Gozo Inland Sea Dive Site and the Blue Hole (Malta)
Explore Gozo’s rugged western coast, where time has sculpted a breathtaking masterpiece – the Inland Sea dive site, a haven for scuba diving enthusiasts and visitors alike. Marvel at a circular lagoon formed by ancient coastal collapses, surrounded by colossal cliffs and vibrant shades. The Inland Sea dive site also offers access to the Blue Hole, a sinkhole waiting to be explored.
With extensive travel experience and having explored all over Gozo, I’ll provide valuable tips on reaching the Inland Sea dive site. I’ve included practical details about transport and facilities at Gozo’s Inland Sea, ensuring you can make the most of your underwater adventure.
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Gozo Inland Sea Dive Site
The Inland Sea dive site is located on the west coast of Gozo, at the bottom of a steep road. Scuba diving is an activity which Malta and Gozo are renowned for, due to the multitude of great diving spots available.
What you’ll see on arrival is a lagoon, formed millions of years ago, when parts of the coast collapsed into the sea.
It’s such an unusual phenomenon that it’s worth a visit to Gozo’s Inland Sea just to marvel at the impressive power of nature. The views are beautiful, gigantic cliffs stretch as far as the eye can see along the coast and are threaded throughout with a kaleidoscope of colours.
Pro Tip: Explore the best beaches when you visit Gozo.
How to Get to the Gozo Inland Sea Dive Site
To get to the Gozo Inland Sea dive site you need to take the ferry to Gozo from Malta.
The Inland Sea dive site is only 25 minutes by car from Gozo’s harbour, Mgarr, so is an ideal spot if you have a day to visit Gozo.
Walk or Cycle
Cycling and hiking on Gozo are my favourite activities to do on the island. I’ve traversed most of the island under my own steam. The road back up from the Inland Sea dive site is no joke. I’ve attempted it on a traditional bike and ended up walking my bike most of the way. Save yourself the strain and get an e-bike for your trip.
A trip to the Inland Sea from Victoria takes 1.25 hours by foot and 25 minutes cycling.
Directions:
- Leave Victoria via Triq Il-Papa Ġwanni Pawlu II.
- Stop for photos as you pass through the beautiful Gozo aqueduct.
- Keep going on the same road, as it turns into Triq l-Gharb.
- As you arrive at the village of Gharb, take a left along Triq San Lawrenz and head to St Lawrence village.
- At the village, take a left down Triq id-Dwejra which will take you all the way to the Inland Sea. This is a steep road down.
By Bus or Tour
The direct bus from Victoria means it’s easy to visit by public transport. There’s a bus stop right at the Inland Sea and many tours stop here as well.
- From Mgarr Harbour take bus #301 or #323 to Victoria. Journey time is 18 – 25 minutes.
- From Victoria take bus #311 direct to Dwejra (the Inland Sea bus stop). Journey time is 18 minutes.
- Check the latest bus timetables on the Malta Public Transport website.
- You can also join one of the best day trips around Malta that include a visit to the Inland Sea.
Read my article on getting around Malta by public transport for more information.
How to Get to Gozo Inland Sea Dive Site by Taxi, Car or Scooter
It’s easy to get to the Inland Sea dive site by taxi, as there is Uber on Malta and Gozo, as well as Bolt. Fares cost from €10.
Hiring a car is a popular way to travel around Gozo. Discover Cars are recommended by lots of travellers for their competitive prices and the ability to compare so many providers. Malta has the cheapest fuel price in Europe (correct at time of publication), according to the RAC. Car hire costs are also cheaper compared to many European destinations.
Another quick way to get to the Inland Sea is to rent a scooter whilst you’re in Malta. You can use it to get to several places in one day.
Parking at the Inland Sea Gozo
There’s a parking area at the Inland Sea. However, this is a popular place to visit so there might not be many spaces in the middle of the day.
Facilities at the Inland Sea Dive Site
Whilst the inland sea itself is like an oasis in the desert of the Maltese landscape, it was the sight of the ice-cold beverages that were my oasis, appearing like shining beacons of hope after a long day’s hike under the Maltese sun.
This part of the Gozo coastline is mostly rustic, wild and natural but, usefully, there are good facilities at the Inland Sea dive site. There are toilets, food and drink vans and gifts for sale, next to the parking area.
There’s also, surprisingly, a small chapel here, homage to the importance of religion in Gozo and Malta. Over 90% of the Maltese population identifies as Roman Catholic, according to the CIA Factbook on Malta.
Where to Eat
Grab a quick bite or an ice cream from the café or the food vans.
For something more substantial, check out the Blue Window restaurant. Here you can try the Gozitan delicacy of rabbit stew. Accompany it with a cool glass of Cisk, the local beer, or a Kinnie (a soft drink unique to Malta).
Things to Do at Gozo Inland Sea Dive Site
Take a Boat Ride
Head out on a short 20-minute boat trip that takes you literally through the coast of Gozo, with a boat ride at the Inland Sea dive site. The trip passes through the Inland Sea tunnel and out to the Mediterranean Sea.
The highlight of the boat ride is the breathtaking view of the colossal Gozo cliffs. Towering over the sea, prepare to be mesmerized by the sheer magnitude of nature as you glide along the coast.
For just a few euros, it’s a great way to see Gozo’s natural marvels without breaking the bank.
Swim
Given the unique nature of the Gozo Inland Sea, you might be tempted to go for a dip in the water. However, I don’t recommend it. On my visits, the water has been murky and uninviting and busy with boats and divers.
Instead, head around the corner to the Blue Hole, or go over the rocks and dive into the deep blue waters at Dwejra Bay. This is an idyllic spot and usually much less busy, there were only a few locals for company when I went.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget your water shoes.
Photography
The beautiful landscape here attracts photographers and it’s easy to see why. If you’ve got a drone camera you could get some great ariel shots. Or just get some images of the varying colours of the geological features as the light changes throughout the early evening.
Go Diving
Dive into an unforgettable underwater adventure at the Gozo Inland Sea dive site by teaming up with local Maltese companies for a diving experience. The highlight is the 80m long tunnel cave that cuts through the rock, leading you out to the vast open sea.
While the lagoon itself boasts a shallow depth of just a couple of metres, it’s the trip through the tunnel that lures divers. Dropping to a depth of 26m, with the seabed beyond reaching approximately 50m, the walls offer a rocky terrain adorned with corals, sponges and anemones.
Adding to the allure of this dive is the play of blue light that unfolds as divers approach the tunnel’s end. It’s a visual spectacle that adds a touch of magic to the experience, making a dive at the Gozo Inland Sea dive site truly extraordinary.
As you explore the depths of the Inland Sea, you can extend the experience by diving the renowned Blue Hole as well. Be mindful of the rocky remains of the Blue Window next to the Blue Hole. It’s believed that these remnants are forming a reef, promising a resurgence of underwater marine life in the future, a testament to the enduring magic of nature.
Note that PADI states a certification to dive to a depth of 18 metres is a prerequisite for diving at the Inland Sea site. Divers should exercise caution, as the tunnel is shared with small pleasure boat trips.
Visit the Blue Hole
When you’re at the Inland Sea you can also venture to the Blue Hole, a 15-metre-deep limestone sinkhole on the other side of the cliffs. While a bit tricky to reach, the effort is worthwhile, as the Blue Hole is a gem waiting to be explored.
To access it, cross onto the rocks opposite the Inland Sea’s parking area. Stairs provide assistance, guiding you to the right-hand side, where a bit of scrambling over rocks is required. Keep your belongings minimal and be ready for a watery adventure through the large rock pools, where thrill-seekers often leap into the water from the surrounding rocks.
I found that the rocks were very slippery, as I tried, and failed, to enter the water elegantly. You’ll need water shoes to enjoy this aquatic playground. Divers have the unique opportunity to exit via an archway to the sea. If you’re not diving, exercise caution and keep an eye out for divers. They may surface unexpectedly.
Map of Gozo Inland Sea and the Blue Hole (Malta)
I’ve created a map that shows the location of the Gozo Inland Sea dive site and the Blue Hole. I’ve also marked the location of the nearest bus stop, the parking area and Dwejra Bay. Click the arrow icon to the left of the map heading to view the names of each of the places marked.
Summary: Gozo Inland Sea Dive Site and the Blue Hole (Malta)
The Inland Sea dive site is popular with divers, but non-divers will find plenty to enjoy here as well. Take a boat trip, explore rock pools and don’t miss a dip in the mysterious Blue Hole.
If you’re wondering where to go next in Gozo, head to Wied-al Mielah. A natural arch with a flat tabletop that descends into the sea. Make sure to add it to your Malta itinerary.