Hondoq ir-Rummien Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchorage in Hondoq ir-Rummien Bay in 3–6m over clean sand. Good holding throughout — the sandy bottom is clean and flat providing reliable holding. Protected from N, NW, W, and SW by the headlands on the SE tip of Gozo; exposed to SE and E. In summer the prevailing wind is from the NW (Maestral) making this one of the better-protected anchorages on Gozo's south coast during settled summer conditions. The bay is small and relatively unknown compared to Ramla and Xlendi — a peaceful local swimming area used primarily by Gozo residents. Crystal clear water — visibility commonly 20–25m in summer. The views across to Comino and the Maltese mainland are excellent. In Scirocco (SE–S gale) the bay is exposed and uncomfortable — leave for Mġarr Harbour (2.5nm NW). 75m alarm radius accounts for full scope in 4–5m sand in a relatively confined bay.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Hondoq ir-Rummien Bay is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set.

1. Monitor VHF Ch 16 for Gozo Radio before entering Mġarr Harbour or approaching any Gozo anchorage. Ferry vessels have right of way at all times in the Gozo Channel.
2. Anchor in 3–6m. Malta's tidal range is negligible (<30cm) — no tidal depth correction needed. Wind-driven sea level variation up to 0.5m possible in strong winds.
3. Deploy at least 5:1 scope (30m chain at 6m depth). Verify the bottom is sand or mud — check for Posidonia seagrass (EU protected) before dropping the anchor.
4. Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds at moderate throttle. Use the scope calculator to confirm adequate chain.

Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Hondoq ir-Rummien Bay are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to SE and E winds. The primary overnight hazard in Gozo is the Gregale NE gale (Nov–Mar): north-facing bays (Ramla, Marsalforn) become dangerous — seek shelter in Mġarr ix-Xini or Xlendi Bay immediately at any Gregale forecast.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 75m radius before going below. 75m radius in 4–5m sand. Good holding. SE/E exposure — leave for Mġarr Harbour (2.5nm NW) if Scirocco or E wind forecast. Summer: prevailing NW Maestral makes this well-sheltered.

Good May–October in typical settled summer conditions. One of Gozo's lesser-known anchorages — busy only in July–August when every bay on the island attracts more visitors. May, June, September, and October are particularly good: calm conditions, excellent water clarity, and the bay is often empty during the week. A reliable anchorage for boats transiting between Gozo and Comino who want to avoid the Blue Lagoon crowds during the day.

Navigation Hazards

• SE/E exposure — Scirocco (SE gale) makes the bay untenable; leave for Mġarr Harbour (2.5nm NW) if SE or E wind forecast
• Small bay with limited space — local swimming area; be considerate of resident bathers and local small boats
• No facilities — completely self-sufficient required; no water, fuel, or provisions at the anchorage
• Channel between Gozo and Comino has some ferry traffic — be aware of ferry routes passing the bay entrance

Rules & Regulations

• EU member (not Schengen): No customs formalities for EU boats arriving from EU ports. Non-EU boats: Mġarr Harbour is the official 24/7 customs clearance point for Gozo — fly yellow Q flag on arrival. EES biometric recording required for non-EU crew since October 2025.
• Posidonia: EU protected throughout Maltese waters — anchor only in sand or mud patches. Fines apply. Use mooring buoys where provided.
• Anchoring fee: Free — local swimming bay; treat with care for resident swimmers
• Restrictions: Small bay — limited space. Be considerate of resident swimmers and local boats. Exposed to SE/E — leave if Scirocco is forecast. No tourist facilities.

For a full overview, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Qala village, Gozo (1nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Qala village, Gozo (1nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Qala village, Gozo (1nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. One of the quietest anchorages on Gozo — local swimming bay rather than tourist destination
2. Crystal clear water — excellent snorkelling directly from the boat; visibility commonly 20–25m
3. Views to Comino and Blue Lagoon (3nm NE) from the anchorage — consider this as a staging point before Blue Lagoon
4. Prevailing summer NW Maestral makes this well-protected during typical summer afternoons
5. Evening peace — dinghy landing possible at the small beach for a shoreside walk