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Scuba Diving around Comino
There aren't many locations in Europe where scuba divers and snorkelers can cave dive, swim around shallow coral reefs, and explore famous shipwrecks.
This section contains a list of areas to go diving and snorkeling at Comino Island with information about the marine species found in this part of the Mediterranean Sea.
Best Month to Dive at Comino's Dive Spots
If you're looking for the best scuba diving in Europe, you should take a look at this tiny archipelago in the central Mediterranean.
In fact, the Republic of Malta gained its independence from Spain back in 1964.
Since then, scuba divers have been exploring the stunning underwater structures that exist a few metres below the surface.
So, when is the best time for scuba diving around Malta and the nearby areas, such as Comino Island and Gozo?
The summers in this area are some of the longest in all of Europe. The warm weather usually starts in April and extends through to November. As a result, this is where you'll find some of the cleanest water in the Mediterranean Sea.
The annual daily temperature averages 22° Celsius in Malta (72° Fahrenheit). Plus, it barely drops much below it in the night-time.
As a rule, the winter wind and rain arrives in December and stretches through to the end of February. But, it's rare for the sea temperature to drop much below 15° Celsius (59° Fahrenheit) even during the cold period.
Here's the thing:
June, July, and August are the hottest and the driest months of the year. So, this is when scuba divers, freedivers, and snorkelers will experience warm seas.
Pro Tip: In general, the best time of the day for diving and snorkeling is between 10am and 2pm. The higher sun angle is better if you're learning how to take underwater pictures.
Popular Dive Sites in Comino Island
In fact, the world famous Blue Cave dive site is not the only popular location for diving and snorkeling. The Maltese island of Comino is the ideal destination to find clear blue water and diverse fish life.
Some of the amazing dive sites that are not far away, include:
- Alex's Cave
- Blue Lagoon
- Lantern Point
- MV Cominoland Wreck
- Patrol Boat P29
- Rozi Tugboat
- Santa Maria Caves
Important: The underwater topography at many of the Comino Island dive sites means getting the PADI® Wreck Diver certification would qualify you to join organised trips to large artificial reefs.
Marine Life Species at Comino Island
The warm, clear water found in this part of Europe is full of marine life diversity and vibrant macro fauna. You will also find various vertebrates and invertebrates sheltering inside the sunken shipwrecks, such as:
- Blenny fish
Chevron barracudas- Giant grouper fish
- Jellyfish (e.g. Portuguese man o' war)
- King of the Mullets
- Moray eels
- Puffer fish
- Scorpion fish
- Seahorses (Hippocampus)
- Sharks
- Wrasses (e.g. long-jawed wrasse)
Most of the dive shops organise snorkeling tours for beginners and the skin diver course - both are very popular with holidaymakers. In fact, marine tourism is one of the expanding industries in this part of the world.
Boat Diving around the Maltese Islands
Can you imagine a better way to cool down during the scorching summer months? Plunge into the water around the islands for the best chance to see wrecks and reefs with diverse marine life in the central Mediterranean.
- Best Dive Sites in Malta
- Best Dive Sites at Gozo Island
The best places to scuba dive are only a short boat ride away at the surrounding islands. In addition, some of the popular locations are picture perfect for becoming a certified free diver or for taking underwater pictures.