The Ultimate Guide to Comino Caves (Accessible by Private Boat)

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Short Answer

Comino has more caves than any other island in Malta, and private boats can access all of them. The most famous caves include Lovers Cave, Popeye Cave, Monte Cristo Cave, Tunnel Cave, the Blue Lagoon Cave leading to a hidden beach, Santa Marija Caves, Elephant Rock, Twin Caves, Column Cave, and more. These caves are accessible only by small private boats due to shallow entrances, narrow passages, and underwater rock formations.

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Expanded Answer

Comino is known for its bright turquoise water, dramatic limestone formations, and a network of natural caves formed through centuries of erosion. Many of these caves cannot be visited by large group boats because the entrances are too shallow or narrow. Private boats, however, can safely manoeuvre inside, allowing guests to explore hidden beaches, deep blue caverns, movie locations, arches, and secret passages.

Some caves lead to enclosed sandy beaches. Others have collapsed roofs, natural columns, or underwater chambers. Several caves around Comino and Cominotto have been featured in films such as the 1980 musical Popeye starring Robin Williams and the Count of Monte Cristo. A few caves were historically used by smugglers to hide goods due to their secluded entrances.

Below is the complete guide to every major cave around Comino that you can visit on a private boat.

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The Complete List of Comino Caves You Can Visit by Private Boat

Lovers Cave (Comino)

A deep cave reaching approximately 40 metres inward, featuring a bright white sandy floor that reflects the blue water at the entrance. The natural lighting makes it ideal for photography. The cave is calm, quiet, and one of the most romantic spots on Comino.

Popeye Cave (L-Għar ta’ Bla Saqaf)

A dramatic cave with a collapsed roof, creating a circular opening where sunlight pours inside. Used in the 1980 musical film Popeye starring Robin Williams. Known for its deep blue water and powerful echo effect inside the chamber. One of the best caves for photos.

Tunnel Cave (Comino Peninsula Passage)

A long natural tunnel running from one side of the Comino peninsula to the other. You can swim or snorkel through it depending on conditions. The rock walls are smooth and beautifully carved by centuries of wave erosion.

Blue Lagoon Cave (Cominotto Hidden Beach Cave)

One of the most underrated caves in Malta. When you swim through the cave, you emerge into a secluded sandy beach at the backside of Cominotto. The contrast between the dark entrance and the glowing turquoise exit makes it one of the most photogenic caves in the area.

Blue Lagoon Secret Cave

A hidden cave connected to a small pocket beach. Accessible only by swimming through a narrow entrance. Excellent for photos, shallow swimming, and exploring quiet corners away from crowds.

Column Cave (North Comino)

Two caves located side-by-side, each supported by a natural limestone column in the middle of the entrance. The formations are unique in Malta and look impressive when entering by boat. The water here is exceptionally clear.

Santa Marija Caves (Neptune’s Grotto)

A group of caves on Comino’s northern side. The largest cave — often nicknamed Neptune’s Grotto — features bright white limestone contrasting against deep blue water. These caves are calm, spacious, and perfect for snorkelling.

Monte Cristo Cave

This cave was used as the hiding place for the treasure of Spada in the film The Count of Monte Cristo. Historically, smugglers also used the cave to store goods due to its hidden entrance. The inside chamber is dark, dramatic, and atmospheric.

Elephant Rock (Id-Darsa)

A massive natural arch resembling the shape of an elephant. Featured in the Monte Cristo film. One of Malta’s most iconic rock formations. You can pass beneath it with a private boat or jet ski when sea conditions allow.

Dolce & Gabbana Cave

A hidden cave named by locals because it creates one of the most stylish, dramatic backdrops for private boat photography. The framing of the cave opening makes it a favourite for social media shots.

Comino Twin Caves

Two caves located side-by-side and camouflaged with the surrounding limestone. Known for having some of the clearest water around Comino. Ideal for snorkelling and exploring shallow turquoise sections.

The Arch of Santa Marija (Natural Arch)

A naturally formed limestone arch created by thousands of years of wave erosion. Beautiful from the sea and accessible only by boat. The water beneath the arch is bright blue and calm.

Kissing Elephants Arch (Comino)

A unique rock formation that looks like two elephants touching their trunks. With a private boat or jet ski, you can pass directly underneath the arch, creating a memorable experience and excellent photos.

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Why You Need a Private Boat to Visit These Caves

Shallow Entrances

Many caves are too shallow for large boats. Private boats can safely enter and exit these areas.

Narrow Passages

Caves like Tunnel Cave and the Twin Caves require small, manoeuvrable boats.

Calm, Controlled Maneuvering

Skippers position the boat safely inside so guests can take photos, swim, and explore.

 Access to Hidden Beaches

Only private boats allow access to the hidden beaches behind caves such as Blue Lagoon Cave.

 Personalised Exploration

You can choose which caves to visit based on your interests — swimming, snorkelling, photography, or sightseeing.

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Recommended Cave Route for a Private Boat Tour

Blue Lagoon Cave → Secret Cave → Cominotto Reef

For swimming and snorkelling.

Lovers Cave → Popeye Cave → Tunnel Cave

For photography and sightseeing.

Santa Marija Caves → Column Cave → Elephant Rock

For dramatic scenery and calm waters.

Monte Cristo Cave → Dolce & Gabbana Cave → Kissing Elephants Arch

For film history and iconic rock formations.

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🕳️ Comino Caves Comparison Table (Accessible by Private Boat)

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Book a Private Boat to Explore Every Comino Cave

To explore Comino’s caves safely and enjoy the hidden beaches, arches, tunnels, and movie locations, book a private boat directly from Cirkewwa with iMalta Boat Trips.

Book here:
https://www.imaltaboattrips.com/