Ghajnsielem
Ras Il-Hobz

Maximum depth
Maximum depth
50-60 metres
Access
Access
Shore
Underwater Topography
Underwater Topography
Rocky
Experience Level
Experience Level
Beginner to adnvaced
Wreck name
Wreck name
NA
Swimthroughs
Swimthroughs
No

How to get there

Located in the south of Gozo, to reach this dive site you need to follow the signs leading you to Ghajnsielem. Once you’ve arrived in the village, a long narrow road past the Gozo Sewage Purification Plant will take you straight to the coast and the dive site. Alternatively, we can always make arrangements to take you to and from Ras il-Hobz ourselves.

Book an excursion to this dive site

Explore Ras il-Hobz

A huge submerged pinnacle rising from the sea’s depths and stopping just 8 metres below the surface, this dive site is also known as Middle Finger, precisely because of its shape and the way it protrudes. The narrow channel formed between the rock and the shore is around 35 metres deep, however, on the other side towards the open sea, the bottom drops to well past 100 metres.

One of the most breathtaking dives in Gozo, Ras il-Hobz is ideal for all kinds of freediving levels. The nearby plateau is just 5 metres deep which makes it the perfect locale for training or for your first freediving experience.

What to look out for

The pinnacle itself is known to attract several different marine species like barracudas, striped red mullets, tuna, morays, the common dentex, chromis, while as the pinnacle nears its summit and the rock splits into two, you’ll find an abundance of slipper lobsters and octopuses right in the fissures. The rock is covered in algae which has attracted spiral tubeworms. Sea hares and the dotted seaslug are also common in these parts and if you’re lucky, you may even encounter a noble pen shell, otherwise known as fan mussel, a large species of Mediterranean clam.

At a depth of 63 metres, there is a massive 3-prong anchor which protrudes right out from the reef wall, while nearby, there’s the Fessej Rock, also known as Black Rock or Skoll tal-Fessej in Maltese, a very dark rock rising 15 metres above the water.

What to look out for

Rays of light shooting down from the surface lighting up underwater rocks

How to dive this site

The dive site can be reached either from the shore or by boat. If you’re entering the sea from the shore, you may do so along the main discharge pipe of the water treatment plant. Stick to the top of the pinnacle if you’re a freediving novice, otherwise follow the pinnacle down on the southern side where it is more deep.

Other sites you may want to visit after diving at Ras il-Hobz include Mgarr ix-Xini and Xatt l-Ahmar.

How to dive this site

SCUBA diver peaking at a crack in the reef surrounded by fish

About Ghajnsielem

Ghajnsielem’s name means peaceful spring and it originates from the water spring where Grandmaster Perellos built an arcade with public washbasins and fresh water sprouts back in 1700. Brimming with attractions, for the more religiously inclined, you may want to visit the Lourdes Chapel with its sharp steeple and underlying niche of Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Anthony’s Church or the old parish church. If you’re interested in prehistoric sites, then head to Borg Gharib and L-Imrejzbiet a short distance from the first site where you’ll find another group of megaliths.

Lastly, dive right into the Maltese history by marvelling at fortresses like Fort Chambray, Mgarr Ix-Xini Tower and the Fougasse, a large well dug close to the shoreline and cut at a 45-degree angle, designed to fire a large mass of stone boulders.

About Ghajnsielem

Two large rocks slightly separated from each other with fish swimming in between

Ready to explore this dive location?

Book this freediving adventure to visit Ras Il-Hobz. Just bring your towel and swimwear and we’ll take care of the rest.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which wind direction is best to freedive this site?

    This site is perfect for winds between the North and the West. Even when it’s blowing gale force winds you’ll manage to find good conditions for surface relaxation. We often use this location during our coaching sessions and more advanced courses.

  • Is there anywhere to attach a freediving buoy to?

    Yes, there are two spots. The first would be to the reef where you would need a small anchor and a line of around twenty metres. The second is found ten metres under the surface. This is a registered mooring and is located in between mainland and Fessej rock.

  • Is there heavy boat traffic?

    In the summer months, especially during weekends with long holidays or the week of Santa Maria, small high speed craft, RIB’s and jet skies take over the seas of Malta and Gozo. Always take a buoy with you carrying the appropriate flag.

  • What sort of depths can you find?

    The reef starts at fifteen metres and depending in which direction the current takes you and how far, you can find anywhere between thirty to eighty metres. If you are looking for a safe bet, tie up to the mooring where you’ll find a guaranteed depth of fifty-five metres.

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