Frequently Asked Questions

Course and Diving Location

If you’re joining us in Gozo, all of our diving activities are run from Gozo Technical Diving in Xewkija. If you stay within walking distance, you may not need a hire car as there is public transport (buses), and Bolt or Uber are widely available. 

Getting to Gozo

Once you arrive at Malta International Airport, there are several ways to transfer to Gozo. 

1. Private car transfer from the airport to your accommodation. This is probably the most comfortable option as the car and driver go on the car ferry with you. There is no need to load and unload your luggage several times, and this service is available 24/7. We recommend Frankie and his colleagues of Eagle Garage (WhatsApp +356 9924 2080). The price per car is currently 75-80 Euros. Eagle Garage also offer local car rentals in Gozo. 

2. DIY transfer via Gozo Highspeed fast ferry. Take a Bolt/Uber from the airport to the fast ferry terminal (around 15-20 Euro depending on demand). The fast ferry takes you from Valletta to Mgarr harbour in Gozo. From there, you can take another Bolt/Uber. In some cases, we may also be able to pick you up. This tends to be cheaper than option 1, but the fast ferry only runs at specific times (check their website or social media) and will be cancelled when sea conditions get rough. 

3. Car rental. There are numerous car rental companies based at the airport, so you can pick up your vehicle when you arrive. Drive to the car ferry at Cirkewwa to continue on to Gozo. You will pay on return. The car ferry runs 24/7. Remember that we drive on the left, though!

Through Gozo Technical Diving, we can also help you arrange pick-up rental.

Accommodation

From hotels to houses of character and Airbnbs, Gozo has a wide choice. 

If you would like to stay in walking distance from the dive centre base, look for accommodation in Xewkija. Directly above the dive centre is the Mariblu Hotel, but you may prefer Quaint Boutique Hotel in the main village square for easier access to restaurants and cafes. If you prefer self-catering, both booking.com and airbnb.com offer plenty of options. 

Parking is available near the dive centre. We can usually offer to pick you up on your first day and drop you off on your last day to help with luggage. Daily trips from your accommodation to the dive centre can be covered by bus or Bolt/Uber, if walking is not an option. 

Packing List

What you need to bring may vary depending on the course or diving you’ve booked with us. Here is a basic list to help you pack: 

Sidemount Course

• Strongly recommended – your own Sidemount BCD. Setting this up correctly is one of the most important parts of safe and enjoyable sidemount diving, and by bringing your own equipment, you can be sure that you’re leaving with it set up correctly. We dive, recommend and sell the XDeep Stealth series of gear and can advise and order your setup ready for your course. 
• Sidemount-compatible regulators
• Orange SMB and spool (minimum 30 m)
• Primary light (Goodman-style handle strongly recommended)
• Wetnotes
• Cutting tool (Eezy cut works well)
• Cargo pouch 
• Spare double ender
• Personal equipment – exposure suit, undergarments, technical fins, mask, computer etc. Some of these can be rented, but arrangements are better made ahead of time. 

Technical Courses

• Sidemount system or donut-style wing, harness and backplate (contact us ahead of time if you’re looking to purchase your own system. For the Intro to Tech course, we are able to offer rental gear.)
• Regulator set for your chosen configuration
• Orange SMB and spool (minimum 40 m)
• Yellow SMB and spool
• Primary light (Goodman-style handle)
• Two back-up lights
• Wetnotes
• Two cutting tools (Eezy cut works well)
• Cargo pouch or pockets on your exposure suit
• Spare double ender
• Deco regulators (O2 clean. We can arrange rental gear but need advance notice.)
• Personal equipment – exposure suit, undergarments, technical fins, mask, computer etc. Some of these can be rented, but arrangements are better made ahead of time.

Overhead Courses

• Sidemount system or donut-style wing, harness and backplate (contact us ahead of time if you’re looking to purchase your own system.)
• Regulator set for your chosen configuration
• Orange SMB and spool 
• Primary light (Goodman-style handle)
• Two back-up lights
• Highly recommended – helmet if diving sidemount
• Primary reel (100-130 m)
• Two safety spools (35-40 m)
• Pigtail (boltsnap and bungee)
• Three REMs, cookies and arrows – ideally a mix of colours
• Wetnotes
• Tarantool multitool or similar
• One each high-pressure and low-pressure plug
• Two aluminium tent pegs
• Two cutting tools (Eezy cut works well)
• Cargo pouch or pockets on your exposure suit
• Spare double ender
• Personal equipment – exposure suit, undergarments, technical fins, mask, computer etc. Some of these can be rented, but arrangements are better made ahead of time.

CCR Courses

• If training on the Kiss Sidewinder, you need your normal full sidemount equipment (contact us ahead of time if you’re looking to purchase your own system or additional accessories.)
• Regulator set for your chosen configuration
• Additional LPI hoses – 1 x 20-30 cm and 1 x 50-70 cm (those can be supplied or purchased on site)
• Orange SMB and spool (minimum 30 m)
• Primary light (Goodman-style handle)
• Wetnotes
• Cutting tool (Eezy cut works well)
• Tarantool multitool or similar
• Cargo pouch or pockets on your exposure suit
• Spare double ender
• Decompression courses – deco regulator(s) (O2 clean. We can arrange rental gear but need advance notice.) fitted with an additional LPI hose
• Personal equipment – exposure suit, undergarments, technical fins, mask, computer etc. Some of these can be rented, but arrangements are better made ahead of time.

Always a Good Idea

Bungee, cable ties and basic spare o-rings. We have tools and spare parts and can arrange support for a selection of brands quickly, but nothing beats having your own supply handy. 

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover illness, missing or delayed diving equipment and other circumstances before or during your course. In addition, we also recommend purchasing diving insurance to cover potential hyperbaric treatment and related expenses.