Gozo’s Top Dive Sites: Ras il-Hobz (The Middle Finger)

Today's dive site spotlight focuses on one of the most popular sites on the south coast of Gozo. This dive site, a favorite among local divers and visiting guests, is slightly off the beaten track on a more remote part of the Gozitan coastline.

Today, we take a closer look at Ras il-Hobz, or as known by the diving community, the Middle Finger.

Ras il-Hobz, which roughly translates to bread point, is located on the south coast of Gozo, branching off from the village of Għajnsielem. The road through farmers' fields leads to a rocky headland facing mainland Malta. The dive itself has 2 entry/exit points, each on one side of the headland. Both sides offer easy shore entrance/exit so divers can choose based on wind direction and dive plan; both sides are equidistant from the reef. It takes around 10 minutes to swim from either side to reach 'The Middle Finger,' a pinnacle that rises from deep water (40m+) to around 10m from the surface. The pinnacle is close to the drop-off which lines the shore, so easily accessible for all levels of divers. It must be noted that buoyancy control is important due to the depth at all times around the pinnacle.

Divers will love circling the pinnacle as the structure alone is incredibly impressive, especially as the sun bursts over the peak of the finger. It is also one of the most lively places on the island, bustling with marine life. On the pinnacle, one can find various Nudibranch, Peacock worms swaying in the light current, Moray Eel hiding away in the many crevices, sleepy Slipper Lobster, and much more. If divers open their eyes and gaze out into the blue as they slowly ascend around the pinnacle, it is likely to see large shoals of Damselfish and baitfish, which, in turn, attract predators. These include Grouper, Dentex, Barracuda, Amberjack, and Blue Runner Jacks. Once the summit of 'The Middle Finger' has been climbed, divers are treated to a stunning panoramic view of the life that surrounds the reef. There is no need to rush here; just enjoy the view! Once divers reach the designated turn pressure, it is time to head back to one of the 2 exits for the safety stop. One further benefit of the alternate exits - if there is a small current, just let it push you home!

Ras il-Hobz, 'The Middle Finger,' is a stunning dive site. Packed with marine life, easy to access for all levels, with the option of depth for those who seek it.

Have you visited this dive site before? Feel free to send us your pictures from your dives here!

The Blue Waters Team.