Explore Xatt L-ahmar

The Xatt l-Ahmar reef is home to parrotfish, salemas, groupers, jacks, baby morays, as well as seahorses and octopuses. In the deeper parts, you’ll also find moray eels, while closer to the massive boulders, you’ll spot slipper lobsters and giant scorpionfish hiding.

Those seeking a bit more of an adventure can head to either of the wrecks. The largest out of the three, the MV Karwela was a former Captain Morgan Cruises passenger ferry that used to do the rounds of the Grand Harbour. In 2006 it was scuttled to form an artificial reef. What’s intriguing about this wreck is the fact that it stands perfectly upright, which means that freedivers can explore every nook and cranny.

Scuttled in 1999, the 80 metre long MV Xlendi was a also former Gozo Channel Line double-ended cargo ferry that sits upside down on a sandy slope about 42 metres deep on the shore side and 44 metres on the sea side. Entering the wreck is not recommended due to its position. On the other hand, the World War II Royal Navy minelayer which later served as a passenger vessel by the name of Cominoland, lies southeast of Xatt l-Ahmar’s exit and entry point, about 60 metres to the east of the MV Karwela.

Once you’ve entered into the water through one of the ladders available, you may embark on your dive by exploring the bay and reef. The reef wall and boulders are surrounded by extensive posidonia meadows and fish. The bay itself is quite shallow, starting off at around 6 or 7 metres and reaching depths of up to 12 metres. The reef then slopes gently just before the drop-off, where you’ll also find a cave and a massive overhang. The first wreck is often visible soon after. If you’re an experienced freediver, you may dive around the wreck’s structure, otherwise, head back to the reef.

Bonus tip: Depending on the season, you may have to be cautious of any boat traffic since the bay is quite a popular location for boats to anchor and spend the day.

Just off Mgarr Harbour, Ghajnsielem, which means peaceful spring in Maltese, is a village boasting many places of interest. Close to the dive site, you’ll find Fort Chambray built In 1749 by the Knights of St. John. Its impressive gunpowder magazine, watch tower and fortifications stand to this day. Here, you’ll get to take in the views of Gozo’s southern cliffs, Xatt l-Ahmar Bay itself and the Northern Comino Channel.

If you’re interested in the village, you may want to pay the majestic Our Lady of Loreto sanctuary a visit, built in the Lombard-Gothic style of architecture and the nearby Pjazza tad-Dehra, which means the apparition square. According to legend, it is believed that Our Lady appeared to a local shepherd who eventually erected a large statute of the Blessed Virgin of Loreto. The square is also the place where the spring that gave its name to the village used to flow.

Xatt l-Ahmar, in particular, is also a popular swimming spot, while the ample salt pans and clay cliff faces are ideal for soaking up the sun and relaxing. Otherwise, you may trek all along the coast.