Santa Marija Bay, Comino Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchorage at Santa Marija Bay on the NE coast of Comino in 3–7m over clean sand. Good holding throughout — the sandy bottom is flat and clear. Protected from S, SW, W, and NW by the island of Comino itself; exposed to N and NE. This bay is significantly quieter than Blue Lagoon and provides a more peaceful alternative on the same island cluster — day-tripper boat services do operate to the beach from mid-morning, but numbers are far lower than Blue Lagoon. The bay has excellent crystal water — visibility 20–25m. A small white sand beach sits at the head of the bay. No services whatsoever on Comino — bring everything required from Mġarr (Gozo) or Malta before arriving. The Comino Hotel (seasonal, E side of Comino) is the only building on the island. In Gregale (NE gale) this bay is exposed — leave for Mġarr Harbour or Grand Harbour. The bay is a superb quiet alternative to Blue Lagoon for boats that want Comino's crystalline water without the crowds. 85m alarm radius accounts for full scope in 5–6m sand in an open bay setting.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Santa Marija Bay, 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 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 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 Santa Marija Bay, Comino are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to N and NE 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 85m radius before going below. 85m radius in 5–6m sand. Good holding. N/NE exposure — Gregale from NE is a serious risk Nov–Mar; leave for Mġarr Harbour or Grand Harbour if forecast. Summer: more peaceful than Blue Lagoon with good S/SW protection.

Best May–October. This anchorage is particularly rewarding in May, June, and early October when Blue Lagoon is less crowded and Santa Marija Bay can be nearly empty overnight — one of the finest quiet anchorages in the Maltese archipelago. July–August: day visitors arrive mid-morning; the anchorage fills but never to Blue Lagoon levels; evenings become peaceful as day-trippers leave. September and October are excellent months — warm water, decreasing visitor numbers, and the low angle autumn light on the limestone cliffs is spectacular. Do not use November–March due to N/NE Gregale exposure.

Navigation Hazards

• N/NE exposure — Gregale (NE gale) is a serious risk Nov–Mar; do not anchor here overnight from November to March; leave for Mġarr Harbour or Grand Harbour if Gregale is forecast at any time of year
• Day-tripper boats from mid-morning in season — arrive early to position well; swimmer and snorkeller traffic increases significantly mid-day
• No services on Comino — completely self-sufficient required; bring sufficient water, fuel, and provisions from Gozo or Malta
• Shallow beach area at bay head (1–2m) — deeper-draft vessels must remain in the outer bay sections (4m+); 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 — peaceful alternative to Blue Lagoon; no services on Comino
• Restrictions: N/NE exposure — Gregale dangerous in this bay; leave for Mġarr Harbour (4.8nm NW) or Grand Harbour (Malta) if Gregale forecast. Carry all supplies from Gozo or Malta — no services on Comino outside Comino Hotel. Posidonia beds possible in shallower areas — anchor in sand gaps in 4m+.

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 (4.8nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Mġarr Harbour, Gozo (4.8nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Mġarr Harbour, Gozo (4.8nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. The quieter Comino alternative — all the crystal water of Blue Lagoon with a fraction of the crowds
2. Arrive before 10:00 for the best position and to enjoy the early morning calm before day-tripper boats arrive
3. Blue Lagoon is 500m W by dinghy — swim or row over in the evening after day-trippers leave for the best of both anchorages
4. Comino Hotel (E side of island) accessible by dinghy — occasional food and drink available in season
5. May and early June: often very quiet — just a handful of boats overnight; the Comino experience at its most authentic
6. Carry all water and provisions from Mġarr Gozo or Mellieħa Malta — Comino has nothing