Marsalforn, Gozo
The Double Arch

Maximum depth
Maximum depth
40 metres
Access
Access
Shore or boat
Underwater Topography
Underwater Topography
Rocky
Experience Level
Experience Level
Advanced
Wreck name
Wreck name
NA
Swimthroughs
Swimthroughs
Yes

How to get there

Located in Marsalforn on the north coast of Gozo and west of Xwejni Bay about 200 metres offshore, the Double Arch can be accessed either from the shore or by boat. Boats can be anchored immediately over the dive site, however, if you’ve opted to reach the location from the shore, there’s a 10 minute swim. To enter the water you must cross the salt pans in the area and use the small rocky inlett known as the washing machine.

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Explore the Double Arch

As its name implies, the Double Arch is made out of two stunning natural arches, built on top of each other. The upper part of the reef is situated at depths of between 15 to 18 metres, while the arches begin at 20 metres deep. Indeed, the first, smaller archway starts at 27 metres, while directly beneath it there is the larger of the two, stretching down to 36 metres. The reef itself goes down to 45 metres. Perhaps one of the island’s most spectacular geological features, apart from the arches, the area is known for its abundant marine life, as well as a number of caves worth visiting.

What to look out for

From shoals of barracudas and amberjacks to groupers and at times even tuna, marine life in the area and around the two archways is prolific. Riddled with several crevasses on the walls and dotted with different sized boulders on the sea bed, there is so much to see and explore. Apart from the landscape, the dive site also has some interesting swim-throughs. The shaded undersides of both arches are covered in small and colourful sponges and golden cup corals, whereas the deeper parts are home to slipper lobsters and various species of sea urchins.

If you dive south towards the shore, you’ll be able to marvel at the large meadows of Posidonia, also known as Neptune Grass or Mediterranean tapeweed, endemic to the area. Closer to the rocky Xwejni shoreline, you’ll be able to spot cuttlefish, wrasses and an octopus or two.

What to look out for

Orange coral build-up on the double arch

How to dive this sit

small inlet is surrounded by gentle sloping sides. Once you’re on this drop-off and looking out at sea, take a turn and follow the cliff edge, heading north. Doing so will lead you straight to massive boulders located at an average depth of 25 metres and past these, you’ll find the majestic Double Arch.

Once you have taken your time to discover the area and have marvelled at the groupers, blennies, nudibranchs and anemones, don’t forget to swim further away and snap a picture of the Double Arch from afar.

How to dive this sit

Silhouette of rocks in a V shaped form with light in the backgroubd.

About Marsalforn

By far Gozo’s most popular tourist resort and once an important fishing village, Marsalforn lies between the hilltop towns of Xaghra and Zebbug and sits at the mouth of a lush valley which stretches all the way to Victoria, the island’s capital city. The valley is bounded by several hillocks, with the most famous of these being the tas-Salvatur, otherwise known as Our Saviour’s Hill, adorned with a massive statue of the Christ, towering twelve metres above the hill. The promenade is lined by restaurants and backed by hotels and apartments.

To the west of the town and past the promenade, there’s the small bay of Qbajjar, a well-known beach in the area and a little distance beyond that, the quiet shingle beach at Xwejni, however, along the rocky coastline you’ll find a number of interesting swimming spots. Past Xwejni Bay there is a vast area of salt pans, the largest in the island, while beyond these, you’ll find a stretch of cliffs that takes you all the way to Dwejra.

If trekking is your thing, then head to the east of Marsalforn and through a path on the road to Xaghra to explore Ghajn Barrani, a Natura 2000 protected site. Rich in flora and boasting strange rock formations and rolling clay slopes, the area is one of Gozo’s most spectacular coastal rambles.

About Marsalforn

SCUBA diver flashing light through the double arch

Ready to explore this dive location?

Book this freediving adventure to visit The Double Arch. Just bring your towel and swimwear and we’ll take care of the rest.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • How can a freediver find the double arch?

    The double arch is accessible by both land and sea, however it is not marked. By land, you would need to find an instructor who knows how to find the dive site. Alternatively, you could get in touch with us and have a look at our excursions. We’ll be able to cater for all your needs.

  • Which is the best wind direction to freedive this site?

    Any southerly direction is perfect to dive, whilst any moderate to strong direction coming from the west all the way to south-east would be difficult and dangerous.

  • Is it safe to freedive and swim through the arches?

    Yes it is perfectly safe. Depending on your ability, safety team and set-up, the arches are big enough to swim through. Diving the site with an experienced instructor is recommended.

  • What experience is needed to dive the arch?

    The top of the arch sits at around twenty-two metres. However, if you’d like to swim-through the arch, you would need to be experienced because of the demanding dive. Our Molchanovs wave 3 program is perfect to hone in and develop your skills for this dive.

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