Mellieħa Bay North Cove Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Sheltered cove in the northwest corner of Mellieħa Bay, in the lee of Ras il-Qammieh headland. Good holding in 4–12m over sand and rock. Better NE protection than the main bay body due to the headland geography. Dive boats operate from this area — maintain clearance from buoys. Rocky patches require careful anchor positioning. Quieter than the main bay in summer.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Mellieħa Bay North Cove is primarily sand and rock with reliable holding when properly set.

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, Spade.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Mellieħa Bay North Cove are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to N and NE 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 85m radius before going below. 85m radius in 5–9m sand/rock. Good holding in sandy patches. Headland provides some additional NE protection vs main bay. Locate sand patch carefully — rocky outcrops present. Dive buoys in area — anchor clear.

May–October. Similar conditions to main Mellieħa Bay but quieter. Avoid November–March in NE conditions.

Navigation Hazards

• Dive boat buoys — anchor well clear
• Rocky substrate mixed with sand — trip line useful
• Still exposed to NE (Gregale) despite headland — leave in Gregale forecast November–March

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 clear of dive boat buoys. Sandy patches only — rocky substrate present. NE exposure despite headland — leave if Gregale forecast.

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 (1.5nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Mellieħa town (1.5nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Mellieħa town (1.5nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Quieter than the main Mellieħa Bay — good for those wanting solitude close to Malta's main anchorage
2. Good dinghy base for visiting Anchor Bay (Popeye Village) and Ġnejna Bay