Marsamxett Harbour Anchorage Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Free anchoring in 4–8m over mud and sand in the outer section of Marsamxett Harbour, in the broad channel between the Sliema waterfront (N) and the Valletta/Floriana walls (S). Good holding in mud and sand. Protected from the S, SW, and W by the Valletta and Floriana fortification mass. Exposed to N and NE through the harbour entrance (Gregale corridor). Contact Valletta VTS on VHF Ch 16/12 before anchoring — VTS will confirm permitted anchoring position (which can change). Stay clear of: the Manoel Island causeway shoal (E side), the Sliema–Valletta ferry channel, and any submarine cables marked on the chart. Dinghy to Sliema (10min N) or use the Sliema–Valletta ferry terminal for shore access. Mediterranean tidal range <30cm: no tidal corrections needed. 90m alarm radius accounts for full scope in 6–7m mud and the harbour breadth.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Marsamxett Harbour Anchorage is primarily mud and sand with reliable holding when properly set.

1. Report to Valletta VTS on VHF Ch 16/12 at 10nm and 2 hours before arrival. Provide vessel name, call sign, ETA, and last port of call. Follow VTS berth instructions.
2. Anchor in 4–8m. Malta's tidal range is negligible (<30cm) — no tidal correction needed, but wind-driven sea level variation up to 0.5m is possible in strong winds.
3. Deploy at least 5:1 scope (40m chain at 8m depth) on a mud or sand bottom for maximum holding.
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 Marsamxett Harbour Anchorage are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to N and NE winds and swell. The primary overnight hazard in the Grand Harbour area is the Gregale NE gale (Nov–Mar): if a Gregale develops, move to Kalkara Creek or Dockyard Creek for complete shelter, or run south to Marsaxlokk Bay.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 90m radius before going below. 90m radius in 5–7m mud/sand. Good holding. N/NE Gregale exposure through harbour mouth — in Gregale, swell enters Marsamxett and this anchorage becomes dangerous and untenable. Mediterranean tidal range <30cm: no tidal correction needed.

Best April–October in settled conditions. Summer (May–September) offers the most reliable anchoring with minimal Gregale risk and the afternoon Majjistral (NW sea breeze) keeping temperatures pleasant. October is suitable in settled weather but Gregale risk begins to increase. November–March: Gregale season — this anchorage becomes unreliable and potentially dangerous; Msida Marina (fully enclosed) or Grand Harbour are the proper winter alternatives. The view of Valletta at night — floodlit golden limestone — is among the most spectacular in the Mediterranean.

Navigation Hazards

• Gregale NE gale (Nov–Mar): harbour entrance faces NE — swell develops rapidly and makes this anchorage dangerous and untenable; leave for Grand Harbour or Msida Marina at first Gregale warning
• Sliema–Valletta ferry channel: ferries cross Marsamxett regularly during daylight hours; anchor clear of the ferry crossing and maintain watch
• Submarine cables on the Marsamxett bed — consult Admiralty or Imray chart before anchoring; confirm position with VTS
• Manoel Island causeway shoal on the E side — stay in the mid-channel area; depths shelve quickly near the causeway

Rules & Regulations

• EU member (not Schengen): No customs formalities for EU boats arriving from EU ports. Non-EU boats: clear customs at Grand Harbour (24/7) or Mġarr Gozo (24/7). Fly yellow Q flag. EES biometric recording required for non-EU crew since October 2025.
• Valletta VTS: Mandatory report on VHF Ch 16/12 at 10nm and 2 hours before arrival. Commercial vessels have absolute priority at all times.
• Anchoring fee: Free — confirm anchoring position with Valletta VTS (VHF Ch 16/12) on arrival
• Restrictions: Contact Valletta VTS (VHF Ch 16/12) before anchoring to confirm permitted position. Stay clear of the Sliema–Valletta ferry channel and any submarine cables marked on the chart. Keep clear of the Manoel Island causeway shoal on the E side. Gregale (NE gale, Nov–Mar): leave immediately for Grand Harbour or Msida Marina at first Gregale forecast — swell enters Marsamxett rapidly through the NE-facing entrance.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Sliema waterfront (by dinghy) (0.3nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Sliema waterfront (by dinghy) (0.3nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Sliema waterfront (by dinghy) (0.3nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Contact Valletta VTS on VHF Ch 16/12 before anchoring — confirm permitted position
2. Finest free anchorage backdrop in Malta — Valletta fortifications directly opposite, Fort Manoel to the E
3. Dinghy to Sliema or take the Sliema–Valletta ferry for easy city access
4. Avoid October–March if Gregale is forecast — the NE harbour entrance is unprotected
5. Grand Harbour (1nm SE) is the safe alternative in Gregale conditions