Santa Maria Caves: A Subaquatic Wonderland
Discover the enchanting underwater world of Comino's Santa Maria Caves: a haven for divers, snorkelers, and marine life enthusiasts.
Explore the Santa Maria Caves, a mesmerizing underwater network off Comino's coast, perfect for divers and snorkelers. Discover vibrant marine life, stunning rock formations, and the magical play of light in these shallow, interconnected caverns.
A brief summary to Santa Maria Caves
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Local tips
- Arrive early, especially during peak season, to avoid crowds and fully enjoy the serene underwater environment.
- Bring an underwater camera to capture the stunning light displays and vibrant marine life within the caves.
- Consider combining your visit to the Santa Maria Caves with other nearby dive sites or attractions on Comino for a full-day adventure.
- If you plan to dive, ensure you have the appropriate certification (Open Water Diver or higher) and consider Nitrox for extended bottom time.
- Be mindful of the delicate ecosystem within the caves and avoid touching or disturbing the marine life and rock formations.
Getting There
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Ferry
The most common way to reach Santa Maria Caves is by ferry from Malta or Gozo. From Malta, ferries depart from Ċirkewwa. From Gozo, ferries depart from Mġarr Harbour. **From Malta (Ċirkewwa):** 1. **Take a bus to Ċirkewwa:** Several bus routes connect Valletta, St. Julian's, and other major towns to Ċirkewwa. 2. **Purchase a round-trip ferry ticket:** Two main companies, Comino Ferries Co-Op and Ebsons Comino Ferries, operate ferries to Comino. Tickets can be bought at the terminal or online. A round-trip ticket costs approximately €13-€15 per person. 3. **Board the ferry to Comino:** The ferry journey takes about 25 minutes. Ferries typically arrive at the Blue Lagoon or Santa Maria Bay. 4. **From Blue Lagoon or Santa Maria Bay:** Arrange for a boat to take you to the caves. This can be done with local tour operators. **From Gozo (Mġarr Harbour):** 1. **Arrive at Mġarr Harbour:** This is the main port in Gozo. 2. **Purchase a round-trip ferry ticket:** Ebsons Comino Ferries operates a ferry service from Mġarr Harbour to Comino. A round-trip ticket costs around €10. 3. **Board the ferry to Comino:** The ferry ride takes approximately 15-20 minutes. 4. **From Blue Lagoon or Santa Maria Bay:** Arrange for a boat to take you to the caves. This can be done with local tour operators. **Costs:** * Round-trip ferry from Ċirkewwa (Malta): €13-€15. * Round-trip ferry from Mġarr Harbour (Gozo): €10. **Note:** There are no direct ferries to the Santa Maria Caves. You will need to arrange for a boat from Comino.
Discover more about Santa Maria Caves
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