Rdum tal-Madonna — Comino Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Deep anchorage along the east cliff face of Comino in 5–20m. Protected from the SW and W by the island mass. Exposed to N, NE (Gregale), and E. Excellent diving and snorkeling off the vertical limestone wall. Sandy patches provide fair holding between rocky outcrops. Suitable only in settled SW or W conditions — leave immediately if any northerly or easterly component develops. Trip line essential.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Rdum tal-Madonna — Comino is primarily sand and rock with variable holding that requires extra attention.

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 5–20m. 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 (100m chain at 20m 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, Mantus.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Rdum tal-Madonna — Comino are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to N and NE and E 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 110m radius before going below. 110m radius in 8–15m deep, mixed sand/rock. Fair holding. Exposed N/NE/E — leave if any northerly or easterly wind forecast. Trip line essential on rocky substrate. Scenic diving anchorage.

Experienced sailors only. May–September in settled SW/W conditions. Absolute calm required for overnight — not recommended except for very experienced crews with favorable forecast.

Navigation Hazards

• Very exposed to N and NE (Gregale) — must leave immediately if NE wind develops
• Deep water — significant chain required for adequate scope
• Rocky bottom — trip line essential; anchor recovery can be difficult

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: Expert use only — deep, exposed, rocky bottom. Trip line essential. Leave immediately if N/NE winds develop.

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 (4.7nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Mġarr, Gozo (4.7nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Mġarr, Gozo (4.7nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Experienced crews only — exposure and depth require careful assessment
2. Diving along the east cliff wall is spectacular — visibility regularly exceeds 20m
3. Check forecast carefully before committing — no shelter from N or E if conditions deteriorate