozo, I recommend reading our dedicated article.

If you’re tempted by snorkeling in Gozo, here are my tips for the best times to go. I would say the best time for snorkeling in Gozo is from May through October. April can also work, although the water is noticeably colder. As you know, I went to Gozo in early April and, although the water was a bit warmer than on Malta, it remained below 20 °C!

Getting in was the hardest part, but once I started moving and watching the fish, I quickly forgot about the temperature. The advantage of snorkeling that early in the season is that very few people are in the water, which made the experience feel wonderfully peaceful. I could enjoy myself without having to worry about every move I made, which feels even better!

Also, I recommend checking the weather to choose your day and snorkeling spot carefully. In April, there can still be wind and unpredictable weather. Sunshine is common, but calm sea conditions matter far more for snorkeling safety.

In July and August, the water is pleasantly warm, at around 25–26 °C, and snorkeling can feel like exploring a vast natural pool. The main drawback is that popular places such as Xlendi Bay are much busier. That is simply part of visiting during peak season. Because Xlendi Bay is large, however, you can often still find room, and the underwater environment feels much quieter.

From September to mid-October, temperatures also remain mild. The island becomes quieter again, with fewer people at snorkeling sites. Guided tours may also have better availability. If you value peace and quiet more than warm water, consider April through June or September through October. For the warmest water, July and August are the better choice.

I have a few more practical tips from my stay. In general, even though I went in April, I recommend snorkeling in the morning: the sea is calmer and there are almost no people. As I mentioned, always check the weather; if the sea is calm, you can truly enjoy it. I almost forgot, but very important: since, as you’ve seen, there are quite a few spots where you need to enter the water via rocks, remember to bring water shoes so you don’t hurt yourself. I did not have water shoes myself and managed by being careful, but I would still recommend them.

Since I imagine the timing of your trip won’t depend solely on snorkeling, I’m giving you all the info on when to go to Malta in a comprehensive article. It should help you choose the timing that best suits your trip.

Guided snorkeling tours in Gozo remain relatively affordable, with current prices starting at around €34 per person. Considering what is included, I find that reasonable. For that price:

• pickup from your accommodation to the snorkeling spot
• equipment: snorkel, mask, fins, wetsuit (handy if the water is chilly haha)
• briefing to give you the basics
• snorkeling session
• return to your accommodation

In other words, most of the logistics are handled for you.
And if you want to be alone with the instructor, there are private boat excursions that will take you to Gozo and Comino’s most beautiful coves. It can be a memorable option. Private boat tours are considerably more expensive, with prices varying by operator, boat, duration, and season. For a group, however, splitting the cost can make a private trip more manageable.

To add a guided snorkeling excursion to your itinerary, I recommend setting aside half a day: morning or afternoon. The exact morning or afternoon departure is usually arranged with the instructor.

The currently listed Freediver Malta excursion lasts about 2.5 hours in total. The snorkeling portion itself lasts about an hour, allowing enough time to explore without becoming too cold in cooler months. The rest of the time includes travel since they pick you up at your place, the briefing, and getting fitted with the equipment, especially a wetsuit, which takes time to put on and remove. And if you visit multiple spots, you might even take a break, at least for the transfer!

That brings this guide to snorkeling in Gozo to a close. I hope it has inspired you to try it, either independently or on a guided tour. Gozo’s clear waters are beautiful to explore and offer plenty of variety.

For anyone who wants to go a step further with scuba diving, I’ve written an entire article on the topic (I did my first dive on Malta island!). It was my first dive, and I had a very positive experience with the dive center.

For a completely different activity, I also recommend a quad excursion in Gozo. I spent a full day doing it and had a great time. It was one of the best days of my trip to the Maltese archipelago.

See you soon for more adventures in Malta,

Written by Laura CALLES

Thanks to Mélanie and Sylvain, I had the chance to explore the beautiful Maltese archipelago and share all the beauty of its islands with you. A little piece of paradise not to be missed!

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