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📷 Leonardo Lamas · Pexels

Double Arch Reef

3.9 — based on 17 community signals
4.4 12 species 45 contributors

Double Arch Reef is a year-round Malta dive destination featuring twin natural arches and diverse marine life.

⭐ Best for beginners.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Beginner
Shore entryPhotoFriendly

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
beginner
Marine life
Great barracuda

Top operators here

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Map

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Double Arch Reef location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
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Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
2.6 kn
Wave
0.34 m
Water
28.3°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: ESE (25%)
Now: SSW (193°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 0.25m

Next: High at 02:00 (-0.38m)

+-0.3 m-0.6 m
▲ 02:00 · -0.38m ▼ 11:00 · -0.39m ▼ 19:00 · -0.43m ▲ 00:00 · -0.41m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV2.6 · low Air PM2.56 · good 06:48 19:04
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 6.8 0.34 3 2mm
09-20 4.6 0.38 5 5mm
09-21 6 0.34 7 0mm
09-22 6.8 0.22 7 0mm
09-23 13.4 0.26 6 5mm
09-24 13.4 0.4 6 3mm
09-25 16.1 0.4 6 5mm

About this spot

Double Arch Reef sits off Malta's coast as a distinctive limestone formation marked by two natural arches. The reef attracts divers seeking a mix of geology and marine observation. The site is accessible year-round, making it a reliable option for planning dives in Malta's waters. The twin arches create a focal point for the dive, with the formations providing shelter and interest for marine species. The reef structure supports a variety of fish and invertebrates typical of Mediterranean waters. Visibility and conditions vary seasonally, so checking recent dive reports before your visit helps set realistic expectations. Double Arch Reef is not within a Marine Protected Area, which shapes access and dive operation patterns. The site has generated species observations and community dive videos, indicating active diver traffic and documented marine activity. Local dive operators familiar with Malta's reefs can advise on entry points, current patterns, and seasonal considerations.

📖 Guide: Diving in Malta: 40 Sites, Wrecks & Caves Year-Round

Marine life

Great barracuda

Dive types

ReefWall

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
  • 📔 Dive logbook
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type G · 230V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 47%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 2070km · ~476kg · €9

From your departure country

United States
Origin score: 77/100
  • Visa: Visa-free · 90 days max
  • Flight: 7h · direct
  • Jet-lag: 6h east · 4 days recovery

FAQ

When is the best time to dive Double Arch Reef?

The site is diveable year-round. Summer months typically offer warmer water and longer daylight, while winter can bring choppier conditions. Check recent local dive reports for current visibility and water conditions before booking.

What depths and skills are needed?

Specific depth and difficulty data for Double Arch Reef are not currently documented. Contact local Malta dive operators for site-specific details before your dive.

What marine life can I expect?

The reef supports Mediterranean species typical of Malta's waters. Twelve species observations have been recorded at the site. Community dive videos document marine activity; review them for recent sightings.

How do I access the dive site?

Double Arch Reef is not within a Marine Protected Area. Local dive operators in Malta offer trips to the site. Confirm entry requirements and operator availability before your visit.

Operators near this spot

Dive centres, kite & surf schools within 10 km, sourced from OpenStreetMap.

Nautic Team Gozo

1.7 km
Dive centre

Ritual Dive

6.2 km
Dive centre
Hours: Mo-Su 08:00-18:00

Blue Waters Dive Cove

8.4 km
Dive centre

The Washing Machine

0.2 km
Dive centre

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Gozo, Malta - Diving Double Arch Reef and MV Karwela.

Rafic Bittencourt

DOUBLE ARCH - amazing boat dive in Gozo - Malta 2020

Blondie On The Way

Double Arch - Malta

Scuba with Zubr

Local knowledge

OpenStreetMap Notes
  • "Is this path still accessible by bike? We have some reports from the RouteYou community that it is not accessible anymore."

    Kevin@RouteYou · 2026-04-22
  • "This is the staring point of the stairs. The are discussed on the POI on the other (wrong) side of the bay."

    Stephan Lengauer · 2026-03-15
  • "Extremely steep and dangerous descent towards the beach here coming from the Gozo coastal trail. There is no path and the indicated stairs are at the wrong location. Please revise."

    HenrydeVries · 2023-11-11
  • "Dieser Weg existiert nicht. Es sieht nach einer aufgelassenen Baustelle aus, der der Weg zum Opfer gefallen ist."

    Stephan Lengauer · 2026-03-12

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