Comino Hotel Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Sheltered sandy bay on the south side of Comino, fronting the Blue Lagoon Hotel (seasonal operation). Clean sand bottom in 3–7m with good holding. Well-protected from N through NE through W. Hotel launches use the bay — keep clear of the hotel pontoon. The hotel operates seasonally; bay is quieter when the hotel is closed. A pleasant alternative to the main Blue Lagoon for those wanting sandy beach swimming in a calmer setting.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Comino Hotel Bay 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 3–7m. 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 (35m chain at 7m 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, Bruce.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Comino Hotel Bay are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to S and SE 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 80m radius before going below. 80m radius in 4–6m clean sand. Good holding. Hotel launches use the area — maintain clearance from hotel pontoon. Open to S/SE (Xlokk) — monitor south wind forecasts.

Good May–October. Hotel is seasonal — best May, June, September, October when hotel operates but tourist crowds haven't peaked. July–August busy but still less crowded than Blue Lagoon.

Navigation Hazards

• Hotel launch traffic — keep clear of hotel pontoon
• SE (Xlokk/Scirocco) exposure — relocate if SE wind develops
• Posidonia patches possible near shore — verify sand 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: Keep clear of hotel pontoon and hotel launch routes. Sandy bottom — check for Posidonia. Open to S/SE.

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 (4.3nm)
• Restaurant: Blue Lagoon Hotel restaurant/bar (seasonal — summer only). Services may not be available to non-hotel guests in all seasons.
• Provisions: None on site — Mġarr, Gozo (4.3nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Hotel restaurant occasionally serves non-guests in peak season — worth asking on VHF
2. Sandy beach for swimming; calmer than the Blue Lagoon during peak tourist hours
3. Good base for walking to Blue Lagoon (10 minutes across the island)