Manoel Island Marina Malta

Manoel Island Marina sits in Lazzaretto Creek at the northern end of Marsamxett Harbour, wedged between Sliema and Valletta in a location that keeps surprising people who discover it late. It’s not the flashiest marina in Malta. It doesn’t have a superyacht clubhouse or a rooftop bar overlooking the fortifications. What it does have is a genuinely useful central position, reasonable pricing compared to Grand Harbour Marina, and a mix of liveaboards and regular visitors who’ve figured out that location beats prestige for day-to-day boat ownership.

Sliema’s waterfront is a short walk across the bridge. Valletta is reachable by water taxi or a quick drive around the harbour. Marine chandleries, supermarkets, mechanics, and every other practical thing a boat owner needs are within 10 minutes. For people who actually use their boats rather than just owning them, this matters.

Berths and Depths

The marina handles vessels up to around 35-40 metres, with approach depths running between 2.5 and 4 metres depending on the berth. It’s not the right choice for deep-keel sailing yachts drawing over 1.8 metres. For motor cruisers, motorboats, smaller sailing vessels, and liveaboards, the depth constraints are rarely a problem. Berths come with water and electricity connections. Diesel is available by arrangement. Security is staffed 24 hours.

Berth availability is best in winter when visiting boats clear out. Summer can get tight, especially for vessels over 12 metres. If you’re planning a summer stay of more than a few days, contact the marina office well in advance. Short stays of one to three nights can usually be accommodated on shorter notice, but don’t leave it until you’re in the channel.

Liveaboard Life at Manoel Island

Living aboard here works well. The Marsamxett Harbour stays noticeably calmer than Grand Harbour in most weather, the commercial noise level is low compared to the Valletta waterfront, and the liveaboard community is established enough that you won’t feel like you’re figuring it out alone. The marina office is used to full-time residents and the utilities, water supply and electrical connections in particular, are set up accordingly.

The long-discussed commercial regeneration of Manoel Island has been debated for years without fully materialising. The current character of the marina, practical and unpretentious, may not survive indefinitely. That makes it worth considering sooner rather than later if central Malta is where you want your boat.

Pricing

Expect to pay roughly 25-50 euros per night for a 10-12 metre vessel depending on season, with monthly rates considerably lower on a pro-rata basis. Electricity is metered separately. Water is typically included. These rates are among the more reasonable options in central Malta.

Nearby Services

Manoel Island doesn’t have an on-site haul-out facility. Roland Yacht Centre in Marsa is the closest full-service boatyard with a travel lift and handles most hull work for Manoel Island-based owners. The marina office can usually point you toward transport contractors who move boats between facilities regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep is the water at Manoel Island Marina? The main berths run between 2.5 and 4 metres. Vessels drawing under 1.8 metres won’t have issues. Contact the marina for specific berth depths for your vessel.

Is liveaboard living permitted here? Yes. Manoel Island has an established liveaboard community and the facilities are set up for continuous habitation.

Is there haul-out on site? No. Roland Yacht Centre in Marsa, around 4 kilometres away, is the nearest travel lift facility.

How secure is the marina at night? Security is on site around the clock, pontoon access is controlled, and the berths and walkways are well lit.

Marina Information