San Niklaw Bay Comino: Snorkelling, Secret Caves & the Quiet Side of the Island
San Niklaw Bay is one of Comino’s most relaxed swimming spots: clear water, two tiny sandy pockets, a rocky east-side snorkelling area and a secluded gorge that only makes sense to visit with a capable local skipper. It is a world away from treating Comino as just one busy Blue Lagoon beach.
Written from on-the-water experience by Sam and the family team at Outdoor Explorers Malta. Updated .
What Is San Niklaw Bay in Comino?
San Niklaw Bay is a small bay on Comino’s north-eastern coast, close to Santa Marija Bay and below the former Comino Hotel. It has two little sandy beach areas, a jetty and water that begins shallow near shore before getting considerably deeper further out. It is less of a big “beach day” place and more of a beautiful, calm stop on a well-planned Comino boat route.
The name is sometimes written as Saint Nicholas Bay, but use San Niklaw Bay Comino when searching for it. The bay is a good contrast to the big Blue Lagoon scene: fewer ferry crowds, a more natural feel and better opportunity to drift, snorkel or simply enjoy the colour of the water when the sea is calm.
It is close enough to combine naturally with Santa Marija Bay, the Comino sea caves, Crystal Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon. For the broader picture, see our complete Comino Island guide.
Why San Niklaw Bay Is So Good for Snorkelling
San Niklaw Bay is especially good for a gentle snorkel because it combines a sandy base near the beach with rockier habitat along the eastern side of the bay. The sand reflects the bright blue water; the pebbles, rocks and small ledges on the east give fish more places to shelter. On a quiet day, this is one of the easiest places to understand why Comino is more than the Blue Lagoon.
More rocks, more life
The eastern edge is the area to take slowly with a mask. Look quietly around the rocks rather than racing through the bay. Depending on the day and visibility, you may see octopus, sea bream, salema, sargo, wrasse and schools of smaller fish. Wildlife is never guaranteed, but this is the more interesting side underwater.
A short, hidden snorkel feature
There is a small cave around the bay that adds a little adventure to the swim. It is not something to force in wind, swell or poor visibility. A good skipper will tell you whether it is sensible that day, point out the safe entry and make sure everyone has an easy way back to the boat.
For a full island-wide comparison, read our best snorkelling spots in Malta, Gozo and Comino guide and our local guide to snorkelling around Comino, Gozo and the Blue Lagoon.
San Niklaw Gorge: The Part Most Visitors Never See
Just before San Niklaw Bay, near the old hotel-side tennis-court area, there is a narrow gorge with bright blue water, small caves and a swim-through tunnel that can contain an air pocket. In settled conditions, it is a beautiful private-boat stop: shallow crystal water at one end, deeper water beyond and plenty of underwater detail to explore. It is not a place for casual self-anchoring or unaccompanied cave swimming.
To hold a boat safely here, the skipper needs to understand the wind, the swing room and the bottom. In the right conditions, an experienced skipper can secure the boat bow-and-stern so it does not drift around while guests swim. In the wrong conditions, the correct decision is simple: do not enter the gorge.
- Do not enter the gorge or tunnel when there is swell, surge, poor visibility or boat traffic.
- Do not swim through a tunnel alone, hold your breath to “just see what is there,” or rely on an air pocket as a safety plan.
- Do not expect every skipper or every boat to use this stop—it depends completely on conditions, group ability and safe anchoring.
This is precisely why a private trip is different from a fixed group-tour route. You can ask your skipper about the gorge, but the final call must be based on the water on the day—not a promise made online.
When Is the Best Time to Visit San Niklaw Bay?
For the calmest, quietest San Niklaw Bay experience, choose a weekday morning or a later-afternoon private boat trip. The bay generally stays far more relaxed than the Blue Lagoon, although local boats can make weekends livelier in peak season. Water clarity and colour are at their best when the wind is low and the bay is protected; no one should promise the same sea conditions every day.
| When | What it is like | Our honest advice |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday morning | Usually calm, quieter and ideal for a first snorkel. | Best choice for families, photos and relaxed swimming. |
| Weekday later afternoon | Often more peaceful as the main Comino rush thins out. | Great for a slower, more private-feeling route. |
| Weekend | More local boats and more movement around the beaches. | Still possible, but leave the route flexible. |
| Windy or swelly day | The water can lose its glassy colour and cave access may be unsuitable. | Let the skipper choose a better-protected Comino or Gozo stop. |
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The Former Comino Hotel Above San Niklaw Bay
The former Comino Hotel is the landmark most people notice above San Niklaw Bay. It has been closed since 2019, and its future redevelopment has been publicly discussed for years. Because the exact operator, construction timing and opening date can change, we do not present any rumour or brand speculation as a confirmed visitor fact.
What matters for a boat guest today is the view: the old hotel and nearby bungalows help you recognise where you are, while the bay below remains one of the quieter parts of the island. If a future hotel project changes access or marine rules, we will update this guide with only confirmed information.
How to Visit San Niklaw Bay by Private Boat from Ċirkewwa
The easiest way to visit San Niklaw Bay is on a private boat trip from Ċirkewwa, where Comino is roughly ten minutes away by fast boat. You avoid a hot inland walk with beach bags, can swim directly from the boat, and can move on if wind, crowds or comfort levels change. It also makes the gorge possible when—and only when—the skipper considers it safe.
More than one place to swim
Instead of committing the day to one shoreline, you can combine San Niklaw Bay with Santa Marija, the caves, Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon and Cominotto. Your skipper can choose the most protected side of Comino and give you proper time in the water.
Everything set up for the water
Your private charter includes a skipper, fuel, shade, a swimming ladder, snorkel masks, life jackets and an ice cooler with ice for your own drinks and snacks. Bring towels, sun protection and whatever you want to enjoy on board.
Start from Ċirkewwa Café, Malta, arrive around 30 minutes before departure, and let us know if San Niklaw Bay or the snorkelling is a priority. You can open directions to the Ċirkewwa meeting point, read about private boat charters to Comino from Ċirkewwa or simply ask us what the sea is likely to be like on your date.
Want San Niklaw Bay on Your Private Comino Route?
Tell us whether you care most about snorkelling, a calm swim, caves or avoiding the main crowds. We will plan the route around the weather and your group—not force you into a fixed stop.
The Best San Niklaw Bay Itinerary: 3, 4, 6 or 8 Hours?
A three-hour trip can include San Niklaw Bay, but four hours is the sweet spot if you want proper swimming time as well as caves, Santa Marija, Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon. Six and eight hours are best for guests who want to slow down, snorkel more seriously or extend towards Gozo. Routes are always adapted to conditions, crowds and your group’s confidence in the water.
| Private tour length | Best use of San Niklaw Bay | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| 3 hours | One good swim/snorkel stop plus highlights such as Santa Marija Caves, Blue Lagoon or Crystal Lagoon. | Guests with limited time who still want the quieter side of Comino. |
| 4 hours | The best balance: caves, Santa Marija Bay, San Niklaw Bay or the gorge, then Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon when conditions allow. | Most families, couples and snorkel lovers. |
| 6 hours | More unhurried water time, extra Comino coastline and the possibility of a Gozo extension. | Guests who want more swimming than travelling. |
| 8 hours | A full Comino-and-Gozo day with time for quiet bays, longer snorkels and a flexible lunch plan. | Full-day explorers, groups and serious water lovers. |
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A strong four-hour Comino route
Ċirkewwa departure and Comino’s north side
Meet at Ċirkewwa, get comfortable on board and start with the coastline while your skipper reads the conditions.
Elephant Rock and Santa Marija Caves
See dramatic formations and cave entrances before the larger tour boats arrive where timing allows.
Santa Marija Bay and San Niklaw Bay
Choose between a sandy swim, east-side snorkelling or—only in perfect conditions—the tucked-away gorge.
Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon and return
Finish with the famous blue water and dramatic cliffs, then include Lovers Cave or Popeye Cave on the way back if time and sea allow.
Deciding between a shorter and a longer charter? Read our guide to half-day versus full-day Comino boat tours and see what is included in a full-day private boat charter.
San Niklaw Bay Safety, Anchoring and Respect for the Bay
San Niklaw Bay is easy to enjoy when visitors treat it as a real working bay rather than an empty swimming pool. Stay clear of marked swimming areas, leave room around the beach and keep the jetty free for hotel-service traffic. The water is shallow near parts of the shore but deepens quickly further out, so weak swimmers and children should use flotation when advised.
- Anchor only on clear sandy bottom, well away from beach swimmers, the jetty and rocky snorkelling habitat.
- Never anchor beside the jetty: service boats may need to manoeuvre in and out during the day.
- Use a ladder, life jacket or snorkel vest if your skipper recommends one—especially where the depth changes fast.
- Do not touch wildlife, feed fish, take shells or chase an octopus into its shelter.
- Do not enter the gorge, cave or tunnel alone; cave conditions can change from calm to dangerous very quickly.
- Let the skipper replace a planned stop if wind, swell, visibility, traffic or swimmer ability make it the safer choice.
San Niklaw Bay Comino: Frequently Asked Questions
San Niklaw Bay is a quiet, snorkel-friendly part of Comino, but the best way to use it depends on weather, crowd levels and your group. These answers cover the questions we hear most often before a private boat trip. For live sea conditions or a route recommendation, message us before you book.
Where is San Niklaw Bay in Comino?
San Niklaw Bay is on the north-eastern side of Comino, near Santa Marija Bay and below the former Comino Hotel. It has two small sandy areas, a jetty and clear water that becomes deeper further from shore.
Is San Niklaw Bay good for snorkelling?
Yes. The east side of San Niklaw Bay has more pebbles, rocks and small ledges than the sandy centre, which makes it more interesting for snorkelling. Depending on the day, you may see octopus, sea bream, salema, sargo, wrasse and small fish.
What is the best time to visit San Niklaw Bay?
We usually recommend a weekday morning or later afternoon, especially in summer. The bay is normally calmer and quieter than the main Blue Lagoon shore, although weekends can bring more local boats. Low-wind conditions make the water look its best.
Can children swim at San Niklaw Bay?
In settled conditions, children can enjoy the shallow beach-side water with proper supervision and flotation where needed. The gorge, cave and tunnel are not child play areas. Let the skipper know every swimmer’s confidence level before entering the water.
Can you visit San Niklaw Bay on a ferry?
Some public routes may pass nearby or use nearby Comino landings, but schedules and access arrangements can change. A private boat is the most practical choice if San Niklaw Bay is your priority because you can swim directly from the boat and adapt the route to the conditions.
How long should a private boat trip be for San Niklaw Bay?
Three hours can include the bay, but four hours is our preferred length. It provides time for San Niklaw Bay or the gorge, Santa Marija, caves, Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon without rushing every stop.
Do I need a Blue Lagoon pass to visit San Niklaw Bay?
No pass is needed specifically for San Niklaw Bay. If you also plan to land in the regulated Blue Lagoon shore area, the separate official Blue Lagoon access rules may apply. Ask us when booking if you want to include a land stop.
Is the old Comino Hotel open?
The former Comino Hotel above San Niklaw Bay has been closed since 2019. Redevelopment has been discussed publicly, but visitors should rely only on an official announcement for future opening, operator and accommodation details.
Book a Private Comino Boat Trip That Includes San Niklaw Bay
Private means it is your boat, your pace and your swimming stops. Leave from Ċirkewwa with a local skipper, add San Niklaw Bay to the route and explore the best side of Comino for the conditions that day.
Route order, cave access, snorkelling conditions and stop durations are always weather- and safety-dependent. Your skipper will choose the best and safest available version of the route on the day.
