Blue Lagoon (Comino) Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchorage in the spectacular turquoise channel between Comino and Cominotto in 2–5m over brilliant white sand. Excellent holding throughout — the sand is clean, flat, and deep-holding. The channel is enclosed on N and S by the two islands, providing protection from N, NE, E, SE, and S; exposed to W and SW where swell from the open Mediterranean can penetrate in W or SW wind conditions. DAYTIME (July–August): This is one of the busiest anchorages in the entire Mediterranean — 200+ boats plus numerous large day-tripper ferries operating from Malta and Gozo. Space management is critical; arriving before 08:00 is necessary to secure a position in peak season. OVERNIGHT (from approximately 17:00–18:00): After the last day-tripper ferries depart, the Blue Lagoon transforms into one of the most beautiful and peaceful overnight anchorages in the Mediterranean. The water turns from turquoise to deep blue-green, the cliffs glow gold in the evening light, and the silence is complete. Yellow mooring buoys are available on the Cominotto (N) side for overnight use — use these in preference to anchoring to protect the sandy bottom and minimise scope-entanglement in a crowded channel. COMINOTTO: No landing — designated nature reserve. 60m alarm radius for the confined channel — shorter scope is necessary to avoid fouling neighbours and the mooring buoy lines.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Blue Lagoon (Comino) is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set.

1. Monitor VHF Ch 16 for Gozo Radio before entering Mġarr Harbour or approaching any Gozo anchorage. Ferry vessels have right of way at all times in the Gozo Channel.
2. Anchor in 2–5m. 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 (25m chain at 5m depth). Verify the bottom is sand or mud — check for Posidonia seagrass (EU protected) before dropping the anchor.
4. Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds at moderate throttle. Use the scope calculator to confirm adequate chain.

Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Blue Lagoon (Comino) are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to W and SW winds. The primary overnight hazard in Gozo is the Gregale NE gale (Nov–Mar): north-facing bays (Ramla, Marsalforn) become dangerous — seek shelter in Mġarr ix-Xini or Xlendi Bay immediately at any Gregale forecast.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 60m radius before going below. 60m radius in 3–4m sand — confined channel. Excellent holding but short scope necessary to avoid fouling. Use Cominotto-side mooring buoys when available. W/SW swell can penetrate — leave if W gale forecast. Do NOT land on Cominotto (nature reserve).

Usable May–October. The character of the anchorage changes dramatically by season and time of day. May and early June: relatively quiet, warm water beginning to develop, often only a dozen boats overnight — the Blue Lagoon at its finest. July–August: peak madness during the day, peak magic after 18:00. September: excellent combination — warm water (24–25°C), decreasing day-tripper numbers, and still pleasant evenings. October: quieter still, some days almost empty even by day — one of the Mediterranean's best October anchorages. The turquoise colour is at its most vivid in May and June when the sun is higher and the water is clear after winter.

Navigation Hazards

• DAYTIME CROWDING (July–August): 200+ boats plus day-tripper ferries in a small channel — space management critical; arrive before 08:00 or accept no space available
• Day-tripper ferry wash — large ferries running to Blue Lagoon from Malta and Gozo generate significant wake in the confined channel during operating hours
• W/SW swell — the channel mouth is open to the W; swell can penetrate in W or SW wind/gale conditions; be prepared to leave if overnight W gale forecast develops
• Cominotto nature reserve — strictly no landing; Transport Malta enforces this; yellow buoys on Cominotto side are for mooring, not for landing
• Shallow E end (2m) — deeper-draft vessels should remain in the main channel section (3–5m); check echosounder carefully when positioning

Rules & Regulations

• EU member (not Schengen): No customs formalities for EU boats arriving from EU ports. Non-EU boats: Mġarr Harbour is the official 24/7 customs clearance point for Gozo — fly yellow Q flag on arrival. EES biometric recording required for non-EU crew since October 2025.
• Posidonia: EU protected throughout Maltese waters — anchor only in sand or mud patches. Fines apply. Use mooring buoys where provided.
• Anchoring fee: Free for anchoring; use mooring buoys in preference when available to reduce congestion and protect the sandy bottom
• Restrictions: Do NOT land on Cominotto — nature reserve, strictly enforced. Use mooring buoys in preference to anchoring. Short scope essential — confined channel. W/SW swell: be prepared to leave if W gale develops overnight. Day-tripper ferries have right of way in the channel during operating hours.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Mġarr Harbour, Gozo (4.5nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Mġarr Harbour, Gozo (4.5nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Mġarr Harbour, Gozo (4.5nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. The overnight transformation is the Blue Lagoon's true magic — arrive in the afternoon, endure the day-tripper chaos, and by 18:00 you will have one of the Mediterranean's finest overnight spots
2. Arrive before 08:00 in July–August to guarantee a position — late arrivals find no space and must anchor outside the channel
3. Use the yellow mooring buoys on the Cominotto side for overnight — reduces scope and avoids fouling in the crowded channel
4. May, June, September, October: far less crowded; the Blue Lagoon in May or early June is a genuinely peaceful experience
5. Snorkelling and swimming: the water clarity is exceptional — 25–30m visibility on a good day; the reef around Cominotto is excellent for snorkelling
6. Carry all supplies from Mġarr or Malta — no fuel or water on Comino