Background

Santa Maria Caves: A Submerged Wonderland

Explore the stunning underwater beauty of the Santa Maria Caves in Comino, Malta, a haven for divers and snorkelers.

4.7

The Santa Maria Caves, located on the northern coast of Comino, Malta, are a series of stunning sea caves known for their crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. Popular with snorkelers and divers, the caves offer a unique underwater experience with dramatic rock formations and shafts of sunlight.

A brief summary to Santa Maria Caves

  • MT

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially during peak season, to avoid crowds.
  • Bring an underwater camera to capture the unique rock formations and marine life.
  • Consider booking a boat tour for easy access to the caves and other nearby attractions.
  • Be cautious when diving in the caves, and be aware of your surroundings.
  • Bring bread to feed the Banded Sea Bream.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Boat

    The most common way to reach the Santa Maria Caves is by boat. Several ferry services and boat tours operate from Malta and Gozo to Comino. Ferries typically depart from Ċirkewwa or Marfa on Malta, and from Mġarr Harbour on Gozo. From the Blue Lagoon, you can either swim to the caves (approximately 15-20 minutes) or take a short boat ride. Many boat tours include a stop at the Santa Maria Caves as part of their itinerary. **Cost:** * Ferry from Malta or Gozo to Comino: €7-€30 round trip. * Boat tour to Comino (including a stop at the Santa Maria Caves): €25-€40.

  • Swimming

    For strong swimmers already at the Blue Lagoon, swimming to Santa Maria Caves is an option, though not recommended for inexperienced swimmers due to boat traffic and potential currents. **Cost:** * Free (but requires a pre-booked QR code to access Blue Lagoon ).

Unlock the Best of Santa Maria Caves

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Santa Maria Caves

The Santa Maria Caves are a captivating network of underwater caves located on the northern coast of Comino Island in Malta. These caves are a popular destination for divers and snorkelers, offering a unique and mesmerizing underwater experience. The caves feature dramatic rock formations, swim-through tunnels, and shafts of sunlight that penetrate the water, creating an otherworldly glow. The Santa Maria Caves are relatively shallow, with depths typically not exceeding 8 meters, making them accessible to divers and snorkelers of all levels. The crystal-clear waters surrounding the caves teem with marine life, including octopus, crabs, shrimp, moray eels, damselfish, and nudibranchs. Divers can also encounter schools of banded sea bream, which have become accustomed to being fed by visitors. The caves have a rich history, having been used by pirates and smugglers in the past due to their secluded location. The Santa Maria Caves have also served as a filming location for movies such as The Count of Monte Cristo. Today, the caves are a protected marine environment, home to a delicate ecosystem of flora and fauna.

Popular Experiences near Santa Maria Caves

Popular Hotels near Santa Maria Caves

Select Currency