Snorkelling Comino & Blue Lagoon Malta – Best Snorkelling Spots + Local Guide
The Ultimate Guide to Snorkelling in Comino and the Blue Lagoon (Local Expert Guide)
Snorkelling in Blue Lagoon and around Comino is one of the most unforgettable sea experiences in Malta.
Crystal-clear water, rocky reefs, underwater caves, and abundant Mediterranean marine life make the area ideal for snorkellers of all levels — from families and beginners to underwater photographers and experienced free divers.
But here’s something many travel blogs don’t tell you:
The Blue Lagoon is not actually the best snorkelling spot around Comino.
The lagoon is famous for its turquoise water and incredible visibility, but many of the best marine life habitats are located in quieter reefs, caves, and rocky areas around the island.
I’ve personally spent more than 35 years snorkelling around Comino and the nearby island of Cominotto. I started exploring these waters as a child with my grandfather, spending entire days snorkelling and learning how Mediterranean fish behave.
Today I still explore these areas regularly and guide visitors to the best snorkelling locations around Comino.
In this guide you’ll discover:
The best snorkelling spots around Comino
What marine life you can see
Hidden reefs most visitors miss
The truth about snorkelling in the Blue Lagoon
Expert tips for spotting octopus and rare fish
The best time of year to snorkel in Malta
Equipment and safety advice
If you want to experience the real underwater world of Comino, this guide will help you find it.
Why Comino Is One of the Best Snorkelling Locations in Malta
Comino is unique compared to the main island of Malta.
The island has:
very little development
rocky coastlines
underwater caves
shallow reefs
extremely clear water
This combination creates ideal conditions for marine life.
Rocky seabeds provide hiding places for fish, while caves and ledges create habitats for species such as octopus, moray eels, and groupers.
The water clarity is another major advantage.
In calm conditions, visibility around Comino often reaches 20 to 30 metres, making it perfect for underwater photography and snorkelling.
Many snorkellers are surprised by how much marine life exists in these waters.
Some of the most common species you may encounter include:
Parrotfish
Sea bream
Damselfish
Wrasse
Painted comber
Grey mullet
Red mullet
Rainbow wrasse
Other fascinating marine creatures also live around Comino:
Octopus
Moray eels
Sea cucumbers
Sea urchins
Baby barracuda
Occasionally snorkellers even spot rare species such as the flying gurnard, a spectacular fish with large wing-like fins.
Best Snorkelling Spots Around Comino
Most visitors snorkel only in the Blue Lagoon beach area, but there are many incredible snorkelling locations around the island.
Here are some of the best places to explore.
Comino Nursery Reef
The Comino Nursery Reef is one of the best snorkelling spots for beginners and families.
The reef is shallow and protected, creating a safe environment where many juvenile fish grow.
Depth ranges from 3 to 5 metres, making it ideal for snorkellers who prefer shallow water.
This reef is full of life and is a great place to see Mediterranean fish up close.
Common species include:
wrasse
sea bream
damselfish
parrotfish
grey mullet
painted comber
red mullet
rainbow wrasse
Because the area acts as a natural nursery habitat, there are often large schools of small fish.
Another advantage is that the reef is usually quiet, because it is mostly accessed by boat.
Santa Marija Caves
The Santa Marija Caves are one of the most exciting snorkelling areas around Comino.
These caves feature:
underwater tunnels
air pockets
dramatic rock formations
natural caverns carved into the limestone cliffs
Depth ranges from 6 to 12 metres, and the caves attract a wide variety of marine life.
Fish commonly seen here include:
groupers
moray eels
saddle bream
wrasse
damselfish
parrotfish
Occasionally snorkellers also encounter seahorses, which are rare but known to live in the area.
The caves are also a popular location for scuba divers and free divers, thanks to the clear water, fascinating cave formations, and the opportunity to explore small tunnels and chambers along the coastline.
Some of the larger caves contain air pockets, allowing experienced swimmers to briefly surface inside the cave chambers.
The best time to explore the caves is early morning or late afternoon, when the sunlight enters the caves at an angle and creates spectacular lighting effects underwater.
Because the caves are popular with boats exploring the coastline, snorkellers should always remain aware of boat traffic and stay close to the rock walls when possible.
Local Expert Tip
Fish tend to gather near the cave entrances and along the rocky walls, where they can hide from predators.
If you slowly swim along the rock face and look carefully into small holes and crevices, you may spot moray eels or octopus hiding inside the rocks.
Photography Tip
For the best underwater photos inside the caves, position yourself so the sunlight enters behind the subject.
This creates dramatic blue lighting inside the cave and can produce stunning underwater images, especially when using action cameras such as GoPro or Insta360.
Cominotto Reef
The reef surrounding Cominotto Island is one of the richest marine habitats in the area.
Depth ranges between 2 and 5 metres, making it perfect for snorkelling.
Despite its shallow depth, the reef supports an impressive range of species including:
octopus
cuttlefish
calamari
moray eels
parrotfish
wrasse
Sunrise and sunset are often the best times to snorkel here, when fish activity increases.
Local Expert Tip
Although the reef around Cominotto is shallow and full of marine life, snorkellers should always remain aware that currents can sometimes pass through this area, especially between Comino and Cominotto.
There can also be boat traffic nearby, as many boats anchor around the Blue Lagoon.
For this reason it’s best to stay close to the reef area where fish gather, but not directly against the cliff face.
When boats pass, their wake can push water towards the rocks, and if you are too close to the cliff or reef wall, the surge can push you against the rocks.
A good technique is to keep a small distance from the rock face, allowing space to move if waves or boat wake push water towards the reef.
This also gives you a better view of the reef, where you might spot octopus, moray eels, and other fish hiding in the rocks.
Kissing Elephant Cove
Kissing Elephant Cove is a beautiful snorkelling location known for its clear water and quiet atmosphere.
The area is named after a rock formation that resembles two elephants touching trunks.
Depth ranges from 5 to 10 metres, and the seabed features rocky ledges and reefs that attract fish.
Species commonly seen include:
rabbitfish
sea bream
parrotfish
groupers
moray eels
wrasse
Because the cove is accessible mainly by smaller boats, it is usually much less crowded than the Blue Lagoon.
Snorkelling in the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is the most famous location in Comino.
The lagoon is known worldwide for its bright turquoise water and incredible clarity.
This makes it one of the best places in Malta for underwater photography.
However, despite the beauty of the water, the Blue Lagoon is not always the best place to see marine life.
Many areas of the lagoon have sandy seabeds, which fish tend to avoid.
Some good snorkelling areas include:
the Cominotto side of the lagoon
the northern side of the Blue Lagoon
These areas have more rocks where fish can hide.
Snorkellers should always watch for boats and avoid swimming in navigation channels.
Why Snorkelling From a Boat Is Often Better
While snorkelling from the beach can still be enjoyable, many of the best reefs around Comino are located away from shore.
Accessing these spots by boat offers several advantages:
access to hidden coves and reefs
less crowded swimming areas
multiple snorkelling stops in one trip
easier entry into the water
safety assistance if currents are present
Private boat trips can anchor directly in clear snorkelling areas around Comino, Crystal Lagoon, and nearby caves, allowing guests to swim away from crowded beaches.
Tips for Spotting Octopus While Snorkelling
Octopus are common around Comino but they are masters of camouflage.
Many snorkellers swim past them without noticing.
Here are a few signs to look for:
piles of empty shells
clean rock surfaces near holes
unusual rock patterns
painted comber fish gathering nearby
These signs often indicate an octopus den.
When an octopus is nearby, it may change colour and texture to match the rocks.
Common Snorkelling Mistakes Visitors Make
After guiding many snorkellers around Comino, several common mistakes appear frequently.
Snorkelling in sandy areas
Fish prefer rocky habitats, so sandy seabeds often have fewer fish.
Ignoring currents
Some reefs around Comino can have mild currents.
Always check conditions before swimming.
Entering boat traffic areas
Snorkellers should stay clear of navigation channels and use a float marker when necessary.
Not understanding fish camouflage
Mediterranean fish blend into rocks and seaweed.
Learning where to look makes a big difference.
Best Time of Year for Snorkelling in Comino
The best snorkelling conditions in Malta are typically between May and October.
During these months the sea is warm and visibility is excellent.
Great months for snorkelling include:
May
June
July
August
September
October
Sunrise and sunset often provide the most active marine life.
Snorkelling Equipment Recommendations
Choosing the right equipment can improve the experience significantly.
Mask
Traditional snorkel masks are best for diving deeper.
Full-face masks are easier for beginners.
Fins
Helpful if snorkelling from shore or exploring large areas.
Less necessary when snorkelling from a boat.
Cameras
GoPro or Insta360 cameras work very well in Comino’s clear water.
Safety Equipment
A float marker is useful when snorkelling far from shore because it helps make swimmers more visible to boats.
When snorkelling from a boat, professional operators also use an Alpha flag (diver-down flag) to signal that swimmers or snorkellers are in the water. This flag alerts nearby boats to slow down and keep a safe distance, helping create a safer snorkelling environment.
Many boat tours also provide snorkelling equipment, allowing guests to easily swim and explore the reefs and marine life around Comino. On trips with iMalta Boat Trips, snorkelling equipment is included so guests can comfortably explore the clear waters around Comino and the Blue Lagoon.
What Is the Best Boat Tour Length for Snorkelling in Comino?
If your main goal is snorkelling around Comino, the length of the boat trip can make a big difference.
Short trips can still be enjoyable, but longer tours allow you to visit multiple snorkelling locations around the island, including quieter reefs, caves, and hidden coves.
For most visitors, the ideal duration is around 4 hours.
A 4-hour private boat charter gives enough time to:
snorkel at several reefs around Comino
explore areas around Blue Lagoon and Cominotto
swim in quieter coves away from crowded beaches
explore sea caves such as Santa Marija Caves
discover lesser-known snorkelling spots such as Neptune’s Dog, a quieter reef area known for its rocky seabed and diverse fish life
relax between snorkelling stops
Many guests choose a 4-hour private charter because it offers a relaxed pace while still allowing plenty of time to explore the best snorkelling spots around Comino.
On tours with iMalta Boat Trips, snorkelling equipment is included and the skipper can guide guests to the best reefs and marine life areas around Comino, making it easy to enjoy the underwater world.
Local Expert Tip
If snorkelling is your main goal, choose a tour that allows multiple swim stops rather than just visiting the Blue Lagoon.
Some of the best marine life around Comino is found in rocky reefs and quieter areas away from the main lagoon, where fish feel safer and gather in larger numbers.
Hidden locations such as Neptune’s Dog often have very little boat traffic and excellent marine life, making them fantastic snorkelling spots for those exploring the island by boat.
Biggest Myths About Snorkelling in the Blue Lagoon
Myth: The Blue Lagoon has the best snorkelling in Malta
While the water is beautiful, many reefs around Comino have far more marine life.
Myth: You can only snorkel from the beach
Some of the best snorkelling areas are only accessible by boat.
Myth: All snorkelling areas around Comino are crowded
There are many hidden coves and reefs where you can snorkel with very few people.
FAQ – Snorkelling in Comino and the Blue Lagoon
Is the Blue Lagoon good for snorkelling?
Yes, but it is not always the best place to see marine life. The lagoon is excellent for clear water and underwater photos, but many reefs around Comino have more fish.
What fish can you see while snorkelling in Comino?
Common species include parrotfish, sea bream, damselfish, wrasse, red mullet, grey mullet, painted comber, and occasionally octopus or moray eels.
Is Comino good for beginner snorkellers?
Yes. Many areas around the island have shallow reefs and calm water that are ideal for beginners and families.
What is the best month to snorkel in Malta?
The best months are May to October when the water is warm and visibility is excellent.
Are there dangerous animals in Comino?
Most marine life is harmless. However snorkellers should watch out for sea urchins and occasionally weaver fish, which can sting if stepped on.
Do you need fins for snorkelling in Comino?
Fins are useful when snorkelling from shore or exploring large areas, but they are not essential.
Is snorkelling better from a boat?
Yes. Many of the best snorkelling spots around Comino are easier to access by boat.
Can you see octopus while snorkelling in Comino?
Yes. Octopus are common around rocky areas, although they can be difficult to spot because they camouflage themselves.
Is snorkelling safe in the Blue Lagoon?
Yes, but swimmers should always watch for boat traffic and avoid navigation channels.
Do boat tours provide snorkelling equipment?
Many private boat trips provide snorkelling equipment so guests can swim and explore the water comfortably.
