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14 km away as the crow flies
Mellieha · Malta · Mediterranean
Max. depth · 80 mDouble Arch, Gozo: Twin Arches of Mellieha
Descend into the Mediterranean to explore the Double Arch, a natural rock formation where twin arches stand between 27 and 36 metres.
What makes this site special
- Explore a natural twin arch formation
- Smaller arch at 27 metres
- Larger arch reaches 36 metres
- Shore entry from Xwejni Bay
- Deep dive extending to 38 metres
- Specific technical sections to 80 metres
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Double Arch about the site
The Double Arch dive site is located off Xwejni Bay, Gozo, offering a shore entry experience that begins with a surface swim of approximately 200 metres. This geological formation consists of two distinct archess, one shallower and one deeper, providing a unique underwater landscape that draws divers to explore its structure and surrounding environment.
Upon descent, you'll first encounter the smaller arch, which begins at 27 metres. From there, the formation continues deeper, leading to the larger, lower arch. This second arch extends to approximately 36 metres below the surface. The entire formation presents interesting rock structures to explore, creating varied light conditions as you move through and around the arches.
The site caters to advanced divers, requiring experience with deeper profiles. The maximum depth documented at this site reaches 38 metres, with some areas extending deeper to 80 metres for specific technical exploration. This depth profile and the structure itself demand good buoyancy control and dive planning to safely navigate the features.
While the primary draw of Double Arch is its geological features, the rock formations provide cover and habitat for local marine life. You'll find resident species inhabiting the crevices and overhangs around both arches. Moving through these natural structures allows for observation of how the local ecosystem interacts with the unique environment created by the arches.
Diving Double Arch: the marine life you’ll meet
Diving conditions
The Double Arch is an advanced dive, accessible for divers with a Deep Diver certification, reaching a maximum depth of 38 metres for recreational limits, with some deeper sections extending to 80 metres for technical divers. While some sources suggest it is open to all levels, due to the depth profile and potential for varied conditions, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification along with proficiency in deep diving procedures is recommended. Visibility can be excellent, making it easier to appreciate the full scale of the arches.
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Frequently asked questions about Double Arch
What level of experience do you need for the Double Arch dive site?
Double Arch is an advanced dive for divers with Deep Diver certification. An Advanced Open Water Diver certification and proficiency in deep diving procedures are recommended because of the depth profile and potentially varied conditions. Good buoyancy control and careful dive planning are needed to explore the arches safely.
How deep can you go at the Double Arch dive site?
At Double Arch, the smaller arch begins at 27 metres, while the larger lower arch reaches approximately 36 metres. The documented maximum depth is 38 metres for recreational diving. Specific technical sections extend to 80 metres, so the site includes both deep recreational and technical exploration options.
What will you see at the Double Arch dive site?
At Double Arch, you will explore a natural twin arch formation with distinct shallower and deeper structures. The rock formations create varied light conditions around and through the arches. Crevices and overhangs provide cover and habitat for resident local marine life, adding an ecological element to the geological landscape.
What are the entry and visibility conditions at the Double Arch dive site?
Double Arch is reached by a shore entry from Xwejni Bay, followed by an approximately 200-metre surface swim before descending. Visibility can be excellent, helping you appreciate the scale of the arches. The site may present varied conditions, so deep-dive procedures, buoyancy control, and planning are important.
