Mellieħa Rock - Comino

Rudder Reef is one of those places we keep coming back to, not because it’s the flashiest, but because it delivers every single time. It’s a solid bet for a relaxed dive, especially if you’re keen on seeing the Great Barrier Reef's coral in all its glory without feeling rushed. We love dropping in here mid-morning, just as the sun really starts to hit the reef, bringing out the subtle greens and yellows in the huge Pavona and Yellow Scroll corals. The real showstopper for us is the sheer expanse of branching Staghorn coral, forming intricate mazes you can glide over. It’s home to a surprising number of smaller reef fish – we always spot Cape Damsels darting between the branches and Pinkbanded Grubfish peeking from sandy patches. Keep an eye out for Hexagon Groupers lurking under ledges; they’re often surprisingly bold here. Visibility is usually good, making it a comfortable drift along the reef wall, suitable for anyone from newer divers to those just wanting an easy, beautiful dive. It’s not about big pelagics here, but about appreciating the reef’s quiet, consistent beauty.

Location
Comino, Malta, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
35.972500, 14.358330
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Żona fil-Baħar madwar Għawdex

Best Time to Dive in Comino

The warmest water temperatures in Comino occur in August, averaging 28.1°C. The coolest conditions are in March at 15.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 16.4°C
  • February: 15.5°C
  • March: 15.3°C
  • April: 16.2°C
  • May: 18.7°C
  • June: 22.9°C
  • July: 26.9°C
  • August: 28.1°C
  • September: 27.3°C
  • October: 24.9°C
  • November: 22.2°C
  • December: 19.3°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Comino

Nearest Dive Centres to Mellieħa Rock

Marine Life in Comino

Home to 24 recorded species including 12 reef fish, 4 sharks & rays, 2 whales & dolphins, 2 seagrass & algae, 2 hard corals, 1 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Mellieħa Rock

Based on average water temperature of 21.1°C, currents 2 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 21°C water
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories