Comino
Comino, a tiny island nestled between Malta and Gozo, is a diver's paradise renowned for its exceptionally clear turquoise waters and dramatic underwater topography. The destination's claim to fame is its network of caves, caverns, and swim-throughs, offering thrilling exploration for all experience levels. With famous sites like the Blue Lagoon providing sheltered conditions for beginners and deeper wrecks challenging seasoned divers, Comino presents a compact yet diverse underwater playground. The limestone geology has created a spectacular seascape of arches, tunnels, and drop-offs, all teeming with vibrant Mediterranean marine life.
Diving in Comino is characterized by excellent visibility, often exceeding 30 meters, and calm conditions, particularly from spring through autumn. The water is comfortably warm during the summer months, making it an inviting destination for extended dive trips. Its accessibility via short boat trips from both Malta and Gozo adds to its appeal, allowing for easy day trips dedicated solely to exploring its nine distinct dive sites. Divers should visit Comino to experience some of the best cavern and wreck diving the Mediterranean has to offer, all within a stunningly scenic and accessible location.
Top Sites
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most popular dive site in Comino, Malta?
The P31 shipwreck is arguably the most popular dive site in Comino, Malta. This former patrol boat was scuttled in 2009 to create an artificial reef. Sitting upright on a sandy bottom at around 18 meters, it's accessible to Open Water divers. Its numerous safe penetration points, clear visibility, and resident marine life make it a thrilling yet manageable wreck dive. The nearby Santa Marija Caves are also extremely popular for their stunning light effects and shallow depths.
What are the good and less popular dive sites in Comino, Malta?
Well-known sites in Comino, Malta include the P31 Wreck and the beautiful Santa Marija Caves. For a less crowded but equally rewarding experience, explore Lantern Point. This site features a vertical chimney that drops from 6 to 16 meters, leading out to a ledge with boulders and potential sightings of octopus and moray eels. It offers a different kind of adventure away from the main boat traffic, showcasing Comino's diverse underwater landscape.
What water temperature is it like throughout the year diving in Comino, Malta?
Water temperatures in Comino, Malta vary significantly by season. In winter (Dec-Feb), it drops to around 15-16°C (59-61°F). Spring (Mar-May) sees it warm from 16°C to 20°C (61-68°F). Summer (Jun-Aug) is the warmest, peaking at 26-28°C (79-82°F). Autumn (Sep-Nov) remains pleasant, gradually cooling from 25°C down to 20°C (77-68°F). These temperatures dictate the necessary exposure protection for comfortable diving.
When is the best time to visit Comino, Malta?
The best time for diving in Comino, Malta is from May to October. During these months, you'll find the warmest water temperatures, long sunny days, and the calmest sea conditions, which is ideal for accessing all dive sites. While diving is possible year-round, the winter months bring cooler water and air temperatures, along with a higher chance of rougher seas that can limit boat access to the island's more exposed sites.
What's the visibility like during the dive season in Comino, Malta?
The visibility when diving in Comino, Malta is typically excellent, a key reason for its popularity. During the main dive season from spring to autumn, you can consistently expect visibility of 30 meters (100 feet) or more. The clear, azure water is due to the rocky seabed and minimal runoff. While winter storms can temporarily reduce visibility, it generally remains very good year-round, making it a fantastic destination for underwater photography.
Are there any seasonal migrations or special events (e.g., manta rays, whale sharks) in Comino, Malta?
Comino, Malta does not have large-scale migrations of megafauna like manta rays or whale sharks. However, there are seasonal marine life events. In late spring and early summer, you may encounter more amberjacks and dentex as they hunt schools of smaller fish. During autumn, you might spot migrating tuna passing through offshore. The highlight is the consistent presence of diverse Mediterranean species rather than specific large animal migrations.
What marine life can I expect to see in Comino, Malta?
In Comino, Malta, divers can expect a rich variety of Mediterranean marine life. Common sightings include octopus, moray eels, cuttlefish, and large schools of damselfish and bream. The reefs and caverns host colorful nudibranchs, scorpionfish, and hermit crabs. Look out for barracuda, groupers, and parrotfish. Lucky divers might also spot john dory, flying gurnards, or a friendly stingray on the sandy bottoms near the wrecks.
What thickness wetsuit should I wear in Comino, Malta?
For summer diving (June-September) in Comino, Malta, a 3mm to 5mm shorty or full wetsuit is usually sufficient. In the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, a 5mm or 7mm full wetsuit is recommended as the water cools. For winter diving, when the water is coldest, a 7mm semi-dry suit or even a drysuit with appropriate undergarments is essential for staying comfortable during your dives.
How do I get to Comino, Malta?
To get to Comino, Malta, you first fly into Malta International Airport (MLA). From there, travel to the ferry terminals at Cirkewwa (Malta) or Mgarr (Gozo). Numerous dive operators and water taxi services run daily boat trips directly to Comino's dive sites and the Blue Lagoon. There is no airport on Comino itself; all access is by sea, making a boat dive the standard way to explore the area.
Should I book a liveaboard or stay on shore in Comino, Malta?
There are no dedicated liveaboards operating solely around Comino, Malta. The standard practice is to stay on shore in either Malta or Gozo and take day boats to the dive sites. This is highly effective as Comino is just a short boat ride away. Staying on the main islands offers more flexibility for accommodation, dining, and non-diving activities. A shore-based trip with a reputable dive center is the best way to experience diving here.