Azure Window, Ken, Slav  
    
Whole group exiting a Cave, Blue Hole. and Phil.

Just 3 days after our Scapa trip we are off again to warmer climes this time and lovely Gozo (22-30th Aug 2005). Our flight took us to Malta where we were transferred by minibus to the ferry terminal which took about 50mins. The ferry looked quite new and was very clean, and offered an assortment of snacks and refreshments in the cafeteria. This journey was a short 40min hop passing the smaller Island Comino.

Gozo and the the two other Islands are made of Limestone and is a dream come true for any Geologist to visit, fossils everywhere. The Atlantis Hotel was fine apart from the very old thread bare towels and salt water from the taps and shower to get used to. We stayed in a lovely town called Marsalforn which hosted a number of excellent restaurants. The diving was with Atlantis Diving who were on the same complex as the hotel. Brian the boss organised some amazing Cavern dives, and we highly recommend his dive shop. We all completed our Cavern Specialty course apart from Kashia who was the non-diver.

Sites such as the famous Blue Hole, Double Arches, Inland Sea and Azure Window and a couple of wreck dives made up our itinerary for the week. Also a night dive was completed where we spotted a Octopus, Swimming Gurnard and Morays much to our satisfaction. The water temp was between 21-24c, so a 5mm wetsuit was ideal.

Cavern diving really is quite amazing, the basalt boulders that greet you on the entry and inside are HUGE, Lobsters, Crabs, Morays, nudibranch and many Shrimps hiding. Quite often we saw more marine-life in the Caverns than outside on the reef. Very glad we did the course to extend our experiences further in Gozo.

We came back with fabulous memories of looking out of entry points from the Caverns (see picture above) and finding the one Seahorse of the trip solemnly hanging onto some soft coral. Plus many other memories the group will have for their own.

       


All rooms are fully air-conditioned with private bathrooms and are equipped with direct dial telephone, radio and satellite TV. Hairdryers are available at reception free of charge.

The accomodation and diving is at The Atlantis Hotel Marsalform in Gozo. Bed and breakfast is included in twin rooms.
Facilites inc: Lounge with TV, Swimming pool and sunny patio, The Mariblu restuarant offers Italian and local cuisine, Pizzeria and bar, open all day. Hotel facilities include an outdoor swimming pool with separate children's pool, indoor heated swimming pool and Jacuzzi, squash court, gym, saunas, games room and a superb bar and restaurant.

HMS Manchester wreck report