St George's Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

North-facing bay at Pembroke (immediately N of St Julian's) in 3–6m over good clean sand with reliable holding. Protected from SW, W, and S by the Pembroke headland. Exposed to N and NE — directly in the Gregale corridor. In Gregale (NE gale, Nov–Mar) the bay is completely untenable: run for Msida Marina (3nm S) or Grand Harbour immediately at first Gregale forecast. Good sand holding — one of the cleaner sand anchorages on the NE Malta coast. The bay is bordered by hotel developments including the InterContinental Malta. Primarily used as a day anchorage and summer swimming destination. Busier in July–August with hotel beach users. Anchor in mid-bay sand area clear of rock outcrops on the NW headland and clear of any designated hotel swimming zones. Mediterranean tidal range <30cm: no tidal corrections needed. 80m radius accounts for full scope in 4–5m sand and N/NE bay opening.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at St George's Bay is primarily 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 3–6m. 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 (30m chain at 6m 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 St George's Bay 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 80m radius before going below. 80m radius in 4–5m sand. Good sand holding. N/NE Gregale exposure — untenable in Gregale; Msida Marina (3nm S) is the refuge. Mediterranean tidal range <30cm.

Day anchorage only, May–September. N/NE exposure and Gregale risk make St George's Bay completely unsuitable from October onwards. Best in summer — June–August for swimming and day stops. Arrive before 10:00 in July–August for the best position before hotel beach activity picks up. The afternoon Majjistral (NW sea breeze) from June–September can make the anchorage uncomfortable from 13:00 onwards. Not suitable as an overnight anchorage at any time of year due to the N/NE Gregale exposure.

Navigation Hazards

• N/NE exposure — Gregale from NE is the primary hazard; completely untenable in Gregale; leave for Msida Marina (3nm S) or Grand Harbour at first NE gale forecast
• Hotel beach water sports and jet ski zones in summer — anchor in mid-bay outside any marked hotel swimming zone
• Rock outcrops on NW headland — anchor in the mid-bay sand area; avoid the W and NW edges of the bay
• Afternoon Majjistral (NW sea breeze) June–September: can make this bay uncomfortable from 13:00; plan departure before early afternoon if moving

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 — public bay; no overnight fee
• Restrictions: Day anchorage in summer only — N/NE exposure and Gregale risk make overnight unsuitable from October onwards. Leave for Msida Marina (3nm S) or Grand Harbour at first Gregale forecast. Anchor in mid-bay sand clear of rock outcrops on NW headland and clear of hotel swimming zones. Hotel beach water sports and jet ski zones in summer.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: St Julian's (0.5nm)
• Restaurant: InterContinental Malta hotel restaurant accessible from the beach. St Julian's (0.5nm S) has full range of restaurants, ATMs, and supermarkets. Sliema (1nm S) has full provisioning. No dockside facilities at the anchorage.
• Provisions: None on site — St Julian's (0.5nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Good sand holding — one of the cleaner sand anchorages on the NE Malta coast
2. Quieter than Spinola Bay (immediately S) — slightly more space and less noise
3. Day anchorage only in summer — N/NE exposure; Msida Marina (3nm S) for overnight
4. At first Gregale forecast: leave immediately for Msida Marina or Grand Harbour
5. St Julian's full provisions and restaurants 0.5nm S — accessible by dinghy or short walk