Gozo’s Top Dive Sites: The Inland Sea

The Inland Sea is a truly iconic dive site. It’s beautifully unique topography was enough to make it one of Jacques Cousteau’s top 10 dives. On a trip to Gozo, it is not to be missed!

In Dwejra, on Gozo’s west coast, sits a small lake, encased by impressive cliffs. This ‘Inland Sea’ is then connected to the open water by a long tunnel. This tunnel has long captured the imagination of underwater enthusiasts for many years and always makes for an incredibly atmospheric diving experience.

Divers are able to park extremely close to the water and will enjoy an easy entrance to the water using some steps at the left side of the boat jetty. The Inland Sea itself is extremely shallow, so a short surface swim to the left side of the tunnel is the easiest and most comfortably way to start the dive. One will cruise down to a shallow starting depth of 2-3m, take a breath, then head slowly into the famous tunnel.
The beginning of the tunnel is shallow, only around 3m. Then starts a smooth descent as you progress further into the tunnel. The depth increases in steps, making life very comfortable. Once you reach around 1/3 distance into the tunnel, which is around 80m long, the view is spectacular.
Looking straight out into the clear, deep blue of the Mediterranean sea is very impressive, and it appears that you are diving through a huge canyon with walls rising up either side of you to the surface. If you reach the maximum depth at the end of the tunnel, around 24-25m, it is worth to take your time, take a breath and enjoy the view. There are few places that give such an impression.

On exiting the tunnel you are greeted by the vastness of the Mediterranean sea. Large boulders continue to 50-60m, so it gives the opportunity for a wide range of dive profiles, for beginners and Tec divers alike. You are able to follow a beautiful wall to the left or right on exiting. It is wise to take a moment to check for any current before making the decision. Here you can enjoy a nice variety of marine life: jackfish, grouper, barracuda, tuna if you are lucky, as well as octopus and moray hiding in the cracks along the impressive wall.

It is also beautiful to go back through the tunnel after turning the dive. The contrast in light as you go back in to the Inland Sea is incredible, with sunbeams bursting through the surface of the tunnel entrance into the gin clear water.

On surfacing, you will have great views of the cliffs surrounding the Inland Sea, towering around you at the mouth of the tunnel. Overall, the dive is a special and unique experience. Due to the underwater landscape you will enjoy here, it does not matter if you see one single fish. The view is always stunning enough.

If you would like to come and join us to explore some of the great dives on Gozo, such as the famous Inland Sea, get in touch now and we can help you plan some dives you will never forget!