Hidden Swimming Spots in Malta: Quiet Coves and Beaches to Explore by Boat

If you’re looking for hidden swimming spots in Malta, don’t limit yourself to the island’s most famous beaches. Some of the best places to swim are tucked into rocky coves, sheltered bays, and smaller inlets around Gozo and Comino.

The advantage of exploring by boat is flexibility. Instead of spending the whole day at one crowded beach, you can move between different swimming spots, look for calmer water and spend more time in the places that suit you best.

From the dramatic Wied il-Għasri in Gozo to the clear waters of Crystal Lagoon and the quieter bays of Comino, there are plenty of places worth adding to your Malta itinerary.

With an experienced skipper, you can also adjust your route according to the wind, sea conditions and crowds on the day.

1. Wied il-Għasri, Gozo

Best for: Dramatic scenery and a more secluded swimming experience

Wied il-Għasri is one of Gozo’s most distinctive coastal locations. A narrow inlet cuts through the limestone cliffs before opening into the sea, creating a dramatic setting for swimming and photography.

The surrounding landscape is just as impressive as the water itself. Tall limestone walls frame the inlet, making this a particularly memorable stop for visitors who enjoy natural scenery as much as swimming.

You can reach the area from land, but approaching the coastline from the sea offers a different perspective and makes it easier to appreciate the surrounding cliffs.

Is Wied il-Għasri suitable for swimming?

It can be, but conditions matter. The narrow inlet can be affected by waves and swell, so don’t assume that calm-looking water means the conditions are suitable at all times.

At GOZOblu, our experienced skipper can assess the conditions and advise whether stopping here makes sense on the day of your trip.

2. Mġarr ix-Xini, Gozo

Best for: A sheltered swim

Mġarr ix-Xini is a narrow, sheltered inlet on Gozo’s southern coast. Its steep sides and relatively enclosed setting give it a very different feel from the open coastline.

It’s a good option if your priority is a relaxed swim rather than visiting a famous landmark.

The inlet is also associated with the wider coastal landscape around southern Gozo, making it an interesting stop to include as part of a longer itinerary.

For a quieter experience, consider visiting earlier in the day rather than during the busiest summer hours.

3. Hondoq ir-Rummien, Gozo

Best for: Swimming and snorkelling

Hondoq ir-Rummien is located on Gozo’s southeastern coast, facing Comino.

The area is popular for swimming and snorkelling, with clear water and beautiful coastal scenery. Because it is accessible from land, it isn’t strictly a boat-only swimming spot.

However, including Hondoq in a boat itinerary gives you another way to experience this part of Gozo and makes it easier to combine it with other coastal stops.

If you’re planning a full day around Gozo and Comino, Hondoq can work particularly well as part of a wider route rather than as your only destination.

4. Crystal Lagoon, Comino

Best for: Clear water and snorkelling

Crystal Lagoon is one of Comino’s most recognisable swimming locations, known for its exceptionally clear water and rocky surroundings. If you’re planning a Crystal Lagoon Malta boat trip, it’s particularly popular with people who want to swim and snorkel in clear water.

It’s particularly popular with people who want to swim and snorkel in clear water.

The downside is that its popularity means it can become busy, particularly during the summer months.

If Crystal Lagoon is high on your list, an early start can make a noticeable difference. Another advantage of travelling on a private boat is that you don’t have to stay in one place if the area is particularly crowded.

You can swim, snorkel and then move to another part of Comino when you’re ready.

5. Cominotto Beach, Comino

Best for: Shallow water and a natural setting

Just across from the Blue Lagoon sits Cominotto, a small island with a sandy beach and clear surrounding water.

It offers a different perspective of the Blue Lagoon area and can be a rewarding stop for swimming and photography.

Because the beach is small, it can still become busy during peak periods. Timing is therefore important if you’re hoping for a more relaxed experience.

Approaching the area by private boat also gives you greater flexibility to decide how long you want to stay and whether conditions make it a suitable stop.

6. Santa Maria Bay, Comino

Best for: A quieter alternative to the Blue Lagoon

If your idea of a perfect swim involves fewer people, Santa Maria Bay is worth considering.

Located on the northern side of Comino, Santa Maria Bay is generally quieter than the Blue Lagoon and offers a more relaxed setting.

It can be a good choice for travellers who want to experience Comino without spending their entire day in the busiest part of the island. If you’re planning to explore more of the island by boat, you can learn more about a private Comino boat tour and the different stops you can include in your itinerary.

As with any coastal swimming location in Malta, conditions can change depending on the wind and swell. Your skipper can help determine whether Santa Maria Bay is the right stop on the day.

7. Comino’s Sea Caves

Best for: Exploring, photography and seeing Comino from the water

Comino is home to numerous sea caves and rocky formations that are best appreciated from the water. Some are large enough to explore by boat, while others are smaller and may only be suitable for viewing from a safe distance.

This is another area where having an experienced skipper makes a difference. Sea conditions, swell, currents and boat traffic can affect whether entering or approaching a particular cave is appropriate.

Never assume that a cave is safe simply because you have seen photographs of people swimming inside it.

Your skipper should always make the final call based on the conditions on the day.

8. Smaller Coves Around Gozo

Best for: Getting away from the main beach crowds

Gozo’s coastline has plenty of smaller rocky inlets and swimming areas that receive far less attention than the island’s better-known beaches.

The challenge is knowing which areas are worth stopping at and which are unsuitable for swimming in the prevailing conditions.

That’s one of the advantages of exploring Gozo by boat.

Rather than following a fixed beach itinerary, you can discuss what you’re looking for with your skipper. Whether you want a quiet swim, good snorkelling, dramatic cliffs or somewhere to stop for a few minutes, the route can be adapted around the conditions.

9. Smaller Coves Around Comino

Best for: Exploring beyond the busiest areas

The Blue Lagoon naturally attracts most of the attention, but Comino’s coastline extends well beyond this famous swimming area.

Smaller coves and rocky inlets can offer a completely different experience.

Rather than trying to find a particular “secret” location, it’s often better to think of the coastline as a collection of possible stops. Your skipper can assess the sea state and choose suitable areas depending on the conditions.

This flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of a private boat tour. If one area is too busy, exposed or unsuitable, you have the option of moving elsewhere.

10. Blue Lagoon — Go Early

Best for: Seeing Malta’s most famous swimming spot before peak crowds

The Blue Lagoon isn’t exactly hidden, and that’s precisely why it shouldn’t be left off a guide to quieter swimming spots. Its turquoise water and striking limestone surroundings make it one of the most recognisable places in Malta.

The trick is when you visit.

During the busiest summer months, the Blue Lagoon can become extremely crowded. An early-morning visit can give you a much more enjoyable experience before the area reaches its peak.

You can also combine an early Blue Lagoon stop with quieter swimming areas around Comino or Gozo. A Blue Lagoon Malta boat trip gives you the flexibility to plan your route around the conditions and spend time at other spots when the lagoon is at its busiest.

For more practical advice, read our guide on how to avoid the crowds at Blue Lagoon.

How to Choose the Best Swimming Spot on the Day

Choosing a swimming spot isn’t simply about finding the prettiest location.

The wind and sea conditions can completely change which part of the coastline is most enjoyable.

Here are the main things to consider:

1. Wind direction: A sheltered bay can be much more comfortable than an exposed coastline when the wind picks up.
2. Sea state and swell: A location that looks calm in a photograph may not be suitable when there is significant swell.
3. Time of day: Early mornings and later afternoons can be more comfortable during the busiest summer period.
4. Crowds: If a famous location is packed, a private boat gives you the option of moving to another suitable area.
5. What you want to do: Swimming, snorkelling, photography and cave exploration may all call for different locations.
6. Boat traffic: Popular swimming areas can have significant boat activity. Always follow your skipper’s instructions when entering or leaving the water.

With GOZOblu, your route doesn’t have to be treated as a fixed checklist. An experienced skipper can help decide which stops make sense based on the actual conditions rather than simply following a pre-set itinerary.

Why Explore Malta’s Hidden Swimming Spots by Private Boat?

A private boat isn’t just about having your own vessel.

The biggest benefit is flexibility.

Instead of following a fixed group itinerary, you can decide how you want to spend your time. You might prioritise swimming and snorkelling, spend longer at a particular cove, explore caves from the water or combine several areas of Gozo and Comino in one trip.

With GOZOblu, your trip is led by an experienced skipper who can adapt the route to the conditions on the day.

GOZOblu also keeps pricing straightforward, with fuel and port fees included, so you can plan your day without worrying about unexpected boat-related charges.

Depending on the tour, you’ll also have access to snorkelling equipment, bottled water and light local snacks.

And if you’re interested in experiencing more than just swimming, you can combine your boat trip with other activities around Malta’s coastline. Our guide to amazing water activities in Malta has more ideas.

Can You Combine Gozo and Comino in One Day?

Yes, combining Gozo and Comino is possible on a private boat trip, and it can be an excellent way to see more of the coastline in a single day.

For example, you could spend part of your trip exploring Comino’s swimming areas before continuing towards Gozo for a quieter coastal stop.

The exact route should depend on the duration of your trip, weather and sea conditions.

For a longer experience, GOZOblu’s 6-hour Full Comino & Gozo Highlights tour is designed for travellers who want to experience both islands.

If you want to spend most of the day on the water, a longer itinerary gives you more time to explore rather than rushing between stops.

Where Can You Start a Private Boat Trip?

GOZOblu private boat trips can depart from Ċirkewwa in Malta or Mġarr Harbour in Gozo, depending on the tour and your preferred itinerary.

Choosing your departure point can make a difference to how you plan your day.

If you’re already staying on Gozo, departing from Mġarr can make sense. If you’re based in Malta, Ċirkewwa provides convenient access to Comino and Gozo.

Before booking, consider where you’ll be staying, how much time you have and whether you want to focus primarily on Comino, Gozo or both.

How to Stay Safe While Swimming Around Malta

Swimming around Malta, Gozo and Comino can be fantastic, but coastal conditions should never be underestimated.

1. Check the conditions: Wind and swell can change throughout the day. A location that was suitable earlier may not be suitable later.
2. Listen to your skipper: Your skipper can assess the conditions and advise where it is safe to swim, snorkel or approach caves.
3. Be careful around caves: Do not enter sea caves when there is significant swell, strong currents or other unsafe conditions.
4. Watch for boat traffic: Popular swimming areas can have boats moving through them. Follow designated swimming areas and your skipper’s instructions.
5. Be cautious on limestone: Rocks around Malta can be uneven, sharp and slippery, particularly when wet.
6. Don’t rely on photographs: Social media can make certain swimming spots look easy and safe. Conditions in real life can be very different.

Safety should always take priority over reaching a particular swimming location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plan Your Malta Swimming Day Around the Coast

If you want to see more than one swimming spot, a private boat trip gives you the flexibility to build your day around the coastline rather than being tied to a single beach.

GOZOblu can help you explore Comino, Gozo and the surrounding coastline, with experienced skippers who can adapt the route to the conditions on the day.

Whether you’re looking for clear water for snorkelling, quieter bays, dramatic cliffs, sea caves or a combination of Gozo and Comino, the right itinerary can make your day on the water much more memorable.

For food lovers, snorkellers, swimmers and anyone who simply wants to enjoy the Maltese coastline, there’s plenty to discover beyond the busiest beaches. You can also explore our guide to Malta, Gozo and Comino in summer for more ideas when planning your trip.

Ready to explore?