Santa Maria Reef

Type:

Scuba Diving

Entry:⚓Boat Entry

Difficulty:Beginner

Tags:

Reef

About This Dive Spot

Santa Maria Reef lies northeast of Comino Island and reaches depths of about 22 m. The area features a mix of corals, sponges, and tubeworms, with swim-throughs and overhangs that offer varied underwater terrain. The site is described as suitable for divers of all levels, with planning considerations around exposure to northern winds.

Planning details

Reported depth and seasonality.

Reported depth

Up to 22m

Depth note

Maximum depth reported as up to 22 m (72 ft).

Typical conditions

Can be exposed to northern winds.

Safety & access

Hazards, restrictions, and required precautions.

Hazards

Waves

Safety notes

Consider exposure to northern winds when planning the dive.

Local intel

Community notes to help plan your visit.

Tailored notes for different activities.

Scuba

Includes swim-throughs and overhangs and is described as suitable for divers of all levels.

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Spots Near Santa Maria Reef

📍 1.3 km

The Canyon

Not Set

The Canyon is a cave dive characterized by underwater formations and an average depth around 7 m, with sections reaching about 20 m. Marine life sightings can include groupers, stingrays, and bonitos. Conditions are generally mild but can feature occasional surge, and the site is considered best suited to advanced divers.

📍 1.7 km

Crystal Lagoon

Not Set

Crystal Lagoon is a shallow dive site with sandy areas and seagrass, reaching from very shallow water down to moderate depths. A highlight is a 30-meter tunnel feature within the site. It is described as suitable for novice divers and offers encounters with a variety of small to mid-sized marine life.

📍 2.1 km

P31 Wreck

⚓

The P31 Wreck is a small patrol boat wreck typically visited on a full-day boat trip. It lies in 11–20 m of water and is suited to divers starting out with wreck diving. The wreck can be penetrated and has had hazardous parts removed. In the surrounding blue water, schools of damselfish and sardines are common, with small nudibranchs, scorpionfish, and moray eels found on and around the structure.

📍 2.3 km

P31 Patrol Boat

⚓

The P31 patrol boat is an upright wreck resting on a sandy bottom and intentionally sunk to form an artificial reef. Divers can explore the remains of the vessel, which was decommissioned in 2004 and sunk in 2009. The wreck sits at 21 m with the highest points reachable from about 7 m, making it accessible across a wide range of certification levels.

📍 2.5 km

Lantern Point (Ras I-Irqieqa)

⚓

Lantern Point is a boat dive off Comino featuring boulders, drop-offs, and multiple swim-throughs. A key highlight is a chimney section that runs from about 5 m down to 16 m, followed by more rock formations and passages. The site is described as best suited to advanced-level divers and above, with opportunities to explore overhead-style features and varied terrain.

📍 2.7 km

Lantern Point

Not Set

Lantern Point lies off the south-western tip of Comino. The dive follows a wall that drops down to large boulders and includes a cave around 15 m with a chimney leading up to a plateau near 6 m. Marine life commonly seen here includes barracuda, moray eels, squid, lobsters, and other fish species.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best entry point at Santa Maria Reef?

Entry at Santa Maria Reef is detailed in the spot description above. Look for specific landmarks, access paths, and any tide or condition requirements. Local divers often share updated entry tips in their dive logs.

What conditions are best for diving Santa Maria Reef?

Optimal conditions at Santa Maria Reef depend on several factors including tide, wind, and season. Check recent dive logs for current condition reports and patterns. Generally, calmer seas and high tide provide better visibility and easier entry.

What is the maximum depth and typical visibility at Santa Maria Reef?

Depth and visibility information for Santa Maria Reef can be found in the spot details and recent dive logs. Conditions can vary significantly based on weather, tide, and season. Always plan your dive according to current conditions and your certification level.

Are there any safety considerations or local etiquette at Santa Maria Reef?

When diving Santa Maria Reef, respect local regulations, marine life, and other water users. Be aware of any specific hazards like currents or boat traffic mentioned in the spot description. Follow Leave No Trace principles and local diving etiquette.