Planning a visit to Santa Maria Bay, Malta? Whether you’re booking a private boat tour in Malta or planning a Comino day trip, this guide will help you make the most of your adventure. From turquoise waters and pebbly shores to hidden caves and scenic walking trails, Santa Maria Bay offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration.
Here, you’ll find practical tips on getting there, top activities, nearby attractions, and guidance for choosing the right boat tours to Comino to suit your style, from private charters to group tours.
Quick Facts About Santa Maria Bay
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Eastern side of Comino, Malta |
| Beach Type | Pebbly with small sandy patches |
| Water | Calm, crystal-clear, ideal for swimming |
| Crowds | Moderate (less busy than Blue Lagoon) |
| Facilities | Seasonal kiosk, limited toilets |
| Activities | Swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding, diving |
| Best For | Private tours, day trips, photography, relaxation |
| Walking Time from Blue Lagoon | 20–30 minutes |
Where Is Santa Maria Bay?
Santa Maria Bay is located on the tranquil eastern coast of Comino, between Malta and Gozo. Unlike the heavily visited Blue Lagoon, this bay offers a quieter atmosphere for swimming, snorkelling, and photography.
Visitors usually access the bay via:
- Boat tour Comino: Stops at multiple scenic spots, including Santa Maria Bay
- Malta private boat tours: Customise your itinerary, avoid crowds, and enjoy a more private experience
- Gozo and Comino tour: Explore both islands in one day with guided stops
- Comino day trip: Ideal for travellers on a budget or with limited time
For those already at the Blue Lagoon, a scenic 20–30 minute walk along the coast connects the two beaches, providing a chance to enjoy Comino’s natural beauty on foot. You can also continue along the coast to Crystal Lagoon, a quieter snorkelling spot.
Why Visit Santa Maria Bay?
Santa Maria Bay is perfect for travellers seeking:
- A quieter alternative to the Blue Lagoon
- Crystal-clear turquoise waters for swimming
- Rich snorkelling opportunities with colourful marine life
- Scenic coastal walks and photography spots
- Adventure activities like kayaking or paddleboarding
Its pebbly shores, calm waters, and surrounding greenery make it an ideal spot for relaxation and exploration alike. If you want to explore more of Comino’s pristine beaches, check out our guide to the best Comino beaches to visit this summer for additional hidden gems.
How to Get to Santa Maria Bay
1. Boat Trip to Comino, Malta
Most visitors arrive via a boat trip to Comino, Malta, departing from:
- Ċirkewwa (Malta)
- Mgarr Harbour (Gozo)
- Sliema or Bugibba (optional private departures)
Many tours combine stops at the Blue Lagoon, Santa Maria Bay, and hidden coves, giving a full island experience. Before booking, it’s wise to review weather conditions for boat trips in Malta, as northern winds keep waters calm while southern winds may create choppier conditions.
2. Malta Private Boat Tours
Booking a Malta private boat tour allows:
- Flexible schedules and more time at Santa Maria Bay
- Visits to hidden caves and secluded swimming spots
- Personalised itineraries tailored to your interests
Private tours are highly recommended during peak season (July–August) to avoid overcrowding. You can also include the Comino caves for snorkelling and underwater photography.
3. Gozo and Comino Tour
These tours combine both islands into a single day:
- Morning exploration of Gozo highlights
- Afternoon stop at Santa Maria Bay for swimming and snorkelling
- Optional visit to the Blue Lagoon for short stops
This option is ideal if you want a broader experience without arranging separate trips. For those wanting a more personalised journey to the Blue Lagoon, see why booking a private tour is the best way to experience it.
4. Walking from Blue Lagoon
From the Blue Lagoon, you can walk to Santa Maria Bay:
- Distance: ~1.5 km
- Duration: 20–30 minutes
- Terrain: Coastal dirt path with scenic views
This route is perfect for hikers and those wanting to explore multiple attractions on foot, including Elephant Rock nearby.
Private Boat Options for Exploring Comino & Gozo
For those looking to explore Santa Maria Bay, Malta, and the surrounding islands at their own pace, private boats provide a flexible alternative to group tours. Private tours allow you to visit quieter beaches, hidden coves, and scenic viewpoints without worrying about schedules or crowds, ideal for a Comino day trip or a combined Gozo and Comino tour.
Many travellers book private vessels through experienced local operators, such as GOZOblu, who offer safe, well-maintained boats and knowledgeable guidance around Comino and Gozo.
GOZOblu Private Tour Options
- Comino Highlights Tour: Focus on Santa Maria Bay, the Blue Lagoon, and nearby coves. Ideal for a full day of swimming and snorkelling.
- Full Comino Loop: Circumnavigate Comino, discovering secluded spots and panoramic coastal views.
- Half-Day Tour: Combines the best of both islands for a shorter trip, great if you have limited time.
- Full Comino & Gozo Highlights: Explore Comino’s beaches and caves, then continue to Gozo’s coastline for a complete island adventure.
Boats Available with GOZOblu
- Zodiac Medline 900 (2025 model): A 30-foot luxury RIB with twin Yamaha 300 V6 engines, offering stability, comfort, and smooth cruising for longer trips.
- RIB – Yamaha 250 Powered: A 24-foot agile boat, ideal for zipping between Santa Maria Bay, the Blue Lagoon, and hidden Gozo coves.
These boats make it easier to customise your itinerary, reach less-visited spots like Santa Maria Bay, and enjoy activities such as snorkelling or kayaking at your own pace.
Things to Do at Santa Maria Bay
- Swimming & Snorkelling: Clear, calm waters make the bay ideal for swimming. Snorkellers can spot bream, wrasse, damselfish, and occasional octopus.
- Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Available seasonally via operators or included in some boat tour Comino packages. Calm waters make Santa Maria Bay perfect for beginners.
- Santa Maria Caves: Located nearby, these caves are accessible by kayak or as part of a private boat tour in Malta. Ideal for snorkelling, diving, and underwater photography
- St. Mary’s Tower: A short hike (~30–40 minutes) from the bay offers panoramic views of Comino and surrounding islands. Excellent for photography and sunset shots.
- Nearby Adventures: Visit Elephant Rock for striking coastal photography.
Nearby Attractions and Walking Routes
- Blue Lagoon: 20–30 min walk; famous for its electric-blue waters
- Crystal Lagoon: Smaller, quieter, great for snorkelling
- Coastal Paths: Short scenic walks or longer trails around Comino
Hidden Coves: Explore via boat tour Comino or kayak for secluded swimming spots
Practical Tips for Visiting Santa Maria Bay
- Best Time to Visit: May–June or September–October for fewer crowds
- Arrive Early: Morning is quieter
- Bring Essentials: Water, sun protection, snacks, and water shoes
- Respect Nature: Take your litter with you and stay on marked paths
Check Weather: Northern winds keep waters calm; southern winds can create choppier conditions
FAQ About Santa Maria Bay & Comino Tours
Begin with a morning swim at Santa Maria Bay, Malta, then explore nearby coves or kayak. Spend midday at the Blue Lagoon snorkelling or sunbathing, and finish with St. Mary’s Tower for sunset views. GOZOblu Private Boat Tours makes this itinerary effortless with flexible stops.
Must-dos include swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and exploring the Santa Maria Caves. GOZOblu private boat tours cover both the Blue Lagoon and Santa Maria Bay for a seamless experience.
GOZOblu Private Boat Tours is highly recommended for private or small group rentals, offering safety equipment, guided itineraries, and expert local knowledge.
Take a boat trip to Comino Malta from Ċirkewwa, Sliema, or Bugibba. Group tours and private charters, including GOZOblu, stop directly at Santa Maria Bay for easy access.
Facilities are limited. There is a seasonal snack kiosk, but full meals are not available. Onboard refreshments can be enjoyed with a GOZOblu Private Boat Tours.
Tours include Comino day trips, Gozo and Comino tours, and Malta private boat tours. GOZOblu offers flexible private tours to Santa Maria Bay, Blue Lagoon, and hidden coves for a personalised experience.
Standard group tours start around €25–€35 per person. GOZOblu private boat tours start from approximately €200–€300 for a half-day and €350–€500 for a full day, depending on boat size and amenities. Contact GOZOblu for details!
Should You Include Santa Maria Bay on Your Itinerary?
If you’re planning a boat trip to Comino, Malta, Santa Maria Bay deserves a stop.
It offers:
- Calmer swimming
- Fewer crowds
- Beautiful natural surroundings
- Easy walking access to other attractions
For a complete Comino experience, combine Santa Maria Bay with Crystal Lagoon, hidden beaches, the Comino caves, and landmarks like Elephant Rock. Private tours allow you to explore all these spots at your own pace.
