The tunnel through the headland is only 2m deep in Xlendi Bay and 6m on the other side, so it is possible to snorkel through. From here dive to the left to the gentle outer drop-off and around the reef, which extends underwater from the headland. Part of this forms a pinnacle, which should be avoided by boat traffic. The cave is also popular at night as it is a nice easy dive in shallow water – it is also popular with less experienced divers, and is for many their first adventure in a cave.

The cave walls are brilliantly coloured with golden zoanthids, red starfish and sponges, and green and purple algae, and there are bristle worms everywhere. Pink flabellina (Flabellina affinis) and Hervia (Cratena peregrina) are also common. During the winter months a small school of juvenile barracuda seeks shelter at the entrance of the cave.

Location:

To the northern corner of Xlendi Bay, through the headland and onto the outer reef.

Access:

The preferred entry for these shore dives is to jump in from a raised platform past the St Andrew’ Divers Cove. From here, swim across the bay on the surface until you find the entrance to the cave – just below where the bright green plants can be found on the otherwise bare limestone wall.

Conditions:

Sheltered, but very busy with boat traffic and swimmers.

Average depth:

6 Meters – 18 Feet

Maximum depth:

25 Meters – 82 Feet

Average visibility:

Varies greatly in the cave from 6m to 30m