Vestmanna
Vestmanna harbour · Vestmannasund
62°09.2'N 007°10.0'W
Depth
3–6m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
60m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
60m
60m at anchor in the inner basin in 3–6m on mud/sand. The anchorage is protected from the dominant directions but exposed to W/NW — monitor forecasts. In westerly conditions above F5 proceed to Tórshavn or Kaldbak for better shelter.
About This Anchorage
Vestmanna is one of the Faroe Islands' most dramatic sailing destinations — the gateway to the Vestmanna sea cliffs, which rise sheer from the water to 480m and form some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the North Atlantic. The cliff faces host hundreds of thousands of seabirds in summer: puffins, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, fulmars, and the endemic Faroese starling subspecies. Boat tours from Vestmanna harbour navigate into sea caves and beneath the overhanging cliffs — an experience available from no other harbour in the Faroes. The village itself (population approximately 1,200) has a supermarket, petrol station, and basic facilities. The Vestmannasund strait between Streymoy and Vágar provides the western sea approach to the harbour — tidal streams in the strait reach 3–4 knots at springs.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S
Exposed To
W · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring; quayside berths may involve a nominal fee — ask at the harbour
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Fishing boats have priority at the quay — arrive early and be prepared to move; no anchoring in the navigable channel through Vestmannasund; bird cliffs: do not approach cliffs by dinghy closer than 50m during breeding season (Apr–Jul).
Hazards
- !Vestmannasund tidal stream: 3–4kt at springs — time passage for fair tide or slack water
- !Exposed to W/NW — in westerly gales, the inner basin becomes untenable; leave before conditions deteriorate
- !Sea cliffs approach by dinghy: swell rebounds violently from cliff base — do not approach in any swell conditions
- !Williwaw gusts off the 480m cliffs can hit harbour with little warning — squall watch essential
- !Limited port facilities — no fuel; carry sufficient reserves for the return to Tórshavn
Skipper's Tips
- →Book the Vestmanna cliff boat tour from the harbour master office — tours typically depart morning and early afternoon in settled weather
- →The cliff tour by RIB is far more spectacular than by larger boat — get as close to the birds as possible from the water
- →July is peak puffin season — the cliff colonies are at maximum activity mid-June to late July
- →Anchor SW of the main fishing quay to give yourself maximum swing room away from the working harbour
- →The approach via Vestmannasund from Tórshavn: the strait is straightforward but narrow at the northern end — keep to the marked channel
Facilities
Small café in Vestmanna village (seasonal). Supermarket in the village for basic provisions. No marine fuel — return to Tórshavn for diesel.
Nearest provisions: Vestmanna village (0.3nm) (0.3nm)
Best Months & Season
Jun, Jul, Aug
June–August. Bird cliffs at their best June–July. Westerly gales can close the harbour at any time — have a contingency plan to return to Tórshavn. Do not attempt Vestmannasund in thick fog.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 60m
In the Faroe Islands, williwaw gusts off basalt hillsides and unexpected tidal surges can drag anchor before dawn. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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