Count of Monte Cristo Cave Comino — Diving & Film Location
Tucked into the cliffs near Santa Marija Bay, the Count of Monte Cristo Cave — known locally as the Pirate Cave — is one of the most cinematic sea caves on Comino. It isn’t a single cavern but a network of connected tunnels and chambers, carved deep into the limestone, where adventurous swimmers and free divers can move from one chamber to the next entirely beneath the cliffs above.
The water inside is deep, still, and remarkably clear — and the cave itself comes with a story that long predates the cameras that eventually found it.
Where Is the Cave?
The Count of Monte Cristo Cave sits in the cliffs near Santa Marija Bay, on the northern side of Comino — Comino’s quietest sandy beach, shaded by tamarisk trees, and a short distance from the Blue Lagoon by boat.
Unlike the Blue Lagoon’s more obvious caves, this one is genuinely difficult to find without a guide. The entrance isn’t dramatic from the outside, and the network of tunnels inside isn’t something you’d want to explore for the first time without someone who already knows the layout.
Read the complete Santa Marija Bay guide here.
A Network of Tunnels and Chambers
What makes this cave different from most of Comino’s other sea caves is its structure. Rather than one large cavern, it’s a connected system of tunnels — confident swimmers and free divers can move between chambers, with deep, crystal-clear water throughout.
This is exactly why it’s become a favourite for the more adventurous guests:
For Free Divers
The depth and clarity inside the cave system make it an excellent spot for confident free divers — moving between chambers beneath the cliffs, in water that stays remarkably clear even in the deeper sections.
For Confident Swimmers and Snorkellers
Even without diving down between chambers, simply swimming into the entrance chambers and looking back toward the light from inside the cave is one of the more atmospheric experiences Comino offers — dark rock above, deep blue water below, and daylight filtering in from the cave mouth.
The Hollywood Connection — The Count of Monte Cristo
In 2002, this cave was used as a filming location for The Count of Monte Cristo — portrayed on screen as the hiding place of the legendary Treasure of Spada. The cave’s dramatic interior, with its connected chambers and deep, still water, made it a natural choice for a hidden treasure cave on film.
For visitors who know the story, swimming into the same chambers that appeared on screen adds a different kind of thrill to the experience — particularly for anyone exploring it with a skipper who can point out exactly where key scenes were shot.
The Pirate History — Long Before the Cameras
The cave’s nickname — Pirate Cave — comes from a history that predates its film career by centuries. Local stories describe the cave system being used by corsairs as a secret hideout, taking advantage of its hidden entrance and connected chambers to stay out of sight along this stretch of coastline.
Combined with Comino’s broader history — a watch-tower island built specifically to guard against raiders, with sea caves all along its coastline used for cover — the Count of Monte Cristo Cave fits naturally into the island’s centuries-old reputation as a place where things, and people, could disappear.
Read Comino’s complete history here.
Why You Need a Guide
This is one of the most important things to know about this cave: it’s genuinely difficult to find without someone who already knows where it is.
The entrance isn’t signposted, isn’t visible from the standard Blue Lagoon route, and isn’t something most ferry passengers will ever stumble across. Even by private boat, finding the right entrance among the cliffs near Santa Marija Bay takes local knowledge — this is a spot that gets shown, not searched for.
Once inside, the connected tunnel system also benefits from a guide who already knows the layout — which chambers connect to which, where the light comes through, and where the cave is best suited to free diving versus simply swimming in to look around.
Best Time to Visit
As with most of Comino’s sea caves, calm conditions make the biggest difference here. On a still day, the water inside the cave system is at its clearest, and the light filtering in from the entrance creates the most dramatic effect.
The same months that suit the rest of Comino — May, June, July, August, September, and October — tend to offer the calmest conditions for exploring caves like this one.
Unlike the Blue Lagoon, this cave doesn’t really get busy — even in the height of summer. Its location near Santa Marija Bay and the fact that it’s genuinely hard to find without a guide means July and August are just as good a time to visit as any other month. If anything, the warmer water makes the deeper sections of the cave system even more comfortable for free diving.
Book a Tour That Visits the Count of Monte Cristo Cave
This cave is included on longer private boat tours that have time to reach Santa Marija Bay and explore beyond the main Blue Lagoon circuit.
Private Boat Tours With Skipper
💰 Early bird: €20 off 3h, 6h and 8h tours booked 14+ days in advance
Self-Drive Boat Rental
Self-drive guide here. Without a skipper’s local knowledge, this cave is genuinely hard to find — let your booking team know if this is a priority so we can point you in the right direction.
Jet Ski Safari
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FAQ — Count of Monte Cristo Cave Comino
Where is the Count of Monte Cristo Cave on Comino?
It’s located in the cliffs near Santa Marija Bay on the northern side of Comino, also known locally as the Pirate Cave.
Why is it called the Count of Monte Cristo Cave?
In 2002, the cave was used as a filming location for The Count of Monte Cristo, portrayed as the hiding place of the Treasure of Spada.
Is the cave easy to find on your own?
No — it’s genuinely difficult to locate without a guide. The entrance isn’t visible from the standard Blue Lagoon route, and the connected tunnel system inside is best explored with someone who already knows the layout.
Is it good for free diving?
Yes — the cave’s connected chambers and deep, clear water make it a favourite for confident free divers, who can move between chambers beneath the cliffs.
Can snorkellers visit too?
Yes — even without diving between chambers, swimming into the entrance and looking back toward the light from inside the cave is a memorable experience for confident swimmers and snorkellers.
What’s the history of the cave before it was used in films?
Local stories describe the cave being used by corsairs as a secret hideout, fitting into Comino’s broader history as a watch-tower island built to guard against raiders.
Which tours visit this cave?
It’s included on longer private boat tours (3 hours and up) that have time to reach Santa Marija Bay and explore beyond the main Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon circuit.
Further Reading
- Santa Marija Bay — Complete Guide
- Comino Sea Caves — Complete Guide
- Comino History — Pirates, Prisons & Power
- Comino Island Malta — Complete Guide 2026
- Best Things To Do on Comino 2026
- Lantern Point Comino — Dive Site & Snorkelling Spot
- Cliff Diving Malta
- Snorkelling Comino & Blue Lagoon
- Private Boat Tour Malta — Complete Guide
