Gozo forms part of the Maltese archipelago. Gozo is just a ferry ride away from main land Malta. However the island boasts distinct rural characteristics, being quieter and embracing a diverse landscape of flat topped hills, rugged cliffs, deep valleys and beautiful inlets. Your dive base with St Andrew's Divers Cove boasts a beautiful sea front location in Xlendi Bay a picture perfect fishing village. Diving in Gozo is distinctive to Malta itself, and it's well known for it's clear waters, breathtaking drop offs, numerous caves, tunnels and the dramatic underwater scenery. So whether you're a beginner, advanced diver or tech diver, make sure Gozo is on your itinerary!
We are pleased to be able to offer 2 types of self catering options in Gozo. Depending on the size of your group, you can chose between the apartments - all within 250m of the dive centre - or the larger, farmhouses. Just let us know your requirements and we can check all of the accommodation options for you at the time of booking.
The 1, 2 or 3 bedroom apartments are superb value as well as convenient to everything you could need - dive centre, shops, restaurants. Each apartment has an equipped kitchen, sitting / dining area, bath / shower room and a terrace or balcony. Many of them have beautiful sea views. Linen for the apartments (except beach towels) is supplied and changed weekly.
The farmhouses are larger, and better suited to families or groups of between 4-9, looking for a self-catering holiday in Gozo. Most enjoy a private pool, and are well placed for exploring the island by foot or bike. Some of these properties are up to 300 years old and their size, amenities, character and price vary. Want to know more? We are happy to check farmhouse availability and provide more information for each specific option, subject to availability.
Prefer to stay in a hotel? Talk to us! Both the 3 star San Andrea and 4 star St Patrick's are 50m from St Andrew's Divers Cove and are within striking distance of Xlendi beach, the pedestrian sea front, bars and restaurants.
Each apartment has an equipped kitchen, sitting / dining area, bath / shower room and a terrace or balcony. Many of them have beautiful sea views. Linen for the apartments (except beach towels) is supplied and changed weekly.
Ta’ Filomena is a unique and original Gozo farmhouse. Both grand yet homely, it boasts lots of original features. There is Cable TV, woodstove, pool complete with Jacuzzi and a charcoal BBQ area. Ta’ Filomena is only a 15 minute walk away from shops, pubs and restaurants, a 20 minute walk away from Ramla, and a 5 minute walk from the nearest bus stop.3 double + 1 twin + 2 sofa beds
Inzolia has everything you could need to make your stay comfortable and exciting. Accommodation comprises of a living and dining area, fully equipped kitchen, 3 double bedrooms, one at ground floor, one on the first floor and another on the second floor. 3 Doubles + 1 Twin
Gellewza is spacious and furnished in a calm, modern style. Sleeping 6 persons, all rooms are air-conditioned. The 2 double bedrooms and one twin all have an ensuite shower/bath with a hydro bath in the master bedroom. In the master bedroom one also finds a sofa bed and a 37 inch LCD TV with cable TV. 2 doubles + 1 twin + 2 sofa beds
View entry requirements here Travellers are not required to complete a Passenger Locator Form for entry to Malta.departure. Entry requirements for Malta are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status. Travellers are not required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result for entry to Malta hotel. From 18th March, when you travel to England from abroad you: do not need to take any COVID-19 tests before you travel or after you arrive do not need to fill in a UK passenger locator form do not need to quarantine when you arrive This applies whether you are vaccinated or not. It includes people who are transiting through England. Updated 14SEP 2022
Malta is just over 3 hours direct flights from the UK and it is always a popular location with British travellers.
The island lies almost in the middle of the Mediterranean, 93km from Siciliy and 288km from the north of Africa. The main island has the nation's capital Valetta. For the north are the smaller islands of Gozo and Comino. Comino is largely uninhabited.
View entry requirements here Travellers are not required to complete a Passenger Locator Form for entry to Malta.departure. Entry requirements for Malta are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status. Travellers are not required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result for entry to Malta hotel. From 18th March, when you travel to England from abroad you: do not need to take any COVID-19 tests before you travel or after you arrive do not need to fill in a UK passenger locator form do not need to quarantine when you arrive This applies whether you are vaccinated or not. It includes people who are transiting through England. Updated 14SEP 2022
Malta has a typically Mediterranean climate, with long dry summers and cooler spring and autumn. Many dive centres close their doors for a few weeks over Winter. The days are long and sunny, with up to 12 hours of sunshine in the summer! From Jan - Apr the average water temp is 15-16C, raising to 26 in August. As the summer cools off, the average is around 20C.
We are able to book a number of charter flight options from the UK to Malta. Flights operate from a number of regional airports. If you have a specific airline you prefer to fly with, simply let us know in your booking request. A supplement may apply for regional departures. Times and any applicable supplements will be confirmed by your travel consultant before you finalise your holiday. If you wish to make your own flight arrangements to Malta, let us know and we can remove the cost of the international flights from your quote. We are unfortunately not able to redeem airmiles on your behalf. Please do not confirm any flight arrangements yourself before your holiday is confirmed by us.
As it is a direct service, there are no stop over options
If you are a tourist, you do not need a visa for short trips to EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein. You can stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. If you visit more than one of these countries within a 180-day period, check that you do not spend more than 90 days in total across all the countries you visit. That is because most of these countries apply the 90-day limit as a group. There are different rules for Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania.. Do ensure your passport has 6 months validity from your return date to prevent any issues with your airline. It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is valid and you fulfil entry requirements. Regulations can change: please review current FCO advice: click here to review
Scuba Travel requires all of our customers to have diving insurance. Please make sure that you have appropriate cover for your diving activities. We also strongly recommend you have travel insurance. It's worth taking out travel insurance once you have paid your deposit to ensure you are covered for unforeseen events and cancellation.
Your covid proof of vaccination must match your passport name and flight ticket name. Please speak to your local GP or check out the latest NHS advice on updating your NHS details or for other travel immunisations: click here to go to the NHS
Most flights to Malta are charter flights. This means seating is allocated at check in. For some carriers we are able to prebook leg room, window or aisle seats. Please speak to your travel consultant about availability and the current charges levied by your airline.
Depending on your airline, you may be able to complete check in online to print your boarding pass. If not, we will email your flight tickets to you in advance. You must print your ticket coupon.
An airport lounge is a great way to start your holiday or to while away flight connections in comfort. Scuba Travel works with Lounge Pass to offer a huge range of affordable airport lounges around the world. click here for more info on Lounge Pass
Prebook your airport parking to save money! If you have a long way to travel, why not also look at booking an airport hotel. These aren't as expensive as you might think. click here for holiday extras
On arrival please make your way through baggage claim and immigration. There will either be a rep to meet you or you will have full details of your where to meet your transfer (with a confirmation voucher) in your travel documentation. If you have any issues on arrival, please contact us. We have an emergency contact, manned by a member of the team here in the UK. Please call 0044 7747 488 002. We will be able to help your rep locate you in the airport.
Transfers are included in your holiday. You be advised in your travel documentation of how to find your transfer.
At the end of your holiday, your return transfer details will be advised locally. EU passport holders do not need to pay a departure tax.
Car hire and any local excursions are booked, paid for and taken at your own risk - please ensure you are fully insured for any land activities you wish to enjoy
You will need euros in Malta. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but you should check with your bank about any additional overseas charges they may levy for using your card in Spain.
Phone coverage is generally good - do check with your phone provider about any applicable overseas charges. Alternatively, you may wish to purchase a local SIM for making calls or data use
3 pin round UK plug sockets are used in Malta - 220V
Kit hire can be arranged in resort and is paid for locally
Special trips (gozo, Comino, north Malta by boat) night dives and specific tek wreck dives can all be arranged and paid for locally
The dive centre has a small, limited shop on site
Nitrox is avilable for certified divers in 12lt, 15lt, twinset and stage tanks - the dive centre will confirm costs before filling
A typical deposit is £400. If you add flights to your holiday full payment of your chosen flight option may also be required to confirm your ATOL bonded package.
We accept mastercard and visa debit or credit cards. If you would like a pay by link to complete check out via email please let us know and it can be set up for you. We do not take AMEX. All non sterling card payments and UK business debit cards will be subject to the 3% surcharge. Alternatively, you are welcome to pay via bank transfer. Overseas bank transfers must add £8 to the sterling total to cover international handling fees. We are not able to accept PayPal transactions or personal cheques.
If you have booked as part of a group, you can still call and pay directly without needing to go via your group leader. Please have your trip reference number to hand to help us locate your holiday as quickly as possible. You will receive a transaction receipt - your group leader will forward your ATOL certificate and booking confirmation
Are you one of Scuba Travel's repeat customers? Over 60% of our customers trust Scuba Travel to book their next diving holiday, time after time.
And we believe you deserve a huge thanks for your ongoing support over the years, which is what our repeater discount is all about! Travel with us again in either 12 months or 24 months and you will qualify for a discount. That's all you have to do. No forms, no numbers to remember, no fuss, just a good honest price reduction.
Our most popular package includes 7 nights in self catering apartment (2 people sharing) The standard dive package is 10 dives (5 days) AIR Return airport transfers are included in your package - you will have to pay your ferry ticket locally 4.65pp per way
International flights to Malta (MLA) are not included. Please ask for a competitive quote to add these to your holiday. Additional diving and services are arranged and paid for at the dive centre at the end of your trip Car hire and any local excursions are booked, paid for and taken at your own risk - please ensure you are fully insured for any land activities you wish to enjoy Tipping is entirely at your discretion. We do not make recommendations as to how much to tip. Should you wish to leave a tip for the staff and crew, it should reflect the level of service you have enjoyed.
St. Andrews Divers Cove was started in 1989 and today the dive centre sits right on th sea front in the Xlendi Bay, The bay is ideal for beginner dives, night dives and dive courses. Access to the scenic Xlendi tunnel and Xlendi reef is from in front of the dive shop and the dive boat departs from the quay just across the road.
You will feel at home diving with St. Andrews. Accompanied dives are organised every day to dive sites all around the island, lead by instructors. Dives are grouped according to diving experience to ensure that all divers have the very best dive for their level.A wide range of Scuba Diving Courses in CMAS and PADI are offered, from entry levels right through to specialty courses and the full PADI Tec diver programme. Beginners may want to simply have a one-time experience or follow through a course and get certified. Xlendi Bay is the perfect environment to learn in. It starts off knee deep and gets gradually deeper. Not only is it a safe, ideal location to learn but it also offers great bio-diversity
Guided shore, wreck and reef dives Guided and unguided options for experienced divers PADI, and CMAS training Giant tuna dives - special trip on request SSI freediving - on requestAll of the shore dives are easily accessible. Hop into one of the centre's dive trucks and away you go.There are also organise regular boat dives between April and November. Individual divers are grouped to a small groups of similarly qualified/experienced divers are assigned to an instructor to take them to the selected dive sites. Experienced divers can opt to dive guided or unguided (depending on your local experience)
Note: All divers need a current diving medical or to complete a medical statement with no contra-indications. Divers of 70 years and older need a doctor’s medical. Equipment is provided at no extra cost for all courses up to Rescue.
The P31 was the sister ship to the P29 that was scuttled near the Gozo ferry terminal in 2007. They were East-German mine sweepers built in 1969 before being transferred to the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) in 1992. The vessels were used for patrols around Maltese territorial waters. The P31 is 52 metres long and 7 metres wide. In 2009 it was scuttled in an area with practically no current at 18 metres on white sand close to Comino's Blue Lagoon about 30 min the dive centre. It is one of Malta's most popular wrecks and because it can be enjoyed by qualified divers of all levels. Prior to the scuttling, doors, windows, hatches and engines were removed while wires were cut in an effort to render the wreck as safe as possible. The P31 wreck with its prolific marine life and clear sandy bottom offers enthusiasts many photo opportunities. Damselfish,Cardinal fish, scorpion fish, Spirographs, Flabellina nudibranchs, Amberjacks, rays and many fish species canbe found on or around this wreck.
Crocodile Rock is a crocodile-shaped, low lying rock just offshore midway between Fungus Rock and the Blue Hole at Dwejra on Gozo's West coast. A round shallow plateau extends from land and drops off steeply at the rock. This is another of Malta's best dive sites with varying depths and can be enjoyed by qualified divers of all levels. The boat anchors safely on the shallow plateau east of Crocodile rock. The plateau, 4 to 12 metres deep, has several deep fissures and cracks full of colourful anemones, coralites, sponges and a multitude of species of fish. The drop off is a steep wall that initially goes to 40 metres. Larger fish like barracuda, Amberjack, Grouper and Dentex are often spotted here. South of the rock is a square cut-out allowing divers to initially drop off gently to 18 metres.
A short boat trip form st pauls bay and we can begin to explore the reefs around this little island which has been reputed to be the place that st Paul was ship wrecked and so brought Christianity to Malta. Starting form 5 meters we can descend to max depth of 25 meters tracing the reef wall and rocky seabed.
Billinghurst cave is found on the north side of the island. The top of the cave entrance is just few meters below the surface and the bottom is at 27m meters. A giant stride from the top of the cliffs above the cave and you are ready to begin a fifty meter swim in the cave where one will be surrounded by lots of multi-coloured sponges, soft coral and virgin lace coral. It is possible to surface at the very end of the tunnel and only experienced divers using the correct equipment should be tempted this far inside.
Near to the dive centre for food, snacks and drinks. This shop will have everything you need for your self catering supplies.
Right on the Xlendi seafront, the Zafiro restaurant specialises in local and Mediterranean cuisine serving indoors or al fresco on its beautiful terrace. after a fabulous main course of fresh pasts, antipasta, fresh fish, shellfish, steaks and delicious grill, make sure to leave room for the home made chocolate fondant!
Want to treat yourself to a special meal? The Boathouse restaurant is a stunning seafront restaurant, that prides itself with quality dining, friendly service and exquisitely prepared dishes featuring local ingredients and traditional recipes.
Enjoy the freedom of self catering in Xlendi Bay. Shore or boat dive with St Andrew's Divers Cove for a 5 star experience discovering Gozo underwater.
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The Blue Hole
Skill level: Novice | Ave Depth: 18m | Max Depth: 50mThe Blue Hole on Gozo's west coast is Malta's most famous dive site. It was voted "Best Dive" of the Mediterranean on several occasions. The Blue Hole is a natural rock formation carved out over the centuries by wind and wave power. The Blue Hole is a sheltered entry /exit point for several different dives to different depths. It is an unforgettable experience for all levels of divers, even those only qualified to 18 metres and has actually become a better dive since the collapse of the Azure Window. Divers descend in the Blue Hole itself from a shallow water shelf directly above the famous Blue Hole Cavern and dive through the large rectangular archway open between 8 and 14 metres. The arch covered in golden cup coral (parazoanthus axinellae) is spectacular and very photogenic. The dive then leads you towards the large boulders that once formed the majestic Azure Window with depths varying between 16 and 5 metres, a truly fantastic dive even for the less experienced divers.