Santa Marija Caves
Site Overview
The Santa Marija Caves are several large sea caves on Comino’s north coast, with swim-throughs, glassfish and morays and spectacular light effects. Accessed by boat, the sheltered setting and easy depth make them a favourite for all levels, and the clear, turquoise water is a photographer’s dream. It is one of Comino’s signature dive sites. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Malta’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Malta’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Malta’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Malta’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Malta’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Malta’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Malta’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Malta’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers.
Dive Briefing
"Boat to the caves and descend, swimming through the openings and watching for glassfish and morays. Explore the light effects at the entrances, then ascend with a safety stop, mindful of boat traffic. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point."
Signature Marine Life
Glassfish
Ambassis keyensis
Best: Year-round
Mediterranean Moray
Muraena helena
Best: Year-round
Common Octopus
Octopus vulgaris
Best: Year-round
Two-banded Sea Bream
Diplodus vulgaris
Best: Year-round
Barracuda
Sphyraena viridensis
Best: Year-round
Safety & Hazards
- Boat traffic in the area
- Occasional mild current
- Cave disorientation
- Limited visibility after rain
- Rocky entry by boat
- Depth near 20 m
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Perfect for open-water divers and photographers who love caves, swim-throughs and light. It is a highlight of any Comino trip and suits all experience levels. It suits confident Mediterranean divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich marine life over tropical abundance. It suits confident Mediterranean divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich marine life over tropical abundance. It suits confident Mediterranean divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich marine life over tropical abundance. It suits confident Mediterranean divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich marine life over tropical abundance.
Quick Stats
Dive Logistics
- Dive Gozo
- St. Andrew’s Divers Cove
Photography Info
Best for: wide_angle, macro