Anchor Bay — Popeye Village Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Small bay at Malta's northwest tip near Ras il-Qammieh, site of the Popeye Village film set (1980 Robert Altman production of Popeye). Anchoring in 4–12m over sand and rock outside the bay entrance. Protected from E through S. Exposed to N, NW, and W — only suitable in settled or easterly conditions. Fair holding — rocky substrate mixed with sand. The Popeye Village is a tourist attraction — day-trip boats visit. Anchor outside the main bay to avoid tourism traffic.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Anchor Bay — Popeye Village is primarily sand and rock with variable holding that requires extra attention.

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 4–12m. 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 (60m chain at 12m 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, Mantus, CQR.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Anchor Bay — Popeye Village are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to N and NW and W 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 95m radius before going below. 95m radius in 5–9m mixed sand/rock. Fair holding. Open to N, NW, and W — suitable in settled or easterly conditions only. Popeye Village day-trip traffic during opening hours. Use trip line on rocky bottom.

Fair weather day stop only. Best in settled E or SE conditions May–September. Not for overnight in any northerly or westerly swell. A scenic transit stop when rounding the northwest corner of Malta.

Navigation Hazards

• N, NW, and W exposure — leave immediately if northerly or westerly swell develops
• Tourist boat traffic during Popeye Village operating hours (09:00–17:00)
• Rocky substrate — trip line recommended
• Exposed headland location — conditions can change rapidly

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: Anchor outside the main bay entrance — tourist boat traffic during attraction opening hours (09:00–17:00). Sandy patches only — rocky bottom; trip line useful. N/NW/W exposure: daylight fair weather use only.

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 (3nm)
• Restaurant: Popeye Village has a café/snack bar (seasonal tourist attraction hours). No marine facilities.
• Provisions: None on site — Mellieħa town (3nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Anchor in settled SE or E wind conditions for a comfortable stop — magical setting with the film set village visible
2. Dinghy ashore to visit the Popeye Village — entertaining for families, especially children
3. Good vantage point for the crossing to Comino — Comino is 4nm E from here
4. Excellent snorkeling off the rocky headland of Ras il-Qammieh