Marsaxlokk Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Large, open bay on Malta's SE coast in 6–12m over sand and mud — the best shelter from the Gregale (NE gale) of any bay in Malta. Protected from N, NW, W, and NE by the Malta landmass; exposed to S and SE (Xlokk/Scirocco direction). The bay is wide and deep — alarm radius of 120m accounts for full scope deployment in 8–10m, the open bay geometry, and the SE exposure swell fetch from Africa. Keep well clear of the Malta Freeport container terminal on the east side of the bay — do not anchor within the commercial port approaches or shipping lanes. Stay clear of the Marsaxlokk fishing village harbour area (N side of bay) to allow fishing boat traffic. Some posidonia patches in the bay — anchor in sand/mud clearings, not over posidonia (EU protected, significant fines). Xlokk/Scirocco from SE can build steep, short seas rapidly — move to the inner bay NW of the village or to Grand Harbour if S swell develops. Mediterranean tidal range <30cm.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Marsaxlokk Bay is primarily sand and mud 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 6–12m. 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 (60m chain at 12m 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 Marsaxlokk Bay are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to S and SE 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 120m radius before going below. 120m radius in 8–10m sand/mud. Open bay geometry — full scope needed. S/SE exposure to Xlokk/Scirocco. Best Gregale protection of any bay in Malta. Mediterranean tidal range <30cm. Keep clear of Malta Freeport commercial port approaches on E side.

Best May–October for comfortable overnight anchoring. Malta's most reliable free overnight anchorage for Gregale protection — the Gregale season (November–March) actually makes Marsaxlokk BAY the safest open anchorage in Malta, as it is the most protected from the NE. However, the rare winter Xlokk (Scirocco) remains a hazard in any season. Summer (June–September): ideal conditions with the Majjistral NW sea breeze providing afternoon relief from heat. Sunday fish market in Marsaxlokk village makes a Saturday night stay particularly rewarding. October–November: excellent — Gregale season makes this the go-to anchorage for weather-bound boats.

Navigation Hazards

• S/SE exposure (Xlokk/Scirocco): warm SE wind from Africa can build steep, short seas rapidly — this is the primary hazard; leave for inner bay or Grand Harbour at first Xlokk warning
• Malta Freeport container terminal (E side): large commercial vessel traffic; do not anchor in or near the commercial port approaches or shipping lanes — serious collision risk
• Posidonia meadows in bay — anchor in sand/mud clearings only; EU protected seagrass; anchoring over posidonia carries significant fines
• Fishing boat traffic: luzzu and larger trawlers active before dawn — anchor away from the village harbour area

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 — open bay anchorage; no overnight fee
• Restrictions: Keep well clear of Malta Freeport container terminal (E side of bay) and commercial shipping lanes. Stay clear of the fishing village harbour area to allow luzzu traffic. Posidonia present in bay — anchor in sand/mud clearings only (EU protected; significant fines apply). S/SE exposure (Xlokk/Scirocco): leave for inner bay or Grand Harbour if S/SE swell develops. Marsaxlokk is NOT a port of entry — non-EU boats must clear customs at Grand Harbour before arriving here.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Marsaxlokk village (0.5nm)
• Restaurant: Marsaxlokk village (0.5nm N) has excellent seafood restaurants — among the finest in Malta. Famous Sunday morning fish market at the village waterfront. Basic provisions available in the village. Full provisioning in Birżebbuġa (1.5nm W). No dockside facilities at the anchorage.
• Provisions: None on site — Marsaxlokk village (0.5nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Best Gregale shelter of any anchorage in Malta — ideal overnight stop when Gregale is forecast
2. Marsaxlokk Sunday fish market is unmissable — arrive Saturday evening and walk to the village Sunday morning
3. Traditional luzzu fishing boats with painted eyes are a defining Malta image — a short dinghy trip to the village
4. Keep clear of the Malta Freeport E side — the commercial port approach is clearly marked on the chart
5. Anchor in sand/mud clearings — check for posidonia before committing (EU protected; fines apply)