Dwejra Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Open bay anchorage at Dwejra in 4–12m over a mixed rocky and sandy bottom. Fair holding — the bottom is predominantly rock with sand pockets in the deeper central areas. Snorkel to find a clear sandy patch well away from the dive site buoys before anchoring. Protected from E, SE, and NE by the Gozo landmass and coastal ridgeline; exposed to W, SW, and NW where Atlantic swell can penetrate from the open Mediterranean. The Azure Window natural limestone arch collapsed in a storm in March 2017 — the site is now a world-famous scuba dive site attracting hundreds of divers daily in peak season. Multiple yellow dive buoys mark the underwater arch remains — anchor WELL CLEAR of all dive buoys; dive boat and tender traffic is constant. The Inland Sea is accessible by dinghy through a narrow rock tunnel 300m NE of the bay — a spectacular geological feature. IMPORTANT: The W-facing exposure means that swell from W, SW, and NW can penetrate and make the anchorage untenable — check forecasts carefully; this anchorage is not suitable overnight in any W or SW wind/swell forecast. 110m alarm radius accounts for deeper anchoring position and the wide clearing required from dive buoys.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Dwejra Bay is primarily rock and sand with variable holding that requires extra attention.

1. Monitor VHF Ch 16 for Gozo Radio before entering Mġarr Harbour or approaching any Gozo anchorage. Ferry vessels have right of way at all times in the Gozo Channel.
2. Anchor in 4–12m. Malta's tidal range is negligible (<30cm) — no tidal depth correction needed. Wind-driven sea level variation up to 0.5m possible in strong winds.
3. Deploy at least 5:1 scope (60m chain at 12m depth). Verify the bottom is sand or mud — check for Posidonia seagrass (EU protected) before dropping the anchor.
4. Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds at moderate throttle. Use the scope calculator to confirm adequate chain.

Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Dwejra Bay are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to W and SW and NW winds. The primary overnight hazard in Gozo is the Gregale NE gale (Nov–Mar): north-facing bays (Ramla, Marsalforn) become dangerous — seek shelter in Mġarr ix-Xini or Xlendi Bay immediately at any Gregale forecast.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 110m radius before going below. 110m radius in 6–10m rock/sand. Fair holding — snorkel to find sand patch. Anchor WELL CLEAR of dive site buoys (Azure Window collapse site). W/SW/NW swell penetrates the bay — day anchorage only in W or SW forecast conditions.

Best May–October in settled conditions without W, SW, or NW swell. May and June before the peak dive season begins are often the best months for a quieter experience. July–August: very busy with dive boats; the Azure Window site is one of the most dived locations in the Mediterranean. September and October are excellent — warm water, calmer seas, and somewhat reduced dive boat traffic. Not recommended for overnight use in any forecast with a W or SW component.

Navigation Hazards

• Dive site buoys (Azure Window collapse) — MUST remain clear of all dive buoys; dive boat and tender traffic is constant in peak season; multiple boats servicing divers throughout the day
• W/SW/NW swell — the bay faces W and swell from the open Mediterranean can penetrate rapidly; check forecasts; not suitable overnight in W or SW conditions
• Rocky bottom — fair holding at best; snorkel to identify sand pockets before anchoring; poor holding on rock could result in dragging
• Atlantic swell — prolonged W gales in the Mediterranean basin can send long-period swell into Dwejra Bay even in apparently settled conditions

Rules & Regulations

• EU member (not Schengen): No customs formalities for EU boats arriving from EU ports. Non-EU boats: Mġarr Harbour is the official 24/7 customs clearance point for Gozo — fly yellow Q flag on arrival. EES biometric recording required for non-EU crew since October 2025.
• Posidonia: EU protected throughout Maltese waters — anchor only in sand or mud patches. Fines apply. Use mooring buoys where provided.
• Anchoring fee: Free — anchor clear of dive buoys; day anchorage only in W/SW conditions
• Restrictions: MUST anchor clear of all dive site buoys (Azure Window collapse site) — dive boat and tender traffic constant. Snorkel to identify sand pocket before setting. Not suitable for overnight stay in W, SW, or NW swell/wind forecast. Check sea state carefully before anchoring.

For a full overview, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: San Lawrenz, Gozo (1.2nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at San Lawrenz, Gozo (1.2nm)
• Provisions: None on site — San Lawrenz, Gozo (1.2nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. The Inland Sea: take the dinghy through the rock tunnel 300m NE — one of Gozo's most memorable experiences; fishermen take tourists through for a small fee
2. Dive the Azure Window collapse site — the underwater arch is now a spectacular dive at 25–40m; dive operators based at the bay
3. Check the W/SW swell forecast carefully before anchoring overnight — this anchorage requires settled conditions
4. Anchor E of the dive buoys in the deepest sand you can find by snorkelling — set thoroughly before leaving the boat
5. Visit at slack water for the best visibility through the Inland Sea tunnel