St. Lawrence, or San Lawrenz, as it is also known, is a beautiful village built on a plain that eventually gives way to Gozo’s southwest coast, from which views of the brilliant blue Mediterranean Sea invite closer exploration. With abundant marine life, excellent shore diving, and some great boat dives too, this part of Gozo is far from crowded vacation destinations, yet it is a superb place to enjoy a dive holiday. Let’s take a peek at some of the area’s finest dive sites!
Crocodile Rock and Coral Cave
After a short trek across rough limestone, you’ll find yourself diving along a shallow reef until you reach a lovely wall with a steep drop to a depth of 30 meters, where massive boulders appear to have been strewn by a giant’s hand. By following the wall around to the left, you’ll reach coral cave, which is really a large open cavern where blue anemones and small fish thrive among the spectacular coral that gives the site its name. Maximum depth is 33 meters, and visibility is usually about 20 meters.
Dwefra Inland Sea Blue Hole
An absolutely fascinating site you’ll want to visit again and again, the Dwefra Inland Sea Blue Hole begins near a submerged arch where views of endless blue water make you feel as though you’re hanging in space. Follow the reef to a steep wall, which drops away into seeming nothingness; though the ocean floor here is at 60 meters, visibility is usually just 30 meters, so there’s a stunning illusion of greater depth. Eventually, you’ll come to a cavern entrance in the wall, which leads to the Blue Hole, which is a sink in the limestone reef. Travel up the side of the blue hole, conduct a safety stop, and then make your way back to the surface. This can be done as a shore dive; the limestone can be hard on your feet, so be sure to come prepared.
Xlendi Bay
If you’ve always dreamed of exploring an archaeological dive site but haven’t yet had the chance, be sure to take this one. Xlendi Bay features heaps of amphorae and other artifacts at depths between 10 and 60 meters. No artifacts may be taken from this site, and penalties for antiquities thefts are steep, so resist any temptation to disturb what you find.
San Dimitri Point
The cliffs of San Dimitri Point are impressive, rising up to a height of about 80 meters over the water’s surface. Below, a shallow plateau at a depth of just 6 meters leads down to an area where boulders the size of small houses eventually give way to a semi-circular reef with a maximum depth of approximately 30 meters. Schooling dentex, groupers, and big barracudas can be seen here, and rays are also common. Smaller creatures including sessile worms, sea squirts, sponges, and beautiful starfish are abundant, so if underwater photography is your passion, you’re going to love this site. Finally, a sheltered swim-through and a lovely little arch point the way back toward the reef top. Visibility is excellent here, sometimes reaching 50 meters.
While you’re in San Lawrenz, spend a little time taking in the local sights. Beautiful architecture, strange geological features, and natural beauty make this a place both divers and non-diving travel partners will certainly enjoy. Once you’ve spent some time in these idyllic surroundings, don’t be surprised if you find yourself feeling reluctant to return home.