St Paul's Bay — Gregory Anchorage Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchorage in the outer section of St Paul's Bay (east of Qawra Point) in 4–11m over sand and weed. Named the Gregory anchorage in historical references — a traditional staging point for vessels entering the bay. Good holding on sandy substrate. Protected from W through S. Exposed to N, NE (Gregale), and E. Good facilities at Bugibba marina (0.5nm). Useful overnight stop for those needing provisioning or fuel before proceeding to Comino or Gozo.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at St Paul's Bay — Gregory Anchorage is primarily sand and weed 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 4–11m. 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 (55m chain at 11m 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, Delta.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at St Paul's Bay — Gregory 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 5–8m sand/weed. Good holding in sandy patches. Bugibba marina 0.5nm for fuel and services. N and NE exposure (Gregale) — leave for Grand Harbour or Marsaxlokk in Gregale forecast.

April–October as an overnight stop. Practical year-round as a provisioning stop in settled weather. Not recommended for overnight in NE conditions November–March.

Navigation Hazards

• Qawra Point shoals east of the bay — use chart
• N and NE exposure (Gregale) — leave in forecast NE conditions
• Weed patches reduce holding — locate sandy areas

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: Qawra Point shoals — use chart approaching from east. Sandy patches only — weed reduces holding in some areas. Exposed to N/NE: leave in Gregale forecast.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Available
• Restaurant: Extensive restaurant and bar options in Bugibba (0.5nm). Full supermarket provisioning. Fuel and water at Bugibba marina.
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Best overnight stop in north Malta for provisioning — Bugibba has supermarkets, ATMs, restaurants, and fuel all within walking distance
2. Bugibba marina can take visitor berths — VHF Ch 16 or call ahead
3. Bus service direct to Valletta — useful for a city visit while at anchor