Gozo’s Top Dive Sites: Comino Caves (Santa Marija Caves
Gozo’s underwater landscape is littered with topographical wonders. One of the most spectacular of these dive sites would be Comino Caves, otherwise known as Santa Marija Caves. The dive site is a boat dive, boasting a range of caves, tunnels archways and swim throughs winding throughout the impressive cliffs in Comino’s eastern corner.
The dive with us here at Blue Waters begins from beautiful Hondoq bay. After jumping on board the boat it will take around 5 minute to arrive at the dive site. The journey alone is stunning, allowing you to take the time to soak in the views of Comino.
The boat will anchor in a sheltered area, surrounding by cliffs. For those joining just for the boat ride it is a true beauty spot and great place to enjoy a swim.
On entering the water, you will see 3 ‘caves’ in front of you as you face the Cliffside. I usually enter the 3rd on the right hand side to start the dive.
Here you will enter a nice cavern which bends to the right gently, around 8m deep. You will see the 2 smaller exits from this cavern in front of you, bright blue light streaming through and inviting you in. I take the right hand side route, a small hole which then opens up into a larger spacious cavern, then finally the open sea. Here it is worth to move slowly, enjoying the dancing beams of light at the mouth of the cavern. Also Moray and Octopus are commonly found here.
On exiting this cavern you will see the famous Zorro ‘Z’. This unusual cut into the rock face creates an amazing effect and makes for great photos.
You then have plenty of options. You could circle back on yourself, passing through one of many passageways to return to the previous cavern, or spend some time in deeper open water. Either way there are many things to see.
Passing back through the initial cavern also gives a new perspective. You can hold the right wall as you re-enter which takes you underneath an air pocket in the cave. The sun pours in from this opening, showering you in beams of light.
On exiting the initial cave you can spend some time in the open, close to the boat, before turning right with the wall and entering the second ‘cave’. This one is open to the surface, so it is important to check for possible boat traffic.
You will pass under a stone archway into this crystal clear corridor. Follow the sandy bottom for a while before turning to face the exit and enjoying the view. This area is famous for its film history. The treasure of Spada was found here in the 2002 movie ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’.
You will then venture back into open water, close to the boat. Here it is worth to spend some time to play with the large shoals of saddled bream that gather to feed. It is a wonderfully playful experience, to be thoroughly enjoyed by beginners and experienced divers alike.
There is also a third overhang to explore after following the bottom out and passing through a beautiful arch, often home to lobster and Nudibranchs. This overhanging small cavern has a rocky bottom, perfect to hide curious octopus through the summer and autumn months.
After exiting here you can cruise onto a shallow plateau that should lead you close to the boat, make your safety stop, then exit. This is an easy, shallow dive that will amaze and enthral all levels of diver.
Get in touch now to organise some great dives!