Kalafrana Bay Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Il-Bajja tal-Kalafrana, Kalafrana Malta, Marsaxlokk north
Kalafrana Bay is a quieter nook on the northeast corner of Marsaxlokk Bay — historically famous as RAF Kalafrana, the British flying boat base that played a significant role in WW2 Mediterranean operations. Anchorage in 3–8m over sand and mud with good holding. Protected from most directions by its position within the larger bay. SE exposure means the same Xlokk vulnerability as the rest of Marsaxlokk Bay. A quiet, history-rich anchorage away from the commercial activity of Birzebbuga and the Freeport.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
35°50.9'N 14°33.2'E
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand, mud
Holding
GoodProtected From
N, NW, W, SW, NE
Exposed To
SE, E
Best Months
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Anchoring Fee
Free
Currency
Euro (EUR) — EU member
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
85m radius in 4–6m sand/mud. Good holding. Inner position in Marsaxlokk Bay — some protection from NE by bay geometry. SE exposure: leave in Xlokk forecast. Historic WW2 flying boat base — interesting for maritime history enthusiasts.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeThe Anchorage
Anchorage in Kalafrana Bay on the northeast corner of Marsaxlokk Bay in 3–8m over sand and mud. Good holding. Sheltered from N through NE by the headland geography within the larger bay. The bay was a historic flying boat base in WW2 (RAF Kalafrana). Limited facilities — primarily a quiet overnight stop. Less commercial and industrial atmosphere than the Birzebbuga/Freeport side.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Kalafrana Bay is primarily sand and mud with reliable holding when properly set.
- Monitor VHF Ch 16 for Malta Radio — Marsaxlokk Bay has active Freeport commercial shipping. Large container vessels have priority and operate at all hours from the east side of the bay.
- 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.
- 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.
- Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds at moderate throttle. Use the scope calculator to confirm adequate chain.
Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Spade, Mantus.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Kalafrana Bay are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to SE and E winds. The primary overnight hazard in Marsaxlokk is the Xlokk (Scirocco) SE wind: when it blows, the entire bay faces directly into the swell — seek shelter in Grand Harbour immediately at any strong SE forecast.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 85m radius before going below. 85m radius in 4–6m sand/mud. Good holding. Inner position in Marsaxlokk Bay — some protection from NE by bay geometry. SE exposure: leave in Xlokk forecast. Historic WW2 flying boat base — interesting for maritime history enthusiasts.
May–October. Quiet and peaceful in NW/W conditions. SE exposure — avoid in Xlokk.
Navigation Hazards
- SE exposure — leave in Xlokk or easterly forecast
- Some commercial traffic nearby — monitor VHF Ch 16
Rules & Regulations
- EU member (not Schengen): No customs formalities for EU boats arriving from EU ports. Non-EU boats: Grand Harbour (Valletta) is the official 24/7 customs clearance point for Malta. 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.
- Freeport shipping: Commercial container shipping traffic on the east side of Marsaxlokk Bay — maintain a minimum 0.5nm clearance. Monitor VHF Ch 16 for commercial vessel announcements.
- Anchoring fee: Free
- Restrictions: SE exposure: leave in Xlokk forecast. Sandy patches only.
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 (1.5nm)
- Restaurant: None — nearest at Marsaxlokk village (1.5nm)
- Provisions: None on site — Marsaxlokk village (1.5nm)
Skipper's Tips
- Historic WW2 flying boat base — interesting backdrop for maritime history enthusiasts
- Quieter alternative within the Marsaxlokk Bay area — less commercial atmosphere
- Dinghy to Marsaxlokk village for the fish market and restaurants (1.5nm)
A note on this guide: Data has been researched from multiple sailing sources and is provided in good faith. Conditions — depth, holding, regulations — can change. Always check forecasts and current official charts before visiting. Use a GPS anchor alarm and never rely solely on a guide for navigational decisions.
Sleep peacefully at Kalafrana Bay
Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — essential in Marsaxlokk Bay where the Xlokk (Scirocco) SE wind can develop overnight and commercial Freeport shipping moves at all hours.
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