Marsalforn Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchorage in Marsalforn Bay in 3–6m over a mixed bottom of sand and rock. Fair holding — the bottom is patchy with sand interspersed with rocky outcrops; snorkel to identify a clear sandy patch before setting. Protected from SE, S, SW, and W; fully exposed to N, NE, and NW — the direct path of the Gregale. The village of Marsalforn is Gozo's largest tourist resort on the north coast, with restaurants, bars, a waterfront promenade, and the famous salt pans at Qbajjar (1km W) — one of Malta's most photographed sights. Fishing boats operate from the village; the harbour area is busy in summer. A local scuba diving centre operates from the waterfront. The bottom quality is variable and a snorkel confirmation of anchor placement is important before leaving the boat. DO NOT use from November to March or in any northerly forecast — Gregale exposure is total. 90m alarm radius reflects patchy holding on sand/rock and the wide bay.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Marsalforn Bay is primarily sand and rock with variable holding that requires extra attention.

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 Marsalforn Bay are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to N and NE and NW 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 90m radius before going below. 90m radius in 4–5m sand/rock. Fair holding — mixed bottom; snorkel to find clear sand patch. Fully exposed N/NE/NW (Gregale). Summer fair-weather use only. Do NOT use Nov–Mar.

Summer only — May to October in settled conditions without northerly forecast. The village is at its liveliest July–August when the tourist season is at its peak. May and September are the optimal months for the anchorage itself: calmer conditions, better bottom visibility for anchor placement, and the village is active without being overcrowded. Do not use from November to March — Gregale exposure is complete and the village winds down significantly in winter.

Navigation Hazards

• GREGALE CRITICAL: Fully exposed to N, NE, and NW — Gregale NE gale arrives from this direction. Do NOT use November–March. Leave immediately if northerly forecast develops
• Mixed bottom (sand/rock) — snorkel to confirm anchor placement on sand before leaving the boat; rocky patches prevent reliable anchor setting
• Fishing boat harbour activity and dive boat traffic — stay clear of established routes near the village jetties
• Tourist boat wash — ferries and fast RIBs serving Marsalforn generate wash in the anchorage during peak season

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 — fair-weather anchorage; summer use only; avoid Nov–Mar
• Restrictions: Fair-weather anchorage — N/NE/NW fully exposed to Gregale. Do NOT use November–March. Snorkel to confirm anchor on sand (not rock). Keep clear of the fishing boat harbour and dive boat routes.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Marsalforn village (0.2nm)
• Restaurant: Good range of restaurants and bars along the Marsalforn waterfront — from traditional Gozitan cuisine to international options. Supermarket and small shops in the village for basic provisioning. Dive centre on the waterfront. Dinghy landing at the beach/slipway.
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Qbajjar salt pans 1km W — one of Malta's most photographed locations and still worked traditionally; worth a dinghy trip at low tide
2. Snorkel before setting anchor — find a clear sand patch for reliable holding
3. Village waterfront restaurants are lively in the evenings; accessible by dinghy at the beach
4. Marsalforn dive centre offers excellent diving on the N Gozo coast — popular dive site
5. Leave at first northerly forecast — no shelter here once Gregale arrives