The Maltese islands attract, every year, tens of thousands of divers, most of whom claim that the best dives are off Gozo. There are fantastic arches, tunnels, wrecks, caves and lagoons to explore and the underwater landscape is as varied as the topography. The most stunning dive of all is that where before laid the Azure Window in Dwejra, with its deep, plunging pool of clear blue water, surrounded by breathtaking rock formations, caves and drop-off points. The water is diver-friendly all year round, as the temperature rarely drops below 16°c and the sights and sport fishing get to be exciting even in the winter months. The waters are clear and blue as there are virtually no tides or green vegetation and fertilisers that, elsewhere create poor visibility. On most days, visibility of between 40 and 50 metres is enjoyed.
The rocky sea-bed offers many a hiding place for sea creatures, from the gaping grouper to the creeping octopus. Enormous caverns shelter wondrous forms of life, but these are best captured on film. It is the same with archaeological remains, of which there are many, all protected by law. Serendipitous finds may not be lifted or removed, but should be reported at once to the Museums Department.
Though dolphins were once common in the deep waters around Gozo, leading to their one-time incorporation in the country’s coat-of-arms and immortalisation in thousands of brass door knockers, they are now a rarity. The occasional dolphin sighting is a great thrill, worthy of note in the local newspapers. There are no sharks which are dangerous to man, and tuna stays far out to sea. To make up for this absence of heavy-weights the waters of Gozo offer divers plentiful sightings of curious groupers, amberjack, bream, wrasse, squid, flying fish, sting rays, barracuda, eagle rays and nudibranchs.
