Comino Channel South Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchorage in the southern approaches to the Comino channel in 5–14m over sand and rock. More open than the main lagoon. Useful as a lunch stop or staging anchorage when the Blue Lagoon is full. Check carefully for sand patches — rocky substrate throughout. The channel between Comino and Malta (Gozo Channel south) carries some ferry traffic.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Comino Channel South is primarily sand and rock with variable holding that requires extra attention.

1. Monitor VHF Ch 16 (Malta Radio) — VHF patrol operates in summer around Comino and the Blue Lagoon. Mooring buoy enforcement patrols call all vessels on Ch 16 during peak season.
2. Anchor in 5–14m. 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 (70m chain at 14m depth). Verify the bottom is sand — check for Posidonia seagrass (EU protected) before dropping the anchor. In the Blue Lagoon, use mooring buoys provided.
4. Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds at moderate throttle. Use the scope calculator to confirm adequate chain.

Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Spade.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Comino Channel South are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to S and SE and E and W winds. In the Blue Lagoon area, the critical overnight consideration is ferry and tourist boat wash (09:00–17:00) and ensuring mooring buoy pendants are sound before sleeping. After 17:00, the lagoon becomes one of the Mediterranean's most peaceful overnight anchorages.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 100m radius before going below. 100m radius in 8–12m mixed sand/rock. Fair holding. Open to multiple directions — daylight use only in anything but calm settled weather. Monitor VHF Ch 16 for ferry and commercial traffic in the Gozo Channel.

Daytime fair-weather stop only. Best May–September in settled NW conditions. Not for overnight without checking forecast carefully.

Navigation Hazards

• Open to multiple directions — fair weather only; not suitable for overnight in unsettled conditions
• Ferry and commercial vessel traffic in Gozo Channel south — anchor well clear of navigation channel
• Rocky substrate — use trip line and locate sand patch carefully

Rules & Regulations

• EU member (not Schengen): No customs formalities for EU boats arriving from EU ports. Non-EU boats: clear customs at Grand Harbour (Malta) or Mġarr Harbour (Gozo) before visiting Comino. EES biometric recording required for non-EU crew since October 2025.
• Posidonia: EU protected throughout Maltese waters — anchor only in sand patches. Fines apply. In the Blue Lagoon swimming zone, mooring buoys are mandatory to protect the Posidonia meadows below.
• Cominotto: No landing on Cominotto island — designated nature reserve. Fines apply.
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: Monitor VHF Ch 16 — Gozo Channel ferry traffic. Anchor well clear of the main navigation channel. Sandy patches only — no Posidonia.

For a full overview, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on Comino — bring from Malta or Gozo
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Mġarr, Gozo (4.5nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Mġarr, Gozo (4.5nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Mġarr, Gozo (4.5nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Good staging stop when approaching Blue Lagoon from Malta direction — wait here for Blue Lagoon to clear in the afternoon
2. Use echo sounder carefully to locate sand patches between rocky outcrops