- Accessible with: Shore
- Dive Site Depth: 5-25 Metres
Xlendi Cave and Reef are located in Xlendi Bay. Conveniently located nearby Marsalforn, Gozo. we benefit from easy access to this beautiful bay. Xlendi Bay presents captivating dive opportunities, featuring a mesmerizing 70-meter-long shallow tunnel cave and a scenic reef bustling with marine life.
Xlendi Cave and Reef The Dive
Xlendi Tunnel, also known as Xlendi Cave, is a captivating dive site situated in the northern wall of Xlendi Bay in southwest Gozo. The shallow tunnel cave stretches approximately 70 meters through the headland to the adjacent bay. The entrance depth from Xlendi Bay is 5 meters, rising to a ledge at 3 meters inside. After navigating past some boulders, the depth increases to 8 meters, with the bottom covered in smooth rocks and shingle.
This dive site is relatively safe for all levels of divers as it allows for surfacing in many parts of the cave, making it an excellent spot for less experienced divers. The tunnel is not a true overhead environment, providing a gentle introduction to cave diving for many. The beauty of Xlendi Tunnel is enhanced by cracks in the ceiling that let light through, creating a mesmerizing effect mixed with the light from the exit. This natural lighting makes Xlendi Tunnel a fantastic location for underwater photography.
Qualified divers, aiming to explore both the tunnel cave and the reef, begin their dive at the deeper end of the bay and head towards the north face. The tunnel entrance, just below the surface, leads to a 30-meter-long open cave, providing a thrilling yet safe adventure for divers of varying experience levels.
Xlendi Cave Aquatic Life
The underwater world of Xlendi Tunnel Cave teems with a diverse array of marine life, enriching the diving experience with vibrant colors and fascinating species. Among the rocky crevices and along the cave walls, divers encounter a variety of starfish, sponges, and colorful goatfish. Schools of damselfish and cardinalfish dart gracefully through the water, adding to the lively atmosphere. At the nearby Xlendi reef, fortunate divers may witness the impressive sight of large barracuda schools cruising in the currents. Delicate anemones sway gently in the water, while double-banded bream and camouflaged scorpionfish blend seamlessly into their surroundings. Moray eels peek out from their hiding spots, while European parrotfish and Mediterranean rainbow wrasse add flashes of vibrant hues to the underwater landscape. Watchful divers might also spot the intricate patterns of a bearded fireworm or the wiggling motion of a bristleworm, highlighting the rich biodiversity that thrives in the sheltered waters of Xlendi Bay
