Anyone been to Masalforn Gozo?

[Deifar]

Hi Guys,
I'm off on a diving holiday to Masalforn in Gozo at the end of this month anybody got any stories / tips / advice?

:)

[paul_c]

ive not dived that site but i was in malta/gozo for aweeks diving over the summer


the inland sea on gozo is a fantastic dive, deep but amazing.

the caves on comino near the roman lighthouse are intersting as are the otehr large cave system the name of which i forget now. but both are boat dives

one thing wear something on your head. the water is warm but there are lots of jellys which give a nasty sting.

[Hamish]

Hi Deifar?

Marsalforn is on the Northern coast of Malta and there are lots of good diving around the area. You have to understand that GOZO is the smaller of the main islands, Malta it's self being the larger. Therefore the dive sites around it no matter which one you go to will not take any longer than 20 minutes to drive to.

Two of the most visited and liked sites are:

Inland Sea, as it's name suggests is a lagoon which is fed from the sea via a tunnel through the rock. The dive takes you out along the the tunnel which goes from 2m to around 28m at the far end. Normaly you would stay around 20m max. Beware of small boats which take tourists in and out through here.

Blue Hole, this is a misnomer as it is realy a large cave of which the roof collapsed in years long past. You can now enter what would have been the roof and descend down to 14m before exiting to the sea through the entrance. You can either go to the left down under the Azzur Window and where there is a small cave or my advice is go left along at around 14m to a chimney you will find which can followed up to around 8m, there are 2 exits at the top. There is also a cave to the rear of the blue hole but be aware it is very silty.

There are other numerous dives around the Gozo coast including some interesting caves. There are also purpose sunk wrecks which include, MV Xlendi, Karwela and Cominoland. I have never dived these wrecks as I tend to stick to Malta it self.

There are also some excellent diving around Comino the smaller of the 3 Islands which again includes lots of caves which are easily accessible, even from Gozo.

The water at this time of year is at it's warmest, around 22 deg C and you can easily dive in a shorty. I prefer a 5mm steamer for comfort especialy as I like diving the Rozi and Faroud which are 2 wrecks around the main Island Malta.

The people are very friendly but be aware over the last few years the crime of theft from divers vehicles has risen drastically, so only carry what you need.

I hope you have a great time and enjoy the warm clear waters as much as I do each year.

regards

Hamish

[Finless]

I've been to Gozo 4 .... or 5? times and stayed at Marsalforn every time. I love the place.

You will probably only do any boat diving from Marsalforn and go elsewhere for the great shore diving (big drop offs in places). Given that Gozo is so small then anywhere on the island is a short trip for diving.

I hope you enjoy the place as much as I did although I worry it might be a lot more built up since I was last there.

When you stand on Marsalforn seafront and look out to sea my last apartment was just round the point to the left. We used to love walking down the steps at the point and making our way along a little path at the bottom of the cliff which involved walking over wooden ramps.

If you are out late after a few beers and head up to 'just round' the point I just mentioned there are (were) some steps down to a rocky ledge (ideal place to go snorkeling from) and we (me and SWMBO) used to go and watch the phosphorescence (I think) when the waves broke on the rocks. A great place to feel mellow!

I hope you enjoy it as much as I always did ... and now you've mentioned it I have a great urge to go back. I loved the night life. Lots of small bars and restaurants. No nightclubs or hoardes of drunken tourists.

:p

[John_C]

Hi Guys,
I'm off on a diving holiday to Masalforn in Gozo at the end of this month anybody got any stories / tips / advice?

:)

Ask me again in two weeks when 28 of us from our club have been for a weeks diving..... :) were all staying there and diving with Scuba Kings

[Janine Syd]

Lucky you!

Totally recommend diving with Gozo Aquasports - Patrick and Gail are fantastic. Any kit needing repaired and Patrick could possibly help out - he is a bit of a guru when it comes to inventing things - he had a prototype drysuit drier when we visited consisting of the fan from the back of a computer and some drainpipes.

Diving wise, do go for a dive at Mgarr n Xini (not sure of spelling but sounds like sheeney). There are a couple of caves there. It is a fantastic night dive absolutely teeming with life. Gave up counting octopus and was harrassed by a john dori who seemed fascinated with my torch!

The blue hole is a must. There is an interesting cave if you descend the blue hole and (if facing out to see) turn left. It is at 18m and known as "the chimney". It comes out at around 8m.

Inland Sea is also good, but watch out for boat traffic.

Enjoy!

[Deifar]

Ask me again in two weeks when 28 of us from our club have been for a weeks diving..... :) were all staying there and diving with Scuba Kings


Hi John did you have a good time?? :D

[Deifar]

Thanks for your advice guys I'm getting excited now cant wait to fly off this Sat! :p :D

[John_C]

Hi John did you have a good time?? :D

Hi Deifar,

Yes we had a great time, the weather and winds were against us for the 1st half of the week with force 7 NNE gales, which meant many sites where blown out. That said we did manage to get all our dives in, but when we left yesterday the winds had picked up again and moved NW blowing into a heavy NE swell, which has blown out every live location, so hope this calms for you.:(

[Deifar]

Hi Deifar,

Yes we had a great time, the weather and winds were against us for the 1st half of the week with force 7 NNE gales, which meant many sites where blown out. That said we did manage to get all our dives in, but when we left yesterday the winds had picked up again and moved NW blowing into a heavy NE swell, which has blown out every live location, so hope this calms for you.:(

Hi John,
oh no cant believe the weather! I hope it calms down too, should I pack some warm clothes?? :confused:

[John_C]

Hi John,
oh no cant believe the weather! I hope it calms down too, should I pack some warm clothes?? :confused:

Hope the winds calm for you, yes I would pack some warm clothes, it was a little chilly some evenings.