For anyone visiting the island of Malta, as most have already heard, the Maltese marinas are most of the time fully booked and beyond most cruisers' budgets. There are reasons for this and that is that demand exceeds the supply, everyone knows the end result. Having said all that, there are places during the summer where you can anchor safely and with very nice surroundings. If you keep an eye on the weather one can move around fairly easyily with the weather.
Anchorages:
Malta, West coast: All ares are good from May until September, but even until the end of November with good weather forecasts.The worst months are December through to the end of February. Saying that, in May we experience a lot of winds, mainly from NW.
Mellieha Bay: Consisting of a very deep bay with sand and weed bottom very good holding. There is the longest beach on the island at the end of the bay, and it's quite busy with boats, water sports activities and people, the closer you come to the beach. On Entering the bay as you get close to the beach you will have to keep an eye on the wreck that is situated in the middle of the bay.
St Paul’s Bay: This is also a nice sized bay and anchoring is possible in several places: Provisioning here is excellent with supermarkets, small grocery shops, two fishmongers, hardware stores all within a short walking distance. You can land the dinghy behind the southern breakwater and tie up to the low wall. However, if you do this make sure it is left as clos as possible to slipway and not for a very long time as this area is quite busy with boats.
Marsamxett Harbour: This is a very spectacular place to be and also very close to all the chandleries and marine services. There are an abundance of restaurants and bars a short distance away. Not much places to anchor but one can anchor in front of the Yacht Club. Bottom is about 30ft Mud, so prepare you hose when retrieving the anchor
Marsaxlok Fishing Harbour: Before entering the harbour keep close watch on VHF Ch 14 as this is a very busy harbour with large container ships and bunker barges. There are several places to anchor in this large fishing village with adequate spots to tie up your dinghy. Some repair services are available. Provisioning is very good here and public transportation also available to most parts of the island. There is always a Market so you cna find cheap and good quality clothes and other stuff. On Sunday the market streches all the bay and on the North West Side of the bay there is a small beach.
These spots above are the most popular on the main island, There are many small bays and coves that in good weather are great anchorages with good holding, follow the link below, it is excellent and once you start browsing through it you will be amazed at how much is there to offer.
http://www.maritimedirectory.com.mt/cruising.asp
Marinas:
For anyone visiting the island of Malta, as most have already heard, the Maltese marinas are most of the time fully booked and beyond most cruisers' budgets. There are reasons for this and that is that demand exceeds the supply, everyone knows the end result. Having said all that, there are places during the summer where you can anchor safely and with very nice surroundings.
If you keep an eye on the weather one can move around fairly easily all year round with the weather.
Anchorages:Malta, West coast: All areas are good from May until September, but even until the end of November with good weather forecasts. The worst months are December through to the end of February. Saying that, in May we experience a lot of winds, mainly from NW.
Mellieha Bay: Consisting of a very deep bay with sand and weed bottom very good holding. There is the longest beach on the island at the end of the bay, and it's quite busy with boats, water sports activities and people, the closer you come to the beach. On Entering the bay as you get close to the beach you will have to keep an eye on the wreck that is situated in the middle of the bay. St Paul’s Bay: This is also a nice sized bay and anchoring is possible in several places: Provisioning here is excellent with supermarkets, small grocery shops, two fishmongers, hardware stores all within a short walking distance. You can land the dinghy behind the southern breakwater and tie up to the low wall. However, if you do this make sure it is left as clos as possible to slipway and not for a very long time as this area is quite busy with boats. Marsamxett Harbour: This is a very spectacular place to be and also very close to all the chandleries and marine services. There are an abundance of restaurants and bars a short distance away. Not much places to anchor but one can anchor in front of the Yacht Club. Bottom is about 30ft Mud, so prepare you hose when retrieving the anchor Marsaxlokk Fishing Harbour: Before entering the harbour keep close watch on VHF Ch 14 as this is a very busy harbour with large container ships and bunker barges. There are several places to anchor in this large fishing village with adequate spots to tie up your dinghy. Some repair services are available. Provisioning is very good here and public transportation also available to most parts of the island. There is always a Market so you can find cheap and good quality clothes and other stuff. On Sunday the market stretches all the bay and on the North West Side of the bay there is a small beach. These spots above are the most popular on the main island, There are many small bays and coves that in good weather are great anchorages with good holding, follow the link below, it is excellent and once you start browsing through it you will be amazed at how much is there to offer.http://www.maritimedirectory.com.mt/cruising.asp
Marinas: Grand Harbour Marina: This is a high end Marina with all the facilities. There are very nice restaurants along the way out of the marina and 24/7 security, utilities are extra. This marina is located in a historical area of Grand Harbour and has spectacular surroundings of fortresses that date back to the 15th century. Public transportation is not as frequent from here but there are water taxies that will take you to the capital city Valletta across the harbour. In winter, extra care to be taken when Strong NE are forecasted Kalkara Boat Yard and Marina: This marina is located in the second creek to your port side as you enter the Grand Harbour. They have a couple of pontoons. It is a small village but not much else, some restaurants around the creek and non frequent public transport. In winter, extra care to be taken when Strong NE are forecasted Marsamxetto Harbour: Manuel Island Marina: The marina is located on the south coast of Manuel Island, first entrance on the Starboard Side when you enter Marsamxetto harbour. In winter, extra care to be taken when Strong NE are forecasted
Roland Marina: This marina is located at the middle of Marsamxett Harbour as soon as you pass Fort Manuel turn to Starboard Side entrance and Marina will be on your Port Side. In winter, extra care to be taken when Strong NE are forecasted
Msida Creek Marina: This marina is located at the end of Marsamxetto Harbour and it is one of the most marinas that will not experience any swell or movement from bad weather. However this marina is almost full especially in Summer Season.
Marina Di Valetta: This marina is located just before the entrance of the Msida Creek Marina.
Portomaso Marina: This is a small marina located in an upscale area of Malta surrounded by high end condominiums and restaurants. There is a small bay nearby named Spinola Bay, where you can enjoy some nice anchorage. This is near the heart of the entertainment district and easy public transportation to the rest of the island. In winter, extra care to be taken when Strong NE are forecasted
Mgarr Harbour Marina: This is the only marina located on the sister island of Gozo, it has very nice surroundings and if you like a more relaxed atmosphere this is the place to be. Gozo is a fantastic island with very nice scenery. Ferry service every 30 minutes to Malta right from the harbour.
Contact us on www.offshoremarine.co so we can setup a mooring for you and also supplies or other services that you may need.
