Santa Maria Caves, Blue Lagoon Travel Guide

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Explore the stunning underwater world of Comino's Santa Maria Caves: a haven for divers, snorkelers, and marine life enthusiasts.

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Santa Maria Caves

The Santa Maria Caves, located on the northern coast of Comino Island in Malta, are a series of fascinating underwater caves that attract divers and snorkelers of all skill levels. With diverse marine life and unique rock formations, these caves offer an unforgettable experience for those seeking to explore the Mediterranean's hidden depths.

A brief summary to Santa Maria Caves

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Santa Maria Caves.

Arrive early, especially during peak season, to avoid crowds and enjoy a more serene experience.
Bring an underwater camera to capture the unique lighting and stunning rock formations within the caves.
Consider booking a boat tour that includes snorkeling or diving gear for a hassle-free experience.
Be cautious when diving or snorkeling in the caves, and be aware of your surroundings.
Check weather conditions before your visit, as ferries may not operate during bad weather.

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Explore Santa Maria Caves on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Santa Maria Caves, mapped for you.

Getting There

Ferry

To reach the Santa Maria Caves, you'll first need to get to Comino Island. Ferries operate daily from Ċirkewwa in Malta and Mġarr Harbour in Gozo. From Ċirkewwa, the round-trip ferry ticket costs approximately €13-€15. From Mġarr Harbour Gozo, the round-trip ferry ticket costs approximately €10. Once on Comino, the ferry will typically drop you off at the Blue Lagoon or Santa Maria Bay. From either of these locations, you can reach the caves by boat. Several boat tours and water taxis offer transportation to the caves, with prices varying depending on the operator and the length of the tour. These tours often combine a visit to the caves with other attractions around Comino, such as the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon.

Discover more about Santa Maria Caves

The Santa Maria Caves are a popular destination for divers and snorkelers visiting Comino, the smallest of the Maltese Islands. Situated on the island's northern coast, these caves form a captivating underwater labyrinth of gulleys, caverns, swim-throughs, and interconnected chambers. There are around 10 caves, each with its own unique characteristics and beauty.The caves are relatively shallow, with depths typically not exceeding 8 meters (26 feet), making them accessible to divers of all levels, including beginners. Snorkelers can also enjoy the caves, as some are partially above water. The clear, turquoise waters surrounding the caves teem with marine life, including nudibranchs, octopuses, crabs, spiny lobsters, eels, mullets, shrimp, and damselfish. The banded sea bream are a particular attraction, known to swarm visitors who offer them bread.The Santa Maria Caves are not only a haven for marine life but also a geological marvel. The caves' intricate limestone formations, arches, and swim-through tunnels create a stunning spectacle of light and shadow. One notable cave extends 30 meters through the headland, connecting to another cave and featuring a shaft that opens to the sky, allowing filtered light to illuminate the surroundings. The play of light within the caves creates an otherworldly glow, making it a popular spot for underwater photography.In addition to their natural beauty, the Santa Maria Caves have also served as a filming location for the movie 'The Count of Monte Cristo'. Divers come year after year and thus, arriving early to avoid the crowds is recommended.