Introduction
Scuba diving is more than a sport – it’s a true adventure that allows you to see a world that most people have never dreamed of. The sea depths hide amazing landscapes, full of colorful fish, coral and breathtaking rock formations. If you like to explore new places, are fascinated by the world underwater, or maybe you just fancy something completely different, this place is perfect for you. The Blue Hole in Gozo is a real treasure for divers who want to experience the magical world below the surface. This natural wonder is one of the most interesting dive sites in Europe and attracts both beginners and advanced divers. Below you’ll find all the details about this amazing site – from how to get there to what exactly you can see underwater.
The Blue Hole in Gozo – what is this place?
Blue Hole is a beautiful natural rock formation that was created by erosion. Imagine something like a pool carved by nature that connects to the open sea through an opening in the rock, several meters below the surface. It is this opening that makes diving here a unique experience – you swim under a rock arch and then a space opens up in front of you filled with colorful fish, amazing plants and spectacular rock formations. There’s a reason why Blue Hole is said to be one of the most exciting dive sites in the area. The marine life you’ll find here will surprise you with its diversity, from smaller fish that swim close to rock walls to larger ones that appear in the open sea.
How to get to the Blue Hole?
Blue Hole is located on the west coast of the island of Gozo, in the picturesque Dwejra Bay. For those arriving by car, there is ample parking available right next to the site, and you’ll find restrooms and cafes nearby for pre- or post-dive refreshments. If you don’t have a car, no problem – there are local buses on Gozo that will take you almost to the Blue Hole itself. However, if you are going by bus, it will be difficult to take you diving equipment, but this is an option for those who want to explore the area first before diving. For those who plan to dive with an instructor, there is always the option to join an organized dive tour, for example with our Blue Hole Diving Gozo dive center (the name is not coincidental 🙂 ). Just getting to the Blue Hole is already an adventure too. You walk from the parking lot along a path, descending steps carved into the rock, then between rocks and often up to your ankles in the water. All around, already traditional small towers of rocks placed there by visitors. It may not be the easiest route, but the views along the way definitely reward every step.
First impressions – view from above
Before you dive any further, it’s worth stopping for a moment over the Blue Hole, on a rock shelf from which you can see the whole place in its full glory. From here you can look at the whole formation and take some really amazing photos as a souvenir. The height of about 12 meters above the water gives you an amazing perspective – you can clearly see the dark blue circle of the Blue Hole and the open sea behind it. It’s the perfect spot to feel the atmosphere of the place before you even plunge into the water.
What is it like to dive in the Blue Hole?
Once down in the water, the real adventure begins! The first dive in the Blue Hole can be unforgettable – the water is crystal clear, and the light coming through the holes in the rock creates amazing effects. At a depth of several meters, you can swim through an opening under a rock arch that leads straight into the open sea. This place is also special because nearby is the collapsed Azure Window, a natural rock arch that was one of Gozo and Malta’s biggest attractions until 2017, when it succumbed to the force of the sea waves. Today, the remnants of the Azure Window create the impression of mountain peaks, which is why they are called the Azure Alps, and just below them is a fascinating maze of huge rock blocks at the bottom, between and under which you can swim, that makes diving here even more interesting.
If you swim to the left, you may be able to find a natural tunnel in one of the rocks, which will lead you to the neighboring dive sites – The Coral Gardens and further the Coral Cave. If you head to the right from the Blue Hole, you will be dive along a wall with smaller and larger caves, and a bit further on, also the Inland Sea tunnel. The Blue Hole is such a dive site that it is worth diving there several times, because each time you can swim a different route and discover something new.
Underwater attractions – what will we see while diving in the Blue Hole?
The Blue Hole offers countless attractions for divers. In the hole itself you can observe a magical play of light, as the sun’s rays come not only from above, but also from below, specifically from under the rock arch. When you swim under it, you will find yourself in the open part of the sea, where you will meet a whole host of sea creatures – from colorful fish to various species of crustaceans and plants. But what really impresses are the huge rock blocks that are the size of entire houses! These massive formations create natural passageways and corridors, and the clear water gives a sense of incredible freedom. This is also a place where countless fish are protected. Even if you’re a recreational diver, you’ll easily find something to enjoy here – in shallow water you have excellent visibility and the ability to explore freely. For more experienced divers, the depth of about 40 meters and the mysterious nooks and crannies of the rocks provide the perfect challenge.
Blue Hole Cave – an additional attraction
If that’s not enough for you yet, the Blue Hole has something special – a cavern called the Blue Hole Cave. This is a small cavern located just below the entrance to the Blue Hole itself. Its entrance is about 17 meters deep, and the cave is about 40 meters in diameter. There is complete darkness inside, which adds to its eerie atmosphere. So it’s worth taking a torch with you so you can safely view the interior. Interestingly, since the cave is large and basically consists of only one chamber, it is accessible to divers with OWD level qualifications, as long as they are not afraid to dive in overhead environments. So even if you are a relative novice diver, you have a chance to try exploring this mysterious place, just be sure to go there with someone more experienced who knows the place.
Why dive the Blue Hole?
Diving at the Blue Hole on Gozo is not only a chance to see the beautiful landscape, but also an experience that will long be remembered. This natural rock formation, with its abundance of marine life and unusual formations, is a real treat for any lover of underwater adventures. Whether you are an experienced diver or just starting out, the Blue Hole is sure to enchant you. Besides, Gozo is an island of unique charm that offers many attractions on land as well, from quaint towns to picturesque beaches and breathtaking rocky cliffs.