Gardens Yacht Marina

Gardens Yacht Marina describes itself as the first yacht marina in Malta, built in Ta' Xbiex in 1962 by British and Maltese engineers. It sits deep inside Lazaretto Creek in Marsamxett Harbour, a position that made it a natural all-weather haven and helped turn the surrounding area into the island's main yachting centre. It now has 126 berths for boats from 8 to 50 metres, and it is being rebuilt as a modern, automated marina.

Anyone keeping a boat in Malta, or arriving on a UK-registered yacht, will find it among the other marina services in Malta listed on VisitMalta.co.uk, in a sheltered setting with views across to Valletta.

Berths and what is on offer

Most berths are stern-to mooring berths on the quay or on heavy-duty concrete floating pontoons. Services include berthing assistance, customs clearance when needed, a high-pressure water supply, electricity of up to 400 volts, a tank pump-out facility, Wi-Fi, CCTV and security, parking and on-site fuel. Behind the berths sit yacht cleaning, laundry, yacht management and guardianage, repairs and maintenance, diving services and yacht chandlery.

The marina is working towards being an eco-friendly automated marina, with all services run through a mobile application for customers berthed there. Some parts of the plan are still in development: a club house with a bar and restaurant, meeting rooms, shower and bathroom facilities, valet parking and electric vehicle charging parking. The first floating breakwater pontoon was installed as part of the opening phase of the project, and the pictures on this page are computer-generated impressions of the marina rather than photographs.

History and the rebuilding project

The marina's story is bound up with Malta's long relationship with the sea. Its creek position, away from open water and sheltered by the harbour walls, meant that yachtsmen over the years treated it as a safe haven in any weather, and the marina says many well-known local and foreign sailors have berthed there. That reputation is the foundation for the current project, which aims to bring a very old marina up to the standard owners now expect.

Visitors interested in the wider story of these harbours can read our page on the Knights of Malta, whose fleets once used Marsamxett and the Grand Harbour. Because building work continues, it makes sense to ask which pontoons, berths and onshore facilities are in use on your dates before you commit to a booking.

A central spot for yachting

Ta' Xbiex is lined with British period villas, gardens and direct views of Valletta. The marina says all of Malta's main yacht chandlers, brokers and service providers are within a three-minute walk, along with the yacht yard, supermarkets, bars, restaurants and the Royal Malta Yacht Club. A yacht broker such as 73 Marine is the sort of business you will find close by.

When you want a day away from the boat, the capital is just across the water: start with the Valletta guide, then see things to do in Malta for ideas further afield. The marina's own approach to service is hands-on, with staff offering to carry belongings aboard, park your car and take your lines when you return to the berth.

Planning your stay

Boats must report their arrival to the harbour's traffic service on VHF radio, and yachts arriving from abroad need to obtain clearance from port health. Before you sail, check the Malta weather guide for conditions through the year, and read our guide to flights from the UK to Malta if you are flying out to join a crew.

Rates are not printed on the website. The marina asks you to fill in a rate enquiry stating your boat details and dates, and its team then follows up with the rates that apply. If you would rather start here, use the VisitMalta.co.uk enquiry form on this page and we will pass your message to Gardens Yacht Marina. Those staying ashore can browse where to stay in Malta, and the Adventure Cruises Malta page covers a boat charter business nearby.