Mġarr Harbour, Gozo Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchorage in the outer harbour at Mġarr in 4–8m over sand and mud. Good holding once set — sandy mud provides reliable holding for most anchor types. The harbour is substantially protected from most directions by the harbour walls and the surrounding headlands; the main exposure is to the NE (Gregale). In summer the harbour is busy with the Malta–Gozo ferry service and tourist ferries — ferries have right of way and use the harbour constantly (approx. every 30–45 min). Anchor in the outer section CLEAR of the ferry berths and approach lane — stay to the S and SW of the ferry pontoons. This is the official non-EU customs clearance point for Gozo, operational 24 hours per day. Non-EU boats must proceed directly to Mġarr and contact Gozo Radio on VHF Ch 16 before approaching. A small marina is located inside the harbour with limited visitor berths. Tidal range is negligible (<30cm). 90m alarm radius accounts for full scope in 6–7m sand/mud with ample clearance from ferry approaches.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Mġarr Harbour, Gozo is primarily sand and mud 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 4–8m. 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 (40m chain at 8m 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 Mġarr Harbour, Gozo are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to NE 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 6–7m sand/mud. Good holding. NE exposure (Gregale). Anchor well clear of ferry berths and approach channel — ferries operate every 30–45 minutes. Non-EU customs clearance point: proceed here on arrival.

Usable year-round as a port of entry and transit harbour. Summer (May–October) is the sailing season with pleasant conditions; the harbour is busiest in July–August with tourist ferries added to the regular Malta ferry service. Winter use (November–March) is possible for EU boats in transit but the NE Gregale exposure makes overnight anchorage inadvisable during Gregale forecasts — use the marina berths inside the harbour walls for winter overnight stays.

Navigation Hazards

• Ferry traffic — Malta–Gozo ferries operate every 30–45 minutes and have absolute right of way in harbour; anchor well clear of ferry berths and approach lane
• NE exposure — Gregale (NE gale) can funnel into the harbour; leave for more sheltered position inside harbour walls if Gregale is forecast Nov–Mar
• Non-EU boats must clear customs here before proceeding anywhere else on Gozo — do not anchor elsewhere first
• Tourist ferries and fast RIB water taxis generate wash in the harbour throughout the day in summer

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 for anchorage in outer harbour; small marina inside harbour charges approx. €30–50/night for visitor berths
• Restrictions: Keep well clear of the ferry berths and approach channel at all times — ferries have right of way. Monitor VHF Ch 16 (Gozo Radio). Anchor clear of harbour mouth approach lane. Non-EU boats must clear customs here before proceeding to any other Gozo anchorage.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Available
• Restaurant: Restaurants and a fish market in Mġarr town above the harbour. Full provisioning available in Victoria/Rabat (4nm by bus or taxi). Water and fuel available at the marina. ATM in Mġarr town.
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Non-EU customs clearance 24/7 — one of the most convenient entry points for non-EU boats in the central Mediterranean
2. Anchor in the SW sector of the outer harbour to stay clear of the ferry lane
3. Bus service from Mġarr to Victoria (Rabat) — the island's capital with full provisioning, banks, and chandlery
4. Fish market at the harbour — fresh fish available early morning from local fishing boats
5. Gozo Radio on VHF Ch 16 — monitor continuously in the harbour area