Alex's Cave, Gozo: swim-throughs and sandy plateaus in Comino

Alex's Cave, also known in some local logs as Champagne Cave or Tony's Cave, is situated near the Crystal Lagoon on the island of Comino. The dive typically begins in the shallow, turquoise waters of the lagoon, where you move across a sandy bottom toward the reef edge. From there, the topography shifts from flat sand to a more complex structure of rocky blocks and reef walls. This transition marks the beginning of the main dive profile as you approach the cave entrance.

The primary feature of this site is a navigable cave system that spans approximately 40 metres in length. The interior follows an L-shaped path, providing a distinct change in light and environment as you move deeper into the structure. One of the most notable characteristics of this cave is the presence of an air pocket, which allows divers to reach a surface point within the cavern. This feature makes the site particularly interesting for those looking to experience different overhead environments in a controlled setting.

As you move away from the cave entrance, the site reveals a more open marine landscape characterized by a marked drop-off and a large underwater arch. The terrain is structured with various rocky outcroppings that provide numerous niches for resident marine life. The transition from the sheltered cave environment to the open wall offers a diverse range of depths, primarily staying within the 8 to 20 metre range. This variety in topography ensures that the site remains engaging throughout the entire dive profile.

The marine life at Alex's Cave is well-distributed across the different zones of the reef and cave. In the more sheltered, rocky areas, you will frequently encounter moray eels and conger eels tucked into crevices. The sandy sections and edges of the reef are good places to spot a common octopus or various species of cuttlefish. Smaller organisms like nudibranchs and common hermit crabs can be found along the reef wall, rewarding closer inspection of the substrate.

Larger reef residents are often found near the drop-offs and around the cave mouth. Dusky groupers and amberjack are known to frequent these deeper sections of the wall. You might also observe a flying gurnard resting on the bottom or a marbled electric ray partially buried in the sand. For those watching the rock faces, scorpionfish and lizardfish often remain motionless, blending into their surroundings, while pearly razor fish move through the shallower areas.

Visibility at this site is typically high, often ranging between 20 and 40 metres, which enhances the sense of space within the cave and around the arch. This clarity allows for easy navigation through the L-shaped passage and makes the light play through the cave entrance more visible. The combination of bright, shallow waters near the lagoon and the darker, more enclosed sections of the cave provides a dynamic visual experience. This contrast is a defining element of the dive.

Access to the site is most commonly achieved by boat, dropping into the waters near Comino or Crystal Lagoon. From there, you progress along the reef wall toward the cave entrance. While the site can be approached via an underwater passage from the lagoon, some local routes from the shore can be more difficult to navigate. Planning your entry and exit based on your boat's position relative to the reef edge is essential for a smooth progression toward the cave.