Ta’ Cenc Cave & Reef – A Stunning Dive Beneath Gozo’s Highest Cliffs

Discover the Beauty of Ta’ Cenc Cave & Reef

The Ta’ Cenc Cave & Reef is one of Gozo’s most visually striking dive sites, located beneath the island’s highest cliffs. This site features a breathtaking reef wall, large submerged boulders, and a shallow yet spectacular cave, making it a perfect dive for underwater photographers, marine life enthusiasts, and adventure-seeking divers.

With depths ranging from 6m to 30m, Ta’ Cenc Cave & Reef is suitable for all diving levels, offering everything from bright, shallow waters full of fish to deeper boulder formations and swim-throughs.

Why Dive at Ta’ Cenc Cave & Reef?

  • Dramatic Underwater Topography – Dive beneath towering cliffs, explore rocky formations, overhangs, and swim-throughs.
  • Crystal-Clear Waters – Enjoy excellent visibility, perfect for underwater photography and marine life observation.
  • Diverse Marine Life – Encounter baby octopuses, parrotfish, groupers, and scorpionfish.
  • Multi-Level Dive Site – Suitable for Open Water, Advanced, and even Technical Divers.
  • Boat-Accessible Dive – Reach this hidden gem easily by boat, offering a relaxed and scenic journey.

With its combination of caves, boulders, and marine diversity, Ta’ Cenc Cave & Reef is an unmissable dive in Gozo.

The Dive Route & Depth Profile

Exploring the Reef

  • Descend along the reef wall, where depths range from 6m to 30m.
  • At shallow depths (6m-12m), enjoy natural light illuminating vibrant algae and coral formations.
  • Keep an eye out for schools of sardines shimmering in the blue.

Boulder Field & Swim-Throughs

  • Between 20m and 30m, massive boulders create exciting passages and natural swim-throughs.
  • These formations serve as hiding spots for moray eels, scorpionfish, and large groupers.

Ta’ Cenc Cave

  • At the end of the reef, a shallow cave sits at around 6m-8m.
  • Sunlight filters into the cave, creating incredible lighting effects.
  • The cave’s sandy bottom often shelters resting cuttlefish and baby octopuses
Dive Ta’ Cenc Cave & Reef, a top dive in Gozo.

Marine Life at Ta’ Cenc Cave & Reef

This rich marine habitat attracts a variety of species, making it a favorite site for marine photographers and wildlife lovers. Expect to see:

  • Wrasses and parrotfish darting among the shallows.
  • Baby octopuses and cuttlefish camouflaged in rocky crevices.
  • Large groupers and giant scorpionfish hiding between the boulders.
  • Schools of sardines shimmering near the drop-off.
  • Moray eels, damselfish, and barracuda patrolling the reef wall.

With such abundant marine life and breathtaking scenery, every dive at Ta’ Cenc Cave & Reef feels unique.

Who Can Dive at Ta’ Cenc Cave & Reef?

  • Open Water Divers – Perfect for exploring the shallower sections and reef wall.
  • Advanced Divers – Ideal for deeper exploration of the boulder fields and swim-throughs.
  • Technical Divers – Can descend further along the cliff drop-off, exploring deeper formations beyond 30m.

📍 Want more breathtaking reef and cavern dives nearby? Check out:

Getting to Ta’ Cenc

  • Boat Dive Only – The site is only accessible by boat, offering a relaxing journey along Gozo’s southern coastline.
  • Easy Water Entry – Boat diving ensures a comfortable and controlled descent into the site.

Safety Considerations & Experience Recommendations

  • Some diving experience is recommended, as parts of the site require good buoyancy control.
  • Beware of currents, especially near the deeper sections of the reef.
  • Always carry a DSMB (Delayed Surface Marker Buoy) due to boat traffic in the area.