Comino South Cliff Anchorage Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Deep anchorage along the south cliff face of Comino in 6–15m over sand and rock. Protected from the N through NE arc. Exposed to all southern directions — suitable only in stable N/NW conditions. The cliffs are dramatic and the diving along the wall is excellent. Not recommended for overnight without a settled forecast. Good lunch stop in calm conditions.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Comino South Cliff Anchorage 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 6–15m. 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 (75m chain at 15m 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, Mantus.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Comino South Cliff Anchorage are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to S and SW and SE 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 S/SW/SE — daylight use in settled N/NW conditions only. Excellent diving along the cliff wall. Not for overnight without confirmed stable forecast.

Fair weather daytime use only. Best in settled NW wind conditions May–September. Not for overnight.

Navigation Hazards

• Open to all southern directions — leave immediately if S/SE swell develops
• Deep water — need plenty of chain for adequate scope
• Rocky bottom in places — trip line strongly recommended

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: Sandy patches only — trip line recommended on rocky bottom. Daytime fair weather use. No overnight in S/SW conditions.

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 (4.6nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Mġarr, Gozo (4.6nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Mġarr, Gozo (4.6nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Excellent diving along the cliff wall — wall diving starts from 6m and drops well below 20m
2. Good for a calm-day lunch stop when cruising between Gozo and Malta