The tiny Comino played a key role in Malta’s Napoleonic and British eras, from French conquest to British watchtowers and smuggler patrols.
Category: Comino
Cruise to Blue Lagoon Comino
Cruise to Comino’s Blue Lagoon with Bluewaves Watersports. Swim, snorkel & explore stunning bays. Choose from 3 Bay, 2 Bay, or Sunset Cruises.
Sharks in Malta
Sharks in Malta: A Rare and Beautiful Encounter with Nature At Bluewaves Watersports, we’re passionate about Malta’s stunning marine life. Our crystal-clear Mediterranean waters are home to an incredible array of sea creatures, from playful dolphins to colorful fish. One fascinating but often misunderstood ocean dweller very rarely makes an appearance in our waters. The shark. Before your imagination runs wild, let us reassure you, Malta is not known for shark activity, especially near the coast. In fact, shark sightings here are very rare. But when one does appear, as happened recently in Sliema, it’s a wonderful reminder of how rich and healthy our marine ecosystem truly is. A Peaceful Visitor in Sliema – 09/05/2025 On May 9th, 2025, beachgoers and walkers along the Sliema coast witnessed a special and rare sight, a small shark was seen calmly swimming close to shore. The video quickly made rounds on social media, with onlookers expressing surprise and awe at the peaceful presence of this ocean visitor. Marine experts believe the shark was likely a blue shark (Prionace glauca), a sleek, deep-sea species known for its striking blue coloration and gentle nature. These sharks live far offshore and are not typically found near beaches. Sightings near the coast are exceptionally rare, and this one came with calm seas and perfect visibility, ideal conditions for such an encounter. The shark posed no threat to swimmers, and officials confirmed there was no danger or need for alarm. In fact, it was a positive sign that our local waters remain clean and biodiverse. Sharks are essential indicators of a healthy ocean, and seeing one in Malta is a rare and special moment to appreciate. Sharks in Malta: The Facts Malta’s surrounding waters are home to over 30 species of sharks, but most are small, non-aggressive, and live in deep waters far from shore. The reality is that you are extremely unlikely to ever see a shark while swimming, snorkeling, or enjoying water activities here. In fact, shark-related incidents in Malta are virtually unheard of. Sharks do not hunt humans, their diet consists mainly of fish and squid, and they are naturally wary of people. Interestingly, the waters near Filfla, an uninhabited islet south of Malta, are one of the island’s richest marine ecosystems and an occasional habitat for larger marine species, including some types of sharks. However, this area is far from regular swimming zones and is a protected nature reserve, ensuring minimal interaction with humans. At Bluewaves Watersports, safety is our top priority. In all our years operating here at Bluewaves Watersports, we’ve never had any kind of shark-related issue. The sighting on 09/05/2025 in Sliema was not a warning, it was a rare and beautiful reminder of nature’s balance. Sharks: Guardians of the Sea Sharks are a vital part of the marine ecosystem. As apex predators, they help maintain the balance of other marine life, keeping populations in check and supporting the overall health of coral reefs and fish stocks. Despite their important role in CONTINUE READING
Saint Mary’s Gun Battery in Comino
Saint Mary’s Gun Battery in Comino Tucked away on the quiet, rugged coastline of Comino — the smallest inhabited island of the Maltese archipelago — lies an overlooked historical treasure: Saint Mary’s Gun Battery. This 18th-century coastal fortification stands as a testament to Malta’s strategic importance in the Mediterranean and offers a glimpse into the island’s turbulent past. Let’s dive into the story behind this remarkable structure, its role in history, and why it deserves a spot on your must-visit list. A Brief History of Saint Mary’s Gun Battery Built by the Order of Saint John in 1715-1716, Saint Mary’s Battery was part of a broader effort to defend Malta from Ottoman or pirate attacks. Positioned on the southwestern shore of Comino, the battery provided a crucial line of defense against enemy ships trying to sneak through the Comino Channel — the narrow passage between Malta and Gozo. The battery forms a semi-circular shape, with thick limestone walls facing the sea. Originally, it was equipped with six cannons, ready to fire upon any hostile vessels daring to venture too close. This strategic location allowed the battery to work in tandem with other nearby fortifications, like Saint Mary’s Tower, ensuring the channel remained under Maltese control. After the decline of the Ottoman threat, Saint Mary’s Battery gradually fell into disuse. Over the centuries, the cannons were removed, and the structure weathered the harsh coastal elements. Thankfully, restoration efforts in the late 20th and early 21st centuries have helped preserve this historic site, allowing visitors to experience a piece of Malta’s rich military legacy. Architectural Features and What to Expect One of the first things you’ll notice about Saint Mary’s Battery is its commanding position atop a rocky cliff, offering panoramic views of the surrounding sea. The battery’s design is relatively simple yet effective — a curved parapet with gun embrasures facing the channel, a small blockhouse at the rear for the garrison, and a powder magazine for storing ammunition. The walls are built from Malta’s characteristic honey-colored limestone, blending seamlessly with the island’s natural landscape. Despite the erosion and weathering over the centuries, the structure remains remarkably intact, exuding an air of quiet resilience. The restored site now includes replica cannons, giving visitors a better sense of how the battery would have looked in its operational days. It’s easy to imagine the gunners standing by their weapons, watching the horizon for enemy sails. Why Visit Saint Mary’s Battery? For history buffs, Saint Mary’s Battery offers a fascinating insight into Malta’s military past. It’s a reminder of the island’s strategic importance and the relentless efforts to defend it from invaders. Even if history isn’t your primary interest, the battery’s scenic location makes it worth the trip. The views over the crystal-clear waters of the Comino Channel are simply breathtaking, especially during sunset. Moreover, visiting the battery is a chance to experience the quieter, less touristy side of Comino. While most visitors flock to the famous Blue Lagoon, the battery remains a peaceful, CONTINUE READING
