St Paul's Bay — Main Anchorage Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Main anchorage in St Paul's Bay near the historic St Paul's Island (Il-Gżejjer ta' San Pawl) in 3–9m over sand and rock. Good holding in sandy patches. The island marks the traditional site of St Paul's shipwreck (60 CE, Acts 27–28) — a statue of the Saint stands on the island. Well-protected from W through SE. Exposed to N, NE (Gregale), and E — leave in NE forecast conditions. The bay has good depth approaching from the west but shoals exist east of the island — use chart.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at St Paul's Bay — Main Anchorage 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 3–9m. 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 (45m chain at 9m 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, Spade, Mantus.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at St Paul's Bay — Main Anchorage are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to N and NE and E 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 4–7m sand/rock. Good holding. Shoals east of St Paul's Island — use chart on approach. Exposed to N and NE (Gregale): leave in forecast conditions November–March. Historic site — anchor with care.

April–October. Good provisioning and facilities base. Avoid overnight November–March in NE conditions. Popular summer anchorage with local Maltese boaters.

Navigation Hazards

• Shoals east of St Paul's Island — use chart; do not cut close to island on east side
• N and NE exposure (Gregale) — dangerous in NE gale conditions November–March
• Fishing boat and small craft traffic throughout the bay

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: Shoals east of St Paul's Island — use chart carefully. Sandy patches only — rocky substrate present. Exposed to N/NE: leave in Gregale forecast. Monitor for fishing boat traffic.

For a full overview, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Available
• Restaurant: Extensive restaurant and café options in Bugibba, Qawra, and St Paul's Bay town (0.5–2nm). Full provisioning available.
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Dinghy to St Paul's Island to see the statue of St Paul — historically significant site visited by pilgrims
2. Bugibba marina offers fuel and some visitor berths — useful if needing services
3. Full provisioning in Bugibba supermarkets — bus connections to Valletta
4. Check carefully for shoals east of St Paul's Island on approach from the east