Santa Marija Bay: Discover This Secluded Beach in Comino

Besides the Blue Lagoon, Comino Island is brimming with other beaches waiting to be explored. Among these secret beaches is Santa Marija Bay, a hidden gem that invites visitors to experience a sense of tranquillity away from the heavy crowds.

This complete guide offers local insider tips on how to get to Santa Marija Bay, Comino, the top things to see and do, and other helpful advice to help you plan your visit and make the most of your time there.

Quick Facts

Santa Marija Bay is located on Comino Island‘s northern coast, a 20-minute walk from the Blue Lagoon.
It is situated right next to the sole operating police station on the tiny island. It is housed in a building that was constructed by the Knights of St. John in 1743 as a defensive structure.
The bay’s crystal-clear turquoise waters provide excellent conditions for swimming, snorkelling, and even diving.
Many locals like to come here with their own boats to spend a couple of days in Comino.
Besides the Mediterranean Sea, Santa Marija Bay is framed by rugged cliffs and lush greenery, providing hikers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers with plenty of opportunities for further exploration and discovery.
Near the bay lies one of the most incredible dive sites on the Maltese Islands: The Santa Marija Caves.

Where is Santa Marija Bay?

Santa Marija Bay is tucked away on Comino’s north coast. From the Blue Lagoon, the distance between the two is 1.5 km. On foot, it would take you around 20-30 minutes to get there.

Why should you visit Santa Marija Bay?

Santa Marija Bay offers a perfect mix of swimming, snorkelling, exploration, and relaxation. It’s the ideal spot on the tiny island for visitors seeking a serene ambience and a peaceful retreat.

Things to Do at Santa Marija Bay

Swim in Mesmerising Azure Waters

With its clear, shallow waters and sandy beach, Santa Marija Bay is one of the most family-friendly beaches around Comino. You can splash around in the sea, spend time building sandcastles with your little ones, or grab your favourite book and relax on the shore, while enjoying the views.

If you’re the adventurous type, don’t forget to pack your snorkelling gear! As you venture away from the shore, the crystal clear turquoise waters offer exceptional snorkelling conditions for you to spot an abundance of fish and sea life.

Appreciate the Natural Surroundings

Besides swimming, hikers and nature enthusiasts can appreciate the natural beauty surrounding the area. Unlike Comino’s Blue Lagoon, this secluded beach is framed by more coastal vegetation, including tamarsik trees (Bruka), and Mediterranean shrubs such as the Maltese Spurge and Olive-leaved Germander.

Explore an Underwater Paradise: Santa Marija Caves

Besides swimming and snorkelling, divers will also be thrilled to explore the hidden coastal wonders surrounding Santa Marija Bay.

Featuring a spectacular system of 10 caves, the famous Santa Marija Caves are renowned as one of the most remarkable dives on the Maltese Islands. Some have unique formations such as underwater tunnels and caverns with spectacular views of the light zone, while others offer swim-throughs and azure waters at their entrances. What’s more, this impressive dive gives you more opportunities to spot incredible marine life such as octopi, turtles, lobsters, seabreams and moray eels.

How to Get to Santa Marija Bay, Comino

Option 1: Local Ferry Services

Using the local ferry services is the most economical way to get to Comino from Malta (Ċirkewwa or Marfa) or Gozo (Mġarr Harbour)

Tickets cost between €13 and €15 for a return journey and can be bought before boarding from the ticket kiosk. If you buy them online, they are even slightly cheaper.

While this is a great option for budget travellers, there are a few things to take into consideration:

Ferries from both Malta and Gozo drop you off at the Blue Lagoon, not Santa Marija Bay. From the Blue Lagoon, you have to walk to Santa Marija Bay. While some travellers won’t have an issue with this, a 20-minute walk to the bay (and back to the Blue Lagoon) may be exhausting for others due to the stifling heat during peak season.
Following the government measures introduced in 2025, you need a free access pass to set foot on Comino. You will need to choose a date and a booking slot. (Some ferry operators like Comino Co-Op Ferries include the access pass with their own tickets, giving you access for the full day).
If you’d like to extend your visit to Santa Marija Bay and Comino till the evening, this isn’t entirely possible when using the ferry services, since the last service is generally at 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM, depending on the operator.
Ferry schedules vary seasonally. During the summer, they’re generally every 30 minutes. while during the winter season, they are less frequent.
Getting to the departure points by bus/car/taxi, as well as the ferry journey itself, uses up a lot of your precious time in Comino.

More info here: Blue Lagoon Ferry (Comino): How to Catch it.

One of the Comino and Blue Lagoon ferry operators at Cirkewwa, Malta.

Option 2: Book a Boat Trip

Thinking of booking an excursion? Many boat tours departing from Malta and Gozo include a stop at Santa Marija Bay.

Several reputable operators organise a variety of boat tours with different durations and start times, including the following:

Full-Day Boat Trips
Half-Day Boat Trips
Sunset Boat Trips
Gozo and Comino Combo Boat Trips
Private boat charters

While prices start at €25 (and higher), this is the best option to maximise your time and ultimately make the most of your day on Comino Island.

Check out this dedicated guide listing all boat trips departing from Malta and Gozo: The 15 Best Blue Lagoon (Malta) Boat Trips.

Boats sailing around the Crystal Lagoon.

Other Attractions and Historical Sites to Visit Near Santa Marija Bay

St Mary’s Chapel

Close to Santa Marija Bay, there’s also a chapel, where mass is still celebrated every Sunday. Known as The Chapel of the Return of the Holy Family from Egypt or St Mary’s Chapel, it was first built in 1618 and then enlarged in 1667 and again in 1716.

Interestingly, the first records of the chapel appear on an old navigation map found at the National Maritime Museum and Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London, dating back to the 12th century.

Santa Marija Tower

Did you know you can also explore a historic 17th-century tower near Santa Marija Bay?

Built in 1618 by Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt, the Santa Marija Tower was constructed as a defensive structure against piratical attacks. Besides the historical significance of the tower, this is also a great spot to enjoy breathtaking views of Malta and Gozo.

Santa Marija Battery

Constructed by the Knights of St. John between 1715 and 1716, the Santa Marija Battery is a testament to Malta’s rich history. As part of a network of fortifications around the Maltese Islands, the battery was designed to safeguard coastal defence around the South Comino Channel.

Amenities and Facilities

Since Santa Marija Bay is a secluded beach and Comino Island in general is quite small, there are minimal amenities and facilities. Here’s an overview of what to expect, to make sure you come prepared:

Although there is a small seasonal kiosk selling a couple of snacks, there are no restaurants in the area. It’s best to get your own food and drinks, especially if you intend to spend a full day at the beach.
Basic showers and public toilets are available.
A few sunbeds and umbrellas are available to rent.
Since this is a family-friendly beach, lifeguards are on duty throughout the day during the summer months.

Final Tips and Thoughts

Kindly respect the natural environment surrounding Santa Marija Bay. Please do not leave any rubbish behind or lying around.
Bring the essentials: sunscreen, towels, snacks, and anything else you need for a day at the beach.
While Santa Marija Bay doesn’t get crowded like its neighbour, the Blue Lagoon, it’s still advisable to plan ahead. The best time to go to Comino is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, especially if you’re using the ferry.
Comino isn’t accessible to wheelchair users due to its rugged coastline and rocky terrains. If you’d still like to visit Santa Marija Bay, avoid the ferry service and opt for a boat trip that offers more accessibility for wheelchair users and persons with limited mobility.

Do you have any questions?

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Christine Cassar

Christine Cassar is the Editor of BlueLagoon.mt.Born and bred on the island of Malta, Christine knows this island nation like the back of her hand. Although she's a local, she loves being a tourist in her own country, with a curious spirit.Being a hobbyist photographer and travel enthusiast, she's a keen wanderer and shares her knowledge of the island’s beloved locations, local experiences, food and flavours and more.