Santa Marija Caves & Dive Site - Comino

Santa Marija Caves, nestled on Comino’s northern coast, isn’t just a cave dive; it's a labyrinth. We love how the ten distinct caves and swim-throughs invite exploration, especially on a calm day when the sun beams really penetrate the entrances. Inside, the light plays tricks, illuminating the rock walls in shades of purple and green, making the common cuttlefish and ornate wrasse look particularly vibrant against the shadows. Our favourite part has to be the feeling of moving from the open blue into the cool, still water of the caverns, watching schools of salema shimmer at the edges of the light. You’ll want to bring a torch, not just for the darker sections, but to spot the elliptical file-shells clinging to the walls, their fringes often out. The caves are relatively shallow, making them accessible for most divers, but the sheer number of entrances and exits means you can spend a good hour just exploring the different chambers. Keep an eye out for loggerhead turtles near the deeper openings, especially in summer. We’d suggest going early in the morning to beat the boat traffic and truly appreciate the quiet solitude this place can offer. It’s a dive that rewards slow, inquisitive exploration, perfect for photographers or anyone who enjoys a good swim-through.

Location
Comino, Malta, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
36.017994, 14.340230
Type
cave

Marine Protected Area: Il-Ġebla l-Ħalfa, limiti tal-Qala

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 Santa Marija Caves & Dive Site

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 Santa Marija Caves & Dive Site

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