Mellieħa Bay — Main Anchorage Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Mellieħa Bay — Main Anchorage has 2 distinct anchoring zones, each with different depth, holding, and exposure characteristics.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Mellieħa Bay — Main Anchorage is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set.

1. Monitor VHF Ch 16 for Malta Radio — the coast guard monitors continuously. Ferry and commercial vessel traffic in St Paul's Bay area requires attention.
2. Anchor in 3–10m. 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 (50m chain at 10m depth). Verify the bottom is sand — 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, Spade, Delta, Bruce.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Mellieħa Bay — Main Anchorage are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to N and NE winds. The primary overnight hazard in north Malta is the Gregale NE gale (Nov–Mar): north-facing bays become dangerous — seek shelter in Grand Harbour or Marsaxlokk Bay immediately at any Gregale forecast.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 90m radius before going below. 90m radius in 5–8m clean sand. Excellent holding — reliable throughout the bay. Exposed to N and NE (Gregale): vacate or re-anchor in northern shelter if Gregale forecast November–March. Water is clear — verify sandy bottom visually before anchoring.

Best April–October. July–August is busy with beach tourists and water sports but the anchorage has plenty of room. May–June and September–October are ideal — warm water, manageable crowds. November–March is possible in settled weather but Gregale risk is real — do not anchor overnight in NE forecast conditions.

Navigation Hazards

• NE exposure (Gregale) — in winter NE gales the bay becomes dangerous; leave for Grand Harbour or Marsaxlokk if Gregale forecast November–March
• Beach swimming zone in south section — maintain 50m clearance from beach and swimmers
• Dive boat buoys at bay margins — anchor clear of buoys
• Water sports and jetski traffic in summer — stay alert

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 mainland. 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
• Restrictions: Keep clear of the beach swimming zone (south section, within 50m of beach). Anchor clear of dive boat buoys near rocky outcrops at bay margins. No anchoring on Posidonia — sandy patches only (not an issue in main bay area). Gregale (NE): vacate north-facing positions immediately if forecast November–March.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Mellieħa town (1nm)
• Restaurant: Beach bars and restaurants at Ghadira beach (seasonal summer operation). Full range of restaurants in Mellieħa town (1nm by dinghy + taxi/bus).
• Provisions: None on site — Mellieħa town (1nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Anchor in the northern half of the bay (Qammieh Point side) for best wind protection from NW Majjistral
2. Water clarity is exceptional — use mask and fins to check the sandy bottom before anchoring; Posidonia is not an issue in the main bay
3. Mellieħa town (1nm uphill) has excellent restaurants, a large supermarket, and ATMs
4. Bus service from Mellieħa to Valletta and all parts of Malta — good for exploring while at anchor
5. The Ghadira Nature Reserve at the head of the bay is worth a dinghy visit — Malta's main bird sanctuary