Comino NW Approach Anchorage Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Sandy anchorage northwest of the Blue Lagoon entrance in 5–12m. Good holding on clean sand. Useful staging point for entering the Blue Lagoon or waiting for the daytime crowd to clear. Relatively quiet compared to the main lagoon. Open to SW and W — not comfortable in westerly swell. Good all-round visibility for weather monitoring.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Comino NW Approach Anchorage is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set.

1. Monitor VHF Ch 16 (Malta Radio) — VHF patrol operates in summer around Comino and the Blue Lagoon. Mooring buoy enforcement patrols call all vessels on Ch 16 during peak season.
2. Anchor in 5–12m. Malta's tidal range is negligible (<30cm) — no tidal depth correction needed. Wind-driven sea level variation up to 0.5m possible in strong winds.
3. Deploy at least 5:1 scope (60m chain at 12m depth). Verify the bottom is sand — check for Posidonia seagrass (EU protected) before dropping the anchor. In the Blue Lagoon, use mooring buoys provided.
4. Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds at moderate throttle. Use the scope calculator to confirm adequate chain.

Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Spade, Delta.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Comino NW Approach Anchorage are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to S and SW and W winds. In the Blue Lagoon area, the critical overnight consideration is ferry and tourist boat wash (09:00–17:00) and ensuring mooring buoy pendants are sound before sleeping. After 17:00, the lagoon becomes one of the Mediterranean's most peaceful overnight anchorages.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 95m radius before going below. 95m radius in 6–9m clean sand. Good holding. Open to SW and W — monitor swell forecasts. Useful waiting anchorage when Blue Lagoon is at capacity during daytime peak.

May–October. Fair weather staging anchorage. Not for overnight in W or SW swell. Best used as a daytime stop.

Navigation Hazards

• SW and W exposure — swell can make this uncomfortable in westerly conditions
• Posidonia patches possible — verify sandy bottom before anchoring

Rules & Regulations

• EU member (not Schengen): No customs formalities for EU boats arriving from EU ports. Non-EU boats: clear customs at Grand Harbour (Malta) or Mġarr Harbour (Gozo) before visiting Comino. EES biometric recording required for non-EU crew since October 2025.
• Posidonia: EU protected throughout Maltese waters — anchor only in sand patches. Fines apply. In the Blue Lagoon swimming zone, mooring buoys are mandatory to protect the Posidonia meadows below.
• Cominotto: No landing on Cominotto island — designated nature reserve. Fines apply.
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: Sandy patches only — check for Posidonia. Open water — daytime use preferred in SW/W conditions.

For a full overview, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on Comino — bring from Malta or Gozo
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Mġarr, Gozo (4nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Mġarr, Gozo (4nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Mġarr, Gozo (4nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Good waiting anchorage — wait here for Blue Lagoon to clear in the afternoon before moving in
2. Clean sand holding — one of the better free anchorages in the Comino area