Diving atComino Island - Lantern Point (Malta)
Lantern Point offers clear visibility, allowing divers to appreciate its diverse underwater landscape, from shallow reef plateaus to deep tunnels and dramatic drop-offs. Off Comino Island, the boat-accessed site consistently provides conditions favorable for exploring intricate rock formations. Divers often experience good sightlines, revealing geological features and potential marine encounters.
Evening condition tracking at Comino Island - Lantern Point features an air temperature of 18.2°C. We have recorded wave heights measuring 0.68m during this period. These figures outline the environmental parameters currently present.
Dive Site Coordinates
36.0039, 14.3252
Key Dive Site Facts
Dive Site Overview
Accessible primarily by boat, Lantern Point is positioned on Comino's eastern side, with diving typically occurring from April to November during Malta's summer season. A spectacular L-shaped chimney defines the site, beginning at a shallow plateau around 6 m (20 ft) before descending to an exit between 16-18 m (52-59 ft) into a larger cave system.
Beyond the chimney, divers discover expansive boulder fields and a dramatic reef wall. The location accommodates diverse certification levels; Open Water divers can explore the reef edge to recreational depths, observing marine life and colorful anemones within Posidonia oceanica meadows. More advanced divers can descend further, encountering a network of intriguing passages, caverns, and tunnels situated between 25 and 30 meters.
While the reported maximum depth extends to 50 meters, average dive depth is often around 30 meters. Such dynamic underwater structures ensure a varied overhead experience for all. Lantern Point stands as a compelling dive destination within the Maltese Islands.
Best Time to Dive
Diving at Comino's Lantern Point is possible year-round, yet seasonal conditions significantly influence the experience. Peak diving generally occurs from May through October, coinciding with consistently favorable dive scores. These months present average air temperatures ranging from 18.8°C (66°F) to 26.2°C (79°F) and minimal rainfall, often below 1.2 mm (0.05 inches). Wave heights are typically subdued, measuring between 0.6 m and 1.1 m (2-3.6 ft), which contributes to calmer sea conditions. Conversely, winter sees colder average air temperatures, around 15°C (59°F), particularly in January and February. During that colder period, wave heights increase to 1.6 m to 1.8 m (5.2-5.9 ft), accompanied by higher wind speeds and more substantial rainfall. Warmer summer months, therefore, remain the preferred time for more comfortable and predictable diving conditions.
Climate Historical Averages
Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.
Dive Experience & Conditions
Upon water entry at Lantern Point, divers encounter a shallow plateau, typically 6-8 m (20-26 ft) deep, which doubles as an ideal starting point and boat anchorage. Immediately, the site's defining feature, an L-shaped vertical chimney, becomes apparent. Navigating its wide interior leads divers through this natural formation, eventually emerging between 16 and 18 meters into a larger cave or onto the main reef. Past the chimney, the dive continues along a dramatic reef wall, dropping into deeper sections filled with huge boulders, overhangs, and natural caverns suitable for exploration. Currents are frequently present here due to the location, influencing dive planning and potentially increasing pelagic marine life encounters.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Careful planning is essential for diving Lantern Point, mainly due to its boat-only access and potential for strong currents. Adhere to established boat procedures for safe entry and exit. Shallower reef portions and the chimney are accessible for Open Water certified divers to recreational depths. However, exploring the deeper tunnel systems and caverns, which extend beyond typical recreational limits, requires Advanced certification. Although the chimney is wide enough for comfortable maneuvering, maintaining awareness of overhead environments is prudent. Good buoyancy control is critical, particularly when navigating delicate corallites and sponges. Always carry an SMB to account for potential surface currents and signal the boat.
Recommended Equipment
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Verified equipment recommendations for this dive site are being reviewed and may be added as additional source checks are completed.
Recommended Dive Suit
Repeated dives during the same day can gradually reduce overall body warmth.
The water around Comino Island - Lantern Point is currently holding at approximately 19°C (65°F), setting the tone for today's dives. Surface air temperatures are resting at 18°C (65°F). Divers spending extended time underwater often rely on 5mm wetsuit for balanced warmth and flexibility. A hood or vest is suggested for sensitive divers due to surface winds. Surface intervals may feel cooler.
The forecast outlook suggests that temperatures will stay close to current levels.
Conditions last reviewed: 18:00 using the latest environmental data.
Dive Logistics & Preparation
Hyperbaric Chamber
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Entry Requirements
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Marine Life at Comino Island - Lantern Point
Comino's Lantern Point supports diverse marine life, frequently enhanced by currents. Along the reef wall, divers might spot larger fish such as dentex, amberjacks, barracudas, and groupers. Moray eels and octopus are commonly found within numerous holes and cracks. Exploring caverns, overhangs, and smaller caves often reveals a vibrant ecosystem of damsel fish, starfish, shrimps, crabs, and colorful sponges. Inside the site's distinctive chimney, specific inhabitants include purple heart urchins, white-tufted worms, and fireworms. Closer inspection of coral structures can also unveil brightly colored nudibranchs, contributing to the site's overall biodiversity.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main features of Lantern Point?
Lantern Point is characterized by its distinctive L-shaped vertical chimney, descending from a shallow plateau into deeper reef sections. It also includes a dramatic reef wall, numerous swim-throughs, and a system of tunnels and caverns.
What is the maximum depth at Lantern Point?
Maximum reported depth at Lantern Point can reach up to 50 m (164 ft). Shallower sections, including a plateau at 6-8 meters and a chimney exiting around 16-18 meters, accommodate various diver levels.
Is Lantern Point accessible for Open Water divers?
Yes, Open Water certified divers can explore the shallower reef sections up to 18 m (59 ft), including the entry to the chimney and along the reef wall. Deeper tunnels and caverns, however, require Advanced certification.
Are currents typically present at Lantern Point?
Currents can frequently be encountered at Lantern Point due to its exposed location on Comino Island. Such currents can influence the dive profile but often bring in more pelagic marine life.
How do divers access Lantern Point?
Lantern Point is exclusively a boat dive. Boats typically anchor on the shallow plateau, allowing divers direct access to the site's main features.
What marine life might be seen at Lantern Point?
Divers can expect to see a variety of marine life including lobsters in darker areas, moray eels and octopus in cracks, and larger fish like dentex, amberjacks, and groupers along the reef. The chimney itself hosts purple heart urchins and various worms.
When is the best time to dive Lantern Point?
Optimal diving at Lantern Point is generally from April/May through November. During these months, conditions are more favorable with warmer air temperatures, calmer seas, and minimal rainfall, though diving is possible year-round.
Does Lantern Point feature overhead environments?
Yes, Lantern Point is recognized for its L-shaped chimney, alongside several swim-throughs, caverns, and tunnels among large boulders. These features provide varied overhead environments for exploration, especially for advanced divers.
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