What Sliema Creek is
Sliema Creek is the inlet between Sliema and Manoel Island, technically part of the Marsamxett complex but with its own character. It’s lined with the Sliema waterfront on the north side, with cafes, hotels, ferry pontoons and the constant traffic of harbour cruise boats and the Sliema-Valletta ferry. On the south side is Manoel Island, mostly under redevelopment.
It’s not a formal marina with assigned berthing for cruising yachts. It’s a working creek with day boat operators, ferry traffic, swimming areas in summer and a handful of long-term local moorings.
Day boat operations
Most of the boats you see using Sliema Creek operationally are day-charter operators running trips to Comino, Valletta harbour cruises and short coastal excursions. The pickup pontoons along the Sliema waterfront are the busiest leisure boat operation in Malta, with hundreds of departures daily in summer.
For private cruising yachts, this is not where you’d berth long-term. For a short visit to Sliema while based elsewhere, anchoring briefly off the creek’s mouth is possible in light conditions, with quick tender access to the waterfront.
Surroundings
Sliema is the busiest commercial waterfront in Malta. Cafes, restaurants, hotels, the Strand promenade, the Tigne Point shopping development. The Sliema-Valletta ferry runs every 30 minutes through summer and gets you across the harbour in 5 minutes. Bus links to the rest of the island are good.
Practical notes
Approach from outside Marsamxett, leaving Tigne Point to starboard. Watch for ferry traffic constantly, the Valletta ferry and the various harbour cruises share the same fairway. The creek can be busy and wash-laden, especially in summer afternoons. For private yacht berthing, head deeper into Marsamxett to Manoel Island, Msida or Ta’ Xbiex rather than trying to find space in Sliema Creek itself.
Marina Information
| Operator | Transport Malta (statutory authority) |
|---|---|
| VHF Channel | VHF Ch. 12 (Valletta Port Control) |
| Anchorage Status | Designated mooring/berthing area on the Sliema side of Marsamxett Harbour. Stern-to berthing on the Sliema quay (recommended summer-season only) and submerged moorings; busy waterway shared with harbour cruise boats. |
| Jurisdictional Authority | Transport Malta – Ports and Yachting Directorate (Moorings and Berthing Unit) |
| Permit Authority Phone | +356 2122 2203 |
| Permit Email | [email protected] |
| Usage Rules | Mooring buoys allocated by Transport Malta to eligible applicants only. Stern-to quay berths in summer are managed by the Authority; consult before selecting a berth. Sliema Creek hosts heavy passenger ferry/cruise traffic so vessels must stay clear of the navigation channel. |