A lovely little island that’s nestled between Gozo and Malta, Comino offers spectacular diving in the clear, blue Mediterranean Sea. Today, the island is a nature reserve and bird sanctuary however it was once inhabited and was used for farming during Roman times. Though small, this island is home to several dive sites. Here are just a few of the nicest sites Comino has to offer.
Anchor Reef
Also known as Cominotto Reef, Anchor Reef is located off the west side of the tiny island of Cominotto. Ledges, overhangs, and deep cuts in the reef, along with a couple of swim-throughs, make this a fascinating place to explore; steep walls drop away from depths between 5 and 15 meters to meet the ocean floor at depths between 25 and 38 meters. Small boulders encrusted with sponges and soft corals are scattered along the bottom, and near a pair of these boulders, you’ll find an equally colorful anchor that dates back to the Second World War. If you like, you can continue past the anchor and ultimately attain a depth of 50 meters; upon your return, be sure to spend some time exploring the shallow reef top. Visibility in this area is usually 25 meters, though it is occasionally better.
Pasewalk P-31 Wreck
If diving the wreck of a P-31 Patrol Boat sounds like fun to you, you’re going to love all the Pasewalk Wreck has to offer. Sitting upright, and nearly completely intact, this historic wreck is suitable for penetration by divers who are properly trained and equipped. Though there is quite a lot of sand in the engine room, there are lots of features inside which make this a dive you will not soon forget! Outside, the ship’s upper portion is accessible at a depth of 18 meters, and the area beneath her bow is located at 21 meters. Flounders, rays, and razor fish are often seen in the sand around the wreck, and there are lots of filefish, triggerfish, reef fish, and nudibranchs to see while exploring the P-31 Pasewalk itself. Thanks to shallow depth and great visibility that averages 20 meters or so, this wreck is the perfect site for all divers to visit.
Crystal Lagoon
Pinnacles and intriguing rock formations act as underwater oases for marine life at Crystal Lagoon, which is wonderfully sheltered and shallow enough so even the newest divers can enjoy a beautiful and relaxing dive among numerous fish, large nudibranchs, and lots of flying gurnards that skim along the bottom with wing-like pectoral fins extended. Larger species include barracudas and triggerfish; and some very large groupers can be seen around the rocks. Divers with more expertise will want to explore the caves, and everyone will enjoy scouring the bottom in search of “treasure” dropped by boaters. Do be cautious of overhead boat traffic here. Maximum depth is about 16 meters, and visibility is spectacular, at 30 meters or better most of the time.
To get to Comino, take the ferry from Gozo or Malta, or simply employ the services of one of Malta’s well-equipped dive operators. Non-divers in your group may even feel inclined to don a snorkel and mask once they see how calm and clear the water is; the rocky coast and sheltered shoreline make the perfect place to swim or just float along while enjoying the play of warm sun and light breezes on the skin. For some fantastic diving that’s far from the maddening crowds, give Comino a try. You’ll be thrilled with the magnificent underwater world that awaits.