Mġarr ix-Xini Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchorage in the enclosed fjord in 3–8m over clean sand. Excellent holding throughout — the sandy bottom is clean and flat, and all anchor types set quickly and hold firmly. The fjord is effectively a completely enclosed inlet — its sheer limestone walls and tight geography mean that no wind penetrates the interior regardless of conditions outside. Complete all-weather protection from every direction once inside. The entrance is narrow: approach on a NE heading through the entrance channel (approximately 15–20m wide at the narrowest point); local fishing boats and water taxis use the entrance so approach at idle speed and be prepared to wait. SPACE IS LIMITED: comfortably 8–10 boats can anchor in the fjord; in peak summer the fjord fills by 09:00–10:00. Arrive early to secure a position — this anchorage is worth it. The head of the fjord has a seafood restaurant (seasonal). The fjord was used by the Knights of St John as a galley harbour — the watchtower on the N cliff (Torri ta' Mġarr ix-Xini) was built in 1610. Thunderball (James Bond, 1965) and other films have been shot in the fjord. 65m alarm radius reflects the confined space and short scope necessary.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Mġarr ix-Xini 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 3–8m. 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 ix-Xini are excellent — the enclosed geography provides all-round shelter from sea and swell. 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 65m radius before going below. 65m radius in 4–6m sand — confined fjord requires shorter scope than open anchorages. Full all-weather protection once inside. Space for 8–10 boats maximum — arrive before 10:00 in summer.

Best May–October. The fjord is at its finest in May, June, and September when it is less crowded and the light and temperature are ideal. July–August: very busy — arrive before 09:00 or accept that you may not find space. October is often the best month: warm water (23°C+), settled conditions, and noticeably fewer boats. The fjord is protected year-round and technically usable in winter, but the narrow entrance can be rough in NE swells and the restaurant closes in the off-season.

Navigation Hazards

• Limited space — arrives quickly in summer; by 10:00 the fjord is often full; late arrivals must anchor outside the entrance and wait or move on
• Narrow entrance — approach at idle speed; local water taxis and fishing boats use the entrance regularly; do not block the entrance channel
• Snorkel to confirm anchor placement on sand — rocky ledges exist near the fjord walls; confirm clear of rock and weed before leaving the boat
• Confined swinging circle — anchor with care to avoid fouling neighbours; shorter scope than usual open-water practice

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 — arrive early; space for 8–10 boats maximum
• Restrictions: Limited space — maximum 8–10 boats. Narrow entrance: approach at idle speed, be prepared to yield to exiting boats. Anchor with consideration for other boats — Mediterranean moor (stern-to cliff) sometimes possible in the inner section. Seafood restaurant at head of fjord — keep the approach clear for restaurant water taxis.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Mġarr Harbour, Gozo (3.8nm)
• Restaurant: Seasonal seafood restaurant at the head of the fjord — excellent fresh fish and Gozitan specialities. Accessible by dinghy from anchored boats. No piped water or fuel at the anchorage. Nearest full provisions at Victoria (Rabat) approximately 4nm inland or Mġarr Harbour.
• Provisions: None on site — Mġarr Harbour, Gozo (3.8nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Arrive before 09:00 in July–August to guarantee a spot — this is Gozo's most popular anchorage
2. The inner fjord is completely calm regardless of outside conditions — ideal refuge in unsettled weather
3. Seafood restaurant at the head: worth booking ahead in peak season; accessible by dinghy
4. Knights of St John watchtower (1610) on the N cliff — the fjord has been a recognised safe harbour for over 400 years
5. Thunderball film location — snorkelling above the underwater scenes is part of the Gozo experience
6. Mediterranean mooring (stern-to cliff) sometimes possible in the inner section — ask local boats for the accepted convention