Marsamxett Harbour Anchorage

The harbour overview

Marsamxett is the harbour to the north of Valletta, separated from the Grand Harbour by the peninsula on which the capital sits. It’s the operational heart of Maltese yachting, with Msida Marina, Ta’ Xbiex Marina, Pieta Creek and Manoel Island all inside the broader Marsamxett complex. If you arrive in Malta by yacht and you’re not heading specifically to Vittoriosa or Mgarr, you’ll end up here.

The harbour is well sheltered from most directions, deeply scoured by tidal flow over centuries, and historically the cleaner of Malta’s two main harbours. Water quality is decent, swimming inside the marinas is technically allowed though not exactly inviting given the boat traffic.

Anchoring options

The harbour itself isn’t an anchorage. Almost all of it is taken up by marina berths and moorings. There’s some anchoring possible off Manoel Island in 5 to 8 metres on mud and weed, but holding is variable and you’re surrounded by traffic. For an overnight stop, take a marina berth. For a quick swim and lunch, anchor briefly off Manoel Island and don’t expect to leave the boat.

Marinas inside Marsamxett

Four main berthing locations: Msida Marina at the inner end of the harbour, Ta’ Xbiex along the southern shore, Pieta Creek to the south of Msida, and Manoel Island Marina inside the protected basin to the east. Each has its own character, rates and availability profile, covered in their individual marina pages.

Practical notes

Approach from the north past Tigne Point, leaving the lighthouse to starboard. The harbour entrance is wide and well-marked. Cruise ship traffic doesn’t enter Marsamxett but ferries to Sliema and harbour cruise boats run constantly. Northwesterly winds funnel down the harbour and can build up uncomfortable chop on the north-facing pontoons. The approach and inner harbour are deep, 10 metres or more, until you get into the marina basins themselves.

Marina Information