Mgarr ix-xini
For Marine Life Lovers
The highlight of this dive site is the enchanting opportunity to encounter seahorses underwater. Mgarr Ix-Xini, much like Xlendi, is a beloved destination among novice divers and offers a delightful experience for night dives as well. With a relatively shallow depth, this site teems with abundant marine life, including octopi, stingrays, snails, and various other fascinating creatures. However, the true allure lies in the possibility of encountering seahorses, which draws a significant number of enthusiasts to explore the underwater world.
It is crucial to bear in mind that seahorses are delicate beings that can easily become stressed, leading to detrimental consequences, and, sadly, even death. Therefore, I kindly urge all photographers to refrain from using flash photography in the presence of seahorses. Respecting their natural environment and ensuring their well-being is of utmost importance.
Finding your way to this beautiful bay may pose some challenges, but by following our guidelines, locating Mgarr Ix-Xini should not be overly difficult. Nonetheless, it is advisable to bring along a reliable navigation device or enlist the assistance of a local guide. It’s worth noting that the roads in Gozo are often narrow, but they typically feature lay-bys to facilitate the passage of vehicles. Additionally, it is customary to yield to uphill-driving vehicles as a matter of courtesy. During the summer, there may be an influx of tourists, but suitable parking spots can generally be found.
To summarize, Mgarr Ix-Xini offers a relatively straightforward dive experience, showcasing a wealth of marine life without any specific threats to be aware of. Embrace the opportunity to witness the wonders of the underwater world while keeping in mind the well-being of the delicate seahorses that grace this captivating site.
Difficulty level: OWD
Max depth: 18 m