Dwejra and Inland Sea boat tour: the honest Gozo guide

What Dwejra actually is

Dwejra is a small bay on Gozo’s western coast, bordered by extraordinary geological formations: a natural arch (the Azure Window, which collapsed in 2017), a 65-metre-tall dome of rock called Fungus Rock, and the Inland Sea — a 1.5-hectare lagoon completely enclosed by cliffs and connected to the open sea by a 70-metre tunnel through the rock.

The Azure Window is gone. But the rest of Dwejra — and particularly the Inland Sea — remains one of the most distinctive landscapes in Malta.

The Inland Sea tunnel boat ride

The Inland Sea is accessible by foot — a gentle 10-minute walk from the car park along a flat path. At the water’s edge, local fishermen operate small wooden boats (traditional Maltese luzzu) that carry 4–8 passengers through the cliff tunnel to the open sea beyond.

The experience lasts about 20–30 minutes in total:

1. You board a small wooden boat at the Inland Sea edge
2. The fisherman rows or motors through a 70-metre tunnel in the cliff (head room is about 2–3 metres above the water — most people need to duck slightly)
3. On the other side: open sea, the cliff face of Dwejra Bay, and the site of the former Azure Window
4. The fisherman circles the bay, showing you the rock formations and the Blue Hole entrance from above
5. Return through the tunnel to the Inland Sea

The contrast between the enclosed, dark tunnel and the sudden expanse of open sea on the other side is the defining moment. It’s theatrical in a way that no organised tour can really manufacture.

Cost: Around €5–10 per person, paid directly to the fisherman in cash. No booking required — and you cannot book in advance. Just arrive, find the fishermen at the water’s edge, and go.

Hours: The boats operate when conditions are calm enough — usually from around 08:00 to late afternoon. In rough weather (common in winter), the tunnel trip is suspended.

Getting to Dwejra from Malta or Gozo

From Malta by day trip

Dwejra is 8 km from Mġarr (the Gozo ferry port) and about 12 km from Victoria (the Gozo capital). If you’re coming from Malta for the day, the typical approach is:

1. Ferry from Cirkewwa to Mġarr (25 minutes, runs regularly)
2. Hire a car or take a taxi/minivan tour to Dwejra (15–20 minutes from Mġarr)
3. Spend 1–1.5 hours at Dwejra (Inland Sea boat, Blue Hole lookout, walk around the headland)
4. Continue to Victoria, Ggantija, Xlendi, or other Gozo sites

Alternatively, join an organised Gozo day trip that includes Dwejra:

Book the Gozo full-day tour visiting Ggantija, salt pans and Dwejra

By boat from Gozo or Malta

The Dwejra area is accessible by sea as part of a Gozo coastline boat tour. Approaching Dwejra by water — from Xlendi or Mġarr — gives you the full perspective of the bay from the sea, including the site of the Azure Window and Fungus Rock.

Book the Xlendi boat tour (2 hours, covers Dwejra coastline)

The Azure Window collapse: what to know

The Azure Window — a naturally eroded limestone arch rising 28 metres above the sea — was one of Malta’s most iconic images. It appeared in the opening episode of Game of Thrones (Daenerys and Khal Drogo’s wedding) and on Malta’s 1-lira note. On 8 March 2017, during a severe storm, the arch collapsed into the sea.

The collapse was not unexpected — geological surveys had shown it was weakening for years, and the site had been closed to walkers standing on top of the arch since 2013. For many Maltese and Gozo residents, it was a loss that felt personal.

Today, visiting Dwejra without the arch is different but not lesser. The surrounding formations — the Fungus Rock dome, the cliffs, the Inland Sea tunnel — are as striking as ever. What’s gone is the arch itself; what remains is still one of the most dramatic landscapes in the Maltese islands.

Some visitors are disappointed. Others find the site more interesting precisely because of the story of loss — the remnants of the arch visible on the seabed in clear water, the absent silhouette in the sky. Divers now visit the Azure Window site to see the collapsed arch underwater — it’s become one of Malta’s most compelling dive sites.

The Blue Hole: what you see from above

Adjacent to the former Azure Window site is the Blue Hole — a circular shaft in the rock face, about 15 metres in diameter, dropping directly into the sea. It’s connected to the open sea through an underwater archway. From above, on a calm day, you can see straight down through the Blue Hole to depths of 10–15 metres.

The Blue Hole is one of Europe’s top dive sites, famous for its visibility, the underwater arch, and the wall diving beyond it. From the surface, it’s an impressive geological feature but you’ll need to dive to appreciate it fully.

Combining Dwejra with a dive

If you’re a diver, Dwejra is non-negotiable. The Blue Hole + Azure Window dive site offers wall diving to 45+ metres, exceptional visibility (30+ metres on good days), and a genuine “bucket list” feel for European diving. Shore diving directly from the Dwejra car park area is possible for certified divers with their own equipment.

For those who want a guided introduction to Gozo diving, a discover scuba experience is available from nearby:

Book a discover scuba diving experience for beginners in Gozo

What else to see at Dwejra

Fungus Rock (Il-Ġebla tal-General): The domed islet at the entrance to Dwejra Bay. In the 17th–18th centuries, a plant growing here (Cynomorium coccineum, actually not particularly medicinally effective) was valued by the Knights of Malta as a cure for bleeding. The Rock was so heavily guarded that touching it was punishable by three years on the galleys. Today it’s a protected nature reserve. It’s a 10-minute walk to viewpoints above the bay.

The headland walk: A 1–2 hour circular walk from the Inland Sea around the headland gives you elevated views of Dwejra Bay, the Blue Hole, and across toward Comino. Comfortable shoes recommended.

Seasonal considerations

Winter diving caution: Dwejra is famously affected by strong Gregale winds (northeast) in winter. The Blue Hole and surrounding dive sites are frequently closed from November to March due to rough sea conditions. The Inland Sea tunnel trip is also suspended in rough weather.

Summer visits: June–September, Dwejra is accessible and the tunnel ride runs reliably. Morning visits (before 11:00) avoid the midday crowds from tour groups.

Frequently asked questions about the Dwejra Inland Sea boat tour

How much does the Inland Sea boat ride cost?

Approximately €5–10 per person paid directly to the fisherman in cash. There’s no booking system and no fixed price — the amount is negotiated or set by the fishermen. €5–8 is typical.

How long does the Inland Sea tunnel boat ride take?

About 20–30 minutes from boarding to return. The tunnel passage itself takes 2–3 minutes each way.

Can I do the Inland Sea without a boat?

You can walk to the Inland Sea and see the lagoon without a boat. But you cannot access the tunnel on foot — it’s a sea-level passage only navigable by small boat. The view from the Inland Sea without the tunnel trip is incomplete.

Is the Inland Sea boat suitable for children?

Yes, for children who are comfortable on small boats. The water inside the Inland Sea is calm. The tunnel can be dark and slightly claustrophobic for those who don’t expect it — prepare children beforehand.

What happened to the Azure Window?

The Azure Window collapsed on 8 March 2017 during a storm. The site still draws visitors for the surrounding formations, the Blue Hole, and the Inland Sea tunnel trip. Divers visit the collapsed arch underwater.

Is Dwejra accessible in winter?

Yes, but with caveats. The Inland Sea tunnel trip may be suspended in rough weather. Diving at the Blue Hole is frequently closed in winter due to the Gregale wind. The land-based sightseeing (headland walk, Fungus Rock views) is accessible year-round.

How far is Dwejra from Victoria (Gozo)?

About 8 km, which takes 15–20 minutes by car. By bus, take route 307 from Victoria bus terminus — the journey takes about 25 minutes and drops you at the Dwejra car park.

Can you swim at Dwejra?

Yes. The Inland Sea itself is swimable and has a small rocky beach area. The open sea beyond the tunnel is accessible but requires swimming through the tunnel — not recommended for casual swimmers. The area around the Blue Hole is popular for snorkelling and diving.

Last reviewed: 2026-04-20