What the Inland Sea actually is
The Inland Sea is a natural shallow lagoon at Dwejra, separated from the open sea by a 70-metre tunnel cut through the cliff by the Mediterranean over thousands of years. From the lagoon side it looks like a small inland lake. From the sea side, it’s a low arch in the cliff face, just high enough for small boats to pass through in calm conditions.
Local fishermen have run small wooden boats through the tunnel for decades, charging a few euro for the round trip. Private tender access is sometimes possible when conditions are settled and the local boats aren’t running, but the tunnel is genuinely tight and any swell makes it dangerous.
Approach
From outside, anchor offshore in 8 to 15 metres on sand patches in the wider Dwejra bay. Tender to the tunnel entrance, judge the swell carefully, and only proceed if the water is properly settled. The tunnel is dark, low in places, and any wave coming through can lift the tender into the rock above. Most owners are better off riding through with the local fishermen who do the trip every day and know the conditions.
Practical notes
The lagoon itself is shallow, with a small fishing village at the inland end where the local boats are based. Restaurants and a kiosk at the village. The whole experience, the geology, the tunnel, the lagoon, the cliffs, is one of the more memorable parts of any Gozo trip. Combine with Fungus Rock and Dwejra Bay for the full west coast experience.